Ventana Inn & Spa

The good news: Gorgeous resort, well situated atop California's coastal mountains at Big Sur. The larger rooms are well furnished, comfortable and sport fabulous bathrooms. Gardens, blossoms, greenery and, consequently, many birds (including wild turkeys and impossibly cute California quail) and butterflies as well as the occasional deer siting. Lovely, woodsy, easy walk through the forest to the restaurant. The late afternoon cheese and wine offering features much better cheeses than in the past, more variety, too. Less Good: You can actually see the Pacific from some of the rooms and walkways but it is a distant view at best, no waves visible, no susurrus. Which wouldn't be much worth noting if the resort didn't tout its "ocean views." My husband and I have been visiting Ventana regularly for twenty years; it's been a special place for us, for quiet, romantic, re-charging respites. For years it offered high value along with its high cost. Regret to say this is true no longer. The sky-high cost doesn't match up with value rendered. To whit: -- For a comfortable multiday stay, a higher end room is a non-negotiable requirement. Baseline rooms are cramped, claustrophia inducing, dark, and poorly situated. Which means a three-day stay automatically hits the wallet for over $2K, and that's before the cost of dinner and the sometimes-levied $35-a-day resort fee. -- The lavish continental breakfasts (included) of the past now only are a delectable memory. The morning spread is pedestrian, choices are fewer, the coffee really isn't up to par. -- The Great Room (and breakfast room cum check-in cum lounge area) has been split into two less grand, less comfortably and less attractive rooms. -- The pools would be delightful but for the fact they always are too cold. Yes, I am a whimp about cold pools but I AM paying through the nose, so get those pools up to a decent temperature. -- Much too much to-ing and fro-ing of staff in golf carts on the walkways; these are not as quiet as one would like. -- Wax "logs" for the fireplace. They smell nasty! Our last stay was in September over four nights for $3.5K (room only). It's unlikely we will return unless/until major changes are effected in the cost/benefit ratio. Yikes, I hope I don't sound too picky. I am so disappointed, though; a treasure lost.

Dinner @ Post Ranch GREAT !!!! July 2011

What an amazing property, the staff was very in tune to the needs of the guests. The afternoon wine and cheese hour was a nice afternoon treat. Highly recommend!!