Question 1

What is the best area to stay in Big Sur?

Accepted Answer

The best area to stay in Big Sur is generally along the central stretch of Highway 1, particularly around the communities of Big Sur Village and the areas just north and south of it.

This central region offers convenient access to many of Big Sur's well-known natural attractions and dining options. It's characterized by dramatic coastal cliffs, redwood forests, and winding roads, with accommodations often tucked away off the main highway. You'll find a mix of lodges, cabins, and boutique hotels that blend into the natural surroundings.

Couples often find this central area ideal for a romantic and secluded retreat. Many accommodations here offer private balconies with ocean or forest views, fire pits, and access to hiking trails. The proximity to scenic viewpoints like Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park and Nepenthe restaurant makes it easy to enjoy the natural beauty and special dining experiences.

Solo travelers looking for a tranquil escape will also appreciate this central location. The quiet environment and opportunities for hiking, nature photography, and stargazing provide a peaceful setting for reflection and rejuvenation.

Question 2

What are the best hotels in Big Sur that travelers recommend?

Accepted Answer

Two of the best hotels in Big Sur that travelers recommend are the Post Ranch Inn and the Alila Ventana Big Sur - Inclusive Resort.

The 5-star Post Ranch Inn, with a superb 10.0 rating, is a truly luxurious option. Guests consistently praise its incredible service, excellent food, and great location. Amenities include a complimentary minibar, a fireplace in the rooms, designer toiletries, and champagne service. Many rooms offer stunning mountain views, and the hotel features an on-site art gallery and private outdoor hot tubs. It is conveniently located just 2.0 miles from Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park.

Another highly recommended choice is the 4.5-star Alila Ventana Big Sur - Inclusive Resort, which holds a 9.0 rating. This resort is known for its super clean rooms and friendly and helpful staff. Rooms feature air conditioning, fireplaces, deep soaking bathtubs, and premium bedding. Guests can also enjoy a poolside bar and mountain views. The resort is situated 2.4 miles from Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park.

Question 3

What are the best family hotels in Big Sur?

Accepted Answer

For the best family hotels in Big Sur, consider the Big Sur Lodge.

The 3-star Big Sur Lodge, with an 8.4 rating, is an excellent choice for families. Guests appreciate its location within Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park, which is just 0.4 miles away, and its affordability. The lodge offers free cribs and free self-parking, and some rooms include kitchens, which can be very convenient for families. The staff are frequently described as friendly and amazing, and the rooms are noted for being nice and clean. There is also a coffee shop on site. Find more child-friendly accommodations in Big Sur

Question 4

What are the best 5-star hotels in Big Sur?

Accepted Answer

For a highly-rated 5-star hotel in Big Sur, consider the Post Ranch Inn.

The Post Ranch Inn, with a great 10.0 rating, offers a truly exceptional experience. Guests consistently praise its incredible service, excellent food, and great location. This luxurious hotel provides amenities such as a minibar with complimentary stocked items, private outdoor hot tubs, and elegant designer toiletries. Many rooms feature a fireplace and offer magnificent mountain views, with comfortable premium bedding. The hotel also boasts an on-site art gallery and offers champagne service, making it a wonderful choice for a special getaway. It is conveniently located near Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park, just 2 miles away. Find more luxury hotels in Big Sur

Question 5

Are there any all-inclusive hotels in Big Sur?

Accepted Answer

Yes, for an all-inclusive experience in Big Sur, the Alila Ventana Big Sur - Inclusive Resort is an excellent choice.

This 4.5-star resort, with an impressive 9.0 rating, offers an all-inclusive stay with a full-service spa on-site, providing a range of treatments including deep tissue massages, aromatherapy, and detoxification wraps. Guests frequently comment on the super clean rooms and the friendly and helpful staff. The resort is conveniently located near Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park, just 2.4 miles away, and Los Padres National Forest is also within reach at 170.8 miles. See more all-inclusive resorts in Big Sur

Question 6

What are the best spa hotels in Big Sur?

Accepted Answer

For luxurious spa hotels in Big Sur, consider the Post Ranch Inn and the Alila Ventana Big Sur - Inclusive Resort.

The 5-star Post Ranch Inn, boasting a great 10.0 rating, offers an array of spa services including body wraps, body treatments, deep tissue massage, hot stone massage, and aromatherapy. Guests frequently praise its excellent food, great location, and incredible service. It is also conveniently located just 2.0 miles from Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park.

Another exceptional option is the 4.5-star Alila Ventana Big Sur - Inclusive Resort, which holds a 9.0 rating. This resort provides a full-service spa with daily availability, offering detoxification wraps, facial treatments, body scrubs, reflexology, manicures and pedicures, and Ayurvedic treatments. Travelers often highlight the super clean rooms and the friendly and helpful staff. It is situated 2.4 miles from Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park. See all spa hotels in Big Sur

Question 7

Which beach resorts in Big Sur do travelers love?

Accepted Answer

For beach resorts in Big Sur that travelers love, consider the Alila Ventana Big Sur - Inclusive Resort.

The 4.5-star Alila Ventana Big Sur - Inclusive Resort, with a 9.0 rating, is highly regarded for its excellent location near the ocean. Guests frequently praise the super clean rooms and the friendly and helpful staff. This resort offers a full-service spa with a wide array of treatments including deep tissue massages, aromatherapy, and body wraps, providing a truly relaxing experience. It is also conveniently located just 2.4 miles from Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park. See more stays near the beach in Big Sur

Question 8

What hotels in Big Sur offer free breakfast?

Accepted Answer

For hotels in Big Sur that offer complimentary breakfast, consider the Post Ranch Inn and Lucia Lodge.

The 5-star Post Ranch Inn, with a great 10.0 rating, provides a free full breakfast daily. Guests consistently praise the excellent food, incredible service, and great location. The hotel also features a full-service spa with a variety of treatments, including deep tissue and hot stone massages. It is conveniently located just 2.0 miles from Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park.

Another excellent option is Lucia Lodge, which has a 9.0 rating and offers a free continental breakfast daily. Guests often describe the rooms as cozy and clean, and the staff as super friendly, all set within a beautiful location. This lodge also provides free WiFi and free self-parking, and is located 1.9 miles from Limekiln State Park. Find more hotels with free breakfast in Big Sur

Question 9

What are the top pet-friendly hotels in Big Sur?

Accepted Answer

For top pet-friendly hotels in Big Sur, consider the Big Sur Lodge and the Alila Ventana Big Sur - Inclusive Resort.

The 3-star Big Sur Lodge, with an 8.4 rating, is a great option for travelers with dogs, as it specifically permits dogs and provides food and water bowls. Guests frequently mention the nice and clean rooms, the convenient location, and the friendly and amazing staff. It is also very close to Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park, just 0.4 miles away.

Another excellent choice is the 4.5-star Alila Ventana Big Sur - Inclusive Resort, which boasts an impressive 9.0 rating. This resort is pet-friendly, with pets permitted and food and water bowls provided. It also offers a full-service spa with a wide array of treatments, including massages, facials, and body wraps, for a truly relaxing stay. Guests often highlight the super clean rooms and the friendly and helpful staff. See more pet-friendly hotels in Big Sur

Question 10

What are the best budget hotels in Big Sur?

Accepted Answer

For budget-friendly accommodations in Big Sur, consider Lucia Lodge and Big Sur Lodge.

Lucia Lodge, with a 9.0 rating, offers cozy and clean rooms and a beautiful location. Guests can enjoy complimentary WiFi, free continental breakfast, and free self-parking. Many rooms also feature ocean views. The staff here are frequently described as super friendly. It is conveniently located near Limekiln State Park, just 1.9 miles away.

The 3-star Big Sur Lodge, rated 8.4, is another excellent option. This lodge provides nice and clean rooms, free self-parking, and complimentary toiletries. It is located within a mountain setting and is praised for its affordable and great location, particularly being just 0.4 miles from Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park. Guests also highlight the friendly and amazing staff, good amenities, and a great on-site coffee shop. View all budget hotels in Big Sur

Question 11

What are the most romantic hotels in Big Sur for couples?

Accepted Answer

For couples seeking a romantic getaway in Big Sur, the Post Ranch Inn and the Alila Ventana Big Sur - Inclusive Resort are exceptional choices.

The 5-star Post Ranch Inn, boasting a superb 10.0 rating, offers an incredible experience with its stunning ocean views and private hot tubs, some of which are outdoors. Guests consistently praise the excellent food, great location, and incredible service. Many rooms feature a furnished balcony, a fireplace, and mountain views, creating a truly intimate setting. The hotel also provides couples dining and specialized couples treatment rooms within its full-service spa, which offers a wide array of treatments from deep tissue massage to aromatherapy.

Another outstanding option is the 4.5-star Alila Ventana Big Sur - Inclusive Resort, rated 9.0. This resort is known for its comprehensive spa services, including detoxification wraps, facial treatments, and hot stone massages, superb for couples looking to relax and rejuvenate together. Guests frequently highlight the super clean rooms and the friendly and helpful staff. The resort offers couples dining, ocean views, and private hot tubs, ensuring a luxurious and private stay. Both of these hotels are conveniently located near Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park, offering opportunities for scenic walks and exploration. See all romantic hotels in Big Sur

Question 12

What are the best hotels in Big Sur near Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park?

Accepted Answer

For hotels in Big Sur near Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park, consider the Post Ranch Inn, Alila Ventana Big Sur - Inclusive Resort, or the Big Sur Lodge.

The 5-star Post Ranch Inn, with a superb 10.0 rating, is an excellent choice located just 2.0 miles from Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park. Guests consistently praise its incredible service, great location, and excellent food. This luxurious hotel offers amenities such as a pool, a stocked minibar with free items, mountain views, and rooms with fireplaces and designer toiletries.

Another highly-rated option is the 4.5-star Alila Ventana Big Sur - Inclusive Resort, which has a 9.0 rating and is 2.4 miles from the park. This resort provides a pool, mountain views, air conditioning, and fireplaces in the rooms. Travelers appreciate the super clean rooms and friendly, helpful staff.

For a more budget-friendly option, the 3-star Big Sur Lodge, rated 8.4, is located only 0.4 miles from Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park. It features free self-parking, free toiletries, and kitchens in some rooms. Guests often comment on the nice, clean rooms, the great and affordable location, and the amazing staff.

Question 13

When is the best time to go to Big Sur?

Accepted Answer

The best time to go to Big Sur is during the late spring (April to May) and early fall (September to October) when the weather is most favorable and the crowds are more manageable.

During late spring, the coastal hills are green and wildflowers are in bloom, offering picturesque scenery. The days are typically sunny with mild temperatures, making it ideal for hiking and exploring the numerous state parks and trails like Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park. This period is excellent for couples who want to enjoy scenic drives and outdoor activities without the peak summer crowds.

Early fall also provides pleasant weather with fewer fog advisories than summer. The ocean temperatures are at their warmest, which can be appealing for those interested in coastal activities. This time of year is superb for solo travelers seeking a peaceful escape, as many popular viewpoints along Highway 1, such as Bixby Bridge, are less congested, allowing for a more relaxed experience.

While summer offers consistently warm weather, it's also the busiest and most expensive time to visit.

Question 14

Can I cancel my hotel reservation on Expedia?

Accepted Answer

You can cancel your hotel reservation on Expedia, though it depends on the cancellation policy of your booking. Most bookings are refundable if canceled within 24-48 hours of the scheduled arrival. Be sure to check your booking confirmation for the exact cancellation policy. If free cancellation is available, you can cancel directly through your Expedia account by logging in, going to "My Trips", and selecting your reservation. To find flexible deals, filter your search by "Fully refundable property" for hotels in Big Sur.

Question 15

How can I save on a Big Sur hotel booking with Expedia?

Accepted Answer

With Expedia, you earn OneKeyCash™* on eligible Big Sur hotel bookings for every dollar you spend – just join our One Key™ travel rewards program to get started. It’s free to join, and you’ll unlock our lowest Member Prices as soon as you’re signed in. On top of this, you could also save significantly by bundling your hotel and flights together on Expedia.

*Excludes taxes and fees. OneKeyCash is not redeemable for cash and can only be used on Expedia, Hotels.com and Vrbo.

Question 16

How much is the nightly rate at a Big Sur hotel?

Accepted Answer

Prices for hotels in Big Sur often vary, but you can find a great deal from $78 on Expedia. All sorts of factors affect price, such as the time of year or the days of the week you choose for your stay. Find the best deals by being flexible with your dates, and sort search results by "Price: low to high" for the cheapest rate.

Calendar Month	Temperature	Precipitation	Cloudiness	Occupancy	Pricing
January	52.5°F (11.4°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Slightly Low	Slightly Low
February	51.8°F (11.0°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Slightly Low	Average
March	52.3°F (11.3°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Slightly Low
April	53.4°F (11.9°C)	No Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
May	55.2°F (12.9°C)	No Rain	Sunny	Average	Average
June	58.3°F (14.6°C)	No Rain	Sunny	Slightly High	Average
July	60.1°F (15.6°C)	No Rain	Sunny	Slightly High	Slightly High
August	61.2°F (16.2°C)	No Rain	Sunny	Slightly High	Slightly High
September	61.9°F (16.6°C)	No Rain	Sunny	Average	Slightly High
October	60.1°F (15.6°C)	No Rain	Sunny	Average	Average
November	55.9°F (13.3°C)	No Rain	Sunny	Average	Average
December	52.2°F (11.2°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Slightly Low	Slightly Low

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Our top choices for Big Sur hotels

Portola Hotel & Spa at Monterey Bay

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