Post Ranch Inn

What an incredible dining experience in Big Sur! From the moment we arrived, we were treated so warmly by everyone. Our server Matthew was absolutely amazing, and the entire staff made us feel truly special throughout the day. The atmosphere was the perfect combination of relaxing and classy, making it easy to settle in and enjoy every moment. The food was delicious, and I loved trying dishes I had never experienced before. What really stood out was the attention to detail and level of hospitality — even the general manager came by to check on us and make sure everything was perfect. It genuinely felt like royal treatment from start to finish. If you’re looking for an unforgettable dining experience in Big Sur, this place is a must-visit!

Inspiring ambiance, impeccable service and amenities and dining experience. From arrival to departure we were enveloped by warm, caring and friendly, attententive staff.

We have been coming to the PRI for close to 20 years. It is magnificent in every way. The setting is world class. The tree house room we favor is a magical place unto itself. The staff is well trained, polite, friendly, helpful and welcoming. They take pride in their work and it shows. The food at the Sierra Mar is terrific as is the wine list. The servers are knowledgeable of the menu, the preparation of the dishes, and options for off site dining. It earns its distinction as one of the worlds best small hotels. We will be coming back until we cannot.

Nothing compares to the tranquility that soothes our minds and refreshes our souls during our retreat to Post Ranch Inn. Each visit is a meaningful journey with new discoveries at this sanctuary. The friendly, caring, familiar staff warmly welcomes us back; from arrival to departure, our every need was exceeded. The wellness sessions and interactive activities, in-room and on-property amenities, outdoor facilities, diverse culinary selections... every detail flawlessly executed and continues to enhance our visits. We look forward to the debut of the new spa facility. Nevertheless, an escape to our guest room, overlooking the majestical view, takes our breath away and leaves us reluctant to leave. Our thanks to the Post Ranch Inn team for working behind the scenes to make our extraordinary stay unforgettable, desiring to return sooner than later. With our warmest gratitude!

PLEASE READ THIS REVIEW BEFORE MAKING A RESERVATION — IT MAY SAVE YOU THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS. If you are considering booking an ocean-view room at Post Ranch Inn between May, June, July, or August, I strongly encourage you to do extensive research about Big Sur's seasonal coastal fog before spending your money. Based on our experience, I would never book an ocean-view room during these months again. We paid nearly $10,000 for two nights in one of the resort's premium ocean-view accommodations because the breathtaking ocean views shown throughout their website were the main reason we chose this property. Unfortunately, during our entire stay, the ocean view was completely hidden by dense fog. We never saw the spectacular view that was advertised and pictured online. What disappointed us most was the lack of transparency. The website showcases beautiful, clear ocean views but does not adequately prepare guests for the possibility that the view may be completely obstructed for an entire stay during certain times of the year. If guests are paying thousands of dollars specifically for an ocean-view room, they deserve clear information about the seasonal risk of persistent coastal fog so they can make an informed decision. Throughout our stay, we repeatedly asked staff whether the fog would clear. We were consistently told that it would likely clear within a few hours. Unfortunately, that never happened. The fog remained throughout our stay, and we never got to enjoy the ocean view we paid a premium for. What made this even more frustrating was that, after repeatedly being told by multiple staff members that the fog would clear soon, one employee later told us that they were not supposed to tell guests that the weather was expected to remain the same for several days and that these foggy conditions are common during this time of year. According to that employee, this type of weather often persists throughout much of the summer season. I cannot independently verify that statement, but if that information was accurate, it raises serious concerns about transparency. Guests spending thousands of dollars for an ocean-view room deserve honest information about the likelihood of actually seeing the ocean during their stay. The room itself also had maintenance issues. The bar sink was clogged, and the shower valve/faucet was loose and repeatedly fell while being used. We reported both problems, but neither was repaired during our stay. Staff apologized, but no one came to address the issues. For a property charging close to $5,000 per night, I expected much better communication, transparency, maintenance, and overall value. I fully understand that the weather is beyond the hotel's control. However, what is within their control is how honestly they communicate the risk of seasonal fog to potential guests. Had we known there was a realistic possibility of spending our entire stay looking at a wall of fog instead of the Pacific Ocean, we would have chosen different travel dates, a different room category, or a different destination altogether. The property itself is beautiful, but based on our experience, the value did not come close to justifying the cost. If an ocean view is important to you, think very carefully before booking an ocean-view room during the late spring and summer months.