Alila Ventana Big Sur sits perched along the rugged cliffs of California’s iconic Highway 1, surrounded by sweeping ocean views and towering redwoods. From the moment you arrive, the setting feels magical. The architecture blends into the landscape, the Pacific stretches endlessly into the horizon, and the calm of Big Sur settles over you. It’s easy to see why this resort has a reputation as one of America’s most scenic luxury properties.
But does it live up to the hype? While the views and rooms are undeniably spectacular, my stay revealed inconsistencies in service and dining that kept it from being a flawless experience.
Disclosure: I am not affiliated with Hyatt. I did not receive any monetary or other incentives from them. My opinions are solely based on my personal experience.
Location: Big Sur’s Most Iconic Setting
The location alone is worth the trip. About two hours south of San Jose, the drive along Highway 1 offers breathtaking views at every turn. You’re close to Big Sur highlights like:
- Bixby Bridge – one of California’s most photographed landmarks
- Pfeiffer Beach – famous for its unusual purple sand
- Monterey Bay Aquarium – just an hour north
That said, once you’re settled in, you may not feel the need to leave. The property is designed as a retreat where you can hike, relax, or simply take in the wilderness.
Rooms: Where Alila Ventana Truly Shines
The rooms are the highlight of the resort. I stayed in a Big Sur Suite and it felt both luxurious and welcoming, with thoughtful touches throughout.
What stood out:
- A wood-burning fireplace that made the space feel cozy
- A record player with vinyls from the Social House for a nostalgic vibe
- A soaking tub, hammock, plush robes, and slippers for downtime
- Small but appreciated touches like an under-sink water filter, complimentary sparkling water, and Nespresso coffee
- An exceptionally comfortable Beautyrest Black mattress
My suite (room 50) also had a quiet ocean view that made it tempting to stay in all day. The accommodations are where Ventana truly shines.
Service: Hit or Miss
Valet and staircase to the Social House
Service is where the cracks started to show. At times, things ran smoothly, but other moments highlighted uneven staff training.
What worked:
- The golf cart-style shuttles were a real convenience. They always arrived promptly, and being covered made them a cozy option on chilly evenings.
What didn’t:
- We requested beach towels and a chair to be placed in our car via valet so we could use them to watch the sunset. Front desk confirmed it would be no problem, but when we arrived at the car, no staff knew anything about it. We later learned it was the “morning crew’s” oversight. Unfortunately, we didn’t have time to wait for a fix and missed the sunset plan. It was a frustrating start.
- A request for a tissue box also dragged. Front desk said it would arrive with housekeeping at 9 am, but by noon, nothing had been delivered. We had to follow up again.
- Staff knowledge of the property varied. We received wrong directions to a meeting spot and had to confirm with another team member.
- At Sur House, service quality depended on the waiter. Some guided us through the experience and explained details for first-timers, while others jumped straight into taking orders. Watching the contrast from table to table was jarring.
At a property of this caliber, these gaps stand out. Luxury isn’t just about beautiful views, it’s about consistent service, and here it was unpredictable.
Facilities and Amenities
The resort facilities are well-designed and cater to relaxation, though some details could use better upkeep.
- Spa – We skipped it due to extremely high pricing, among the steepest in the U.S.
- Pools and Hot Tubs – Two heated pools and an infinity hot tub facing the mountains instead of the ocean.
- Bath House – A Japanese-style bath house offers quiet relaxation.
- Sauna – Small but functional.
- Gym – Compact, with limited weights and stationary bikes.
- Water Stations – Conveniently placed, but some showed calcification and needed maintenance.
Activities: Not As All-Inclusive As Advertised
Alila Ventana promotes itself as “all-inclusive,” but that term feels misleading. While some activities are included, many cost extra.
- The daily 8:30 am meditation sessions (free) are a nice way to start the day.
- The “Perfectly Imperfect” and paint-and-sip sessions ($60 per person) were not worth it. Instruction was minimal, and the painting session provided a used watercolor set that we could not keep.
Other activities may be worthwhile, but pricing should be factored in before booking.
Food at Sur House: Views Outshine the Dining
Dining at Sur House comes with a jaw-dropping cliffside view, but unfortunately, the food didn’t match the scenery.
Highlights and Lowlights:
| Dish | Verdict |
|---|---|
| PEI Mussels | Excellent – fresh and perfectly cooked |
| Scallops | Disappointing – fishy and poorly executed |
| Confit Duck Leg | Overcomplicated flavors, overly salty in some spots and overly sweet in others |
| La Bistecca | Solid dish, but heavy on the salt |
| Desserts | Decent but one-note and overly sweet |
On top of that, alcohol is not included, and room service comes with a $10 delivery fee. For a property priced at this level, the dining experience feels underwhelming.
Overall Impressions
Alila Ventana Big Sur is without a doubt a stunning property in an unforgettable location. The rooms are exceptional, the setting is breathtaking, and the resort offers a peaceful escape into nature.
But judged against the hype, the inconsistencies in service and dining hold it back. Compared to other luxury resorts, I found better value elsewhere:
- Andaz Maui at Wailea Resort – delivers a more polished overall experience
- Marquis Los Cabos (Mexico) – offers stronger all-inclusive dining and activities at a fraction of the price
At 45,000 Hyatt points per night (Category 8), Alila Ventana feels expensive for what it delivers. At the cash price of nearly $2,000 per night, it is hard to justify.
Bottom Line: Should You Book Alila Ventana Big Sur?
Alila Ventana Big Sur is worth visiting once for the scenery and room experience, but it isn’t a property I’d return to regularly. For travelers considering it, go in with realistic expectations. You’ll get world-class views and beautiful accommodations, but not every detail lives up to the luxury label.
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