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Ventana Big Sur, An Alila Resort vs Monterey Plaza Hotel & Spa

Monterey Plaza Hotel & Spa and Ventana Big Sur, an Alila Resort are both rated very highly by experts. Overall, Ventana Big Sur, an Alila Resort scores marginally better than Monterey Plaza Hotel & Spa. Ventana Big Sur, an Alila Resort is ranked #3 in Central California Coast with praise from 7 sources including Wallpaper, Oyster and Lonely Planet.

Ventana Big Sur, An Alila Resort
Ventana Big Sur, An Alila Resort
8 / 10
48123 Highway One, Big Sur, CA 93920
From $1,150 /night
  • Pet Friendly
  • Bar/Lounge
  • Hot Tub
  • Free Internet
  • Room Service
  • Shuttle Bus
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Fodor's Fodor's
"Hundreds of celebrities, from Oprah Winfrey to Sir Anthony Hopkins, have escaped to Ventana, a romantic resort on 243 tranquil acres 1,200 feet above the Pacific." Full review
Travel + Leisure Travel + Leisure
"If hammocks, afternoon wine and cheese receptions, and guided “Discovery Walks” appeal to you, this cozy, adults-only retreat is just your ticket. " Full review
Lonely Planet Lonely Planet
"Almost at odds with Big Sur’s hippie-alternative vibe, Ventana injects a little soul into its deluxe digs." Full review
Gayot Gayot
"A romantic and relaxing getaway in a cliffside coastal setting."
Jetsetter Jetsetter
"Romantic and restorative clifftop escape amid the redwoods and overlooking the pounding surf." Full review
Mr & Mrs Smith Mr & Mrs Smith
"Perched above Big Sur’s breath-taking sea cliffs and surrounded by its giant redwoods, Ventana Inn & Spa hotel is an oasis among some of the most beautiful natural surroundings on earth." Full review
Wallpaper Wallpaper
"A favoured hideout for reclusive movie stars as much for its incomparable location on the Pacific coastline, as for its 160-acre property bristling with ancient redwoods, oak trees, and meadows." Full review
Hideaway Report Hideaway Report
93.0
"Contemporary coastal inn facing the Pacific Ocean, artfully blended into 160 acres of meadows, canyons and redwood groves." Full review
Condé Nast Traveler Condé Nast Traveler
"Big Sur is truly one of the most beautiful places on earth and Ventana's mission is to spotlight and champion its setting." Full review
Forbes Travel Guide Forbes Travel Guide
4 Stars
"Like the majestic redwoods growing in California’s Central Coast region, Alila Ventana Big Sur is a marvel to the eyes." Full review
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Monterey Plaza Hotel & Spa
Monterey Plaza Hotel & Spa
8 / 10
400 Cannery Row, Monterey, CA 93940
From $233 /night
  • Bar/Lounge
  • Hot Tub
  • Free Internet
  • Room Service
  • Laundry Service
  • Concierge
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Travel + Leisure Travel + Leisure
"Built on pylons over Monterey Bay, the Monterey Plaza Hotel & Spa is the closest hotel to the ocean on the northern California peninsula." Full review
Forbes Travel Guide Forbes Travel Guide
Recommended
"There’s something about being next to the ocean that many of us find irresistible." Full review
Oyster Oyster
Upscale
"The 290-room Monterey Plaza is as close to the ocean as it gets: Built on pillars above the water, it offers an ocean experience like few other hotels in the area do." Full review
Gayot Gayot
"Mediterranean-style luxury on the edge of Monterey Bay."
Frommer's Frommer's
"Right in the heart of Cannery Row, and with fabulous sea views to boot, the Plaze is the choice for folks who want to have everthing at their fingertips." Full review
Michelin Guide Michelin Guide
"The hotel was literally built over the bay’s crashing surf, a glittering centerpiece of the historic downtown Cannery Row...it’s the unrelenting California-ness of the place that gets you." Full review
The Telegraph The Telegraph
8.0
"Couples and groups of friends will love the rooftop spa, while families and nature lovers have sea-life galore to enjoy right outside...this is a comfortable, well-appointed place to stay." Full review