Motels, Hotels & Resorts

BIG SUR CAMPGROUND & CABINS Cabins in a redwood grove along the Big Sur River. Most with fully equipped kitchens and fireplaces. Summer tent cabins. Inner tubing along the river for those warm afternoons. Store, laundry, playground and basketball court. Reservations recommended. 831-667-2322

BIG SUR LODGE In Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park. Gorgeous views of the Santa Lucia mountains. In the oaks and redwood forest. Cottage style units, many with fireplaces and kitchens. Hiking trails, heated pool, gift shop, restaurant and general store. 831-667-3100 or 800-424-4787, www.bigsurlodge.com

BIG SUR RIVER INN Restaurant, heated pool and twenty guest rooms on the Big Sur River. Also features a gas station, a store stocked with natural foods and convenience items. 831-6672700 or 800-548-3610, www.bigsurriverinn.com

DEETJEN'S BIG SUR INN This famous rustic resort won't astound you with modern conveniences, but the quaint Norweigan style cabins have nonstop charm. Twenty rooms in the redwoods of Castro Canyon. No phones or televisions in rooms. Very popular--advanced reservations suggested. 831-667-2377, www.deetjens.com

ESALEN INSTITUTE Retreats and workshops only. Residential programs emphasize potentialities and values of human existence. Weekend and five-day programs offered year round. Natural hot springs by the ocean in recently restored bathhouses with unbelievable ocean side cliff setting. Catalog available by request. 831-667-3005, www.esalen.org

FERNWOOD Twelve motel-style units in the redwoods. Restaurant, bar and campground in the redwoods on the banks of the Big Sur River. 831-667-2422

GLEN OAKS MOTEL Right on the highway but in a nice garden setting, this moderately priced motel features adobe architecture and clean, impeccably maintained units. Restaurants, library and general store next door. 831-667-2105, www.glenoaksbigsur.com

GORDA SPRINGS COTTAGES Private, romantic cottages with stunning ocean views. Each cottage has its own private patio overlooking the ocean, some with Jacuzzis and fireplaces. Some motel-style rooms also. General store, restaurant, gift shop and excellent whale watching. Pet the resident lamas. 805-927-4600 or 805-927-3918, www.bigsurgordasprings.com

LUCIA LODGE Charming resort with incredible cliff-top views of the coast. Accommodations range from motel-style units to the honeymoon cottage with four-poster bed, sitting room and breathtaking ocean view. Restaurant. 831-667-2391

NEW CAMALDOLI HERMITAGE A community of Catholic Benedictine monks resides in this secluded location. Retreat accommodations for single individuals in small trailers in lush, pristine surroundings. You are invited to join the monks for worship, but this is not required. Pick up your meal from the dining hall and bring back to your room. Book Store, Chapel and gift shop featuring the monks' famous fruitcakes in many flavors. Accommodations by reservation only. 831-667-2456, www.contemplation.com

THE GROWING EDGE Short-term personal retreats and extended wellness stays between May and October. Bed and Breakfast accommodations. Longer term winter retreats available November - April. Quiet space, private beach cove, organic breakfast. By reservation only. 831-667-2366, www.growingedge.org

POST RANCH INN The ultimate in luxury in the ultimate setting. Thirty rooms with unique architecture on a ridge above the sea will have you in serious check-out denial. On ninety-eight blissful acres with two pools, private decks, spa tubs, deluxe amenities, spa services and all the pampering you can withstand. Visit the mercantile store to bring home some of the products they torture you with. A Mobil 4-Star Resort. Unforgettable! 831-667-2200 or 800-527-2200, www.postranchinn.com

RAGGED POINT INN & RESORT Its own little garden paradise fifteen miles north of Hearst Castle. Gorgeous setting on a point of land looking down to an emerald cove. New conference/wedding pavilion is an open-air delight in redwood and native stone. Gourmet restaurant, snack bar, gallery and gifts, espresso stand, convenience store, gas station (beware the prices) and twenty-one cozy romantic rooms situated to take advantage of the incredible views. Well worth a stop for a picnic or leg-stretcher around the perimeter path with decks, gazebos and benches. Bring plenty of film--the word 'scenic' was invented for places like this. 805-927-4502, www.raggedpointinn.net

RIPPLEWOOD RESORT Cabins in the redwoods along the Big Sur River. Convenience store, gas station and cafe. 831-667-2242, www.ripplewoodresort.com

RIVERSIDE CAMPGROUND & CABINS Friendly little resort on the Big Sur River. Go to sleep with the sound of the running water lulling your dreams... But hope that the French family in the tent next door stops telling ghost stories before two a.m. Playground and laundry facilities. Walking distance to general store, cafe and library. 831-667-2414

VENTANA INN & SPA The essence of Big Sur. A year-round Mobil 4-Star Country Inn offering elegant but relaxed accommodations. Guest rooms with private terraces overlooking the Santa Lucia mountains or ocean guarantee many regretful backward looks upon departure. Heated pool, saunas, spa services and private hot tubs. Gallery, gift store, gourmet restaurant. Campground adjacent in shady redwood valley. The old Post family cabin still stands here, the red-painted log structure to your left after you turn off the highway. 831-667-2331 or 800-628-6500, www.ventanainn.com