Big Sur River Inn

G Benett (mothratwins)

2024-04

Rustic and a little pricey for the bare-bones digs, but an excellent hub for exploring the area. Bed is comfortable and electric heat works. In-room coffee is horrible - but the adjacent restaurant is great for every meal. Wifi is decent, important since the whole region is a notorious dead zone.Food & drinks: The adjacent restaurant/bar is excellent.

Alex Liu

2024-04

Be careful with this inn. The website is very misleading, it looks cute and peaceful place. But the reality is that most of the rooms are located right near the highway 1. It is extra loud and noisy early around 6:30am, very very hard to fall asleep. And it’s very pricey place $200 per night. Please avoid this place, better to stay at Carmel and Monterey if you want a peaceful and quiet stay

Wendy

2023-12

I first stumbled upon this location while searching for beautiful, forested venues for our upcoming wedding. From the moment that I saw the property, I knew there was something special about this place. Meeting with the wedding coordinator, Breann, solidified the deal - She is a breath of fresh air and made both my fiance and I confident with our decision to tie the knot there. Not only does it have the ambiance, Big Sur River Inn has amazing staff that make you feel at home. The bar manager, James, is also notable and was giving my fiance and I some pointers for our upcoming nuptials. Oh, and the food is delectable!

Todd Scattini

2024-03

We actually didn’t stay in the hotel. We ate in the restaurant which is always amazing. They have a roaring fire in the fireplace going always. Service is great. It’s the perfect way to kick off a day of hiking in nearby PFEIFFER state park or to head back towards Monterey and stop at Point Lobos. This is our GO TO place!Noteworthy details: Beautiful unique plants. Adirondacks in the River.

Immanuel Schneider

2023-12

The location and atmosphere were great. I ordered a burger with fries, which tasted pretty well… I paid ~29$ for the burger and 2x cokes, which is a moderate price. Service was also good. I was just in the restaurant, so I can say nothin about the hotel/rooms…

Arutselvan PJ

2024-01

Location was great!We went in late in the evening so it was pretty empty. Service was a bit slow but not disappointing.There's not many items on the menu so easy to select but if you are vegetarian you may have some difficulty here

Steven Neyer

2024-04

…More

Global Nomad

2023-12

Only came for dinner and did not stay at the hotel.Had the House Smoked Half Rack of Pork Baby Back Ribs as recommended by our waitress and was happy to have chosen this.It was a cosy and lively venue.

R. R. Lee

2023-09

Food was quite nice, however a bit pricey. Our waiter and servers were so kind and very attentive. We got there just as the live band was ending and packing up. It was very serene and quiet down by the river. The birds around the outdoor area are such funny little beggars, beckoning you to drop a fry or two in their direction! The ambience in all is wonderful, the tall redwoods growing straight out of the deck adds a beautiful and rustic touch.

Randy Mills

2023-10

Awesome location on the bank of the Big Sur River. It is so relaxing to grab a chair and sit in the river with your feet in the cool river. They have an outside bar with drinks and food that you can get to enjoy while relaxing in your river chair. The restaurant there is awesome and is known for their apple pie, which I can say is one of the best I have ever had. You will not be disappointed with a visit here.

Khrisela Kerbey

2023-10

We're local but haven't been here in decades. We were blown away from the great service and food. Lorena, our waitress was so sweet and just the best service was provided. Our bartender was Cole and he is a master at making drinks. We tried 5 different drinks and every one of them was amazing!!! So good that I had to ask the bartender's name and went to go praise him myself! Food was just outstanding! You can bring your drinks in the river!!!!! I have to come more often!!! You should have taken pictures of the food and drinks but we're really living in the moment instead of having our cameras out like I usually do.

Shirley Beckett

2023-11

The area is beautiful. We didn't stay in a room, we were stopping for food.However, we arrived at 11:01 and they take a half hour to change over from breakfast to lunch, but you are welcome to have drinks at the bar or walk around by the river.I'm a little confused....since when did we start turning customer's away to switch from breakfast to lunch? Do they take an hour to switch to dinner? Very disappointed 😔

Smita Hirve

2023-12

The food and view is awesome. Its somewhat pricey and I would be okay with it as well as the ambience is good. But what I didn’t like that the tipping expectation was from a waitress who served the food. She was too loud and overtly friendly which some people would be into but not everyone is. And you can’t rush people to pay the bill right on the table and comment on the tip amount right away. Is that how you are forcing people to tip more by keeping the default option starting at 25% and standing there until someone pays the bill. We paid 15% which was decent for service we had but she had the audacity to ask us why we tipped so less. That’s totally outrageous!!! Already keeping your food way too costly ( $35 for a pasta is wayyy too much when it didn’t even taste good) and still you expect people to pay 25% just because you got a plate from kitchen??!!! Please train your staff to be more cordial and do there job without feeling entitled to a large tip and pay them well!! That’s basic so they don’t have to ask/ plead guests to tip them!!

Theresa Chapple

2023-07

The Big Sur River Inn was very pleasant and relaxing. We were seated in an open outdoor area surrounded by brave California Blue Jay's, trees, and a lovely stream.The service and atmosphere were excellent. Our waiter was very nice, and our food was delivered quickly.The music playing complimented the outdoor scenery.It is a drive to get there, with winding and hilly roads, but the trip is so worth taking.Noteworthy details: Big Sur River Inn is worth the visit.

Alexa Alice Joubin

2023-06

We stopped by for lunch and dinner on different days in summer 2022, though we did not stay here overnight. It was fully booked.For the restaurant, I would say it has a 5-star riverside rustic setting and ambiance, offers 3-star food, but with 0-star service (non existent).Just ok food -- very overpriced. Service is the real problem. We waited for a long time to even be able to place an order, and then they messed up. I suspect they forgot to put in our order until we chased up (after 1 hour wait!). We saw other tables who arrived far later than us all getting their food and even paid and left!So far the shrimp dish is the very best (that's on dinner menu only). See my photos.River setting is just amazing. Pool is for hotel guests only. They did fire up the pool side grill. Oh so nice. Maybe we should have tried that (to go faster) than the sit down restaurant?The patio at the restaurant (we sat outside on both occasions) was really nice though. I wish they provided better service.Toilet is dirty and disgusting. Graffiti. Trash. Used tissues on the floor. Wet floor. Uncivilized. A girl before we was even reluctant to go inside.Food & drinks: Just ok food -- very overpriced. Service is the real problem. We waited for a long time to even be able to place an order, and then they messed up. I suspect they forgot to put in our order until we chased up (after 1 hour wait!). We saw other tables who arrived far later than us all getting their food and even paid and left!

Steve Shrager

2023-06

The location is spectacular along the river, in the lush forest. the property is unique and charming with very cool provenance, but the room is nothing more than a glorified cabin, although it was quite comfortable and everyone who worked at the property was very pleasant. Enjoying the peaceful solitude and the running river, sitting on their big Adirondack chairs, in the river and along the bank is a wonderful experience.The high price for the stay is out of line with the type of accommodation though. That’s why I gave it 4-stars. If you are budget conscious don’t stay here.

Hits

2023-08

Wonderful setting, excellent food, comfortable and clean accommodation.The river that flows through the back garden under the cover of trees is truly breathtaking and an ideal place to relax and enjoy a few drinks kept chilled by nature's own cooler, the river.Definite place to visit.

Michael Woods

2024-04

No dogs allowed really? It’s 2024… time for a change…. It is Big Sur and should allow the entire family!!…..

Francesca di leo

2023-05

I love this place! The river side rooms are wonderfully comfortable, the king size bed we had was divine, and the sound of the rushing river after all this rain made me sublimely happy. You can walk along the river from the room and the wildlife is gorgeous. Lots of birds coming down to say hi while you have your coffee in the morning. And the restaurant is excellent! The steaks were cooked perfectly and everything was seasoned very nicely. This is the spot we come to now wherever we’re in Big Sur. My lil mini vaca spot. The staff is lovely as well.

Vivian Lin

2023-05

Stopped by for lunch while hiking around Big Sur! We got sandwiches to go and ate in the wooden chairs in the river. Had to be careful not to get my sneakers/socks wet but there are strategic stones to walk on. There are also picnic grounds to sit and eat outside if the river isn’t your thing. This is a great place to stop since there is also a gas station, convenience store and bathrooms here in case you need them while at Big Sur.

Kat Chan

2023-06

If you're looking to take a short break while driving through Big Sur, The Big Sur River Inn is a pleasant place to stop at. The river is fun for the kids to explore and wade in, there's a nice picnic area to rest at, there's a cool bus that doubles as a gift shop and ice cream parlor, and if you're hungry, there's a restaurant and outdoor bar/mini restaurant to eat at. I haven't had the opportunity to spend a night at the inn itself, but enjoyed an afternoon there for a party. While I enjoyed hanging out there, the food at the bar restaurant was only okay - the ribs I got were woefully dried out, but the pulled pork sandwich was pretty good. If you're in dire need of getting gas, there is a Valero station there as well, but keep in mind you will be paying a premium for fuel. Overall, this is a really pleasant place to make a stop while driving through Big Sur.

Blair Peterson

2023-08

We got married in Big Sur in July 2023 and booked the entire River Inn for our room block for our wedding guests. The entire staff - Gabe, Vickie, Breann (Event Manager), Lupe, Tony, Rafael all were incredibly helpful, fun, responsive, professional, and patient with our large party. We felt so lucky to work with them as we had over 70 guests coming in from out of town for our wedding and everyone absolutely raved about the River Inn - from the chill, cool vibe by the river and the Adirondack chairs in the water, to the amazing rehearsal dinner and welcome party that we had on the lower deck - MAJOR shout out to Breann for helping us coordinate the most perfect welcome to Big Sur :) She rocked it, the whole set up was literally a dream. Not to mention the food was DELICIOUS and we had some amazingly strong spicy margaritas. Overall, we could not have asked for a more perfect and dreamy wedding weekend, and River Inn really helped make that a reality. :)

Sonya Ellison Tartt

2023-05

We traveled here from Atlanta, GA and lucked out having a vacancy at this gem of a place! We loved everything about River Inn! The staff was amazing, the food at the inn was amazing, and the view was spectacular. 10/10. We can’t wait to come back! Will forever love River Inn in Big Sur, CA!Rooms: Quaint, rustic, clean, efficientSafety: Very safeFood & drinks: WonderfulNoteworthy details: The views,ambience, food, staff, rooms, Big Sur, location

Chetna Jain

2023-05

Cozy ambiance. Got my table near fireplace on a cold day, so I loved the experience. Food is tasty and so are the drinks. A little expensive though. Their rooms are good for stay :) very happy to visit the place

Diane Steele

2023-05

We didn’t stay here but stopped for lunch while driving throughFood was tasty and the service was welcoming. The outside area has heaters which made our visit cosy.The views of the river and trees are lovely and you can even sit in the river which our son loved

Meryll Agbayani

2023-05

We found this place by accident and we were so glad we stopped by. Restaurant is dog friendly and had a live band playing, very entertaining and lots of fun during our lunch. Drink and the food was pretty good, prices are a little steep but that’s expected. After lunch we walked down to the river where they had a chairs set up and enjoyed the trees and sound of the river flowing. Definitely recommend it.

Gitana Barker

2023-05

We love this place! We always use it as a great stopping point to relax, have a drink and listen to the River. This time, we decided to try the food and it definitely did not disappoint. I enjoyed a salad with a house made cream of mushroom soup. I wish I would've taken more pictures of the food, but I couldn't help but eat it all to quickly!Great family stopping point!

Tony Farrell

2023-08

Do you need a large iced vanilla macchiato from coffee beans that originate on a lemur farm? Do you need bar drinks with chilled (but not frosted) glasses? Then don't stay here. Only bad thing about the place was the guests who loudly splashed their feet in the water complaining about the suffering they have had with restaurant staff that were too nice for their liking. It's Big Sur. It costs a bit more because it's remote. Stay in Carmel Valley somewhere with a spa if you need a spa. Stay in Big Sur if you want to hear the birds chirping and sit in the cool adirondack chairs with your feet in the water.

kevin richardson

2023-05

Did not stay at the lodge but picked this spot for lunch randomly while enjoying the long scenic drive up highway 1 and was not disappointed. Only complaint was it was a bit pricey for lunch but what the heck how often am I out that way. Atmosphere was great. Nice looking interior but the outside seating was gorgeous and nestled in amongst the trees with live music on the lower deck. Food was absolutely delicious and had some great local beers to enjoy along side it. I had the salmon fish and chips with a blueberry sour beer. My wife had a chicken & avocado sandwich with a house cocktail and everything was great Ended lunch with a cup of espresso to get me back on the road which was equally tasty. They also have lodging and a gift shop next door for big sur. Overall I would definitly make an effort to visit again on my next road trip down the coast!

William Friedman

2023-05

Had a terrible experience. I’m part of an inter-racial couple and our service at the restaurant was unacceptable and makes me want to scream.I first went in alone to check us in. Helped right away, no issues. My wife and I then arrive for dinner and we were ignored by the hostess for 20 min. Not given water at our table for another 10 minutes. Had to raise our hand to put in our order (ordered everything at once cause we were not sure when we’d be helped again). The waitress wouldn’t engage with us, many people that came in to the restaurant after us received their food before we were served our drinks. My shrimp scampi was an absolute salt bomb and my wife’s ribeye was so raw it was not safe to eat.This type of food and service was enough to make us cut our time here from 3 night down to one. We left first thing in the morning. Not to mention, the cabins DO NOT FEEL SAFE! Hopefully the short man with slicked back hair and tall blond woman are fired and they are able to restaff. We will never be back.