My husband and I frequently spend our anniversary in Carmel at the Highlands Inn or Tickle Pink. We always visit Big Sur and vow to stay at Ventana or PRI each year. We have been to both properties for lunch and find them both very appealing with different flavors. Anyone out there been to both? Recommend one over the other? Any recommendations are appreciated. Thanks.

I would choose Post Ranch Inn. Google it, you will love it. In the same area as Ventana, I believe.

I have been to both. I felt they were very different - Ventana was luxurious but not over the top. Also the rooms vary - the ones in the building over the reception are not as spacious (or as private feeling) as the ones in the outer part of the property (which are also slightly more expensive).

PRI is very, very high end. Frette quality linens, hand polished maghony desks and headboards, in 1995(?) the first time I had ever seen an all slate bathroom, etc. Movie stars stay there, the super wealthy, it is very private and there is no access to the property unless you are a guest.

If money is no object, the PRI is probably the way to go for a special anniversary. Let us know after you go what you thought!

thanks mykidsherpa - when we had lunch there we also had a tour of the rooms. Ventana in 2003 and PRI last year. I think if staying at Ventana I would need to request a premium room and at PRI the treehouse we toured would be perfect. Comparing rates - they actually came up close, so I think PRI it is. I will post a trip report on my return

The Post Ranch Inn is my favorite hotel on earth. I've only stayed in the Butterfly Rooms too (which are the least expensive). You will love it there!