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Post Ranch Inn: Traveler Reviews

5.0 of 5
47900 Highway 1, PO Box 219, Big Sur, CA 93920
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Post Ranch Inn
Ranked #1 of 8 hotels in Big Sur
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506 reviews from our community

Traveler rating
    418
    42
    27
    11
    8
See reviews for
Families
22
 
Couples
365
 
Solo
6
 
Business
2
 
Rating summary
  • Location
    5 of 5 stars
  • Sleep Quality
    5 of 5 stars
  • Rooms
    4.5 of 5 stars
  • Service
    4.5 of 5 stars
  • Value
    4 of 5 stars
  • Cleanliness
    5 of 5 stars
Date Rating
Los Angeles
Reviewer
5 reviews 5 reviews
4 hotel reviews
Reviews in 4 cities Reviews in 4 cities
9 helpful votes 9 helpful votes
“Incredible service!”
5 of 5 stars Reviewed December 30, 2012

We had a room reserved for two nights over the Christmas holiday-- and actually never stayed at the hotel. We unfortunately got caught between two landslides that closed down the 1 freeway during a heavy rainstorm at night, and no one could get north to Big Sur or south to San Simeon. While we were huddled at the only open restaurant with a lot of other stranded travelers, we made a wifi call to a friend, who then called Post Ranch Inn to say we couldn't get there. They immediately said that they would refund our pre-paid room charge, AND they called around and found us the last available hotel room (a yurt, actually!) on that stretch of the highway. While the drive to the yurt was harrowing, we did make it and were very thankful to not have to sleep in the car. The hotel staff is incredible, and I can only imagine what it must be like if we had actually managed to stay there!

  • Stayed December 2012, traveled as a couple
    • 5 of 5 stars Value
    • 5 of 5 stars Location
    • 5 of 5 stars Service
Was this review helpful? Yes 4
Ask bvalley1 about Post Ranch Inn
This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Los Angeles, California
Contributor
16 reviews 16 reviews
3 hotel reviews
Reviews in 9 cities Reviews in 9 cities
15 helpful votes 15 helpful votes
“Still the best”
5 of 5 stars Reviewed December 28, 2012

Of all the fantastic places on the face of the Earth I've been fortunate enough to experience, Post Ranch Inn is the hands down favorite. I can't get enough of it, and it's difficult to explain why.

It's simply the most rejuvenating place you can possibly go.

When a "busy" day consists of sleeping late, watching the deer wander by, reading a good book, staring at the fire, breaking briefly for the best massages anywhere, taking time out to enjoy the spectacular view from Sierra Mar for lunch, back to reading, time for a nap, perhaps a hike or workout if you're feeling ambitious, and then a fantastic dinner back at Sierra Mar, you can't go wrong.

Rooms are comfortable, staff is incredibly friendly (and when I say friendly, we actually consider them friends), it feels like "home" upon your return, scenery is breathtaking, wildlife is abundant, and no matter what the weather (rain, fog, or shine) you feel like it's been a good day.

Sierra Mar was just re-awarded Wine Spectator's Grand Award thanks to the efforts of one of the most brilliant wine directors in the country (Dominique DaCruz). Make sure to ask for the "big" wine list of 130+ pages, and let Dominique, Michael, or Wanda choose the wine for you. If you're willing, ask them to bring something you've never heard of--it'll be spectacular.

Sierra Mar's new chef John Cox has outdone himself with the new menu, including an extended multi-course tasting menu for dinner, and consistently fantastic food dish after dish. The restaurant and its chef will stand on its own alongside any top notch dining experience in the country. Do I see Michelin stars in the future?

Leave your cell phone, computer, iPad, or other electronic devices put away, or better yet, forget you even have them. Post Ranch is perfect for completely unplugging and recharging like we just don't do anymore--take advantage of it.

Is it expensive? You betcha. But there's a big difference between price and value--PRI's value is off the charts.

Whether for one night or several, dare to splurge--you're worth it!

Counting down the days until our return...

Room Tip: There's no such thing as a "bad" room. Even the least expensive is incredibly comfort...
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  • Stayed December 2012, traveled as a couple
    • 5 of 5 stars Value
    • 5 of 5 stars Location
    • 5 of 5 stars Sleep Quality
    • 5 of 5 stars Rooms
    • 5 of 5 stars Cleanliness
    • 5 of 5 stars Service
Was this review helpful? Yes 3
See 3 more reviews by RKLeBlanc for Big Sur
Ask RKLeBlanc about Post Ranch Inn
This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
London, United Kingdom
Contributor
11 reviews 11 reviews
6 hotel reviews
Reviews in 10 cities Reviews in 10 cities
3 helpful votes 3 helpful votes
“Wow”
5 of 5 stars Reviewed December 28, 2012

this is a very special place to stay. make maximum use of the facilities and the time you have available. we had an ocean room with an uninterrupted view of the Pacific. the sunset was one of the best we've ever seen - just stunning. the room itself was amazing - one of the touches i liked most in the design was the natural light that slowly filters through the room when you wake up in the morning. but its not all about the aesthetics - the mini bar options were pretty good too. its worthwhile walking around the grounds and taking in the scenery and the wonderful outdoor sculpture, and also relaxing in the pools. We only stayed for one night but we managed to fully switch off and it will be etched in our memories for a long time.

  • Stayed October 2012, traveled as a couple
    • 4 of 5 stars Value
    • 5 of 5 stars Location
    • 5 of 5 stars Sleep Quality
    • 5 of 5 stars Rooms
    • 5 of 5 stars Cleanliness
    • 5 of 5 stars Service
Was this review helpful? Yes 2
Ask Debbie S about Post Ranch Inn
This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Delafield, Wisconsin
2 reviews
Reviews in 2 cities Reviews in 2 cities
28 helpful votes 28 helpful votes
“Don't Second Guess....Just Go!!!!!”
5 of 5 stars Reviewed December 27, 2012

So, we booked two nights in the most expensive room there, the Cliff House. We arrived on a Friday and it was pure fog for both nights (and days) 11/30-12/1. We couldn't see more than a few feet in front of us and still we said that we would definitely come back. This place is amazing to say the least! Our room was beyond words. Sonos sound system, the best pillows we have ever slept on (we ended up purchasing 2 and had them mailed to our home before we left;) the fireplace, room service, beds, shower that opens up to the outdoors/deck, private hot tub....the list goes on... However the point of our trip out there from WI was to see the ocean. So as we monitored the weather on our cell phones, we saw that the fog was supposed to break on Sunday. We stayed an extra night so that we could experience the ocean and the wonderful views. Beautiful....beautiful. Nothing like it! Can't forget to mention the amazing breakfast that is included with your stay. Fabulous.... fresh fruit, amazing french toast! the brown sugar and home made jam's were wonderful! We definitely looked forward to making it to breakfast every morning... We never had a chance to walk the grounds due to the fog, but the weather did not dampen the beauty and amazement of this place! Book your reservation and you won't be disappointed!

  • Stayed December 2012, traveled as a couple
    • 5 of 5 stars Value
    • 5 of 5 stars Location
    • 5 of 5 stars Sleep Quality
    • 5 of 5 stars Rooms
    • 5 of 5 stars Cleanliness
    • 5 of 5 stars Service
Was this review helpful? Yes 2
Ask Siikarla about Post Ranch Inn
This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Fort Lauderdale, Florida
Senior Contributor
46 reviews 46 reviews
16 hotel reviews
Reviews in 21 cities Reviews in 21 cities
19 helpful votes 19 helpful votes
“Amazing, incredible, experience of a lifetime. Bucket list worthy.”
5 of 5 stars Reviewed December 27, 2012

My husband and I stayed at the Post Ranch Inn in September 2012 and it was amazing!

Staying at the Post Ranch Inn isn't just a vacation, it is the experience of a lifetime!

We stayed in the Cliff House, a stand alone building overlooking the ocean. All I can say is WOW! From the room / building itself to the amazing, incredible views - everything was spectacular. We watched the sunset from our balcony and truly enjoyed seeing the stars at night.

We only stayed for one day, but the memories will last a lifetime. This is by far the most expensive place we have ever stayed and was dramatically more than we had ever paid for a hotel room before. That being said, it was worth every single penny.

Room Tip: The Cliff House was truly amazing, but anywhere you can afford to stay on the property will work.
See more room tips
  • Stayed September 2012, traveled as a couple
    • 5 of 5 stars Value
    • 5 of 5 stars Location
    • 5 of 5 stars Sleep Quality
    • 5 of 5 stars Rooms
    • 5 of 5 stars Cleanliness
    • 5 of 5 stars Service
Was this review helpful? Yes 2
Ask Denise S about Post Ranch Inn
This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
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Additional Information about Post Ranch Inn

Also Known As:
Post Ranch Hotel Big Sur
Post Hotel Big Sur
Post Big Sur
Address: 47900 Highway 1, PO Box 219, Big Sur, CA 93920
Phone Number:
Region: United States > California > Big Sur
Amenities:
Fitness Center Free Breakfast Free High-Speed Internet Free Parking Restaurant Room Service Suites Swimming Pool Wheelchair access
Hotel Style:
#1 Onsen Hotels in Big Sur
#1 Luxury Hotels in Big Sur
#2 Romantic Hotels in Big Sur
#3 Family Hotels in Big Sur
Price Range: $$$$
Hotel Class:5 star (5*)
Reservation Options:
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