United States California The Best Hotels in Big Sur Big Sur Lodge is our top choice By Julie Tremaine Julie Tremaine Writer Instagram Johns Hopkins University, Emerson College Julie Tremaine is a travel and food writer. She is the Disneyland editor for SFGate.com and the co-author of Life with the Afterlife with Amy Bruni. TripSavvy's editorial guidelines Updated on 06/13/22 Fact checked by Elizabeth Brownfield Fact checked by Elizabeth Brownfield University of Iowa Elizabeth Brownfield is a writer, editor, and researcher with over 15 years of experience writing about travel, food, and the home. She has contributed to such publications as Vogue, Glamour, Food Network, Martha Stewart Living, Domino, Every Day with Rachael Ray, Fitness, Tasting Table, Eater, and TripSavvy. TripSavvy's fact-checking Share Pin Email Our editors independently research, test, and recommend the best products; you can learn more about our review process here. We may receive commissions on purchases made from our chosen links. Hotels in Big Sur tend to fall into two categories. Some have atmospheres that match their locale—a rugged stretch of California’s Central Coast—and are designed to help visitors unplug. Others are luxury properties rich with amenities. Big Sur stretches from San Simeon to Carmel-by-the-Sea, so you might need to drive a little bit to find a hotel that’s perfect for you, but a chance to drive up and down that iconic coastline is part of the reason Big Sur attracts visitors from around the world. Here are the best hotels in and around Big Sur. The Best Hotels in Big Sur in 2023 Best Overall: Big Sur Lodge Best Budget: Best Western Carmel's Town House Lodge Best for Families: Carmel Cottage Inn Best for Adults: Tickle Pink Inn Best Pet-Friendly: Ragged Point Inn and Resort Best Unique Feature: Big Sur River Inn Best Romantic Getaway: The Hideaway in Carmel-by-the-Sea The Best Hotels in Big Sur View All The Best Hotels in Big Sur Our Top Picks Big Sur Lodge Best Western Carmel's Town House Lodge Carmel Cottage Inn Post Ranch Inn Tickle Pink Inn Ragged Point Inn and Resort Big Sur River Inn The Hideaway in Carmel-by-the-Sea See More (5) Final Verdict Compare The Best Hotels in Big Sur Methodology Best Overall : Big Sur Lodge 47225 Highway One Rates: $$ Resort Fee: No See Rates Why We Chose It The rustic setting for this lodge with cottage-style rooms is what Big Sur is all about. Pros Cottages with uncommon architecture Restaurant and lounge on property General store on property Cons Remote setting with a lot of walking No air conditioning in cottages Limited WiFi Call it glamping if you must, but the accommodations at Big Sur Lodge hit the exact right balance between rustic and luxe. The lodge, in Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park, offers both cottage-style rooms and individual cottages with fireplaces and kitchens. Guests love the easy access to local hiking trails, and there is a pool on the property surrounded by redwoods. Use your visit as an opportunity to unplug since the WiFi is limited at this lodge. Notable Amenities Inside a state parkAccess to hiking trailsCottage-style accommodations Best Budget : Best Western Carmel's Town House Lodge San Carlos St & 5th Ave Rates: $$ Resort Fee: No See Rates Why We Chose It This affordable option is well-reviewed as clean and close to the heart of Carmel. Pros Free parking Free breakfast Great location Cons Pool open seasonally Reviews mention small parking spaces Reviews mention rooms in need of refurbishment Best Western Carmel’s Town House Lodge is just a few miles from Big Sur. Guests who have enjoyed their stay there generally say the motel-style accommodation isn’t the fanciest in town, but it’s comfortable and clean for the price. The location, especially, can’t be beat, just a few walkable blocks from the heart of Carmel-by-the-Sea and from the beach. An outdoor pool is heated seasonally, and breakfast is free. Notable Amenities Walkable locationFree breakfastAffordable rates Best for Families : Carmel Cottage Inn San Antonio St & 8th Ave Rates: $$$ Resort Fee: No See Rates Why We Chose It This collection of five beachside cottages can fit just one or two guests, or up to 10, depending on which you choose. Pros Individual cottages Very close to the beach Gorgeous landscaping offers privacy Cons No front desk services like in a hotel No restaurants on property Street parking If you’re looking for a family retreat, you should find it at Carmel Cottage Inn—if you can manage to snag a reservation at the in-demand property. These five cottages sleep from 2-10 people and are outfitted with kitchens and landscaped outdoor space private to each one. From there, it’s less than a block to walk to the beach, just a few minutes in the opposite direction to reach shopping and dining in Carmel, and just a short drive from Big Sur. Notable Amenities Individual cottagesClose to beach : Post Ranch Inn 47900 Highway 1, Big Sur, CA Rates: $$$$ Resort Fee: No See Rates Why We Chose It This gorgeous getaway comes with a high price tag but offers unforgettable experiences. Pros Free breakfast & snacks Free resort activities Spa and art gallery on-site Cons Very expensive accommodations Not all rooms face the water Reviews mention confusing booking process The Post Ranch Inn is the kind of getaway you’ll remember for years to come. Rooms with private balconies—some with hot tubs—overlook the Big Sur coast or the mountains. You also can take in the view from two infinity spas and a heated pool. If guests have time to leave between taking free yoga classes, guided forest meditations, art walks, and nature walks, they can be shuttled to nearby attractions in one of the Ranch's Lexus SUVs. Notable Amenities RestaurantSpa and art gallery on siteThree pools and hot tubs Best for Adults : Tickle Pink Inn 155 Highlands Dr Rates: $$$ Resort Fee: No See Rates Why We Chose It This top-rated hotel for romantic getaways overlooks the Big Sur coast and has lots of perks for an adults-only getaway, like Champagne upon arrival. Pros Rooms and cottages with ocean views Free breakfast Some rooms with hot tubs Cons In-demand property Reviews mention small rooms When there’s a bottle of Champagne chilled and waiting for you when you enter your room, you know you’re going to be in for a good vacation. Tickle Pink Inn, overlooking the Big Sur coast, is top-rated by guests for its romantic ambiance. Rooms have balconies overlooking the ocean, and many have kitchens or hot tubs, depending on which you book. In the evenings, enjoy a complimentary wine and cheese reception with live music. Notable Amenities Champagne on arrivalFree breakfastGreat views Best Pet-Friendly : Ragged Point Inn and Resort TripSavvy's Rating 3.0 19019 Highway 1 Rates: $$ Resort Fee: No See Rates Why We Chose It This pet-friendly hotel with waterfront views offers great amenities for reasonable prices. Pros Two dogs per room are allowed Good value for the area Several restaurants and cafes Cons Spotty cell phone coverage and no WiFi No housekeeping for rooms with unattended pets Reviews mention noisy rooms The oceanfront view rooms at Ragged Point Inn and Resort offer gorgeous vistas from atop a 350-foot cliff, but if that’s not your speed, there also are beautiful mountain view rooms in this San Simeon hotel near Big Sur. A plaza with shopping and dining hosts free concerts on the weekends. Ragged Point allows guests to bring up to two dogs per room for a fee of $50 per night for the first and $25 per night for the second. Per their pet policy, if other guests hear excessive barking, there could be a noise fee. Notable Amenities Coastal viewsPlaza with live musicPet-friendly Best Unique Feature : Big Sur River Inn TripSavvy's Rating 3.0 46800 Highway 1 Rates: $$ Resort Fee: No See Rates Why We Chose It This historic hotel has an iconic restaurant and is known as “the place with the chairs in the river” for its Adirondack chairs on the banks of—and even in—Big Sur River. Pros Popular restaurant with highly reviewed brunch River access Rustic woodland setting Cons No telephones in rooms Crowded restaurant on weekends Spotty cell phone service and WiFi This rustic inn has been hosting guests since 1934 and has become a beloved stop for lodgers and diners, especially for the iconic apple pie still on the menu nearly a century later. Big Sur River Inn has direct access to the Big Sur River, where people enjoy sitting on chairs with their feet in the water and taking in the nature all around. When it’s time to explore the area, a filled picnic basket is available for purchase on-site. The property also includes a small store and gas station. Notable Amenities Popular restaurantRiver accessOutdoor pool Best Romantic Getaway : The Hideaway in Carmel-by-the-Sea TripSavvy's Rating 4.0 Junipero St & 8th Ave Rates: $$ Resort Fee: Yes See Rates Why We Chose It This boutique hotel in the heart of Carmel has a cozy feel and Craftsman-style architecture. Pros Pet-friendly Free breakfast Bicycles for guest use Cons Resort fee Reviews mention noisy rooms Reviews mention small rooms Nothing says romance like breakfast in bed, especially when it’s delivered to your room in the morning in a prepared basket ready to eat. Some rooms in this cozy, Craftsman-style hotel have fireplaces, and there are fire pits outside for chilly evenings. The Hideaway offers a free wine and cheese reception every evening and bicycles for guest use along with local maps and helmets. Notable Amenities Pet-friendlyFree breakfastFire pits Final Verdict If staying connected is important on your visit, the one thing you need to check before you choose a Big Sur hotel is the quality of the WiFi and cellular service. Many hotels in the area, even pricier ones, have connectivity issues. However, if you’re on your phone the whole time, you might miss out on the spirit of the place, which encourages connection with nature and with each other. To truly get the Big Sur experience, choose Big Sur Lodge, located inside Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park. Soak in the woodland setting standing underneath massive redwood trees, hike the nearby trails, and spend time recharging and reconnecting to yourself and your family. Compare The Best Hotels in Big Sur Hotel Resort Fee Room Rates Number of Rooms Free WiFi Big Sur Lodge Best Overall No $$ 62 Yes Best Western Carmel’s Town House Lodge Best Budget No $$ 28 Yes Carmel Cottage Inn Best for Families No $$$ 5 Yes Post Ranch Inn Best Splurge No $$$$ 40 Yes Tickle Pink Inn Best for Adults No $$$ 35 Yes Ragged Point Inn and Resort Best Pet-Friendly No $$ 39 No Big Sur River Inn Best Unique Feature No $$ 22 Yes The Hideaway in Carmel by the Sea Best Romantic Getaway $19 per day $$ 24 Yes Methodology We evaluated all of the hotels in and around Big Sur before settling on the best for the chosen categories. We considered such things as proximity and ease of access to nearby attractions, and the status of current and planned renovations to the properties. We also considered the properties' dining options, resort fees, and what kinds of experiences (on-site activities, etc.) are included. In determining this list, we evaluated numerous customer reviews and considered whether or not the properties have collected any accolades in recent years. Big Sur, California. Asim Bharwani/Moment/Getty Images Was this page helpful? Thanks for letting us know! Share Pin Email Tell us why! Submit Newsletter Sign Up By clicking “Accept All Cookies”, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. Cookies Settings Accept All Cookies