We stayed at the Lucia Lodge as part of a 2 1/2 week trip along the California coast. It was the most unique and spectacular experience of all the places we stayed.
First, as others have advised, definitely stay in Rooms 7-10 if they are available. Although you may question the expense, once you see the location of the various rooms, you will understand that 7-10 are worth the additional cost.
We stayed in Room #8 and it was excellent. Two large windows (and the door) offer unique views of the cliffs south along the coast. You just won't get views like this anywhere else along the coast for this price. Our cabin was roughly 14' X 20', with a 4' X 8' bathroom. It is rustic, but not primitive, and the gas lit stove provides both heat and a beautiful fire.
So, here is why you should choose Cabins 7-10 versus Cabins 1-6. Cabins 7, 8 and 9 are all similar -- separate cabins that provide privacy, serenity and spectacular views. Cabin 10 is the end cabin on the ocean side with an addition window view of the ocean (and the added privacy of an end unit). Cabins 5 and 6 are the least attractive. They do not have a direct view of the ocean, they do not have high pitched roofs like the other cabins (hence low ceilings). And they face the parking lot and are adjacent to a pay telephone. They should be your last choice. Cabins 1-4 are closest to the highway, and their view of the ocean is across a parking lot. This isn't the worst thing in the world, but if you can afford the cabins (7-10) with nothing between you and the ocean, you should get one. We were there during a major rainstorm, and it was amazing to watch it all from our cabin (and no leaking roof).
Regarding food, it is expensive. However, we had good dinners (lemon chicken and a halibut special) while we were there, and the fish and chips were also excellent. So, although others complained about the quality, our meals were very good. Also, the continental breakfasts were good -- plenty of good pastries, bagels, fruit, yogurt, coffee, tea, and juice. And as others have noted, the restaurant is only open for lodge guests at breakfast.
Lucia Lodge is very different from the other Big Sur lodges that are situated in the redwood forests. You may want to try a night (or two) at each location, but you definitely don't want to miss this spectacular experience.

Don't stay in the motel section. Book a cabin and get ready to check your head out of the daily grind. My husband and I spent one enchanted evening here. It was raining. My cellphone had no reception, there is no TV in the room, no radio. We opened the door, drank wine, watched the rain and the waves. Later, another guest carried a load of firewood in her arms, saw us in our doorway and invited us to her cabin (last one at the end of the row) where she had a firepit. More wine, crashing waves and a fire. Absolute peace. If you are looking for high-end, cushy accommodations - this is not it. If you're OK with charmingly rustic rooms (very clean but old), this is an outstanding retreat. I don't know about the motel section but it looked disappointing. Great continental breakfast (included) in the old restaurant in neighboring building.

If you're looking for a secluded updated cabin, cliff side in Big Sur then look no further. We stayed for 2 nights and enjoyed the stay in Cabin 8. I highly recommend #7-10 as they all face the water from your room. These are 1930 cabins, but have been updated and furnished nicely. The thermostat on the fireplace heater is a little fussy, but we just turned it off at night for good sleeping weather. No TV's or cell phone reception - a great getaway from urban life. The other key consideration is the location about 30 minutes South of Big Sur and the other restaurants. It's not a huge deal, because the fun is driving around rt 1 anyhow. Enjoy.

Couldn't sleep very well because the tiny electric wall heater made so much noise everytime it was turned on. We stayed in cabin 1. The other cabins must have gas heaters since they mentioned to check the thermostat and make sure the heater works in the room because sometimes the pilot light goes out after a storm.
Continetal Breakfast was pretty standard bagels, danish, fruit salad coffee tea etc.
The view was great out the window. It was fun to watch the hummingbirds fly around.

It is nice to be in a place that does not have cell phones or TV. The down side is it 20 plus miles to go eat somewhere else.

Food was not Nepenthe just average. Don't get the Ceasar salad ($14) if you like anchovies because there were none.