2 Nights at Ventana Inn - Dinner or Lunch at Post Ranch Inn
 

Ah what delightful decisions to have to make.....

Hubby and I are going to Ventanna in July, mid-week for 2 night away from the kids jaunt from San Francisco.

As part of our package we have dinner at Cielo the restaurant at Ventanna. I have reservations following night for Post Ranch Inn.... But I am starting to wonder if it is worth it to have 2 fancy meals and maybe better to just do Post Ranch Inn for Lunch (I would love a chance to see the property) and maybe do dinner at Nepenthe or maybe Deetjens.

Would love to hear thoughts on Dinner at Post Ranch Inn...

PS - We are moving from California and it will be a while before we get back to this area for this kind of vacation if that makes a difference.

Thanks

PS - also want to have lunch in Monterrey or Carmel on the drive down if there is any ideas on that front. Something casual but lovely to kick off the getaway.

I've never been to the Ventana Inn... but have stayed at the Post Ranch Inn a few times and it's my favorite hotel on earth. You should definitely have at least one meal there. Lunch is delicious and the ocean views are amazing. The luncheon menu is much more casual... but all the food is yummy. Dinner is great... they have a tasting menu every night... and the selections are fabulous. If I were you, I'd have lunch at Nepenthe or Deetjens and dinner at the Post Ranch. Whether you go for lunch or dinner, you will not be disappointed.

JennyMary - I like the enthusiasm

To others - To be clear it is DINNER reservations at Post Ranch Inn not staying at Post Ranch Inn

I loved staying at the Ventana and had lunch on a beautiful day on the terrace at Nepanthe. Post Ranch I didn't get to.

We lived in the Monterey Bay area for 20 years -- made a Big Sur drive our monthly "getaway", for either a weekend or just a weekend day. Our Miata loved it! ((H))

Would recommend you stick with oceanfront dining, especially since you'll be moving from California soon:
Dinner - Cielo
Lunch - Post Ranch
Dinner - Nepenthe

BTW, Nepenthe's downstairs cafe serves an excellent breakfast, with the same spectacular views down the Big Sur coastline. Be sure to hit their gift shop/art gallery/bookshop, too.