[2023 PICKS] The Best Boutique Hotels in Big Sur, California

The best boutique hotels in Big Sur place you in some of the most idyllic locations in California.

Big Sur, located on California’s central coast, is a breathtaking destination that offers visitors an escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. With its rugged coastline, towering cliffs, and pristine beaches, Big Sur is a nature lover’s paradise. The region is known for its stunning scenic drives, including the famous Pacific Coast Highway, which offers breathtaking views of the ocean and rugged terrain. Visitors can hike through lush forests, watch whales in the Pacific, and explore hidden beaches and coves.

We hand-picked top-rated boutique hotels in Big Sur to consider for your next getaway!

 

The 10 Best Big Sur Boutique Hotels

 

1. Big Sur River Inn

7.7 Average Rating
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Big Sur River Inn is a boutique hotel located in California, adjacent to the Big Sur River. It features an on-site restaurant and bar, as well as a seasonal outdoor swimming pool and on-site shopping opportunities. Free Wi-Fi is available in all rooms.

Each room at Big Sur River Inn includes a private entrance, free toiletries, and an en suite bathroom. The rooms provide wood accents, white linens, and artwork inspired by nature.

Pfeiffer Day Use Beach is 10 minute drive away, and Andrew Molera State Park, which offers hiking trails through the Redwoods, is 4.8 km away.

Big Sur River Inn Restaurant offers American fare 8:00 a.m.- 9:00 p.m., 7 days a week. Guests can enjoy a drink at the bar or a full meal.

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2. Alila Ventana Big Sur Adult Only

9.5 Average Rating
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Ventana Inn & Spa is an adults-only resort located on 160 secluded acres, situated on a hillside overlooking Big Sur’s beautiful Pacific coastline. It is equipped with two heated pools and a Japanese hot bath, as well as complimentary WiFi throughout the property.

The spacious guest rooms are designed to take full advantage of the stunning views, with window seats, private balconies or patios, binoculars, umbrellas, lanterns, and walking sticks. Each room features a flat-screen TV with a DVD player and sound system, a coffee machine, a minibar, and an en suite bathroom with a walk-in shower and soaking tub. Some units even come with a hot tub on the decks or fireplaces.

The on-site restaurant, The Sur House, serves up delicious meals, while The Sur House Terrace and Bar serves up cocktails with ocean views. Guests can also take advantage of the complimentary yoga classes, guided property tours, afternoon wine tasting, and the Glass House Gallery, an art gallery of California Central Coast artists.

The Ventana Inn & Spa bathhouse facility features Japanese-inspired baths. There is also a fitness center for guests who wish to stay in shape.

The resort is conveniently located near attractions such as Andrew Molera State Park and Pfeiffer Beach. Visitors can also participate in activities such as hiking, whale watching and horseback riding in the area.

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3. Big Sur Lodge

7.7 Average Rating
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Big Sur Lodge is situated in Big Sur, California, and is within easy reach of a variety of attractions. The lodge offers a seasonal outdoor swimming pool, a restaurant, a bar, and private bathrooms with showers. Guests can enjoy a daily à la carte, American or vegetarian breakfast. Point Lobos State Reserve and the Presidio of Monterey Museum are both within 38 km of the lodge, while Carmel Mission and Pebble Beach are both within 43-48 km away. The nearest airport is Monterey Regional Airport, 54 km away.

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4. Fernwood Resort

7.8 Average Rating
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Fernwood Resort is located in Big Sur and provides rustic accommodations to its guests. The motel offers a sun terrace and mountain views, and guests can either enjoy a meal at the restaurant or a drink at the bar. Free private parking is also provided on-site.

The rooms are rustic and often boast forest views. However, they do not have phones, televisions, or mini-fridges.

The boutique hotel offers a variety of amenities to its guests, including a cash machine, a shared lounge, a gift shop, and shops. Table tennis is also available on the property’s back deck.

The bar and grill provide a family-friendly atmosphere with a full American menu. On the weekends, live music is available to enjoy.

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5. Carmel Valley Lodge

8.7 Average Rating
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Carmel Valley Lodge offers guests a tranquil stay surrounded by large flower gardens. From May to October, guests can enjoy a seasonal outdoor pool. The lodge is just 15 minutes away from the charming town of Carmel-by-the-Sea and offers great views of the Santa Lucia Mountains.

All of the warmly decorated rooms have private patios and high ceilings. They come equipped with cable TV, a fireplace, and a modern bathroom with either a bathtub or shower. A continental breakfast is served each morning and includes local pastries, yogurt, fruit, hard-boiled eggs, and coffee and tea.

Carmel Valley Village is a short walk away and offers 28 wine-tasting rooms, shops, and one-of-a-kind restaurants. The nearby Garland Regional Park offers beautiful walking trails. Big Sur is a 1-hour drive away, providing guests with spectacular coastal views.

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6. Hidden Valley Inn

8.6 Average Rating
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Nestled among the Santa Lucia Mountains, Hidden Valley Inn is just a 5-minute walk away from Carmel Valley Village. Here, guests can explore many wine-tasting rooms, boutique shops, and fine restaurants offering al fresco-style dining. Free guest parking is provided on-site.

The guest rooms offer cable TV, complimentary WiFi, and a private bathroom with a hairdryer and organic bath products. All rooms will have either a pool, garden, or mountain view, and most offer private outdoor patio space with tables and seating.

The Inn also offers a spacious communal courtyard surrounding an outdoor swimming pool with lawn and seating.

Vineyards, golf courses, and scenic trails are all nearby. Guests can visit the nearby Garland Ranch Regional Park, featuring miles of varied hiking trails as well as access to the beautiful Carmel River. Carmel-By-The-Sea, downtown Monterey and WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca are all a short drive away. The Big Sur coast is one hour drive south and is a breathtaking experience.

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7. Little European Lodge

8.4 Average Rating
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Little European Lodge is located in Carmel Valley, 23 km from Point Lobos State Reserve. It is 20 km from Carmel Mission, 26 km from Del Monte Golf Course, and 26 km from Naval Postgraduate School. The property is non-smoking and is situated 28 km from the Presidio of Monterey Museum.

The inn offers guests rooms with a wardrobe, a patio with a mountain view, a private bathroom, a flat-screen TV, bed linen, and towels. Some rooms also feature a kitchenette with an oven and a stovetop, as well as a coffee machine and a fridge.

The nearest airport is Monterey Regional Airport, 20 km from Little European Lodge. Monterey Museum of Art is 27 km away and Monterey Pines Golf Club is 27 km away.

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8. Contenta Inn

7.8 Average Rating
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Contenta Inn is located in Carmel Valley, just 20 km from Monterey. It offers free WiFi, a hot tub, and a heated outdoor pool. Free private parking is available on-site.

The inn features comfortable rooms, each with a TV and a private bathroom with a bath or shower.

Additional amenities include a shared lounge.

The inn is close to several attractions, including Carmel (19 km), Big Sur (24 km), and Monterey (20 km).

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9. The Camp at Carmel Valley

7.2 Average Rating
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The Camp at Carmel Valley is located in Carmel Valley and offers stunning mountain views. This rustic campground features cabins with a bathhouse, a garden, a tennis court, and a terrace nearby. Guests can enjoy archery and tie-dye on select weekends. Breakfast and other activities are included in the rate.

The Camp at Carmel Valley is conveniently located with Monterey being 34 km away and Carmel 28 km away. The nearest airport is Monterey Peninsula Airport, located 21 km from the accommodation.

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