Bernardus Lodge is in a beautiful setting in the sunny Carmel Valley. We made our reservation on the phone with their reservation department. Shortly thereafter, we received an email requesting we join their Leader's Club which I called back asking what benefits would be offered to me for the fee of $150? I was told this gives you complimentary nights, upgrades,early check in/late check out, free continental breakfast ($50/daily credit) and free internet access. Upon our check in at 3:15PM we were told the hotel had perviously been sold out which meant our room wouldn't be ready for 45 mins or more. At this point, the valet had taken our car and the bellman our bags. We were told to go and find a place to relax until our room was ready. We chose to take a seat outside in Wickets Bistro. The Bistro is a lovely setting and was being used that day by a multitude of guests celebrating everything from birthdays to upcoming weddings etc. . . leaving only one table in the bright and quite warm sunshine for us. At no point did anyone offer us service. We sat watching reception take other guests to their rooms until 4:15 when our room was available. The room was rather pleasant with a small deck although there was no view. I would recommend an upstairs room as it gives the illusion of a bit more privacy. The bathroom is large with separate tub and shower and is filled with delicious smelling spa products. A plus to me! The robes and towels are not spa like and are in need of replacement.
There is also a nice welcome basket of fruit, cheese, sweets, and a split of Bernardus wine.
Our first morning there we were awakened by housekeeping at 8AM as our wreath of grapevines had fallen from our door handle - unknown to us that was the signal for housekeeping to clean the room. Keep an eye on the cute little wreath if you don't want an early wake up!
The last night of our stay we enjoyed sitting by the fireplace outside again at Wickets Bistro. There was a wedding reception in a nearby ballroom and the music was very loud but festive.
In conclusion, I wanted a romantic quiet get away and Bernardus just didn't the mark. But the staff is friendly and service was always with a smile.

I rarely give 5 stars to any service but this must get a high five! Everything is just perfect. We had three blissful nights.

First advice is do not stay near the coast. In Carmel and on the 17 mile drive there was fog all the time we were there, but at Bernardus the sun shone. The Valley setting is lovely; you do not need the coast with its fog risk.

The rooms are gorgeous and very well appointed. The pool and croquet lawn match the rooms. The staff are great and the calm of the reception area sets the tone for the Bernardus experience.

Our meal in the much vaunted Marinus Restuarant was very good and I consider great value for the quality of the food and the service. I have one confession, I really do not like US wines that much and that goes for Mr Pon's wines too, but no matter, they have a draw dropping list of wines here from all over the world, and the Alsace page has wines to die for.

Go there as soon as you can please.

Went to a wedding last weekend for about 90 people. It was a lovely day for an outdoor service in the garden. Drinks on the patio or the bar, and dinner n dancing in the ballroom, which sits 100 well. Staff very friendly, and helpful. We stayed over nite in room at the top end. Get the top floors wherever you stay. Rooms nicely appointed and super give away comp basket of wine and goodies. You get it w/your room and replinished every 4 days. Coffee in room with a refrig to store whatever. Lovely bathroom, with sep tub n big shower and toliet. Robes n slippers.
We had breakfast room service. Fast and delicious. $50.00 for 2
Nice small Spa. Had a massage, perfect. They also have a few lawn games next to outdoor seating. We will return.

Very restful and relaxing. They start you off with a tour of the grounds and the amenities. The meals were a little pricey--especially breakfast. The staff was very professional and helpful. The bocce ball courts are a nice touch. Great location for couples.