HOTEL review: Ventana Big Sur an Alila Resort (California, USA)

If you like camping but don't want the mess of setting up a tent, Glamping is for you! Last year we stayed with Ventana Big Sur Resort at the main hotel and noticed their cool campground addition in the redwoods. It looked so tempting that we decided to come back. Unfortunately, during pandemic the two properties are all separate now. But the good news is that you can book Glamping experience now for only $250 per night vs a cool $850 before-pandemic era. The difference is that you no longer have access to upstairs pools and spa. And… you have to bring your own marshmallows 😁 See for yourself how we liked the experience. Subscribe now to our NEWSLETTER for more cool reviews to come.

Date of stay: October, 2020

Room Type: Redwood Glamp

PROS

• Safari-style luxurious accommodations are unique in their design with tents ready whenever you are! No more twisting your arms setting up a tent for an hour (or three).

• Glamping site has only 15 tent sites spread out amidst the redwoods giving a good amount of privacy to all guests.

• Luxurious bath house with showers

• Convenient restrooms around the campsite

• Everyday housekeeping. Yes, you heard it right.

• 2 private firepits per each tent (wood and gas)

• No cellphone reception. Unplug and be present

• Don’t panic! WI-FI is available at all areas and is free of charge.

• Adults only hotel. For us it was a pro as it was extremely quiet. Might be a con for families though.

• Free reserved parking next to your Glamping site.

CONS

• Limited reception hours.

• Extremely limited food options. The upper main restaurant The Sur House is no longer available for outside guests. It is exclusively reserved for the main Ventana Hotel guests. The Smokehouse was closed (open only two-three days per week). A small Airstream café/reception provided only some light drinks and snacks. No ice-cream. Being in the redwoods, we had to drive to the nearest Big Sur deli to get some real food, which was a big bummer.

• No entertainment rather than the tent and redwoods. Would love to have some game sites around.

TIPS:

• Book at least for 2 nights for the best experience.

• Bring your own marshmallows + sticks. They do have some onsite but might not be your favorite and at a premium price of $40 per set.

• Bring your own firewood. Ideally, buy it outside the Big Sur area in a big store like Walmart or Ralphs. This will save you some $$$. Bring at least 2-3 packs / per night. There was firewood onsite for $12 per bag.

• Ventana Big Sur has recently joined Hyatt rewards program. The nights at the glamp site count towards your elite status with Hyatt.

Overall experience: It was FANTASTIC. Even though, we had to get some outside food it was such a unique stay. Highly recommended.

CHECKER RATING

Cleanliness – 9 /10

Service – 7 /10

Price-Quality – 10 /10

Design – 9 /10

Food – 3 /10

Location – 10 /10

Comfort – 8 /10

TOTAL: 8 /10 Great !

We stayed here in October 2020. Please check directly with the hotel for any changes and amenity availability prior to your stay.

Hotel website: Ventana Big Sur Alila Resort (LINK)

Location: Google Maps LINK