After an uneven and mostly “shut down” stay at Hyatt Carmel Highlands, I was beginning to wonder if travel during the pandemic (especially when redeeming 20,000+ points a night) was a bad idea.
Would I have a similar experience at the Carmel Valley Ranch?
Review: Carmel Valley Ranch
Arrival At The Lodge
We pulled up to the guard shack at the entrance to the Carmel Valley Ranch. After being cleared to enter, we were given directions to “The Lodge” for check-in.
This was my first stay at an Unbound Collection resort, so I didn’t really know what to expect.
Driving in, I quickly realized this stay was going to be unlike any other.
Entrance to The Lodge
Inside The Lodge, near the front desk
The Front Desk And Check-In
The front desk was cozily located near the fireplace at the east side of The Lodge.
I was warmly welcomed, and thanked for my World of Hyatt loyalty.
I was offered a little welcome bag and told I’d been given an upgrade to a building with a better view (the Bluff Suites).
Lastly, the host informed me of the property’s many amenities, upcoming events, dining options, and features of the Carmel Valley Ranch before handing me the room key, a property map, and then giving me driving directions to the Bluff Suites.
The front desk
Nightly Rate During My Stay
During my stay, the nightly rate for the room was $689.41.
But as you know from reading this blog, I never pay cash when I can pay with points.
The World Of Hyatt Redemption
That brings me to the World of Hyatt point redemption.
The Carmel Valley Ranch is a Category 6 property, which meant standard rooms could be reserved for 25,000 World of Hyatt Points.
In this case, 25,000 points was a very good redemption at 2.76 CPP.
The Welcome Package
Unlike the Hyatt Carmel Highlands, Carmel Valley Ranch was very transparent in their communications during the pandemic.
And unlike my stay at the Hyatt Carmel Highlands the night before, Carmel Valley Ranch had fully operational dining options for breakfast, lunch, and dinner – as well as in-room dining.
Map Of The Property
The Room Key
The Bluff Suites
Nestled at the top of the hill, the Bluff Suites overlooked the Carmel Valley Ranch.
Parking at the Bluff Suites
Walkthrough: The Vineyard Oak Studio with Outdoor Tub
The Vineyard Oak Studio with Outdoor Tub (Room)
The Bedroom
The room was a cozy, modern, hideaway that was large and elegantly designed.
The room came complete with a fireplace, low-profile bed, and mini-desk; but the main feature of the room was the large outdoor deck and the idyllic outdoor bathtub that would be perfect in a Cialis commercial.
Entering the bedroom with the deck, fireplace, and bed
Bed and desk
Room Amenities
At the entrance to the studio there was a little station that held most of the room’s amenities including the ice bin, Nespresso machine, and tea station.
Below that was a large mini-refrigerator with two complimentary bottles of water already chilling.
Room artwork
The only flaw in the room? Scuff marks – but even they managed to somehow appear charming
The Bathroom
The bathroom was huge, complete with a bowl sink, large bathtub, and large shower.
The Carmel Valley Ranch brand of toiletries were quality products – and they smelled great
The Outdoor Deck
The Outdoor Deck was the “star of the show”.
It was the very reason why people stay at Carmel Valley Ranch.
We opted for lunch, dinner, and drinks out on the deck. It was absolutely serene and wonderful.
Views From The Room
On top of the deck itself, the room had great views of the Ranch, golf course, and greater Carmel Valley.
Valley Kitchen – In Room Dining Menu
For our in-room dinner, we opted for the Ranch Sea Salt Shisito Peppers (amazing!), Dungeness crab cakes (tasty!), and the Ranch Natural Beef Burger (awesome!).
Drive Thru Red from Trader Joes? How’d that picture get in here?
Hiking The Huff N Puff Trail
One of my favorite things about the Carmel Valley Ranch was the access to the nearby trail system, including the [on-property] Huff ‘N’ Puff Trail.
The trail led to the top of the hill to the picturesque Corral, Hilltop Pasture, Sunrise Knob, and Sunset Point.
From there, the trail has an optional – but worthwhile – spur trail that leads to a yoga platform and the iconic Carmel Valley Tree (from the logo and room key).
FHOP Tip: Combine the Huff ‘N’ Puff Trail with the Horseshoe Trail for an awesome loop trail hike that takes you through the vineyards and ends back at The Lodge.
The Climbing Trees
Sunrise Knob
The tree on the logo and room key
The outdoor deck for Yoga…
…or a picnic
The Horseshoe Trail
The Vineyard And Lavender Beds
The Horseshoe trail ended where the Carmel Valley Ranch Vineyard began (near The Lodge).
Walking amongst the vineyards in the California sun
Future wine on the vine
Lavender beds
Inside The Lodge
The walk up the hill and through the vineyards, led directly to The Lodge.
Here, you’ll find the Front Desk, Activity Desk, the Valley Kitchen restaurant, and a Bar (of course).
The Activities Desk and entrance to Valley Kitchen (reservations are highly recommended)
Business Center (and lounge?)
Valley Kitchen
FHOP Tip: The Valley Kitchen fills up fast for the night. As such, reservations are highly recommended.
Outside The Lodge
The Swimming Pool Area
Another of Carmel Valley Ranch’s high points was its swimming pool area.
Here you’ll find the hot tub, pool, bungalows, and fire pits.
The swimming pool
Hot Tub
The hot tub
Fire Pits
Breakfast At Valley Kitchen
Like dinner the night before, breakfast at Valley Kitchen was excellent.
The Hen House Sandwich
The Malted Belgian Waffle
Leaving The Property & The Wild Turkeys
Even leaving the Carmel Valley Ranch was eventful in the best possible way, as we had to stop to let a flock of Wild Turkeys cross the road to the Lavender beds.
Wild Turkeys crossing the road
The Bottom-Line Review: Review: Carmel Valley Ranch
How would I describe my stay at the Carmel Valley Ranch? In one word, “magical”.
It was so relaxing and so rejuvenating at the same time; and there were exiting things to do and see around every corner. This is how to “travel right” during the pandemic.
Everything, from hiking the trails, walking the vineyards, having drinks by the pool, and dinner on the deck, was a truly wonderful experience. Our entire stay felt like we were living in a commercial for well-being for the body and the soul.
Final Rating: 10 out of 10.
