Carmel Valley Ranch -- Has anyone stayed here?
 

Looking at Carmel Valley Ranch for accommodations and a base for traveling to Carmel/Monterey/Big Sur. Has anyone stayed here and what are accommodations like? Heard the lobby was renovated but what about the rooms? Veranda Suite vs. Ranch Suite for 2 parents and 2 tall teens.

Just so that you are aware, Carmel Valley Ranch is a little over 6 miles up the valley from Highway 1, if that makes a difference in using it as a base for Big Sur, for example.

I have not stayed there. AAA gives it 4 diamonds.

Thanks for the reply and yes, I know where it is. Has anyone stayed there?

I would look into the tripadvisor reviews. I had dinner at there new restaurant Citronelle. Its not nearly as good as Marinus at the Bernardus Lodge.

Will

TTess has posted several times about this resort and dining experience. Take a look - or wait for her to post!

TTess is very biased towards this place as she lives in Carmel. I love CVR but its not better than Bernardus as she has stated before.

Will

Will, I have not stated that Citronelle is better than Bernardus. Get your facts straight, please! [-X

Carmel Valley Ranch is beautiful. The suites are amazing. You won't go wrong.

We're dining at Citronelle, tonight, having only been there twice before for parties, we're looking forward to it. The other restaurant, the club, is the one I said was better than Marinus. Biased? Why would I be? I don't have a financial interest in any restaurant. Yes, I live in Carmel, so sorry but that means I dine here more often than GSTRDR (Will), from NY.

Hey Will, if you move out here, you're going to have to mellow and temper the NYer in you. Sheesh, I thought you were a nice guy. Guess you were having a bad day?

Peace out b(

Sorry Ttess for making a mistake. I think you can tell by other posts that i am a nice guy and no i wasn't having a bad day.

Will

Thanks everyone. Hey TTess, do you have an opinion between the suite types at Carmel Valley Ranch(Ranch Suite vs. Veranda Suite (a bit larger)? Or the Veranda Spa suites? Also, can't find too much info about Carmel Valley itself on line and was wondering if there is a little town for groceries or restaurants besides the ones at the resorts. If you could tell me a bit about Carmel Valley I would appreciate it. Bernardus sounds great but traveling with teens and this may be a better fit this time around. Thanks moo

We were really disappointed with our stay there. We are locals, so factoring in the inconvenience of the location to sightseeing, unless you are a really huge golfer, I don't see any reason to stay here.

The fitness center was a joke! You had to drive to it and it wasn't worth putting on your sneakers for. The management was terrible.

The upside was the large tub in the room, not sure how to factor that in on a family trip. We heard traffic coming up the valley all night and all day. The golf course was all torn up so we just saw acres of dirt and tractors.

We hated it so much that even though we had a free night certificate we didn;t want to bother driving there to use it!

Hopefully things have improved- we were there exactly one year ago.

Leavingsoon,
Since you your a local can you tell me which do you prefer, Carmel Valley Ranch or Bernardus Lodge?

Will

Carmel Valley is a semi-rural area in that while it is also residential, there is only one main road and along that road there are a few small office malls and stores and restaurants. So, yes, you can eat. And yes, you can buy Hostess Cupcakes. But the real supermarket is at the border of Carmel and Carmel Valley.

I have been to CVR recently just to see it. I have stayed at Bernardus. I think it is too subjective. Bernardus is a smaller more elegant (in a California way) property. CVR is sprawling and golfie and not as warm. But that is purely subjective. I am sure there are reviews here and elsewhere. Bernardus is really, really appealing.

Moo, you're most welcome. I can't recommend a specific suite over another. If I were you, I'd call to inquire about which would fit best for your family.

There's a good-size Safeway just a minute away from the ranch. You can see it on your right just before you turn onto Robinson Canyon Road. There's also a bakery, a coffee shop, a deli, florist at that same shopping center.

There are restaurants all over the valley. One our local families enjoy for casual dinners is Baja Cantina. It's next door to Quail Lodge. It's fun to dine out on their deck, enjoy live music etc. Carmel Valley Lodge is located in mid-valley so it's easy to get most anywhere. Further out to the CV village, you'll find many restaurants such as www.volcano-grill.com. The owner is very well known in our area and you'll enjoy the food and atmosphere. Wills Fargo is supposed to be really good, too.

As far as leavinsoon's experiences were expressed, I feel badly for them but have to say that they paid for what they got...cheap rooms while the ranch was being renovated. The golf course has been completed for over a year, now. It was redone, hence, being touted as a golfer's dream. There are two pools, one above, one below and new workout areas. Getting information from real locals helps. Not sure where they live but it is obvious to me that it's not the peninsula.

If the space and price are right, I'd choose the Ranch. If you find accommodations at Bernardus that are comparable in size and the price is right, I'd choose Bernardus because I think it's nicer even though the restaurants are not nearly as good.

Make sure you take the kids on a hike through Pt. Lobos, it's amazing.

There is no comparison, Will. Bernardus for a full resort experience.

Carmel Ranch is appropriate for a group together with small children, if and when the pool re-opens, but Bernardus is for adult visitors. Also if that is your price range, think about Highlands Inn (if it is still public) and the resorts in Pebble Beach.

Leavingsoon - you're a local, eh? There are two pools at CV Ranch. One was closed during the remodel but there are two open, now. #o

I don't live at the resort!

Nor are you a local, as you stated, since you evidently live in San Francisco. Outdated and incorrect information does not help those seeking advice.

Highlands Inn, by the way, is of course, open to the public. It too, would be a nice place for families to stay. There are two-story suites with pullout sofas on one level and a bedroom above. In addition, there are kitchenettes and two bathrooms. Beautiful ocean views, wood-burning fireplaces, a jacuzzi, balcony - a dreamy spot.

There are also cottages in downtown Carmel, that would be very nice. Almost every inn has family suites. I love the little cottages at the Green Lantern and Colonial Terrace. The La Playa has cottages but they'r expensive. Fireplace Inn has some that may be a reasonable price.