terrible place with terrible service. they had one space heater for a 2 bedroom cabin and even that seemed like a fake lava lamp heater..
the service was terrible as well, the lady was very rude, the coffee they were selling was cold and she took twenty minutes to get a new pot out. there was no hot water for the tea either and our request for hot water was met with another cold/rude look overall a terrible joint

I had the worst restaurant/bar experience of my life when I put a $100 bill on the counter to pay for 2 drinks. The bar tender took the $100 bill and produced change for a $20. I told him that he made a mistake, but because he did not follow accepted protocol and put the $100 bill on the cash register shelve while making change, I was not able to prove my claim. The worst part of the experience wasn’t being taken for $80, but the verbal abuse by the threatening bar tender who called me the worst expletives you can imagine.

My boyfriend and I went up to Big Sur from Los Angeles on a complete spur of the moment one night trip. For what we paid ($90) I didnt know what to expect. When we got there I was impressed with the service and the location! It was on a little hill and the river was just a short walk down a few stairs. We had a gorgeous view of the river from our room. One hitch, our firplace didnt work and after telling the front desk they said they would send someone and they never did. I got a load of apologies from management the next day, and we didnt mind because we checked in so late. (9 PM) We didnt think anyone would be available anyway. Loved it, wish we had more time, and will be going back!

We really enjoyed our stay at the Fernwood and it was even on a Saturday night! I read Trip Advisor before booking rooms anywhere and after reading some of the reviews didn't know what to expect. Since going to Big Sur to me was about communing with nature, I'm not sure I'd want to stay in a real fancy place. The Fernwood felt "just right" and the temperature in December was great for hiking at all the nearby state parks. Julia Pfeiffer and Andrew Molena were spectacular!

As it turns out, our room was very clean and cozy with the gas stove. Yes, the shower was small but updated and again quite clean. Mattress was comfortable. We had a great dinner at the Redwood Grill, enjoyed meeting some other tourists staying in the area, and even listened to the band for a few hours. Maybe it was because the windows were shut, but we couldn't hear the band at all once we left the grill and our room was on the same side.

The general store is convenient and if you're into art, Sofanya's Gallery next to the grill is a great place to buy funky jewelry, great artwork or just get inspiration for your own paintings. To me that was a real plus of staying there.

If you've got an open mind and don't want a generic experience, then the Fernwood is a good choice... We would stay there again!