Carmel Valley Ranch

This property has a lot of great parts but unfortunately there are also really bad aspects mainly around the restaurant and bar service. Food and drink service was really bad. We tried ordering takeout for dinner at valley kitchen and was told to order at the bar as it would be faster then order at the front (because she was too busy). Ended up waiting over an hour (between my wife and I) for a burger... We asked multiple times where the order was and was given a blanket the kitchen is backed up excuse. My wife ended up having to wait herself towards the end (toddler had bedtime) where the bar staff told her she had already received the order, then found her order after being pushed, then while giving her the order, went ahead and spilled her drink on her (espresso martini) and did nothing about it. Not even an apology or acknowledgement. Every person at the bar saw this. It was also mother's day weekend... Food is also really slow at the Ranch where food wait is around 1-2 hours. Valley kitchen also has breakfast. The service is hit or miss. If you want water, make sure to ask at least 3 times. The rest of the property was really nice and drivers were super helpful. The staff was overall good. But the experience at valley kitchen really soured our experience. We will not be staying here again unfortunately.

This resort is top notch in one of the best in the Monterey Bay areas. The facilities are amazing. The golf course is spectacular and the grounds are as pretty as you will find anywhere. The food and service is top notch. Definitely one of the best places to stay to relax in one of the most beautiful scenic areas you’ll ever find

Gorgeous property and beautiful golf course - wish we could have played but it was closed for a private event. Dinner was excellent and staff was super friendly!

Overall this is a nice property with lots to do. There are a few big caveats however: 1. There are a lot of kids running around the restaurant and public spaces--yes, this is a family friendly spot. However, there does not tend to be any restrictions (or restraints) about how loud the kids and parents are, or where they run around. Including the dining area and spa areas. 2. The way this property bills for mixed drinks is absurd--they will charge you for the drink (say a Manhattan) then charge you more for the actual alcohol. Someone 'in corporate' thought they could get away with charging a lot more money but 'unbundleing' the alcohol from the drink. It's obnoxious and expensive (between $24-$30) per drink. 3. The room we stayed in was a bit 'tired' and out of date--the air and heat vents were obvious and needed cleaning. Some of the walls were scuffed, dinged and just old. 4. The staff were lovely and friendly.5 5. All of our in-room requests (say for extra coffee pods) were met with friendly responses and filled quickly. Overall, I'd go again but realize this is not a quiet, nor luxurious property. It is a workhorse of a property. Want a more quiet and calm experience? Go elsewhere.

An amazing way to break away from the busy routine and unplug in nature. Excellent activities for kids of being address and adults. I'll be sure to come back in summer