We just got back from the Highlands Inn Park last night, so I figured I'd write this while it was fresh in my head.
This hotel was beautiful. So much so we wanted to stay an extra day but the flights were too expensive. Our room was nice with a fireplace, feather bed and a view that took our breath away. Our friends were there a week prior and stayed in a townhouse room with a huge tub, so we missed that but overall a perfect room for the two of us. Even the robes added to this spa-like retreat.
We dined at the Pacific's Edge Restaurant where the views were magnificent and the service was excellent. We ordered off the chef's menu. It was the best of everything, but the worse on our wallets.
I think the only thing I would say is bring lot's of money or know that even though the rates of the hotel were reasonable you can barely get a drink for under $10, but hey you're on vacation. You know when the vacation ends, when you check out and see the bill. There is a reason they call it "checking out". I think one literally "check's out" when they stay at such a magnificent place and then forgets the cost is just as magnificent. It was worth every dime to hear the waves crash on the cliffs.
The service was great, the breakfast at California Market their other restaurant was good and my favorite place to daydream and read was Lobos Lounge.
We are coming back next year. I hope this was helpful!

We were at the Highlands Inn for a three day stay for business meetings. It was a wonderful surprise to see that the hotel was rustic, instead of the run of the mill chain hotels. It kind of reminded me of the old Wagon Wheel Lodge in Rockton, Illinois, but much more upscale. The staff was extremely polite.
The bed was very comfortable, and the room was clean. Fresh bottled water and chocolates were brought to our room every night with the turn down service. The fireplaces are equipped with wood and all you do is light a match and enjoy. There was so much to do around Carmel that we tried to fit everything in, but just couldn't. My best advise for anyone is to get a car and see the sights. Pointe Lobos is a public park that was just spectacular and practically down the street. We also visited a nearby beautful Spanish Mission that was established in the late 1700's. The Aquarium was highly recomended, but it was a holiday and there was a long line, so we had to skip it. Monterrey is close-by and we got a great burger and garlic fries at Archies.
Anyway, back to the hotel. I am going to start planning a trip back to the Highlands Inn for a family pleasure trip. I can't wait!

There are 8 Ocean Townhouse Spa Suites that are absolutely incredible ... we saw 2 of them (501 and 503, stayed in 503) and they were spotless and actually better than the web site hinted at. Everything was set up perfectly for us including the fireplace which was already stocked with wood and papers to get it started. They had 2 CDs in the bedroom which were exactly what we needed for a romantic time in the jacuzzi. I am almost positive the bad reviews you may read for this hotel are by people who stayed in the normal rooms (small, cabin like) during weekends (almost $100 more than during the weekday). Go during the week, stay in the Ocean Townhouses, definitely don't do room service ($58 for lousy breakfast and about the same for a meal at the Market) .... there is a brand new, huge safeway less than 1 mile back toward carmel ... so go there and buy your cheese and drinks. The room, view, staff , reception building were awesome ... buying anything else there is a real ripoff. By the way, the TIckle Pink is a bed+breakfast that is on the same property and has the same views as the Ocean Townhouses.

We stayed ath the Highland Inn Hyatt Vacation Club the 2nd week of December. We were a little concerned about the possibility of wet cold weather but it was beautiful.

Our 1 BR timeshare unit was great. There was a living room w/ wood burning fireplace, kitchen with dining area, a bathroom and deck on the first floor AND the whole second floor was an unbelivable bedroom suite. Large walk in closet, separate shower and stool areas and a super large tub in the BR area. The view over the bay was fantastic from both levels. There was even daily maid service - including cleaning the fireplace and loading it with kindling and wood, all ready to light each evening. (Most timeshares don't have cleaning during the week without an extra charge)

The area was gorgeous. It was located just on the North edge of the Big Sur on Hwy 1. A must see drive down the coast. Just a mile North of the resort was the beautiful Point Lobos Park. The easy to walk hiking trails are filled with great scenery and views of seals, deer and numerous birds.

This was a dream vacation and I would go back again in a minute!