Have been travelling to California for years but have never stayed in Big Sur due to the fact that it is pricey. You can generally get a cheap room in Monterey.

But, it was Christmas and we wanted to spend 1-2 nights in Big Sur. We
did not call ahead but instead just dropped in and asked if they had anything. Slim pickings as we wanted a cabin for 2 nights and all they
had was a single cabin 3 days in the future. We took it.

We stopped at the general store across the street at 3 PM to get our Key. You must pay in advance and there is a 72 hour cancellation policy.

We stayed in Cabin 4. Cabins 1-9 are the ones down by the river and are the ones that you want. The others are close to the highway and aren't anything special. You can see a map picture of the cabin layout
on Ripplewood's web site. Very handy.

I only saw the inside of our cabin but I assume they're all very similar. Very clean. Basic. Our's had a fireplace and a deck and was right on the river. They supply you with enough firewood for one day and we used ours during the evening and again the next morning. We had
a furnace with a thermostat that worked well as it was cold out at night. The bathroom was almost all new and the kitchen area was great. All in all it was a very nice quiet place to chill out. I wish we could have gotten a second night.

What you don't have is a telephone, wireless, or even a TV. That's fine with us but just wanted to be sure you know.

For dinner we drove north on Highway 1 about 3/10's of a mile and had Dinner at the River Inn. Very nice. Full service bar, nice place for all meals, and does have wireless internet and a fireplace where you can sit and relax. Recommended.

Negatives: Nothing. We paid $150 including tax for our cabin which is a lot for us but it was worth it. Once you drive down the road off the highway to the cabins you are in a huge redwood grove and the river ran right behind our cabin.

Highly recommended.

We stayed in cabin #1 which had two queen beds, one in the bedroom and the other in the living area. Both were comfortable and had nice linens. The bathroom was very dark and cramped (walk-through setup). The kitchen had minimal supplies which was fine for drinks, sandwiches, snacks, etc. but there was no coffeemaker, so bring your own or plan to do without. Wood and kindling were supplied which could be used in the fireplace or the outdoor fire pit.

The setting was nice with lots of trees and the deck overlooked the small river and campgrounds on the other side. The cabin wasn’t insulated so it was stuffy during the day and cold at night. There wasn’t a lot of traffic on the highway at night, but we could still hear it from inside the cabin. We could also hear some of the campers just talking – I guess the sound travels well across the river. There’s really no privacy inside the cabin either. You could hear every sound made from the bedroom to living area, and in fact could see into the bathroom through the paneling from the kitchen.

It wasn’t really a bad place to stay, but I think we’ll try somewhere else next time.

I stayed in Cabin 7 with my boyfriend for one night in October. We loved the area and the cabin. I loved that the cabin was clean and comfy and couldn't get enough of the sound of the creek right outside. He loved the rustic setting, the beautiful trees and outdoor scenary. It was very quiet when we were there and cabin 7 really is close enough to the water that you can hear it in the cabin.

Book this hotel well ahead. Be sure to go to the Hotel's web site and view the map with the cabin locations. If you can, get a cabin with a deck... looks over the tiny but beautiful river, which is bordered by huge evergreen trees. Stunning. Makes you wish you could paint!

Cabins are cozy but comfortable enough. It feels like camping out there, but you have all the comforts of home. (Our room had a little kitchen.) We just didn't want to leave our room, as the view is so pretty from inside as well. There are firepits outside for those who want a little extra "camping" experience.

Because the cabins by the river are down below the road, there is no highway noise to speak of.. don't opt for #10 or 11 if traffic noise will bother you. Up by the road, you will also find a little grocery store and a restaurant that has quite a good and reasonably priced breakfast menu.

We have been going to this place for years, and it hasn't changed a bit. (so do expect old and worn interiors.) With the money you save staying here, do as we do. Head for the Ventana Inn and get a massage-- they will give you a robe and you can spend the afternoon by the pool (amazing views) and in the clothing optional hot tub!!