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
Jul 15, 2020, 8:39 pm
#151
Community Director Emerita
Join Date: Oct 2000
Location: Anywhere warm
Posts: 33,747
I'm glad your stay has started well. Thank you for the picnic information. Can you please find out:
- They speak of the mini bar having personally curated beverages. Are the non alcoholic beverages complimentary?
- There was a comment on their site about a 6 course dinner. What is the charge?
Jul 15, 2020, 10:01 pm
#152
Join Date: Jul 2004
Posts: 392
@SanDiego1K - I called about the mini bar and they said it's ALL complimentary - includes 2 bottles of water, one coke, one Diet Coke, and one bottle of decent Savignon Blanc wine! Plus a couple squares of chocolate and half and half for the Nespresso machine. We will definitely be availing ourselves of that wine! LOL...
I saw the 6 course tasting menu on the Sur House dinner menu as an option, so I'm assuming it's part of the all-inclusive package but I'll inquire about it tomorrow.
In room dining for dinner was great by the way and plentiful - ordered a starter (charcuterie plate), two burgers, and a dessert to share. Then walked up the 'hill' for s'mores for dessert. They have a lovely fire pit going with socially distanced tables/chairs and custom s'mores kits... we were the only ones out there and the guy working it gave us some good hiking tips and recommended trails for tomorrow so we'll give it a go. He said they also offer a complimentary 'discovery hike' here at the property and meet at the Social House at 10am for that but I think we'll pass.
Now to decide whether to go up to Sur House for breakfast outdoors or take the in-room dining option again and sit on our lovely deck.
Oh, might try out the picnic for lunch tomorrow so will let you know how that goes if you're curious...
I saw the 6 course tasting menu on the Sur House dinner menu as an option, so I'm assuming it's part of the all-inclusive package but I'll inquire about it tomorrow.
In room dining for dinner was great by the way and plentiful - ordered a starter (charcuterie plate), two burgers, and a dessert to share. Then walked up the 'hill' for s'mores for dessert. They have a lovely fire pit going with socially distanced tables/chairs and custom s'mores kits... we were the only ones out there and the guy working it gave us some good hiking tips and recommended trails for tomorrow so we'll give it a go. He said they also offer a complimentary 'discovery hike' here at the property and meet at the Social House at 10am for that but I think we'll pass.
Now to decide whether to go up to Sur House for breakfast outdoors or take the in-room dining option again and sit on our lovely deck.
Oh, might try out the picnic for lunch tomorrow so will let you know how that goes if you're curious...
Jul 15, 2020, 11:10 pm
#153
Join Date: Sep 2015
Location: SFO
Posts: 3,881
Thanks madderlake
Is the spa open? And the gym, specifically the Peloton bikes? What about the social hour? TIA.
Is the spa open? And the gym, specifically the Peloton bikes? What about the social hour? TIA.
Jul 16, 2020, 1:22 am
#154
Join Date: Aug 2002
Location: San Francisco
Posts: 2,347
Gratuities
On an award stay, is gratuity for food and beverage included? If so, are guests still expected to add any additional tip when signing the bill? (Or perhaps no need to sign any bills at the restaurants or for room service?)
Jul 16, 2020, 8:49 am
#155
Join Date: Jul 2004
Posts: 392
@Troopers - spa is closed and gym is open by appointment from what I understand (I think these are subject to change so I would keep checking)
@sfvoyage - that's a good question and I plan to find that out today. I've been tipping on the bills that I sign and assume I pay those myself when checking out (which I'm fine with) but will report back.
@sfvoyage - that's a good question and I plan to find that out today. I've been tipping on the bills that I sign and assume I pay those myself when checking out (which I'm fine with) but will report back.
Jul 16, 2020, 9:44 am
#156
Join Date: Sep 2010
Location: Chicago
Programs: Hyatt Glob; UA 1K; BonVoyage LTT (RIP SPG); HH Dia; JX Insighter
Posts: 1,643
@Troopers - spa is closed and gym is open by appointment from what I understand (I think these are subject to change so I would keep checking)
Jul 16, 2020, 10:04 am
#157
Join Date: Jan 2016
Posts: 179
madderlake Does the hotel feel busy (dining / pool areas)? At 85% capacity and only Ventana guests allowed I would imagine the pools/hot tub are nearly empty. I'm living vicariously through you, thanks for all of the updates so far!
Jul 16, 2020, 10:29 am
#158
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Apr 2013
Location: PHX
Programs: AS 75K; UA 1MM; Hyatt Globalist; Marriott LTP; Hilton Diamond (Aspire)
Posts: 56,454
Jul 16, 2020, 11:15 am
#159
Join Date: Jul 2004
Posts: 392
@mikewhyatt - they mentioned the hot tubs are currently closed. The pool is open and they are doing capacity controls...haven't been down there yet but plan to head down this afternoon for lunch so will report back.
Also EDIT on the mini-bar - there's also some dry goods that I confirmed are complimentary! package of cookies, coconut 'chips', trail mix, and beef jerky. Think I'll grab the beef jerky for the hike!
And the complimentary refillable water bottles are actually very nice and good quality.
For a data point, in room dining for breakfast was delicious and plentiful.
One more thing - I saw the gratuity charge on my credit card so I can confirm that yes you do pay for gratuity but nothing else so far.
Will check back in later with you all!
Also EDIT on the mini-bar - there's also some dry goods that I confirmed are complimentary! package of cookies, coconut 'chips', trail mix, and beef jerky. Think I'll grab the beef jerky for the hike!
And the complimentary refillable water bottles are actually very nice and good quality.
For a data point, in room dining for breakfast was delicious and plentiful.
One more thing - I saw the gratuity charge on my credit card so I can confirm that yes you do pay for gratuity but nothing else so far.
Will check back in later with you all!
Jul 16, 2020, 11:19 am
#161
Join Date: Sep 2015
Location: SFO
Posts: 3,881
Thanks @madderlake for the live reporting. We were there in March right before they closed, and can't wait to return towards the end of this month.
Are the refillable water bottles black aluminum and non-insulated? Regarding the gratuity, you didn't charge to the room and settle at check-out?
Are the refillable water bottles black aluminum and non-insulated? Regarding the gratuity, you didn't charge to the room and settle at check-out?
Jul 16, 2020, 11:31 am
#163
Join Date: Jul 2004
Posts: 392
@shindou2006 - I don't think those classes are happening right now but will confirm later
@Troopers - yes, those are the bottles! And re: gratuity, it was charged to the card I have authorized with them at check in but under 'pending' so it probably won't settle till I check out.
@Troopers - yes, those are the bottles! And re: gratuity, it was charged to the card I have authorized with them at check in but under 'pending' so it probably won't settle till I check out.