Stayed in Inn for first time since the late 80s. It's as good now as it was then. All the other reviews hit the nail on the head. It's in a beautiful spot with wonderful rooms and nothing is too much trouble from excellent staff. Enjoyed the restaurant dinners and thought food was superb. My only small niggle would be that I thought breakfast was not great. Plus waiter walking around announcing "5 minutes left for breakfast!" didnt quite fit with star rating of hotel. But, hey, it's a small criticism compared with overall experience.

My partner and I just returned from a perfect Thanksgiving trip to this wonderful place. I first visited Ventana about 25 years ago, and over the course of several visits over the years I have seen it grow and improve. This time we were upgraded to a Pacific House room, which I highly recommend if you can spare the (substantial) dough. Lounging in the private hot tub on the deck with a glass of wine while hummingbirds and deer hover and browse a few feet away and the Pacific shimmers in the distance.... It is hard for me to imagine anyone not liking this place. All staff were friendly and correct, every amenity was in place, and the privacy and quiet were everything a city dweller dreams of.

What an incredible, magical place! My now-husband and I went to Big Sur to elope this past weekend and were fortunate enough to stay in a king suite at Ventana Inn. Not only did we have to most incredible room with ocean views and a wood burning fireplace, there was a hammock on our private deck and a bottle of champagne waiting for us upon arrival. We had a HUGE bathtub, which has ruined any other tub I will ever bathe in. The staff is incredible as well, 5-star client care and so very nice. The lovely ladies up at the front saved my lil wedding by grabbing me flowers (saving me a 1 hour drive to the nearest store that sells flowers). This place is magnificent, we truly had a spectacular weekend here.

The only reason I'm not giving a full 5 stars, is that there were some jarring noises at odd hours. The suite we stayed in was next to an area where there was the occasional loud knocking noise, sometimes in the middle of the night. We weren't sure what it was but it sounded like either the staff or other guests slamming a door or utility closet. Also, the grease truck came to the restaurant kinda early in the morning while we were sleeping, and made a horrendous sound for un uncomfortable amount of time. It would probably have been better to wait til mid afternoon to make that cacophony....we would have liked to enjoy a peaceful morning (esp since we paid a handsome penny to stay here).
Even still, it was worth every penny and we will be back again!!!

Recommended by some friends we had met a few days earlier in San Francisco, we saw the sign as we headed down Highway 1. We were hungry so we thought we'd just pop in for lunch and they had room. I love the way in The US that you are presented with a jug of iced water as you are seated - something restaurants should do in the UK! Food was great and very reasonably priced considering this place having a reputation for expense - must be the hotel and spa bit. Service was great and the November weather was brilliant. Also it was claimed by the waiters that there were Californian Condors circling in the surrounding hills. Great spot and would recommend