Charming place with wonderful ambiance. Service was friendly and efficient but although I really enjoyed it I am not used to paying close to two hundred for a room with shared bathroom. The room and dinning area was decorated with a wonderful eclectic flare. I can only imagine what the gardens would be like in the summer. We took advantage of the Esalen Institute 1 to 3 am hot springs which is when it is open to the public and were treated to a bath alone and a meteor shower display. Incredible. We had dinner and breakfast at deetjens and although it was expensive both were well worth
It. One of the top 10 meals I have had in years. My wallet was lighter after our stay but I am happy we spurged.

Compared with the Ventana and Post Ranch inns close by, Deetjen's is the clear cheaper alternative in Big Sur and I imagine this is main reason many people stay there. (Indeed, we heard our neighbors saying exactly this through the famously thin walls.) In itself, though, Deetjen's is an absolutely charming hotel, completely un-standardized, with great attention to detail: the pillows and beds, for example, are very comfortable, and the rooms and wood-burning stoves are cleaned impeccably each day. Yes, in some of the rooms you can hear a lot of what your neighbors are doing and the doors don't lock, but somehow it doesn't matter much -- especially with Big Sur to head out into. Our only disappointment on our second stay was with the bathroom, which needed updating and enlarging -- there was barely enough legroom to sit on the toilet. Also, it seems you have to pick your room carefully at Deetjen's -- our room this time was significantly nicer than the last time we stayed.

After the breathtaking drive down PCH - pulling into Deetjens was perfect. Rustic and charming. Check in was simple. We stayed in the room called Edys, which was a nice size for two of us (a couple) and it had its own bathroom. Oh and a buddha statue out the window, which we loved. We had a little siesta before dinner and we laughed when we heard the neighbors using the bathroom next door. This place is not for everyone - you can hear everything! The wood is creaky and the walls are thin. Dinner was delicious, too - steaks and veg and a California red of some sort. Not cheap but delicious and excellent to be able to have a few glasses of wine without having to get in a car - just walked over to Edys and tucked in for a cosy nights sleep.

Stayed at Deetjen's many years ago. Returned recently. Still a rustic blast from the past. No door locks. Funky and not for everyone. Stayed in Stokes this time. Could enjoy the sound of the creek.The restaurant is still great with good food and is cozy especially in the rain. Cat claims the chair closest to the fire place. Feline knows best. Enjoyed the quiet of no phone, TV or internet or w- fi. The written comments in the room books from past guests were funny and telling. Deetjan's is an institution and on big sur time.