3 Star Hotels in Big Sur CA $176

"I have to start by saying that hotel rates in Monterey are extremely high, but this hotel was even less expensive than one Motel 6 I looked at. This hotel has a newer building, and the older "historic" building, where we stayed. The elevator to the historic building wasn't working, so they sent us through the back of the 4th floor of the main building, up a few outdoor stairs, into the old building. I didn't realize that some of the things that we take for granted in a hotel wouldn't be there. For example - there was no mini-fridge. One of my daughters' medications needed refrigeration, so we ended up using an insulated Trader Joe's bag as an ice bag, with ice from the hotel basement. Good thing we aren't on insulin. Maybe the newer building rooms have mini-fridges? If you really need one, ask before booking. The other thing was no USB port to charge my watch. Thankfully, I had charged it at the previous hotel. After 3 days at the Monterey Hotel, it was all but dead by the time we made it home. I think maybe the old building couldn't handle a lot electrically. The hotel has some obvious deferred maintenance, and a very small staff of hardworking people wearing a lot of hats. The bellmen are also the valet drivers, and even the repair men when the faucet in my daughters' room malfunctioned. However, I really commend the staff for being so upbeat, welcoming and helpful. It was kind of like staying with an old friend whose house is kind of shabby, but clean and welcoming."

"The rooms at the Big Sur lodge are spacious and homey. They all have fire places which is a cozy addition. The surrounding area is beautiful and it is nice that there are several hikes directly from the property. The addition of the other parks passes makes it easy to explore the area. "