We are planning on staying at the Post Ranch Inn for two nights in February driving from Los Angeles area and are looking for recommendations on staying somewhere the night prior and any thoughts on the Post Ranch Inn in Big Sur.

I can not imagine anyplace on earth better than the Post Ranch Inn. I love staying there and dining and feeling so quiet and peaceful. Mickey's architecture make each dwelling unique and special, I am still unable to have a favorite, for I love each house for different reasons. That is my idea of heaven on earth! And Sierra Mar dining is exquisite! I'm not sure where I'd stay between, I'm always so eager to arrive and rest! I have to wait a few months to return, enjoy your stay and know how lucky you are to be on that magnificent land!

Post Ranch is a great place, with an unbelievabke view of the Pacific.
BUT - most of the rooms are on the smallish side. And the attitude there, at least the last time I visited, was a bit on the cool side.

Across the street is the Ventana Inn. It is also a very nice place. The rooms are slightly larger, and the attitude is, well, sweeter. The views fromt he Ventana (though they are not ON the Pacific) are great. The restauarant is good, as well.

Have fun.

Oops.
Pls ignore my typos. This is early in the morning for me.

Hi Jack! I'm surprised you found the staff cool, but then I'm always laughing and happy and everyone's Grandmimi. Was there a problem or just one of those days? I'd love to know which unit you stayed in that felt small? I have not stayed at Ventana but love lunch with their patio view! Oh, we did stay in their RV park one Thanksgiving and were delighted to watch all the wild turkeys. Our RV is too long to return tho.

The Post Ranch Inn is simply the best. We have stayed in the Butterfly rooms and found them very comfortable and roomy. The service is extremely attentive, but with a great level of respect for your privacy. There are no "boundry crossers" there! You will absolutely love it. Soaking in the basking pool while enjoying the water and coast views and the sound of the wind in the trees is one of my great travel memories.

I stayed a few days at the Ventana and loved it.

How wonderful that you're going to be staying at the Post Ranch Inn. I think it's the ultimate retreat in this fabulous area of the coast.

Besides all the other awards it's won, I noticed last year Departures magazine compiled a survery of over 50,000 American Express platinum card readers who voted the Post Ranch Inn #2 in the US/Canada in the Country Hotel category, just behind #1, The Inn at Little Washington, but you probably already know that! The weather may be chilly and rainy, but I'd hope the beauty, warmth and excellent food and wines will make up for that.

As for your first night's stop, maybe Santa Barbara? Depending on what you like, I'd check out the The Four Seasons, Bacara Resort & Spa, El Encanto Hotel and the Simpson House B&B.

My choice would be Fess Parker's Wine Country Inn & Spa in tiny Los Olivos in Santa Barbara wine country in the Santa Ynez Valley, which borders Michael Jackson's Neverland Ranch. I think you can check out these SB places at www.santabarbaraca.com.

Have a relaxing trip and please report back to us--I'd love to hear about it!

You are welcome to my photography of the Post Ranch Inn and some of the homes.
http://community.webshots.com/album/69835466odyfTV/0

HI Bodi!! I have not seen the Post Ranch Inn property but we sure enjoyed the Ventana Inn and Spa. We also enjoyed a wonderful lunch on the terrace. I still remember that smooth-as-silk acorn squash soup and the kindness of the server to take our picture together since it was an anniversary lunch. Merry Christmas to all on the CA board!! ***kim***