Alila Ventana Big Sur

Went on this trip with my wife as a celebration before I begin my new career. We were able to book two nights at 45k points. Location: Big Sur is beautiful, the location itself is great doing a drive up or down the 1 is always nice. Atmosphere: the atmosphere of the property has changed since we last came here two years ago. It seemed there were a lot of staff on the property, and many in sight at all times. This was a bad thing, they were constantly in sight, in the way, driving in their carts, talking among each other while being in the way. It sort of took away from the property. Also, this time around there was so many kids. Before it was adults only, but I guess that changed. There was so many of them, it was like we were staying at a family resort rather than an adult focused property. I have kids myself, and I came here to have a break from them, not listen to other’s kids. Rooms: We ended up staying in 3 different rooms during our stay. 17, then 57, then 23. 17 was nice and spacious, the tub I’ll say was pretty small though. 57 was a really nice room, hammock was a nice touch, but for a suite, the view was sad, parking lot view. If I had paid upwards of 2.75k and had that room, I would be disappointed. The fireplace ventilation did not work properly so we were smoked out and switched rooms around midnight. After the supervisor on duty that night finally came to the room to see for herself. Prior to that she sent a bellman with just a fan. However the room had no actual windows you can open, rendering the fan useless. The bellman even said he bring a leaf blower, but it was midnight and I’d rather be mindful of the other guests. 23 was an upstairs downstairs that was nice only because of the huge windows and view at night. The couch/living room area was whatever, sort of ugly. There was a knocking that could be heard in the ceiling and I was not sure what it was but it could only be heard downstairs, not upstairs. The upstairs bedroom was nice though, that view at nice was amazing. Value: for what I got, if I had paid for the room in cash, I would have honestly been letdown. Our first night was much better than our second night. But some of the issues we encountered were dog feces in the walkway, that was never cleaned the entire length of our stay. A server who shamelessly told every party around us including ourselves that “anything you offer goes directly to our staff.” I was under the impression gratuities were included in the nightly rate. He was the only one that ever mentioned any sort of tip but it seemed desperate. The dining experience at dinner left us very much wanting more. Service took a really long time with all dishes. The entrees themselves were just OK. Kids at other tables could be heard throwing tantrums for whatever the case. The alcoholic beverages we got were good as well, but I have to mention that during the whole stay, not once did I ever feel a buzz, no matter the amount of drinks I consumed. This isn’t to insinuate anything, but I found it odd. I had dinner at The Bench, after checkout and one drink had me feeling a buzz. The Bench food is the level the Alila should be at, but it just wasn’t anywhere close. Cleanliness: aside from the dog feces we saw in the walkway, the property was clean, no issues at all. Service: shout out to Brian at the front. Shout out to Mina the dining manager. She really made it a point to talk to us at reservation check in, at the bar gave us champagne, presented our dessert, and even threw in another one we were curious about. Leo was a great server as well, attentive the whole time, gave good recommendations, we remembered him from our first trip over here. Lalo during breakfast service the second morning was attentive and helpful as well. Amenities: the amenities were nice! My wife did have a situation where she was trying to read on a hammock but the staff were having a loud conversation in the area beside her so it was a bit annoying. The gym could do for some added weights or machines, perhaps a cable machine with a pull up bar. The hot tub that is beside the main pool in the front was also not very hot, it was like a warm/lukewarm tub. The Japanese tubs were in fact hot. In conclusion, if you made it this far into my review. You see there were faults at the property, but it was also good as well. For a point booking, I say go for it. If you’re paying cash, I would urge you to consider maybe the Carmel Valley Ranch, stayed there previously and was rather nice, good views in all the rooms, more privacy in the balconies as well.

Absolutely stunning property set amidst the red wood forests and cliffs of Big Sur. Excellent restaurant with farm to table menu options, top notch service and panoramic vistas. The service and natural beauty of the landscapes offset the fact that the rooms haven't been freshened up in ~20 years.

Ventana is a special place. We were married there 10 years ago and returned for our anniversary trip, which was so special. The events team set up a private dinner at the “Glass House” overlooking the ocean and it was very romantic. Our suite was well appointed, and I loved the private hot tub on our patio. I felt very serene and connected with nature throughout the entire stay. The Sur House served wonderful brunch and dinners, and the staff are so friendly, maybe of them have been working there for decades. We also enjoyed an incredible couples massage amongst the redwoods. I can’t say enough about good things Ventana.

Beautiful resort and seamless check in. Staff is overall wonderful and kind. The average rating I gave is due to the restaurant server. He seemed new and was given our table against his will. When asked if we could have a wine menu, he said, “yes, if we have one available” which is odd for a resort of this stature- to not have a wine menu memorized or at least a few recommendations at hand. When asked for a blanked which the host had offered and others had received, we received the same answer. This is a very expensive resort. Figure it out. Saying such an odd thing, twice, was off putting. The 2 servers helping other tables were friendly and amazing. Ours made us not want to return to this space again.

Great stay overall! Wonderful customer service and amenities. Sur House food was delicious and the staff throughout the property went above and beyond.