Dee

My fiance and I are planning a trip to Big Sur, California in May. Any suggestions on places to stay either there or near Monterey? Thanks for your help!

Tricia

My husband and I got married in Carmel at a beautil resort overlooking the ocean. We then went to Pacific Grove to see the butterflies, Monterey and Big Sur. Your best bet would be to join the AAA Club of auto club and get their tour books for free. They also will do a "route" for you with the best places to stay and you can get AAA discounts at the AAA rated hotels. Here are some listed in their books. Big Sur Lodge, some w/fireplace 4/8/667-3100, Post Ranch Inn, Some "tree houses" and oceanhouses (yikes, this one is expensive-forget it) $400+, . The other one is $4-800 so you might want to drive thru Big Sur and stay in Monterey. Be sure to see the wharf and the aquarium. Try the EXCITE search engine and type in "travel to Monterey" and see what comes up.

Barbara Barrieau

When you go to monterey, eat at the fishwifes resturant. It is the best in the county. There is one in Montery,close to the beach, and a less formal one , more hip and layed back ,in Pacific grove. I live 4 hours from monterey, and we always ask locals where to eat and they all say the fishwife. One of my husband favorite hotels is The Mariposa, Its quite and they serve breakfast. It runs around 60.00 a nite. Ask for room 101 its big and has a fireplace. You'll like it. Enjoy......

gary

My wife and I stayed in one of the cheapest motel units at Big Sur Lodge, which were not fancy but extremely clean. Eat at Nepenthe: beautiful view, good menu, casual, not pricey. If you don't stay at Deetjen's Big Sur Lodge, at least stop and look. Owned by a non-profit historical society, it's a bit off-the-wall, very unique. They'll tell you which rooms are unrented so you can look at them; there are no locks to lock doors from the outside. Nicely decorated. Dinner reservations recommended, atmospheric dining room, good menu. Big Sur is an awesome place on our list of most spectacular places.

Andrea

My family and I have been to Big Sir many times. Although we always camp at the State Park there is a lodge there which seems to be nice and very quiet. If you go into the state park for a day trip you will find a great hike up through the canyon. There are great rock pools through there with great swimming holes and a small waterfall at the end.

Sandi

Big Sur is an incredible place. I live an hour north and go as often in the spring as I can. You might try calling the Lucia Lodge on the south end. The lodge has a number of cabins perched on the cliffs with stunning views. 408-667-2391.
Or you can try Big Sure Reservations at 408-667-2929 or on the internet www.bigsurreservations.com and www.bigsurlodge.com
If you want luxury try the Post Ranch Inn 667-2200 or Ventana 800-628-6500
As another writer says - go to Nepenthe, it is an experience!
Some stunning sights: North to South - Carmel, Point Lobos State Reserve, Molera State Park, Bixby Creek Bridge, Point Sur Light Station and Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park (a waterfall onto the beach).
If you want to know more please write to me.

Jennifer

I used to live in Big Sur w/ my grandparents when they ran the Big Sur Lodge. It's so gorgeous and you'll notice a distinct smell about the area....smells like Christmas. Check out Pfieffer Beach and the hiking trails are incredible. Definitely check out Buzzards Roost. When you get to the top you will not believe your eyes. It's one helluva hike.....you'll never forget such a place. You may also run into a celebrity.....

Kat

Great choice -- Big Sur is gorgeous, very special indeed. I go often and stay at Ventana Inn which is
pricey yet worth every penny. Why? Here are just a few reasons:

-- Outdoor Japanese baths: Huge and deep enough to
soak up to one's neck and shoulders; soak under the stars late at night

-- Two outdoor heated swimming pools

-- Hiking: take the trail up Ventana ridge through the redwoods, up through the Bay Laurel, up past the forest into chapparal; spectacular views

-- Sumptuous breakfast buffet: help yourself or have it delivered to your room

-- hike the short trail to the restaurant to share glasses of wine at sunset, followed by dinner

In the area there's great hiking at state and national parks.

Ventana Inn is on Hwy. 1 in Big Sur; 800 628 6500.

kam

Nepenthe for dining and Ventana for a hotel, however, I think Big Sur is too quiet to spend too much time in. There are just as lovely places in the Santa Cruz Mountain and Carmel and Monterey are much more fun. Do see the 17 mile drive through Pebble Beach and do some wine tasting in the Carmel Valley as well as see the Mission. It's a great part of California, but Big Sur is only one part of the whole.

the joker

Just because Nepenthe was designed by Frank Loyd Wright, doesn't give them the right to charge $$$ for their hamburgers. Save your money and eat in Carmel.