I’d never spent $2000 on a hotel room before.
Until I went to Post Ranch Inn, a luxury hotel in Big Sur, California.
I actually proposed to my girlfriend Lauren there (spoiler alert: she said yes!).
Here are my notes, photos, restaurant review, and insider tips at Post Ranch Inn.
Video Tour
Here’s the full YouTube video where I tour the hotel. Watch it below, and keep reading for the detailed breakdown.
The Room
I picked a normal room – the Upper Butterfly Room – with forest and mountain views.
I didn’t splurge for a special treehouse or a room overlooking the ocean because we didn’t plan to spend much time in the room itself.
We were happy with our choice. The room was great. I’d pick an Upper Butterfly Room again without hesitation.
But if money was no object and I was a billionaire, I probably would have chosen a room overlooking the ocean.
The fireplace was my favorite. The hotel had set it up perfectly with kindling, wood stacked up nicely, and cute matches. We lit a fire in the morning, opened the door to the deck, and just enjoyed a slow morning. I sort of wish I’d done this at night one evening.
Nick’s Note
There’s no television in the rooms. I was a little peeved at first because I like to watch Netflix at night to unwind. But ultimately it was perfect. We read books and enjoyed the fire instead.
Sierra Mar
Sierra Mar is the restaurant at Post Ranch Inn.
You want to get the tasting menu. It’s $185 per person. Just do it.
Every bite was great.
One of the final meat courses was a bit of a miss, but everything else was fantastic. I left feeling full and super happy.
Breakfast is included in the room rates, which is great.
Sorry to sound so cheap and chintzy; I just love free stuff (even if I’m paying for it in the room rate!!).We sat by the floor to ceiling windows overlooking the coast for breakfast. Highly recommend this when you can see outside!! The smoothie was good. The burrito was hearty and perfect after hiking.
Pro Tip
Request the table near the kitchen. I felt like I was watching the TV show The Bear. You hear them calling out orders. You see the choreographed chaos. Dinner felt like theater and I loved it.
The Infinity Hot Tubs
OK, here’s the real tea: The infinity-style hot tubs are the best part of Post Ranch Inn.
There are two hot tubs overlooking the ocean:
- Jade Pool. This is the biggest one right next to the restaurant. We met a really cool couple here.
- Meditation Pool. My favorite! Tucked up on the north end of the property. We had it all to ourselves one night around 10PM.
Both of these hot tubs are heated to around 100F. They’re open 24 hours and fresh Towels and pillows are always available.
Nick’s Note
I forgot our bath robes when we went to the Jade Pool, but I called on the house phone and they delivered some within minutes. Great service.
Looking up at the stars from the edge of the infinity pool reminded me of being at The Sphere in Las Vegas. Like being in a planetarium. I saw more stars than I’ve seen in years, maybe ever. It took my breath away.
Pro Tip
Bring your bathrobe when you walk to the pools. It’s windy and a bit chilly after you get out. Or just call the desk to deliver!
Insider Tips
- The Chef’s Garden had a tree full of hummingbirds when we went in June. I sat underneath it and watched them for at least an hour.
- Billy’s Trail was my favorite hike, but I need to explore more next time. This hike leads to the Meditation Pool. You’ll pass the secret meadow and Native American artifact areas.
- The Mercantile shop sells everything from your room. Those Japanese coffee cups? $30. The highball glasses from dinner? $20. I liked this.
The Property Map
Post Ranch Inn sits on 100 acres in the Big Sur mountains. It is quite the compound:
We barely saw other guests except at the pool.
The swimming pool proper (not the hot tubs) is surrounded by redwoods and oaks. It is heated year-round. We saw a few folks hanging out reading down here one day.
There’s a yoga yurt with free morning classes. Six people showed up when we went. The class was just OK.
The gym has two Pelotons, treadmills, ellipticals, and some free weights. Huge windows facing the mountains. It is one of the nicest small gyms, but it’s exactly that: quite small.
Conclusion
Was Post Ranch Inn worth it?
Yes. Absolutely yes.
I’m glad Lauren suggested it. I’m glad we splurged. The memories will last forever. I already want to go back!
This hotel isn’t for everyone. If you hate the price or need constant entertainment, skip it.
But if you want to disconnect and experience Big Sur magic, Post Ranch Inn delivers.
Questions about Post Ranch Inn? Email me at hello@nickgray.net or leave a comment below.
