Carmel Valley Ranch

The property grounds are beautiful and well maintained. Lots to do. Great hiking trails around. The main building "the lodge" where reception, restaurant and spa are is very nice, contemporary and well maintained. The issue is the rooms. We got a "vineyard oak studio with outside tub". The rooms are VERY dark and cavernous despite the sliding door window. The view is also mainly completely blocked by oak trees. Based on the layout of the property I don't think there is actual vineyard views, most are oak trees, which is great except it makes the rooms very dark. Don't expect to get the views from the marketing pictures, maybe there's just a couple like that. The rooms themselves are VERY tired. Think 2000's stripe brown carpet (questionable). A random sofa floating in the room. A tiny little "art" frame that goes with nothing on a huge wall...Can't possibly have been decorated by an interieur decorator worth that name. Outside chairs/cushions are destroyed. For those prices, the room feel more like a $199/night hotel at best. A renovation is WAY overdue to command those prices. We saw a different room in another part of property, which was the same. The rest of the property is lovely though.

it’s very relaxing, lots of exercise and yoga activities, beautiful rooms, great swimming pool, and hot tub. overall. I really love this place

Stayed one night in the Lucia suite. The room, and especially the bathroom was amazing. Luxurious and so relaxing. The grounds were so beautiful and well maintained, while still letting nature prevail. I do not golf, so I don't really care about that. But I am sure that is nice as well. Food and room service was great, and the girl running the market place was extremely efficient and professional. Oh and the coffee was great as well. I scheduled a massage appointment with Alison at the Spa, which was exactly what I needed after a long day of driving up and down the coast. Enjoyed the pool and hot tub in the morning, which was perfect as I was the only one. Tip for anyone not liking crowds. Can't wait to come back and stay for a couple of days.

The amenities were lovely. From entering the property the first time, our toddler was enamored by the water feature by the front and had his eye on the swing that we always saw kids enjoying. The staff helped us unload our luggage right into our rooms which was so helpful and appreciated. The suite (a complimentary upgrade we would consider reserving for ourselves next time) - was so well thought out in terms of layout and spacious and I loved how convenient it was for kids and pets - we brought our cat along! The floor to ceiling windows in the bedroom that looked out to trees and the balcony were so nice (along with the black out curtains - essential for kids who still nap). Our toddler really enjoyed the golf cart rides and the little ranchers farm experience (golf carts are complimentary, little ranchers we booked in advance for a fee). (The little hat and bandana were such nice touches at the ranch experience!). Location was great. Safeway is nearby. Monterey Bay Aquarium not too far away either (half hour drive). Oh and at the restaurant near the lobby, the starters were so good. Anything with dairy in it (including the strawberry sundae for dessert) was so good. We ate there twice! Special shout out to the goat cheese they make on property and the honey. I loved every starter that featured either of those things. The New York strip loin was the favorite main course we tried!

We've been staying at Carmel Valley Ranch for at least a couple of decades. The food has always been good. However, the new Executive Chef, Andrew Juinio, has taken the menu to a new level. The food is absolutely the best ever!. Whether you like tapas style eating, eating light, or want your steak and potatoes, there's something on the menu for you that will delight your palate. It's hard to save room for dessert, but don't miss out on Pastry Chef, Molly Coen's, delicious sweet treats!