I have reservations at the Highlands Inn but just noticed the rates went way down for the Ventana Inn. Can someone offer comparisons of these properties and how far they are away from each other! Thanks a bunch!!

I would guess that the rates would have to come quite a bit down to make the Ventana Inn be the same price range as Highlands Inn. However, that aside, I can tell you that unless the rooms have been recently renovated (I heard somewhere they recently had), that Highlands Inn is not that great. The rooms were rather tired looking. The grounds and location are beautiful, but rooms a big disappointment. Can't personally comment on the Ventana Inn as I haven't stayed there, but if the prices are pretty close, would definitely choose the Ventana Inn as I've heard great things about that.
As for distance, Highlands Inn is very close to Carmel and Ventana Inn is in Big Sur, normally about a 40 minute drive from one to the other.

Stayed at Ventana in March. It's one of the most beautiful places I could imagine staying. I haven't seen the Highlands Inn, but I did think Big Sur was much, much more beautiful than Carmel. Staying near Carmel, however, will offer you more restaurant choices. But I would go back to Ventana anyday--and will sometime soon!

Just noticed a package for Ventana on luxuryline.com today. Stayed there in early October a few years ago and strongly recommend the jacuzzi-fireplace suite with a view across the fields to the Pacific. Our room was so romantic we had room service every single night! We did hiking up the mountain behind the hotel every morning for great views, and picnics on the beach. The weather was a warm 70s during the day, 60s at night. Ventana is totally secluded, they take you thru woods in a golf cart to your room, the restaurant is reached by another magic hike thru the woods. Have lunch or cocktails at Nepenthe. Highlands Inn is much more Hilton like though in a good location and would be a second choice. Ventana is among the four or five best places in the country for romance, seclusion, luxury, cuisine and impeccable, invisible service.

Luxuryline?? I tried to look up that website and it is for car rental. I would love to see where you found rates for a package stay there! Is that the correct website? Thanks!

Try luxurylink.com

I stayed at the Ventana Inn once, many years ago, and it was absolutely wonderful. If this is an option for you, don't miss it

I stayed at the Highlands several years ago and would agree the views are amazing but the rooms looked a little too 70's. I do think they may have remodeled from what I have heard.. Being so close to Carmel a huge plus. Great restaurants and shopping. Ventana is beautiful but more secluded.