Alila Ventana Big Sur

This a sumptuous retreat worthy of two or three very relaxing days. I have read recent reviews and offer some insights: 1. make you dinner reservations when you reserve the hotel 2. The smaller clothes optional pools and hot tubs are mostly free of people and the people wear swimsuits 3. At these prices one might expect exceptional service; that was not our finding but it was very clear that everyone in the organization really wanted to help. This is California not Switzerland and the very positive approach went very far to make a positive experience. 4. The walk on the gravel path to the restaurant was very easy and adequately lit in the dark. We recommend it. 5. Our Amex Platinum delivered exceptional extra value for our 2 night stay. 6. We rented a Tesla from Budget from SJC. The afternoon traffic was brutal... try mid day. The hotel valet took care of charging the car like it was part of the deal. 7. The audience is adult. We saw no children nor we recommend bringing them. Nearby travelers had an assortment of Doodle Dogs. 8. We stayed at Post Ranch in the past... this is right up there! One more thing: I live for "helpful" votes

From the outside, it looks stunning. However when you enter it’s the complete opposite. The front desk staff display very immature inexperienced behavior. And when you call to speak to management, they come off as very entitled and focus more of their style then their customer service. The Food on property is bland and lacks a clear direction. It’s a beautiful looking place but all of that goes out the window if you don’t have a good experience Do better.

Alila Ventana Big Sur has long been an aspirational Hyatt/Chase redemption, but unfortunately, it didn’t live up to expectations. The setting is absolutely beautiful, and highlights include the Meadow Pool, solid food at Sur House, and cozy in-room features like the fireplace, tub, and hammock. However, the experience felt inconsistent and underwhelming for the price point. Service was the biggest issue. Dining at Sur House was extremely slow (often 2+ hours, even when not busy), and one dinner reservation was mishandled badly enough to impact the rest of our stay. Pool service was minimal, activity booking was disorganized, and there was little proactive hospitality overall. The room itself was nice, but lacked attention to detail—cheap robes, basic toiletries, minor maintenance issues, and scaled-back touches (like no more in-room s’mores) made it feel less luxurious. Even small moments, like the lack of acknowledgment of a birthday celebration, stood out at this level. Bottom line: Stunning setting, but service, consistency, and value don’t justify the cost or points in its current state

I spent a few days at Alila Ventana Big Sur celebrating my birthday, and it turned out to be exactly the kind of restorative escape I was hoping for. Given how much is included—meals, guided hikes, meditations, and other experiences—it felt easier to justify the splurge. This stay had been on my bucket list for a long time. The setting is extraordinary. The property sits among towering redwoods with views into the surrounding canyon, and the entire experience feels thoughtfully connected to the landscape of Big Sur. Early morning walks through the forest, sunset light on the hills, and quiet evenings listening to the wind through the trees naturally slow you down. A highlight was the guided hike to Pfeiffer Beach. Seeing the keyhole arch and the wild Pacific coastline up close was exhilarating, and our guide Jarod made the experience welcoming and fun. The Japanese baths were another standout—soaking in warm water under the redwoods was incredibly peaceful. I also enjoyed a Reiki in the Redwoods session with David and a morning meditation with Katy. What struck me most is how Ventana encourages you to disconnect and simply appreciate where you are. Even after returning home, my mind and spirit still feel a bit in Big Sur. I look forward to returning.

The most incredible vacation of my life. I wish everyone could experience Ventana. It was the best way to celebrate my 40th birthday. We will definitely be back!