Alila Ventana Big Sur

Alila Ventana is one of the most beautiful places to stay in Big Sur! It has such a diversity of views, from redwoods trails to ocean views framed by mountains to even wildflowers during certain times of the year. It's also a beautiful spot to propose or get married at (I'm a Big Sur wedding and elopement photographer, so I've photographed many couples here!) Be sure to take the time to walk around the property, you'll get to see so many different landscapes. The property does have a lot of elevation though, so if you don't want to walk up and downhill, you can call up their golf cart to take you there. If you aren't staying here, you can still dine at The Sur House, which has beautiful ocean views. Not a lot of places in Big Sur are dog-friendly, so one of the best pluses here is that it's super dog-friendly. Even the Sur House Terrace is dog-friendly!

Meals: All inclusive meals with picture perfect views at this resort, which should be the focal point of your stay. However, the wait staff seemed to have forgotten an item during every meal we ate. I normally wouldn't mind this, but for the price per night, I'd expect a little more than having to wait until the end of the meal (that's when they reappear) to remind the waiter. Room: If you don't mind being naked in the shower with a thin see-through sheet covering the glass doors, then this place is for you. Our room also happens to be missing the doors that block the bathtub from the bed. I now understand why no kids are allowed. Activities: Awesome activities hosted by a wonderful lady. Very knowledgeable with the resort and the land surrounding it. We picked a bunch of aromatic herbs and flowers to make a bouquet, brought it back to our room, and set it out to dry on the balcony. There are also several independent activities such as swimming, playing pool, chess, puzzles.

Alila is by far my parents’ favorite resort! My mom adores the heated pool, while my dad truly enjoys the tranquility and stunning nature views. I haven’t been great about reviewing hotels in the past, maybe won’t do too much either in the future… However, Alila really sets a high standard in the luxury hotel space, especially at their Big Sur location. It’s my fav getaway whenever I’m in or go back to the Bay Area, and it feels like the backyard. Highly recommend the wellness center and spa:) I’m excited to return with family and stay there again this yea!

My wife and I recently enjoyed a memorable stay at Alila Ventana Big Sur in California. The resort’s rustic Californian design harmoniously blends with its breathtaking surroundings, offering stunning views of the Pacific Ocean and the majestic mountains. We were particularly impressed by the luxurious accommodations, which provided a perfect retreat after exploring the scenic trails on the property.  The dining experience was exceptional, with delicious meals that exceeded our expectations. The staff’s friendliness and attentiveness made us feel truly welcomed throughout our stay. We also appreciated the resort’s amenities, including the Japanese-style hot tub and the serene pools, which added to the overall relaxation. For those seeking a luxurious and nature-immersed getaway, Alila Ventana Big Sur is a top-notch destination.

Overall, the property was excellent. The staff, especially the room service team, were very friendly and attentive. However, the restaurant service was a bit inconsistent during busy times—while some servers were very friendly and helpful, others were not as attentive. The dinner at the restaurant was great, but lunch and breakfast were just average. The resort offers a variety of activities, and I participated in two, both of which were fantastic. The hosts were knowledgeable and welcoming, making the experiences even more enjoyable. I highly recommend trying out the activities during your stay. We were celebrating an anniversary, and thanks to our Hyatt Globalist status, we were graciously upgraded to a big sur Villa.