Jun 30, 2023, 9:42 pm
Last edit by: SanDiego1K
Dinner reservations and activities: email [email protected]
Big Sur Smokehouse is closed at least thru end of July 2023.
Your stay includes all meals, whether in-room 24 hours a day, lunch on the Sur House Terrace from 11:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., or dinner at The Sur House—our award-winning restaurant that is open for dinner from 5-9 p.m. Please see our dining menus here.
Signature experiences:
· Morning Movement (Tai Chi, Yoga, Meditation, Big SurCus Poi Dance)
· Coast Ridge Hike
· Bees and Big Sur
Falconry
· Foragers Hike
· Redwood Hike
· Sur House Social
· S'mores
· Astronomy
July 2023 activity schedule:
https://www.ventanabigsur.com/pdf/JU..._AtAGlance.pdf
Big Sur Smokehouse is closed at least thru end of July 2023.
Your stay includes all meals, whether in-room 24 hours a day, lunch on the Sur House Terrace from 11:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., or dinner at The Sur House—our award-winning restaurant that is open for dinner from 5-9 p.m. Please see our dining menus here.
Signature experiences:
· Morning Movement (Tai Chi, Yoga, Meditation, Big SurCus Poi Dance)
· Coast Ridge Hike
· Bees and Big Sur
Falconry
· Foragers Hike
· Redwood Hike
· Sur House Social
· S'mores
· Astronomy
July 2023 activity schedule:
https://www.ventanabigsur.com/pdf/JU..._AtAGlance.pdf
Ventana Big Sur- Alila - REVIEW MASTER THREAD
Feb 7, 2021, 9:25 am
#796
Join Date: Sep 2020
Programs: AA EXP, BA Gold, VS Gold, Hyatt Globalist, Marriott Platinum, Hilton Diamond
Posts: 3,948
If we define "all inclusive" as including cheap alcohol, like the Zivas, for example, then it's not that. But it's more than just three meals a day - you could have lunch and then a late afternoon meal poolside, for example, or order a second dinner through room service after dining in the restaurant.
Regardless, for 30K points it's an amazing redemption.
Climate change in action!
Regardless, for 30K points it's an amazing redemption.
Climate change in action!
And yes, it is a great deal.
Feb 7, 2021, 9:32 am
#797
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Apr 2013
Location: PHX
Programs: AS 75K; UA 1MM; Hyatt Globalist; Marriott LTP; Hilton Diamond (Aspire)
Posts: 56,470
There's some inconsistency on whether they charge for certain nonalcoholic beverages. Coffee, juice, and snacks are definitely included. We were not charged for smoothies but I think that's YMMV. We did pay for fancy sparkling water at dinner and inconsistently for mocktails. We didn't get too hung up on that stuff, the value is extraordinary even if they can't get the rules straight on which beverages are covered and which are not.
Feb 8, 2021, 1:24 pm
#798
Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: NYC
Programs: UA GS, AS 75K, Hyatt Globalist, Marriott Platinum
Posts: 302
Quick update - New menus (others have noted as well), infinity hot tub (the one closest to the main pool) is open for 4 people, Japanese baths are open for 3 groups of 2 at a time. Didn’t check re picnic. Prosecco served at check-in and a paid happy hour available at Big Sur House. Gorgeous weekend here and almost booked full.
In terms of the new menu - would highly recommend the shrimp tacos on the pool menu (those were great). For dinner, the pasta is rich but delicious. Fish dishes were great too - especially the char. The amazing Flannery steak that was on the menu is gone and replaced with a short rib, which was really disappointing. Breakfast menu is the same. Verve coffee and Rishi tea has now been replaced by La Colombe.
Feb 8, 2021, 1:29 pm
#799
Join Date: Sep 2020
Programs: AA EXP, BA Gold, VS Gold, Hyatt Globalist, Marriott Platinum, Hilton Diamond
Posts: 3,948
Other things that were different - the picnic is $100 now but is not the standard food that it was before (nicer option). Lunch is not included on your day of departure. So, if you have a one night stay, you receive dinner and breakfast. If you have a two night stay, you receive dinner, breakfast, lunch (by pool), dinner, breakfast. That was not the case before, and there were people getting bills for food by the pool on their day of departure.
In terms of the new menu - would highly recommend the shrimp tacos on the pool menu (those were great). For dinner, the pasta is rich but delicious. Fish dishes were great too - especially the char. The amazing Flannery steak that was on the menu is gone and replaced with a short rib, which was really disappointing. Breakfast menu is the same. Verve coffee and Rishi tea has now been replaced by La Colombe.
In terms of the new menu - would highly recommend the shrimp tacos on the pool menu (those were great). For dinner, the pasta is rich but delicious. Fish dishes were great too - especially the char. The amazing Flannery steak that was on the menu is gone and replaced with a short rib, which was really disappointing. Breakfast menu is the same. Verve coffee and Rishi tea has now been replaced by La Colombe.
Feb 8, 2021, 1:45 pm
#800
Join Date: Jan 2008
Posts: 3,578
Glad I enjoyed a couple of nights there when it was 22500 points. Might have been restricted with all the rona nonsense but it was still a great time and property for 22.5k a night. Sounds like that experience is going to end up being value that won't be replicable in the future.
Feb 8, 2021, 2:04 pm
#801
Moderator: Southwest Airlines, Capital One
Join Date: Sep 1999
Location: California
Programs: WN Companion Pass, A-list preferred, Hyatt Globalist; United Club Lietime (sic) Member
Posts: 21,625
Other things that were different - the picnic is $100 now but is not the standard food that it was before (nicer option). Lunch is not included on your day of departure. So, if you have a one night stay, you receive dinner and breakfast. If you have a two night stay, you receive dinner, breakfast, lunch (by pool), dinner, breakfast. That was not the case before, and there were people getting bills for food by the pool on their day of departure.
In terms of the new menu - would highly recommend the shrimp tacos on the pool menu (those were great). For dinner, the pasta is rich but delicious. Fish dishes were great too - especially the char. The amazing Flannery steak that was on the menu is gone and replaced with a short rib, which was really disappointing. Breakfast menu is the same. Verve coffee and Rishi tea has now been replaced by La Colombe.
In terms of the new menu - would highly recommend the shrimp tacos on the pool menu (those were great). For dinner, the pasta is rich but delicious. Fish dishes were great too - especially the char. The amazing Flannery steak that was on the menu is gone and replaced with a short rib, which was really disappointing. Breakfast menu is the same. Verve coffee and Rishi tea has now been replaced by La Colombe.
Somewhat off topic, I went hiking on top of the bluff south of the Ritz-Carlton at Half Moon Bay last weekend. The view over the ocean is similar to the coast at Big Sur. It's one way to enjoy that scenery closer to home without spending 30k points a night. Edit: or spending 60k Marriott points a night at the Ritz-Carlton.
Last edited by nsx; Feb 8, 2021 at 5:30 pm
Feb 8, 2021, 7:31 pm
#802
Join Date: Sep 2011
Location: SNA
Programs: AA EXP, Hilton Diamond, Hyatt Globalist, IHG Plat, Marriott Gold, National EE
Posts: 1,204
Other things that were different - the picnic is $100 now but is not the standard food that it was before (nicer option). Lunch is not included on your day of departure. So, if you have a one night stay, you receive dinner and breakfast. If you have a two night stay, you receive dinner, breakfast, lunch (by pool), dinner, breakfast. That was not the case before, and there were people getting bills for food by the pool on their day of departure.
In terms of the new menu - would highly recommend the shrimp tacos on the pool menu (those were great). For dinner, the pasta is rich but delicious. Fish dishes were great too - especially the char. The amazing Flannery steak that was on the menu is gone and replaced with a short rib, which was really disappointing. Breakfast menu is the same. Verve coffee and Rishi tea has now been replaced by La Colombe.
In terms of the new menu - would highly recommend the shrimp tacos on the pool menu (those were great). For dinner, the pasta is rich but delicious. Fish dishes were great too - especially the char. The amazing Flannery steak that was on the menu is gone and replaced with a short rib, which was really disappointing. Breakfast menu is the same. Verve coffee and Rishi tea has now been replaced by La Colombe.
Feb 8, 2021, 9:26 pm
#803
Join Date: Jan 2014
Posts: 7
Other things that were different - the picnic is $100 now but is not the standard food that it was before (nicer option). Lunch is not included on your day of departure. So, if you have a one night stay, you receive dinner and breakfast. If you have a two night stay, you receive dinner, breakfast, lunch (by pool), dinner, breakfast. That was not the case before, and there were people getting bills for food by the pool on their day of departure.
In terms of the new menu - would highly recommend the shrimp tacos on the pool menu (those were great). For dinner, the pasta is rich but delicious. Fish dishes were great too - especially the char. The amazing Flannery steak that was on the menu is gone and replaced with a short rib, which was really disappointing. Breakfast menu is the same. Verve coffee and Rishi tea has now been replaced by La Colombe.
In terms of the new menu - would highly recommend the shrimp tacos on the pool menu (those were great). For dinner, the pasta is rich but delicious. Fish dishes were great too - especially the char. The amazing Flannery steak that was on the menu is gone and replaced with a short rib, which was really disappointing. Breakfast menu is the same. Verve coffee and Rishi tea has now been replaced by La Colombe.
Feb 9, 2021, 8:15 am
#804
Join Date: Nov 2014
Programs: DL DM
Posts: 53
Can anyone who has visited since the reopen comment on whether the hiker’s lunch is still without additional cost in the inclusive package? We enjoyed it one day to take with us while exploring the area so hoping it may still be included when we visit next month. There is a price on the posted menu alongside the picnic offering but a few different pages have prices so that may not be definitive. Thanks.
Feb 9, 2021, 3:10 pm
#807
Join Date: Nov 2020
Posts: 51
Will be staying in March for a couple nights. For those that have been recently, what are some of the paid activities you enjoyed and worth purchasing?
Also, do we need to reserve anything before arriving (eg. reservations by the pool, wine tasting) or choose meals preferences?
Thanks in advance!
Also, do we need to reserve anything before arriving (eg. reservations by the pool, wine tasting) or choose meals preferences?
Thanks in advance!
Feb 9, 2021, 11:59 pm
#808
Join Date: Sep 2011
Location: SNA
Programs: AA EXP, Hilton Diamond, Hyatt Globalist, IHG Plat, Marriott Gold, National EE
Posts: 1,204
The concierge will email you a few days before your res to see if you want to reserve meals. I can't comment on the paid activities as I haven't partaken.
Feb 14, 2021, 9:55 am
#809
Join Date: Jul 2000
Location: Manhattan NV
Programs: Hilton LTD, Hyatt Glob, Marriott LTTE, AA LTP, Avis PC, National EE, Seabourn DE
Posts: 3,030
Today is first time noticed Campground listed as separate entity on Hyatt website. $80 for tonight. Wonder if you can knock off an Allia credit for this price.
Feb 14, 2021, 10:22 am
#810
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: SFO
Posts: 4,916
Shows up as Hyatt Centric, at least according to the reservation confirmation. Won’t know for myself until summer camping season followed by a resort stay.