Husband's 50th bday trip early Oct. Which place is the best?

Quail Lodge is reviewed in ZAGAT as "Golfers paradise, beautiful all over, $25 million dollar renovation". We have not stayed here, but I know this is a TOP resort. We stayed at the Carmel Valley Ranch (also with golf course) and it was very nice, but a little too spread out. Loved the Carmel valley area. Not finding anything for Bernardus Lodge
in ZAGAT.

I don't think there is any comparison. Bernardus has it all over Quail, imho. It is really gorgeous. No golf, though, so that makes Quail appealing for a certain type of vacation. But for a thoroughly luxurious, yet casual and friendly and pleasant experience, Bernardus is it. The place is beautiful....very, very california. Wonderful spa. World class restaurant. Small. Intimate. Not weird in any way....which I think some spa-types can be.

I would agree--I have just walked thru them both--but I think Bernadus wins

Thanks for the responses.
I read the restaurant at Bernardus required men to wear a jacket, we're looking for a rather informal trip up the coast. Still think Bernardus is better than Quail?

Interesting ..... I have enjoyed stays at both and feel they are very different. Quail is a very green lush flat golf setting with a pleasant pond, trees and paved paths. A wonderful quiet peaceful place for golf or relaxation, romance, meditation, healing. Both Quail dining rooms during my stays have been delightful. Edgar's is too noisy for my liking but the patio solves that. The rooms are wonderful, modern, comfy and well appointed. The Bathrooms are a pleasure, heated floor, soaking tub copper sink. My favorite at the Quail is by the pond. Leaving the moist green of the Quail behind, Bernardus is inland beyond the marine layer of cooler and fog. It is a country hillside setting with dry arid Mediterranean atmosphere. Very beautiful in the opposite of Quail, built in the steep hillsides lanscaped with fragrant lavender, sage and vineyards plus a lovely rose wedding garden. Hotter and drier location and equally beautiful. The room I enjoyed was a very traditional decor, well air conditioned (Thankfully!) extremely comfortable and a lovely patio off the French doors overlooking the landscaped hill sloping down to the bocci court. The Bath was fabulous, a Huge Soaking Tub! The lunch services was so slow I wondered if I'd be feed, so from then on I had room service. Also Checkin was dreadful, I was given a glass of wine and left to wait and wait and wait in the heat, finally I had to insist I be taken to a room. They have golf cart to transport guests and luggage up the hill and cars parked in one area near the road. I greatly appreciate no cars allowed in the guest lodging area! You are welcome to my Webshots Albums of Quail and Bernardus to help you decide, Just type in mrskbg in webshot's search. Hope this has been of some help to know how they differ. Again, I love staying at both for opposite experences.

Bodi, that's so well said! A great description of both places, and one that I will save. thanks.

PT - first, you've picked the best month to come...our weather is perfect in October. Do you want to be ON the golf course? If so, Quail is where you should be. We love Bernardus and have dined at Marinus, their top restaurant, quite a few times...it's amazing. However, if he's a golfer and wants to be on the course, stay at Quail. They've done a wonderful job of remodeling it. You won't be sorry. Make sure you book a table at Marinus, too.

Excellent Point TravelTess, They are sister properties so one will make reservations to the other and it is a beautiful Short drive between. Enjoy them Both!