Big Sur River Inn

Our recent California Coast Road Trip first centered around Big Sur which we had always wanted to visit, but also included Santa Barbara, Morro Bay and Carmel. We mistakenly thought that Highway #1 had reopened recently but found out the hard way that it is still closed so we back tracked a little to take the long way around back to #101 and up thru Monterey and then down #1 to Big Sur (with any luck the road repairs should be completed soon). The marine fog in Monterey & Carmel cooled the air and we wondered what the weather would be at our hotel? As we drove along it magically started to clear and by the time we arrived at The River's Inn it was bright and sunny to our great surprise, as we learned that is the norm as the mountain ridge generally blocks the incoming coastal fog. Our upstairs room in this rustic building with it's rocking adirondack love seat on the balcony looking directly out at the Big Sur River made for a most welcoming touch as we settled in. Our room, bed and bath were most comfortable with extra warm seating blankets if needed. Just to look out at the giant shade trees lining the gently flowing river's edge was like a looking at a beautiful painting that you can't imagine until you see it. We used the hotel as a hub for our daily adventures of hiking to Pfeiffer and McWay Falls, and stopping at some of the local shops and art galleries. In our outings we looked for a likely dinner restaurant and luckily decided to dine right at the hotel's own restaurant for which we enjoyed one of the best Harris Ranch ribeye steaks that we've ever had, which included a small hotel discount. In the early morning and late afternoon we went down to sit in the wooden chairs as the river flowed around us, a peace and serenity that you can seldom find anywhere. We will always look back on this very special place with the most fond memories, and make a strong recommendation to experience it for yourselves. C & C, Huntington Beach

Grab a burrito next door (Big Sur River in General Store) at the grocery store for faster service, less expensive and sit by the River in back to enjoy. $80.00 for two ahi salads with tip. Wifi is pay extra at check in (restaurant)… Some of us work mobile and need to be connected while taking a day off. Party of 12 on same check… I was treated rudely when having to asking twice for lemon with my water (not everyone drinks soda or alcohol and we like water) and I didn’t want to leave a tip but no choice.

Thank you for sharing your experience at the Big Sur River Inn General Store! Let’s break it down: Food Pricing: Food is expensive and already cooked. Smoothie Quality: It’s great that the smoothie was fresh, cold, and tasty. Novelty Items: The store selling novelty items like key chains, t-shirts and sweatshirts adds to the charm. Wine Collection: An extensive wine collection is a plus for wine enthusiasts. Friendly Atmosphere: Unfortunately, it seems the friendliness factor fell short in the store. I asked for directions in the manager's office and he was glad to draw an accurate map. He was friendly. I'd look elsewhere for a bite to eat.

Visitors from UK Travelling PCH, we booked the River Inn to enable us to walk the abundant hiking trails, lots of walks close to the hotel. Beds were comfy with a bit of traffic noise inside the room. Breakfast not open until 9am so we ventured along the road and other lovely choices are available. We visited in February and didn't see any chairs in the river maybe the water a tad too cold for softies from this area.

This is a beautiful place to stay and is perfectly located to explore Big Sur. We were really grateful that they let us check in early and we could park right outside our room. The cabins are comfortable, although the shower was a bit rubbish. Our only major frustration was that the bar / restaurant shut at 8:30pm and is quite expensive. After a day of hiking we were looking forward to a few drinks and a late dinner. It's a shame there was nowhere to do that on site, as everywhere else was a driving distance away.

The atmosphere was quaint and homey with wood fireplaces warming up the chilly May morning. The food and service were excellent. We recommend that you have a restaurant staff member escort you to your car, as the Inn accused us of stealing their pillow. ***? We were NEVER in the Inn that is attached to the same grounds as the restaurant. The Hispanic hotel staff came up to our car to make this accusation, but when we tried to tell them that they were mistaken, suddenly the staff could not speak nor understand English. Even after explaining this to the staff member, she left and then returned with another staff member to make the same accusation and surprise of surprises, the second staff member also suffered from sudden English language loss. So if you want an excellent meal ruined by an arrogant Inn staff member, don't have a restaurant staff member escort you to your vehicle. If the Inn is so hard up that they accuse restaurant patrons of pillow theft, then I feel sorry for them. Especially as their daily room rate is well above the average for rooms in the area.