Post Ranch Inn Resort

Loved the setting off of the famously gorgeous coastal highway 1 that runs along the Pacific ocean. The hotel take full advantage of the surroundings, with rustic but luxurious accomodations. The best things are it are the outdoors hot eternity pool, attentive but unobtrusive service, and the glass walled showers that look out over whatever beautiful setting your chosen room has - ours overlooked the woods. I also enjoyed the fact that there were no TVs in the rooms, the in-room fireplace, and the music player with numerous genre choices, all designed to make you feel like you're miles away from everyday life. The spa offers wonderful massages, and I enjoyed one of the best I've ever had. Nice little perk that they have a fleet of Lexus' that they will loan - one sunny day, we took one of the convertibles for a spin.

At the top of every hotel maven's list of must-visit places in California, the Post Ranch Inn sits atop a 1200ft-high ridgeline rising straight from the sea.

Before anyone was talking about Feng Shui, the Post Ranch embodied it: constructed of wood, glass, and slate, each of the 30 rooms is an architectural gem, designed to blend in with the landscape. Literally, in the case of the Ocean Houses, which are built into the cliff and covered with a roof of wildflowers; inside there's a double-sided wood-burning fireplace so you can soak in the bathtub by flickering firelight. Tree houses sit on stilts high in the branches of twisted, century-old oaks and subtly move with the wind. The Coast Houses, my favorite, face the ocean and have a circular design to mirror the shape of the surrounding redwood trees; each has its own deck, jutting out high above the roaring surf (for maximum privacy, book an upstairs unit).

Furnishings in all the rooms are cushy, but never fussy, evidence the unfinished grey-marble tubs, discrete wood-burning fireplaces, and denim bedspreads. There's a stocked complimentary wine bar, books on art and bird-watching, and in the bathroom, hand-milled soap, organic-cotton towels, and even a remedy for poison oak. Everything you need and nothing you don't. What you won't find is a TV or an alarm clock (the latter is available by request, the former not). The pools and hot tubs are open 24 hours, including a gorgeous infinity hot pool perched on the cliff above the ocean. Activities include guided walks, yoga, and spa services for guests only.

The Post Ranch Inn in Big Sur is extremely economical for everyone. I would recommend this hotel and definitely say that everyone must visit it at least once for enjoyment.

My wife and I got engaged here, so I'm a bit biased about the Post Ranch Inn, but I can tell you it's the most relaxing, unique, zen-like experience I've ever had in a hotel. I'd emphasize experience (not a stay), as the Post Ranch Inn envelops all of your senses.

The checkin process went really smoothly - someone took our luggage and we were taken by golf cart to our room (cars are parked well below the guest rooms.) This place is known for being eco-friendly, and the rooms blend in well with the amazing scenery (the Post Ranch Inn is perched over 1000 feet above the Pacific ocean.)

Inside, the rooms are fantastic with very comfy beds (they even sell the mattresses through the hotel), an enormous and deep tub, no television (I liked that a lot), and a CD player which played new age music. We stayed in a Treehouse room (on stilts to avoid hurting the roots of nearby trees), and next time I want to stay in one of the bungalows that looks over the pacific. We had an in-room massage which I recommend highly.

During the daytime, we hiked the property perimeter, went to the beach, and sat in the Japanese soaking tub at the resort - this is a must-do s it has a vanishing edget that disappears into the waves 1000 feet below.

Dinner at the restaurant was very good, with amazing views out over the Pacific.

So, nothing bad to say at all. If you can splurge, definitely stay here.