Ok, I realize that Post Ranch is way too expensive for us, so Ventana it'll be (almost as expensive as PR, but not quite). I looked at Ventana's website, and I find that I'm quite confused abt the variety of accommodations. I'm wondering, e.g., whether the suites are significantly better than the rooms. From the descriptions, it seems to me that we'd be happy campers in one of the plain old rooms. But there are so many different choices there also. I think that even tho we'll be going in June, it'd be nice to have a fireplace. But which view? etc. (I also wonderf how much Ventana honors specific room requests.) Thanks for any insight/advice.

I don't know about Ventana specifically, but I wanted to address your comment about getting a room with a fireplace "even though" you are going in June. You are likely to have morning and evening fog in Big Sur that time of year, so a fireplace will be perfect for warding off the chilly dampness

Poss, I've stayed at both places. Is there ANY way I can twist your arm and persuade you to spend a little more for PR? I really think it's worth it.

However, if you do go to Ventana, the rooms are nice enough; no need for a suite.

Thanks for replies.
LilRicky: Are the rooms themselves that much better at Post Ranch-- or are the exorbitant rates at PR all about the seclusion and the views (which of course could be fog shrouded anyway?) $1000-1200 for a room for a night seems bizarre to me (but so does $800, and I seem to be thinking abt coughing up that).

You do get a replenished snack/mini-bar at PR; I don't think they have that at Ventana.

The rooms are just as nice, in my opinion, although PR is newer (Ventana just a bit shabbier).

You're right, if there is fog, it won't make that much of a difference! But I loved the solitude at PR - - - walking from my "mountain view" room through woods and meadows to a variety of locations there.

Full disclosure: I've taken many trips to the Big Sur area. When I stayed at Ventana, there was smoke from fires, along with dense fog. We couldn't see the ocean. When I stayed at PR, the weather was spectacular and clear.

Nevertheless, I felt that the PR experience was just better all-around. It depends on how many nights you're staying: from one to three nights, I'd go with PR. So it's several hundred dollars more. I think it's worth it. (Of course, when you spend that kind of money, there will undoubtedly be something that disappoints or doesn't live up to expectations. . . .)

I was quite pleased with the Ventana. We stayed in a big size room, with a fireplace, hot tub on the deck, huge bathroom, etc. (Don't remember the distinctions in the rooms.) Very quiet and peaceful. I like how the place sprwals over the side of the hill. Friendly staff, great restaurant. Nice spa.
Post Ranch, in my opinion, is a little full of itself. I guess if you can afford it, it's worth staying at the Post Ranch if for no other reason than to say "I've stayed at the Post Ranch."