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
Jun 26, 2021, 10:46 am
#1336
Join Date: Aug 2002
Location: Philadelphia
Programs: Hyatt Globalist
Posts: 1,790
When you're asleep it doesn't matter where you are. When I'm at Ventana I want to maximize my time outside the room on the grounds or nearby enjoying nature. If the weather is clear I also enjoy driving Highway 1 before dawn when it's completely empty. To spend the day in Monterey and arrive late at night seems like a waste. On the other hand, if the points cost is similar and you want to start the next day at Ventana, why not? The drive between Monterey and Big Sur should be easy at night, even if there is fog, assuming that one of the vehicles in front of you will be setting a slow pace.
Jun 26, 2021, 2:04 pm
#1337
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: 21,624
Ventana isn't about activities or sightseeing as much as it is about relaxing and enjoying nature and quiet. You can drive to Pfeiffer State Park and to Julia Pfeiffer, each of which has a shortish walk to a waterfall. You can hike up Coast Ridge Road for miles starting at Big Sur House. But just enjoying the sun and scenery is my favorite. That and the 100-mile drive to San Simeon and back at dawn.
Jun 26, 2021, 2:41 pm
#1338
Join Date: Aug 2002
Location: Philadelphia
Programs: Hyatt Globalist
Posts: 1,790
Ventana isn't about activities or sightseeing as much as it is about relaxing and enjoying nature and quiet. You can drive to Pfeiffer State Park and to Julia Pfeiffer, each of which has a shortish walk to a waterfall. You can hike up Coast Ridge Road for miles starting at Big Sur House. But just enjoying the sun and scenery is my favorite. That and the 100-mile drive to San Simeon and back at dawn.
I assume the bath house is naked like in Japan?
Jun 26, 2021, 6:39 pm
#1339
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: 21,624
Jun 28, 2021, 12:03 pm
#1341
Join Date: Apr 2016
Posts: 706
the passive aggressive circling is something I’d expect at a neighborhood bar not at a 5* hotel/restaurant.
but maybe that’s just me.
I think the tipping concept makes sense, tip for things you buy extra but if it’s already included then tips are not required, but we did tip sometimes tip extra when we had very good service.
Jun 28, 2021, 4:07 pm
#1342
Join Date: Dec 2000
Location: New York City
Programs: AA EXP, DL DM, SPG Plat, Hilton Gold
Posts: 2,127
there was a certain dinner waitress that always circled it for me too. I was going to and did tip anyways but I thought the circling was a bit of a turn off.
the passive aggressive circling is something I’d expect at a neighborhood bar not at a 5* hotel/restaurant.
but maybe that’s just me.
I think the tipping concept makes sense, tip for things you buy extra but if it’s already included then tips are not required, but we did tip sometimes tip extra when we had very good service.
the passive aggressive circling is something I’d expect at a neighborhood bar not at a 5* hotel/restaurant.
but maybe that’s just me.
I think the tipping concept makes sense, tip for things you buy extra but if it’s already included then tips are not required, but we did tip sometimes tip extra when we had very good service.
Exactly- not what I would expect from a place charging $3K night.
And just to be clear, I am fully onboard with tipping for non-included items like guides, spa treatments etc. But the waitstaff is not likely to be compensated less based on the hope/premise of tips on booze as others have stated.
Jun 28, 2021, 4:12 pm
#1343
Join Date: Aug 2009
Programs: WN CP, Hyatt Glob, UA Silver
Posts: 102
Exactly- not what I would expect from a place charging $3K night.
And just to be clear, I am fully onboard with tipping for non-included items like guides, spa treatments etc. But the waitstaff is not likely to be compensated less based on the hope/premise of tips on booze as others have stated.
And just to be clear, I am fully onboard with tipping for non-included items like guides, spa treatments etc. But the waitstaff is not likely to be compensated less based on the hope/premise of tips on booze as others have stated.
Jun 28, 2021, 4:49 pm
#1344
Join Date: Feb 2012
Posts: 44
I'm thinking about an early December trip but curious if the weather might make it a less enjoyable experience. I don't necessarily want to feel chilly whenever I'm trying to enjoy the outdoors and the grounds. Also, if I book a standard suite whats the likelihood of getting a Globalist upgrade at check in?
Jun 30, 2021, 2:26 pm
#1346
Join Date: May 2011
Location: SF Bay Area
Programs: Marriott Plat, HH Gold, WOH Globalist
Posts: 89
Just completed a two night stay using points and a TSU. We were upgraded to a Big Sur Spa Suite which had a partial view of the ocean. We enjoyed the food that was part of the all inclusive package, and our favorites were the lamb, sea bass (without the garlic), carrot cake, and French toast. You can now order lunch at check in and check out days as part of the all inclusive plan.
We enjoyed the on property guided hike, walking the coastal trail, and the weather was perfect in the afternoon for relaxing at the pool. Overall a great stay, and I have already booked two nights for July next year!
We enjoyed the on property guided hike, walking the coastal trail, and the weather was perfect in the afternoon for relaxing at the pool. Overall a great stay, and I have already booked two nights for July next year!
Jul 1, 2021, 2:46 pm
#1348
Join Date: Jun 2010
Location: SEA
Posts: 174
How does lunch work with the 4pm check-in time and 11am check-out? Do you check-in early (before room is available) and hang out at the pool for lunch? And on check-out day, just continue to hang by the pool? We're there next week and I'm down to maximize our meals if possible. Thanks!
Jul 1, 2021, 7:25 pm
#1349
Join Date: May 2011
Location: SF Bay Area
Programs: Marriott Plat, HH Gold, WOH Globalist
Posts: 89
How does lunch work with the 4pm check-in time and 11am check-out? Do you check-in early (before room is available) and hang out at the pool for lunch? And on check-out day, just continue to hang by the pool? We're there next week and I'm down to maximize our meals if possible. Thanks!