Big Sur River Inn

Big Sur, 46800 Highway One 36.270718,-121.808479(Show on Map)

7.4

Good

+5 Photos

+ 3 Photos3

Checkin - Checkout datesSat, 01 Aug - Sun, 02 Aug01 Aug - 02 Aug

Info

The Big Sur River Inn, a historic vacation destination for generations, stands amid towering redwoods along the scenic Big Sur River. Established 88 years ago as the region's first hotel and restaurant, it continues to be a popular gathering place for locals and visitors alike, hosting family vacations, weddings and tranquil getaways. Featured in the LA Times, the Inn offers comfortable accommodations, including sparkling clean Riverside Suites and Motel Style Rooms. Riverside Suites boast private bedrooms with king-size beds, televisions, coffee makers and trundle-style beds in the living rooms, while Motel Style Rooms feature one or two queen-size beds and televisions. All rooms are non-smoking and pets are not allowed. Guests can unwind on the sun-dappled deck by the outdoor pool or dine in the historic dining room overlooking the river. Embodying romance, history and 1930s nostalgia, the Inn provides an idyllic setting for reconnecting with life's simple pleasures.

Summary of reviews

The Big Sur River Inn is a charming and picturesque hotel located conveniently on Highway 1, making it easy for guests to access nearby hiking spots and attractions. The river location is a highlight, providing guests with a zen-like setting to relax and unwind. The on-site restaurant is renowned for its delicious food, attentive staff and breathtaking views, although some guests found the menu to be expensive. The rooms are generally spacious and comfortable, although some guests found them to be a bit expensive for what they received. The hotel is clean and well-maintained with most guests finding it to be a quaint and cozy place to stay. The staff is exceptional with many guests commenting on their friendliness and helpfulness. The beds are comfortable with luxurious linens, providing guests with a restful night's sleep. Overall, the Big Sur River Inn offers an authentic and wonderful experience for travelers looking to explore the beauty of Big Sur.

Categories

Historic

Pool

Outdoor Pool

Free Wi-Fi

Outdoor Pool

Room Types

Queen RoomThis Roadside Room features a private patio with a view of the Pfeiffer Ridge. The patio also includes a table and chairs. There is a private bathroom with free toiletries and a shower. Maximum occupancy: 2 adults.

Queen Room with Two Queen BedsThis room features a private patio with a view of the Pfeiffer Ridge. The patio also includes a table and chairs. There is a private bathroom with free toiletries and a shower. Maximum occupancy: 5 persons.

Suite with River ViewThis suite features a private deck with a view of the Big Sur River. The deck also includes a table and chairs. The living room includes a sofa bed. There is a private bathroom with free toiletries, a tub, and a shower. Maximum occupancy: 5 persons.

Deluxe Suite ADAThis suite features a private deck with a view of the Big Sur River. The deck also includes a table and chairs. The living room includes two fold out chairs, that turn into single beds. There is a private bathroom with free toiletries and a walk-in shower for handicap accessibility. Maximum occupancy: 4 persons.

Deluxe Family RoomThe unit has 3 beds.

About Big Sur River Inn

The Big Sur River Inn, a cherished vacation destination for generations, has a rich history spanning 88 years. Set amid towering redwoods along the scenic Big Sur River, it was the region's first hotel and restaurant and continues to serve as a popular gathering spot for both locals and visitors. Notable for being featured in the LA Times, the Inn has long been a site for family vacations, weddings and tranquil getaways in Big Sur. Offering comfortable accommodations in the heart of Big Sur, guests can choose from sparkling clean Riverside Suites or Motel Style Rooms. Riverside Suites overlook the expansive lawn and redwood-lined Big Sur River, featuring private bedrooms with king-size beds, televisions, coffee makers and trundle-style beds in the living rooms. Motel Style Rooms, located along historic Highway One across from the main lodge, are furnished with one or two queen-size beds and televisions. All rooms are non-smoking and pets are not allowed. The Inn's restaurant serves breakfast, lunch and dinner, with meals not included in the room rate. Guests can unwind at the Big Sur River Inn by lounging on the sun-dappled deck beside the outdoor pool or enjoying a meal in the historic dining room overlooking the river. The Inn is steeped in romance, history and 1930s nostalgia, providing an idyllic setting for reconnecting with life's simple pleasures. In addition to its charming accommodations, the Inn offers an ADA-accessible Riverside Suite, featuring a large bathroom with a roll-in shower, grab bars and a roll-under sink, as well as ample turning radius and a sound fire/smoke alarm. This room is accessible from the ADA-designated parking space via an accessible path of travel.

Guest Reviews

7.4

Good

Review Summaries

Location

Nestled in a picturesque and quaint location alongside a lovely creek, Big Sur River Inn boasts an amazing setting for travelers looking to explore the beauty of Big Sur. The hotel is conveniently located on Highway 1, making it easy to access nearby hiking spots and attractions within a short driving distance. The location ambience offered by the property is loved by many guests, who appreciate the convenience and the proximity to great food and restaurant. The river location is a highlight, providing guests with a zen-like setting to relax and unwind. Visitors can choose from Big Sur cabin-style rooms that are located right next to the river, making it an ideal location for those who appreciate the soothing sounds of water. Overall, the location of Big Sur River Inn is perfect for day trips north and south and guests can rest assured that an authentic and wonderful experience awaits them.

Dinner

The Big Sur River Inn is renowned for its restaurant, which many guests thoroughly enjoyed during their stay. The on-site restaurant was a highlight for many with delicious food, attentive staff and breathtaking views. While some guests found the menu to be expensive, they agreed that the food was always delicious. The outside dining area was takeaway-only, but the overall experience was still enjoyable. However, a few guests were disappointed with the quality of their meals with some dishes being undercooked and lacking in flavor. Despite some unsatisfied guests, the majority enjoyed the restaurant and its wide selection of food and drinks.

Rooms

The Big Sur River Inn offers a variety of quaint and comfortable cabins at a nice location, but some guests found their room rates to be a bit expensive for what they received. The rooms were generally spacious with comfortable beds and good pillows, but some lacked mini fridges and other amenities. While some cabins were equipped with effective heaters, others had uncomfortable chair beds or faced road noise all night. Although some rooms were newer or newly refurbished, others were old and dilapidated with a musky smell or no hot water. Nevertheless, some guests found their rustic rooms to be cozy, clean and well-maintained with lovely wooden floors and a seaside cabin vibe. Overall, the quality of the rooms at the Big Sur River Inn varied, but many guests enjoyed a comfortable stay in a charming setting.

Beds

The Big Sur River Inn offers guests comfortable cabins with spacious rooms and an array of bedding options including king size beds and Murphy beds. Guests rave about the comfortable beds and luxurious linens, as well as the super comfy pillows. However, some note that the walls may be a bit thin. Overall, visitors can expect a restful night's sleep at the Big Sur River Inn with the exception of a few rare cases where uncomfortable beds were reported.

Cleanliness

The Big Sur River Inn is a clean and well-maintained motel with a beautiful location that offers comfortable rooms. Most guests found the place to be clean and cozy with fresh and well-kept rooms. However, a few guests experienced issues with housekeeping and had to deal with unclean bathrooms, wet floors and inadequate supplies. Despite some minor drawbacks, many guests commented on the hotel's friendly staff and charming atmosphere. Although some found the hotel overpriced, most found it to be a quaint and clean place to stay during their trip in Big Sur.

Staff

The staff at Big Sur River Inn were an important highlight of the guests' stay. Many reviewers commented on the friendliness and helpfulness of the staff, both at the hotel and at the restaurant. Some guests were impressed by the flexibility of the staff, who allowed them to move tables to be closer to outdoor heaters. However, a few guests noted that their experience with the staff was not as positive with some mentioning that certain staff members lacked friendliness or engagement. Overall, the staff at Big Sur River Inn received mostly positive feedback from guests with many describing them as exceptional, awesome and excellent.

FAQ

Yes, Big Sur River Inn has pool(s) that belong to one or more of the following categories: Outdoor Pool.

No, a spa isn't available at Big Sur River Inn.

No, Big Sur River Inn doesn't allow dogs.

No, parking facilities aren't available at Big Sur River Inn.

No, Big Sur River Inn doesn't have a gym.

Location

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