Such an amazing property! Provided me with complete relaxation and tranquility! We were surrounded by nature and beautiful views! We participated in several activities on site which were so fun (Hikes, Beekeeping, and a cocktail making class). The staff were all so welcoming and kind and really made our stay special. We can't wait to come back!
Hyatt Hotels and Resorts, Other at Alila Ventana Big Sur, responded to this review
Greetings Wendy M, Thank you for taking the time to share your feedback regarding your recent stay at Alila Ventana Big Sur. We are delighted to hear that you had such an amazing experience and that the property provided the relaxation and tranquility you were seeking. It is wonderful to know that you enjoyed being surrounded by the breathtaking natural beauty of Big Sur and that the stunning views helped make your stay truly memorable. We are also pleased that you were able to participate in several of our on-site experiences, including the guided hikes, beekeeping activity, and cocktail-making class. It is especially rewarding to hear that these experiences added to your enjoyment of the resort. Your kind words about our team are greatly appreciated, and we are thrilled that their warmth, kindness, and attentive service helped make your stay even more special. Thank you again for choosing Alila Ventana Big Sur. We truly appreciate your feedback and are honored to have been your destination for relaxation and rejuvenation. We look forward to welcoming you back for another unforgettable stay in the near future. Best,
I had been looking forward to this resort for years and finally booked a night in a spa suite to celebrate my birthday while on a weekend road trip along the California coast. Overall, I was disappointed, but it was not a horrible experience. To start with the positives: most of the staff were helpful, and the grounds are beautiful and peaceful. The room is clean and has nice amenities like the fireplace, tub, outdoor balcony, and jacuzzi. Unfortunately, when I arrived to my room (43) I was disappointed to see it was a lower floor unit that got very little sunlight and had a musty smell. I asked if they had a room with more sunlight, but they were fully committed. I noted in my reservation that I was celebrating a birthday and staying with a pet (theres a $150 pet fee). When I entered the room, there was a note on the table wishing me a happy birthday which is nice in theory, but I’ve stayed at other hotels for work or special occasions that add a more thoughtful touch like a little treat or bottle of wine, and this felt very low effort. The room was not set up with the dog bed and bowls as described, so I texted to ask for it and had to follow up about an hour later. When it did arrive, the bowl was dirty with some debris (most likely from storage) and the bed was a foam pad (I’ve actually ordered from Amazon in the past for a crate) and the cover had a hole in it. Again, this all felt very cheap considering the $150 fee. At dinner, the meal was okay - a kale salad, calamari, and a chicken dish. The chicken had no flavor and the sauce on it tasted sour or off. The restaurant staff were very kind and attentive though and even put a candle in my dessert. The next morning, I ordered breakfast to the room for a $10 delivery fee and it arrived as a nice set up but unfortunately the food was no longer hot. They do warn you of this on the menu - it’s a trek down from the restaurant. The “Japanese baths” were nice as was the pool area and grassy lawn at sunset. It’s great that they give you reusable water bottles you can refill on the property. I would’ve loved to have taken the morning yoga class or done one of the afternoon activities, but they were fully booked. All-in-all this was a very mediocre stay for me. If you have a better room, are able to sign up for activities and/or spa treatments, and don’t expect any bells and whistles, I think it can be very relaxing and enjoyable stay. After my experience, I’m okay crossing this off my list for the future.
Hyatt Hotels and Resorts, Other at Alila Ventana Big Sur, responded to this review
Greetings from Alila Ventana Big Sur, Elizabeth, thank you for taking the time to share such detailed feedback. While we’re pleased to hear that you enjoyed our beautiful and peaceful grounds, thoughtful room amenities, Japanese baths, pool area, and the kindness of many of our team members, we sincerely apologize that your birthday getaway did not live up to the expectations you had been looking forward to for so long. We regret the disappointment with your room location, the musty odor, the delays and condition of the pet amenities, and that the birthday recognition felt less personal than anticipated. We also appreciate your candid feedback regarding your dining experiences, in-room breakfast delivery, and the limited availability of activities during your stay. While we’re glad there were aspects of your visit that you enjoyed, we understand why the overall experience felt only average given the occasion and investment. Thank you for sharing your perspective. We value your feedback and appreciate the opportunity to learn from it as we work to enhance the guest experience along the California Coast. Safe and Happy Travels, Mike M.
The bed was heavenly. Walking on the trails were great. The meals were all included. Staff were responsive & excellent. Very restful and healthy getaway.
Hyatt Hotels and Resorts, Other at Alila Ventana Big Sur, responded to this review
Good Afternoon!! Thank you for your wonderful 5-star review! We are delighted to hear that your stay provided the perfect balance of rustic beauty and luxurious comfort. It is especially rewarding to know that you enjoyed our comfortable accommodations, scenic hiking trails, inclusive dining experiences and the attentive service provided by our team. Creating a restful and rejuvenating getaway in the heart of Big Sur is exactly what we strive for and we are thrilled that your experience reflected that. Thank you for choosing Alila Ventana Big Sur. We truly appreciate your kind words and look forward to welcoming you back next time for another peaceful and memorable retreat. Warm Regards, Joanne
The price doesn't match the experience. The people are great, the rooms are amazing, and the property is fantastic. But it's not a Four Seasons-type experience. You have to get up and go order your drinks at the pool; no one is coming to check on you; drinks at the pool are very limited. Food menus at breakfast and lunch stay the same, and the dinner menus barely change, so if you were there more than a few nights, you might run out of interesting food options, and for the price, that isn't acceptable. Food is good but not great. The food was overdone or underdone several times, and even when I sent it back, it came back wrong again. I think a lot of this feedback seems very rediculous, but when you are paying over $3,000 a night you are going to have high expectations and when its just good not great, well then that is not acceptable.
Hyatt Hotels and Resorts, Other at Alila Ventana Big Sur, responded to this review
Greetings from Alila Ventana Big Sur, Thank you for sharing such thoughtful feedback with us, Ryan. We are delighted that you found our team exceptional, the accommodations amazing, and the property itself fantastic. At the same time, we understand that at this price point, every detail of the experience carries an equally high expectation. We sincerely apologize that aspects of our pool and dining service did not deliver the elevated and attentive experience you anticipated. Having to seek out beverage service at the pool, encountering limited drink selections, and seeing little variation in the menus during a multi-night stay understandably affected your perception of value. We are also disappointed to hear about the inconsistencies with food preparation, particularly when an item was returned to the kitchen and still did not come back as requested. While we appreciate hearing that you found the food good overall, we recognize that "good" is not enough when the expectation is an exceptional culinary experience. Your feedback is neither excessive nor unreasonable. We appreciate you clearly explaining where the experience did not align with the premium price point. We are grateful for your recognition of our people, rooms, and beautiful property, and we hope to have the opportunity to provide an experience that feels exceptional in every aspect on a future visit to Big Sur. Safe and Happy Travels, Mike M.
The only place to stay in Big Sur. The property feels very remote, yet close to the coast highway. Panoramic views of the forest and ocean. Didn't realize that meals were included when I booked. The food was fabulous. They make changes to the menu each night. Poolside menu great too. Wonderful massage at the spa. Our room had spectacular views, comfortable bed and furnishings. Everything in the room was clean and showed no wear. Activities included if that's your thing. We chose to chill by the pool, enjoy the spa, and take in the scenic beauty. The resort is geared for adults. Would not recommend for the kiddos but highly recommend for a nice adult getaway.
Hyatt Hotels and Resorts, Other at Alila Ventana Big Sur, responded to this review
Dear Nicole H, Thank you for your exceptional review! We’re delighted to hear that you enjoyed so many aspects of your stay, from the breathtaking panoramic views of the forest and ocean to the relaxing atmosphere that makes Big Sur such a special destination. It’s wonderful to know that you enjoyed the included dining experience, the ever-changing dinner menus, the poolside offerings, and a rejuvenating visit to the spa. We’re also pleased that your room provided the comfort, cleanliness, and spectacular views needed for a truly memorable getaway. Whether relaxing by the pool, enjoying the spa, or simply taking in the natural beauty of the surroundings, we’re thrilled that your experience was everything you hoped for. Thank you for your kind recommendation, and we look forward to welcoming you back for another unforgettable adult retreat in the future. Kind regards, Tonya
Finding the right venue for a small, intimate wedding can be a challenge, but this place was absolute perfection. Atmosphere & Charm: From the moment we arrived, the property felt like a peaceful retreat. It has a quiet, enchanting beauty tucked away in every corner that created the most romantic backdrop for our ceremony and photos. Thoughtful Details: You can tell how much genuine care goes into the space. The grounds are meticulously kept, revealing hidden little pockets of charm that made the whole day feel magical and private. Exceptional Staff: What truly stood out was the team. They didn't just look after us and our guests with incredible warmth and attention—they genuinely cared for the property itself. That level of pride and devotion made a huge difference in our experience. If you are looking for a intimate, beautiful setting where you and your guests will feel truly taken care of, this is the place. We couldn't have asked for a better spot to celebrate our big day!
Hyatt Hotels and Resorts, Other at Alila Ventana Big Sur, responded to this review
Hello Khara S, Thank you for sharing such a beautiful review. We are truly honored that you chose to celebrate your wedding with us and are delighted to hear that the venue provided the perfect setting for such a special occasion. The atmosphere, charm, and natural beauty of the property are elements we take great pride in, and it is wonderful to know that they helped create the romantic and intimate backdrop you envisioned for your ceremony and photographs. We are especially pleased that the thoughtful details and meticulously maintained grounds contributed to making the day feel both magical and private. Your kind words about our team mean a great deal to us. Providing exceptional hospitality goes beyond simply serving our guests; it is about creating meaningful experiences and caring deeply about every detail. We are thrilled that the warmth, attentiveness, and pride demonstrated by our staff helped make your celebration so memorable. Thank you for allowing us to be part of such an important milestone in your lives. We wish you both a lifetime of love, happiness, and beautiful memories together. We are honored to have been a part of your special day and hope to welcome you back in the future to relive those wonderful memories. Best regards, Toya O
The Alila Big Sur was an excellent experience. We were there to celebrate my 70th Birthday. This was just what we expected. Took 24 hours to get adjusted from the real world challenges and into the Alila mind frame. After an excellent massage and fantastic hike, things settled in and we got into the mood. Would go again.
Hyatt Hotels and Resorts, Other at Alila Ventana Big Sur, responded to this review
Dear Rmlmichiana, Thank you for your wonderful 5-star review and for choosing us to celebrate such a special milestone, your 70th birthday. We are delighted to hear that your experience lived up to your expectations and that you were able to fully embrace the tranquility of Big Sur after enjoying a relaxing massage and a fantastic hike. It's especially rewarding to know that our unique atmosphere provided the perfect setting to disconnect from everyday challenges and settle into the Alila experience. We truly appreciate your kind words and are honored to have been part of your celebration. We look forward to welcoming you back for another memorable getaway in the future. Warm regards, Michele
Had a great time celebrating our anniversary there. Attentive staff, amazing food, and overall very relaxing experience and good weekend getaway.
Hyatt Hotels and Resorts, Other at Alila Ventana Big Sur, responded to this review
Dear Michael N, Thank you for choosing to celebrate your anniversary with us! We are honored to have been part of such a special occasion and are delighted to hear that you had a great experience. It's wonderful to know that our attentive staff, amazing food, and relaxing atmosphere helped create the perfect weekend getaway. We truly appreciate your kind words and look forward to welcoming you back for many more memorable celebrations in the future. Happy Anniversary! Warm regards, Tonya
Lovely hotel and setting but rooms need an update badly Staff is very friendly but dropped the ball when approached on an issue and never heard back. Dining was excellent.
Hyatt Hotels and Resorts, Other at Alila Ventana Big Sur, responded to this review
Greetings Grant E, Thank you for your review. We appreciate you taking the time to share your feedback regarding your stay at Alila Ventana Big Sur. While we are pleased to hear that you enjoyed the beautiful setting of the resort, found our team friendly, and had an excellent dining experience, we are sorry to learn that certain aspects of your stay did not fully meet your expectations. We appreciate your candid feedback regarding the condition of the guest rooms and understand your concerns about the need for updates. We also regret to hear that after bringing an issue to our attention, you did not receive the follow-up communication that was promised. Providing attentive service and timely resolution is an important part of the guest experience, and we apologize that we fell short in this regard. At the same time, we are delighted that you found the dining experience to be exceptional and that our team made a positive impression during your visit. Your feedback is valuable and will be shared with the appropriate teams as we continue working to enhance the experience we provide for our guests. If you don’t mind, we would appreciate the opportunity to learn more about your stay and discuss your concerns further. Please contact us at propertyreviews@hyatt.com and reference your stay at Alila Ventana Big Sur. Thank you again for sharing your feedback and for choosing to stay with us. We hope to have the opportunity to connect with you and better address your concerns. Best,
I've never enjoyed myself so much as I did visiting here. The staff is outstanding. I've never been to an establishment that was so personal service. You asked anybody anything they always had a smile and were helpful no matter what they were doing. At the restaurant they asked everyone ask if there's any dietary issues that they needed to know. The front desk was helpful with everything. I noticed all the little details in the rooms and it made it worth the wild. There was no noise level. It was peaceful. The grounds were immaculate. Can't wait to go back.
Hyatt Hotels and Resorts, Other at Alila Ventana Big Sur, responded to this review
Good morning Staci, Thank you for your incredible review! We’re truly honored to hear this was one of the most enjoyable travel experiences you’ve ever had. It’s especially rewarding to know our team’s genuine hospitality, thoughtful service, and attention to detail made such a lasting impression. We’re delighted you enjoyed the peaceful atmosphere, immaculate grounds, and the care our restaurant and front desk teams provided throughout your stay. Your kind words mean so much to us, and we can’t wait to welcome you back for another unforgettable visit! Sincerely, Pam
Showing 10 reviews since August 7, 2026.