We have stayed here twice. Once with kids, once without. While it is a great place to stay with kids, the dining on-site was not exactly "kid" friendly (we did it anyway).
The views of Carmel Valley are beautiful and you are right in the thick of nature. The clubhouse at the base of the hill is well appointed and the golfing is great. The rooms themselves are more condo like and are nestled into the hillside. We enjoy watching (chasing for my kids) the deer and peacocks that roam the grounds regularly.
Both times we have not been in the "newer" rooms but still enjoyed the amenities. The rooms are large w/high beamed ceilings that open up the space even more. The views and sounds of nature out your window really make you feel like you have gotten away. As you are really up the hill there is no traffic noise.
If we had to stay there again, we would not bring the kids. There's only so much swimming one can do on the grounds. They do have spa services but we have not yet indulged. The hot tubs are nice as you are amid full nature while indulging.
We have only received excellent, prompt service and recommend this valley get-a-way. The second time we stayed here was purely because of a special they were running that I received via email. We will definitely take advantage of similar email specials in the future.