Ripplewood Resort

My family and I booked 3 cabins at Ripplewood for Labor Day weekend 2024. We made our bookings in August of 2023 because we knew the holiday would result in limited availability.||Fast forward to check in time and our meeting of the owner, Carol. She asks what brings us to Big Sur, and we mention that some family friends are getting married next door. Her face immediately sours and she militantly tells that we should pull the plug on the DJ (Who had a strict 10pm curfew anyway). We initially thought she was joking, but she proceeded to talk incessantly about how it's a terrible thing that people want to get married in Big Sur, and repeatedly told us to sabotage the wedding.||After what was probably the most awkward check in experience of our lives, we make it to the cabins. We were in joint cabins (12A and 12B), and Cabin 14, which seemingly haven't been tended to in the past half-century; with incredibly limited amenities, and very thin walls. At all hours of the day and night, you hear the noise from the Highway, animals (hopefully) scratching on the walls, as well as people stumbling into their cabins, or latecomers checking into cabins they cannot find. During the day it is particularly noisy as one of the only gas stations in Big Sur is operated by Ripplewood.||On the day of the wedding (Saturday), Carol seeks us out and begins her manifesto yet again, telling us to pull the plug on the DJ (all while trying to speak over the incessant noise of the highway and her gas station). She then walks off, with a self righteous fist in the air (a la Rocky Balboa).||The wedding at Glen Oaks was lovely. Spending virtually no time at all at Ripplewood all evening, we quickly and quietly went to sleep after returning.||After the events of Saturday we spend a nice day in Monterey on Sunday, only to return to notes taped to our cabins saying that there have been noise complaints about us, and that should we have any questions we should go see Carol in the store. We then spend the next 48 hours trying to contact Carol in any capacity. She was nowhere to be found in the general store, the clerks at the store tried contacting her and they could not reach her.||Eventually on Monday afternoon, we are able to get her on the phone via one of the clerks at the store. After sharing that we would like to address these complaints, Carol says we can either talk to her over the phone, or schedule a time to meet with her later in the week (we were checking out the next morning).||After relaying very few questions through the clerk and on to Carol, we determined that Carol herself had made the noise complaints. Her cabin is on the edge of the Ripplewood property, closer to cabin 15 and 16 (which had been having loud bonfires Friday and Saturday). When we tried to ask additional questions, Carol promptly hung up on the clerk and we were left with no further clarification.||Carol appears to have a deep-seated hatred toward the other lodges around hers, and rather than act hospitably towards her guests, seems to prefer antagonizing by them should they be there for a reason she doesn’t approve of. It seems she would sooner run Ripplewood into the ground before conceding to celebratory events or family gatherings||Though we had tried to further discuss these issues with Carol herself, she was not confident enough in her actions to speak with us personally. We did see her walking around the property on our last day (after trying to meet with her), and she certainly noticed us outside of our cabins. Yet she made no effort to further communicate with us, even when we had come up to the general store to talk.||If you're looking for a comfortable/relaxing place to stay in Big Sur, look elsewhere. If you're looking to simply enjoy nature, forgo Carol, and just go camping.

So I'm only reviewing the breakfast here, I have no idea what the cabins are like.... I ate breakfast here twice in 2014 and my whole group loved it. The breakfast burrito was unreal back in the day, I remembered it so fondly I made a special trip today since I was in Monterey. Honestly what the hell happened? My burrito had nothing in it other than eggs and a scant amount of cheese with about a teaspoon of sour cream on top. I wanted a burrito not 3 eggs and a tortilla. Still had a great day in big sur as its hard not to but the breakfast here completely sucks now. We over heard two other close tables that had similar complaints. The breakfast was basically just eggs, no other flavor. I was so bummed as this place used to make an epic breakfast burrito, save your stomach space and go somewhere else.

Yes, they really need better mattresses and some maintenance. Even with these issues, the setting is so amazing we may have considered returning. However, our stay in one of the cabins on the river was anything but quiet due to some of the campers across the river at Riverside Campground. Different groups on different nights, with same approach to camping - Blasting music, getting drunk in the river and yelling so loudly we couldn't even hear our kids while trying to have dinner on the deck. At one point we had to scare off a stumbler who made his way across the river to pee on a tree below our deck. It seems that Riverside Campground has encouraged that brand of 'merican engagement with the outdoors - seemingly terrified of the quiet and reeking of lighter fluid, they bring their bright lights, indiscriminate music, booze and their loudest outside voices and ensure that no one in a 500' radius can be at peace.

My cabin was nestled in the redwoods beside the Big Sur river. 1930's era Cabins are clean and well maintained. Quiet, peaceful place to stay.

We recently attended a wedding in Big Sur and chose Ripplewood as our lodging due to its convenient proximity to the wedding venue (right across the highway). We booked cabins 12A, 12B, and 14. At check-in on Thursday, when we mentioned that a wedding had brought us to Big Sur for the first time, the woman checking us in - Carol - made a face and said “when you see the DJ, make sure to unplug his equipment”. It was awkward, but we brushed it off. We were excited to be together as a family to celebrate our friends, and to explore the beauty of Big Sur. The cabins, as mentioned in other reviews, had bare minimum furnishings, and very small shower stalls, but overall served their purpose as we wanted to spend as much time as possible exploring and weren’t looking to spend much time indoors. We had anticipated the lack of wifi service and planned accordingly - there’s minimal service all along Highway 1, so it wasn’t surprising. After our encounter with Carol, we remained mindful of the “house rules”, many of which revolved around wanting to preserve the tranquility of nature. On Saturday, we stopped at the general store before the wedding, Carol saw us once again, wagged her finger at one member of our party (who was not present for her previous comment about the DJ) and said “remember what I said about the DJ”. Again, it was awkward, but prompted us to remain very conscious about being quiet when returning to our cabins that night. After the wedding we spent a little time chatting outside cabin 12 before heading to bed. During that time, we heard talking and laughter from the cabins to the northwest of us, we were considerably quieter. On Sunday, after being out all day in Monterey, we found notes taped to the doors of 12A and 12B stating “there were complaints about noise last night as well as Friday night”, with instructions to see Carol at the store if we had questions. On Friday night we had spent some time stargazing (again, just outside cabin 12) but we were not rowdy by any means. Upon visiting the store on Monday, Carol wasn’t present, but the staff member who was there implied that the complaints had come from Carol herself! She did not make any mention of the Friday night “noise” when she spoke to us before the wedding on Saturday, and refused to give clarification or details when we tried to speak to her about it on the phone on Monday! Interestingly, the resort is located on arguably one of the busiest areas of Highway 1, and contributes to that fact by hosting a gas station as part of its general store. From our cabins we could easily hear traffic from the highway, and on Friday morning we were even awoken to what sounded like construction work (moving boulders or something of the sort). Despite adhering to all the rules set in place by the resort, we felt we were singled-out/targeted as rowdy simply because we had mentioned we were attending a wedding! Had we not attended this wedding, we never would have found ourselves in Big Sur, and as first-time visitors to the area, Ripplewood had the opportunity to make a good first impression and to gain repeat customers (as we certainly want to return to explore more of this beautiful part of the country). Instead, the next time we find ourselves in the Big Sur area, we will look elsewhere for accommodations.

My partner and I stayed in Cabin 14 and had a great time! If we are in the area again we will absolutely stay here. No cell reception or internet which we used as an excuse to disconnect for a few days while doing other things in the area. The host provided wood for the fireplace/firepit each day we were there. Room was a little hot when we arrived but quickly cooled off with the abundance of windows. The cross breeze was great. We also accidentally left a shirt which they happily mailed us when we contacted them. The store was also equipped with everything we could want including smores stuff, and the restaurant had wonderful coffee and breakfast. Thank you folks for a wonderful stay! Hope to stay again sometime soon! They also answered the phone immediately when we called to book, which was much appreciated after we had called a handful of other places that didn't pick up their phones. The service was great!

They are VERY RUSTIC cabins with no T.V.'s, fireplaces, kitchens and an outdoor fire pit! Big Sur and the Ripplewood Inn that's my HAPPY PLACE 😊 🩷

Today - Ate breakfast here expecting the wonderful Mexican food they used to serve here! Nope. This has changed. Spoke to the server and owner They can no longer serve Mexican food (wanted Huevos Rancheros), since it is "too expensive to prepare," as was their wonderful Eggs Benedict. Now you can expect regular fried eggs and omelets and pancakes which are also served at most other restaurants in this area.Food is ok, but no longer a distinctuve difference! So I guess we go back to the River Inn tomorrow where we are staying and eat eggs and pancake breakfast there. So disappointed since it used to be really good and I liked really good Mexican food! We won't be back since there is no longer a reason to eat there!

Reviewed 6+ yrs ago. Guess nothing changes except ^ price Spartan. Obviously no inventory takes place: 1 steak knife (grateful we didn't cook one and have to share a utensil!), 1 small plate, no teaspoons. FILTHY, FILTHY FLOORS. They can't be washed - ever. Wiped up a spill and the paper towel was BLACK. 'Housekeeping' takes less than 5 minutes. Involves taking out trash, replacing a few towels. Pitiful. Wifi only if you stand on one leg directly in front of their store. Even the Riverwood next door has it next to the River. The rustic experience is one thing. Being cheap and not providing certain basics is another. Been coming to Bug Sur for 40+ years. Other places have kept the rustic secluded vibe while maintaining their properties and updating to the 21st century. Shame on us for trying this place again. Don't waste your money. Try Fernwood!

Awesome location and a great experience. If you want to get away to another place, another time or just a total reset then this is the place. Cozy cabins for 2 (and a few for maybe 4) right next to a scenic river/creek make this place a perfect getaway. Very rustic and bare bones cabins with kitchens to cook in, small bathrooms w showers and comfy beds. This place is close to all the sights or get one of the cabins next to the creek and enjoy the views.

Very cool little spot. Felt like traveling back in time. There are few amenities but what is there is well maintained. Great way to experience nature without actually camping!

Update since my review 6 years ago! One of our favorite getaways!! Rustic cabins deep in the redwoods with a river just out the back door. We enjoy this vacation with in-laws that stay in the cabin next door. We hiked every day (ton of hiking trails) and enjoyed a bonfire every evening. Wonderful resort.

My mom brought me here when I was a kid and we returned for several summers in a row. Finally, my chance to repeat history and I brought my own two boys to the cabins in Ripplewood for their first Big Sur experience. It was just how I remember and I can't wait to bring them back. The cabins are rustic. You can feel their age just in the use of space and the way the floors slant towards the river, but this for me was part of the charm and history preserved. We were in Cabin 1 which was at the end of the property and one of the few cabins with two queen beds. The deck sits right out over the river and the sound of river rushing away below your feet gives you a sense of peace immediately. The cabin stays cool for most of the day, warms up in August around 3pm, because of the redwoods towering over everything. At night with the windows open, it got downright chilly in the morning so bring some sweats! We never ate out because the little kitchen meant we could make all our meals right there and enjoy a glass of wine on the deck. My children were in the river (BRING WATER SHOES! Some kids even had wet suits) for almost the entire two days, but when they were around to enjoy the cabin we played board games and enjoyed the lack of cellular service and wifi. Firewood provided daily although we never made use of it. Nice toiletries provided. Thanks Ripplewood for the memories, old and new.

I love Ripplewood. We hadn't stayed there in years since we fell in love with a camping cabin across the river at Riverside. Now I need to love both. This was somewhat last minute but we ended up with a perfect cabin for two, #4. I was worried about some reviews but my concerns were useless. The cabins are rustic but beautifully taken care of. Let's start with the kitchen. Tiny and perfectly spotless. The oven and refrigerator looked like they could have been installed that day. The propane gas stove starts easily with an electric ignition. The cabin is for two and you get two of everything. Two plates, wine glasses, coffee cups and eating utensils etc. There are two frying pans, cooking spoons, knives, cutting board, pasta pot but no colander so bring that, salad bowl and a can opener. Paper towels, new wrapped sponge and dish soap. Bring a pot holder. We cooked all our meals since omicron is spiking in the Monterey Bay Area. That was fine as we enjoyed eating on the deck or by the fire. Plus we live an hour and 10 minutes away so we can easily visit Big Sur for the day. The bed was ridiculously comfortable, soft, especially with the extra pillows I brought front home. We usually sleep in a king but I slept better in that queen bed than I had in awhile. The small connected living room had a small couch, a coffee table, awesome fireplace and a desk looking out over the river. The deck was large with a nice table and the main attraction the Big Sur River. There are a couple stairs from the deck to the outdoor fire pit. Then a nice short trail to a small beach next to the river. It was nice to put a beach chair down there and read next the river rushing by. All furnishings were tasteful and matched. New double pane windows too. No TV, wifi or phone signal. You can get wifi outside the cafe if you need to check with family. Ripplewood explains their rustic atmosphere and their expectation that you will honor the area by not being loud or playing music outside the cabin. They ask you to be the neighbors you want. Nice touch. Unfortunately we had neighbors our last night that wanted us to be screaming and laughing at the top of our lungs apparently because that's what they were doing. We wanted to sit outside and have dinner next to the river the last night with candles on the table but our neighbors, mostly the woman, were so loud we couldn't hear each other across the table. It was a bummer. The office was closed and I really don't think asking them to keep it down would have mattered much. She sounded like a coyote on her 4th date. Oh well we moved inside and shut the windows and enjoyed our spaghetti carbonara and wine in front of the fire. All is well. Hopefully our next stay our neighbors will honor the expectations of Ripplewood and keep their fun within the confines of their own space. I'm already planning our next visit.

We decided to make a last minute trip since I had a day off and it was our anniversary weekend. We scored Cabin 14 at the last minute and decided to go for it. If you are not into rustic (i.e., no WiFi, no hair dryer, no TV, then this is not for you). The only WiFi signal is at the general store. In fact, Big Sur has no cell service! First impressions are everything. My husband called and whoever answered kept him on hold, then was a bit rude over the phone as if they were being inconvenienced. We let that roll because we did call on a weekend and they were probably busy, short staffed, etc. However, the day of our arrival, we got there at 3:25 pm (check in is at 3:30 pm), and were told we had to wait 4 minutes outside before we could check in - It was the tone in which we were told that rubbed us the wrong way. By the time 3:30 pm passed, there was a line in the store waiting to check in. I'm sure there are other ways to be courteous and tell someone politely, but that wasn't their approach. Why not, check people in but advise them they CANNOT go to their cabin until 3:30 pm? First impressions interacting with the staff did not go well and they don't care. We observed that everyone working there looked like they did everything, but the way we were treated seemed like it was OUR fault that we were there. We got the impression that they did not seem happy to be there or help us. If they are being treated poorly by their management, that attitude is being passed on to the customer. It felt like they had a lot of resentment towards the guests who are willing to pay to stay there. Due to COVID-19, there is no housekeeping. Also, if you don't put away your dishes, you will be charged $25. I'm okay with no housekeeping during my stay, but with my OCD tendencies, please leave some cleaning supplies (i.e., broom, wipes, cleaning solution, extra sponge), so I can pick up after myself. The only cleaning supplies we were provided with was a new sponge and dish soap. Note to self: Bring cleaning supplies. We were in Cabin 14 for one night. The room had the basic necessities and perfect for two people. I liked that it had a separate bedroom and a kitchen. The bathroom had a door that leads to the deck (odd, but we did sat there and watched two deers approach). The kitchen had the basics and mismatched utensils. We shared a butcher knife to cut our steak because the paring knife was dull. Our cabin was provided with a small/large frying pan and a 2 qt. pan. We learned to improvise. Note to self (again): You might want to bring an extra cutlery set and a dish towel. The only kitchen dish provided was a white hand towel. Since our cabin was on the hillside, we crossed the road to check out the river where they have more cabins. Personally, I would prefer to stay on this site of the road, for the peace and quiet away from the highway traffic, but also to be near the water. We plopped our beach chairs in the river and just hung out and relaxed. You are provided with a bundle of wood, so we took full advantage of the fire pit and had a nice time. Here is the reason why I cannot recommend Cabin 14 - The shower! Whoever installed it, installed the shower head too high that when I got in, the water hit my head and the shower head CANNOT be adjusted. The shower stall is very small, so I couldn't get away from it. Imagine getting hit in the face with water. The top half of my body was clean, but that's about it. I guess that's why they left a lot of wash cloths in the bathroom? My husband is 6'0, and even he had a problem moving around in there as well. It's kind of funny and we laughed it off for one night, but had it been a little longer, the joke would get old fast. We love Big Sur and it's our first time staying overnight, but there are other places we are willing to check out. If we decide to go back, we might try for a river view cabin.

We had a good experience at Ripplewood. I'll start with some before the stay pointers, and then talk about our experience. Some of the information on the website is incomplete or not accurate. Plan ahead! When they say there is no internet or cell signal, there is NONE. You also don't want to keep walking up to the main area to use wifi. Save your google maps, make a list of places to go before you arrive. It was nice to be truly off the grid for a few days. Firewood- the cabins without a fireplace do not include firewood. If you plan to use your fire pit, purchase it. We bought a large box for $9.99 in Carmel. It is the same price at the resort, but I do not know if it is the same size. Room comes with matches to start the fire. The fire "pit" is more of a concrete raised basin. Hard to start a good fire without airflow. Check in went very smoothly- it was quick and easy. The road down to the riverside cabins is very steep! Be careful with oncoming cars. The cabin itself is as expected- rustic, homey, cozy. Layout is a bit cramped. they are heated. Bathroom is spacious, comes with all the amenities. The kitchen is well stocked with kitchen ware, cooking utensils, bake wear, cleaning supplies. We had wine glasses and a corkscrew in our unit (Cabin 9). The cabins are just close enough together that we felt the need to keep our curtains shut mostly all the time. Including the river side view. The cabin overlooks the Big Sur River which was very pleasant. We had the constant sound of a bubbling brook. What we did not know about are the campsites directly across the river. You do not have a private river view. The campsites are just far enough that it didn't cause a problem, but you can hear the campers at night on occasion. Unfortunately I think all of the river view units have this issue. Cabins 2-4 don't overlook the campsites, but there are some large fancy houses with big open windows on the other side of the river that can look into the cabin. Overall, our stay was a okay. I wish the website had a little more information or was a bit more accurate about what to expect for your stay.

Nestled along PCH in Big Sur, Ripplewood Resort was exactly what we needed to disconnect completely from the hustle and bustle of the outside world for our Anniversary weekend getaway. This rustically quaint Resort with small cabins is located close to Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park with the Big Sur River and PCH winding through the property - absolutely gorgeous!! Arriving here, although you no longer have cell service or anything playing on your car stereo, you will NOT miss the Ripplewood Resort property with the storefront, restaurant and gas station all seen from the road. We stepped into the Ripplewood store that has your basic outdoor supplies, food, maps and souvenirs for checking into to Cabin #17. We went over a few things like: given a handy dandy map of the Resort, shown where our cabin was located, hours of the store & restaurant, that WIFI was only located by the store and inside the restaurant, if we would need anything it would be during store hours to let them know (i.e. lightbulbs, paper products, etc.) and off we went to our cute little cabin for our stay. Our cabin #17 for our anniversary weekend getaway was PERFECT for the two of us. Queen-sized bed with extra pillows, beyond plenty of blankets to take the chill off since we were there in April when there was still an inversion layer and the potential for rain in the forecast. The bathroom had your basic essentials: soap, shampoo, conditioner and plenty of TP with the shower being for one person, adequate water pressure with perfect temperature for each of us to use after each other - that's a PLUS! Kitchen or I should say table/dining area came with a dorm fridge and a small coffee pot that was restocked daily with coffee, sugar and stir sticks and if we needed additional coffee it was supplied for FREE in the store which they also had coffee fresh-brewed for guests readily available daily in the store too - nice added touch. There's a table with a couple of chairs along with a bench area on the outside patio attached to the cabin for you to sit and enjoy the lovely grounds. All of the windows are double-pane to either keep some of the road noise out or open up to enjoy the nice breeze that came up in the afternoon or evening. The heater worked well for the cooler part of the evening and for the refrigerator it was PERFECT for our drinks and snacks we stored while we were there. Housekeeping came daily to empty all trashcans, make up the bed, tidy up the room and we even had a couple of lightbulbs out that they immediately replaced - thank you Ripplewood Staff for taking care of that so quickly and our room. We walked to the other side of the property across PCH to check out the Big Sur River, it was absolutely gorgeous where we could see the added appeal of renting one of the cabins on the river side. During the Summer to be able to have access to the river for a soak in the refreshing water or anytime of year to just hear the ripple of it through the woods - get the name of the property name now...Ripplewood??! LOL would DEFINITELY be nice to be close too. I digress...basically I am saying the property is serene, relaxing and not just because you are off the grid, it's literally surround by the Big Sur redwoods that's SO lush, green and the sun seemed to be shining directly on Ripplewood Resort with just the right amount of a breeze even though everywhere else we ventured off to during our stay the inversion layer seemed to have everything socked in...it's that kind of birds singing, butterflies dancing, flowers blooming kind of place to enjoy and stay! We are looking forward to our next visit, future visits and you should definitely put Ripplewood Resort on your next getaway adventure destination too!

We booked pretty last minute, yet were able to find an accommodation. We were in cabin 8 with 2 queen beds and kitchen, overlooking the river. Arrived at 4 pm and check in process was pretty simple. The cabin was clean, with new sheets, linen and kitchen stocked with basic utensils. The view of the river was amazing from both rooms as well as the deck. There was a campsite right across the river from our cabin, but everyone was following noise protocols. The Fernwood resort, nepenthe, big sur lodge are all close by with lot of food options around. We had a great time chilling by the river, taking walks around and enjoying the nature in general. This place may have become our new favorite hang out spot, we had a 2 month old with us and still had a great time and comfortable stay.

There is something mystical and comforting about sipping a warm drink in front of a wood burning fireplace. Ripplewood Resort's cabins are perfect for a weekend getaway. They're well stocked with warm soft comforters and sheets. They have pots/pans/plates/silverware for you to cook your own meals on a gas stove, as well as a large refrigerator/freezer for you to store ingredients and leftovers. If you forget any necessities (Thera-flu, mac and cheese, logs, coffee, cookies etc) - they have a basic store as well. Our cabin was rustic with a padded comfortable couch, two beds, and a charming bathroom with a simple shower - that was stocked with basic toiletries and towels. We were able to park our car in front of the cabin - for easy unloading and hiking afternoons, and we even had a porch with rickety wooden chairs - for lazy lounging. Strumming guitar against the cackle of flame lit logs, as you hear the seducing sound of the river lapping against the Big Sur moonlit bank is powerful medicine for the soul. Trust.

The most horrible experience with guest services Ever! The incompetent customer service person would not allow me to book because I wanted to stay in their cabin to attend a wedding. That is not allowed. You are only allowed to stay at Ripplewood to enjoy the beauty of Big Sur. NOT TO ATTEND YOUR FRIENDS' WEDDING.

I am writing this review about the general store on the resort. They are not ADA compliant. There is no way a handicapped person in a wheelchair can enter the store. I was told they rarely have wheelchair people who want to come into the store. What??? That's because they can't get into the store!! I am giving them 2 stars just because I found the item I needed there. The lady who was there was rude when I asked about it. I pointed to my husband waiting outside who is in a wheelchair. She really didn't care. A simple plywood portable ramp would solve this problem. I will be checking back in a few months. If they have not resolved the problem, I am reporting them.

With barely any options of places to stay in Big Sur, we stayed at Ripplewood. It's a very cute idea but they need to make some updates to the cabins. I loved the atmosphere of the campground and being able to look out my window at the river but I couldn't help feeling dirty inside the cabin. I understand this is not a luxury hotel but I at least want to know that the sheets were clean, bathroom cleaned, kitchen wiped down, outside table cleaned, etc. The bed and other furniture was very uncomfortable. For $200+ a night, maybe buy some cushions? Or just simply upgrade the furniture a bit. I hope these recommendations are considered because it's a great location! Also, come cabins are more private than others. We were in #9 and across from us were tent campers so not as much privacy.

I don't normally post reviews on Yelp. I'm only posting this one because I'm actually terrified to call and complain for fear that my complaint will only be laughed at the same way my request for information was. This past weekend my fiancé and I decided to take a day trip from LA up to Big Sur in search of the perfect place to stay the weekend of our wedding. We had stayed at Ripplewood a few years back and absolutely loved it. We wanted the opportunity to share this magical place with our closest and dearest and went inside the office/store to inquire about renting several cabins. Before I could even finish my sentence, the woman behind the counter immediately started laughing and without even looking up at me, said they DO NOT DO GROUP RESERVATIONS. She then continued to say that we'd better not tell anyone we would be there for a wedding, and that we'd have to be "sneaky" about reserving several cabins, presumably under different names and credit cards.. all while continuing to laugh as if my inquiry was absolutely absurd. She was rude, condescending, and certainly took zero interest in a most likely, fully booked weekend on their property. I was beyond humiliated, as there were other guests and patrons in the store/office at the time. This wedding has been a challenge for my fiancé and I, and her absolute, downright disrespect was just the icing on the cake. I'd like to take a moment to point out; NOWHERE, and I mean NOWHERE ON THEIR WEBSITE DOES IT STATE ANYTHING SAYING "NO GROUP RESERVATIONS" OR NO GROUP RESERVATIONS FOR SMALL WEDDING PARTIES. NOWHERE. NO. WHERE. So when I was laughed out of their establishment, I couldn't help but hang my head and cry. This woman is just nasty, clearly hates tourists, and don't even mention the word wedding or you'll be shunned. I understand, as Sean has repeatedly pointed out in his previous Review responses, that this property has many positive reviews. Rightfully so. But apparently if you are a group of more than 2 people, you are NOT welcome. Perhaps this is an IMPORTANT bit of information to list on their "policies" section of their website. I don't know if I will still attempt to make my reservation, and I'm only giving 3 stars because of our prior experience here, which was absolutely wonderful.

Cabins are by the river for a rustic Big Sur experience. Cozy and spare but adequate. Better than camping. We were there in late October - it would be much better in warmer weather. No cell phone or internet reception in the cabins - you have to go up on the road. Our friend's cabin had no heat the first night. They had to wait until morning to get it fixed. The restaurant serves a good breakfast.

This review is long overdue. Stayed here over 2 years ago and it was the most relaxing little cabin with a deck overlooking a bubbling brook. My type of camping! The kids loved exploring the brook. It has a full kitchen, a fireplace and a fire pit outside. Loved how it was already stocked with firewood for cozy fireplace indoors and yummy smores outside. They have a great restaurant for breakfast in morn. Want to come back here soon!

This place discriminates against families and children. They lie to you on the phone about their bookings and then they interrogate their guests about their travel and personal plans which is OBSURD. Firstly we weren't coming with children but I felt extremely violated when the booking person was interrogating me about hearing my child in the background on the phone and then questioning my travel plans up to where we were going to eat. Then they wouldn't allow us to book. I am completely disgusted by the manner we were treated on the phone and have never been in that situation before with a business ever.

Breakfast was just "food" on a plate, nothing to be proud about or brag about thats for sure. But it is breakfast and it was available. My stomach wasn't feeling very well but it didn't return the investment so thats good. Lol

Stayed here couple weeks ago for my boyfriend's birthday and loved it! Cute cabin and can't miss the location! Kitchen was stock with basic essentials. If you don't have signal don't worry the local office has the Wi-Fi connection along with any last minute buys. Check in was total breeze . Cabin has cleaning fee if only any dirty dishes are left behind but would also charge you for a slightly dirty stove? Please be honest with your cleaning policy which is reasonable( any airbnb location charges one is it's no biggie for establishment to do so).

The most beautiful and peaceful place to be in the world! The cabins are cozy and well equipped with essentials (kitchen and bathroom). The beds are so comfortable with incredibly soft sheets. Lots of good food options near by. You have to try the breakfast place located near the general store one of the best breakfasts I've had in a while!

Stayed in Cabin 4. I realize that "resort" is in the name, but if you are expecting resort style amenities, you'll need to look elsewhere. Keep in mind there is NO cell reception (for most), NO wifi, and NO television. Some might freak out at the thought of totally disconnecting themselves, but I found it completely refreshing. After all, why stare at a screen when you're nestled in nature's beauty!? There is, however, wifi available at the General Store and cafe. Our cabin was located right along the river with unobstructed views. It was a perfect size for two people with a kitchen, fireplace, bathroom with skylight shower, and a sitting area. The kitchen included some basics (i.e., flatware, plates, cups, bowls, pots and pans) but I preferred to bring my own things and it worked out perfectly! They also supply you with a pack of firewood and fire starter for each day of your stay. The cabin itself is very rustic and nothing fancy, which worked for me. However, I will say that new bedding would do wonders for the cabin. Checking in and out was very simple and the front desk was helpful with all of our questions. I would recommend staying in the cabins on the river side versus the ones located by the General Store (front office).

I have been wanting to write this review for over a year now but had to wait due to the fear that my husbands parents would be punished or kicked out if they connected the dots.... not that they seem to care to check these forums for feedback anyway. I'm from San Diego. I understand what it is like to work with tourists and I know that at times it can be taxing. But I also know that even with my local repeat customers- my livelihood would be nothing like it is WITHOUT tourism. I have worked in restaurants for 15 years and never in my life have I felt that I could treat someone who isn't a local, how this establishment treated not just me, but 5 other people that I was to send there. The reason for our stay was a 9 person wedding. 9 people. The bride and groom were NOT staying on their property but rather up in Carmel, where we were welcomed with open arms. All of our festivities took place in Carmel or at a couple restaurants about 20 mins south of this precious establishment. Yet the woman who took our first reservation said if she "sees any obnoxious and narcissistic brides walking around, the entire party gets kicked out" mind you. We weren't using their property for ANYTHING. It was just a place for our parents to stay, being one of the only affordable spots in Big Sur. It just gets worse from there. I tried to help my 70 year old mother in law reserve her cabin and they laughed and essentially told me to f*ck off because she had to do it herself. So I had to sit and help her through the whole process. They then had an issue where one of the cards expired a month before our reservation so they were about to cancel our reservation... even though the down payment was paid for. When we asked about checking in around 5pm instead of 330pm to make my mother in law more comfortable- they went on a rant about closing up and charging if were too late. It was unbelievable. Every last request or question was met with laughter, down right mockery or one of the worst attitudes I've ever experienced in customer service. I have stayed here a few time before with just my husband and we loved it. But if you're more than a 2 person group? Stay far far away. Your business is not wanted nor appreciated. I planned to rent out 5-7 cabins for one of the most important times in my life and ended up renting ONE because of how nasty these people are. After years of staying here and giving them MY money, I will never ever stay here again. Big Sur is an easy drive from Carmel and Monterey. Stay in a place that understands and appreciates your tourism and just drive into Big Sur for the day. But whatever you do- avoid this place that clearly has no desire to accommodate you. Tourism is Big Surs livelihood. But these people clearly don't understand that.

A lovely place to stay for a wedding. We were a party of four staying in Cabin 1. The cabin was beautiful and fully equipped with everything we could possibly need for our stay. The kitchen was well stocked with cooking equipment, as well as a large coffee maker. The deck overlooked the river. It was gorgeous. Check in was a breeze, though I would recommend trying to arrive during daylight. We arrived in the dark and it took a bit to figure out where the driveway to the cabins was. Check out was just as easy, though as far as I can tell, there is no way to check out if the store front isn't open. We tried to leave a little before 8am to make sure flights wouldn't be missed, but had to wait until the store opened at 8 to return the keys. Overall it was a perfect stay, and we will be back!

Great cabin by the river far enough off highway 1 not to notice traffic noise. The water from the river drowned out the traffic. Cabin with kitchen, refrigerator, gas stove, coffee maker, dishes, no microwave, no phone, no tv, no internet, no WiFi, but electric heater and wood fireplace stove and deck by river with picnic table. $200 a night for nice cabin #4. There's cheaper ones starting at 110 off season midweek. Grocery store, gas station, restaurant, firewood sales on highway 1. We'll come back. The shower looked into the sky. I felt like I was showering in the forest with the see through roof.

WOW. Based upon the people that answered the phone here I would NOT stay here. Totally rude and incompetent. The guy that answered assumed i was going to barbecue on the porch w a hibachi when i inquired about and then hung up. The place is run down and shabby also - I've driven by here in the past. What an unfortunate experience. I wouldn't spend 2 cents here.

So cute! Ended up in this spot late at night and just needed somewhere to stay. Felt kind of creepy at night since there was nothing around and the few things that were, were all closed. But it ended up being pretty cozy and cute. No WiFi, tv or phone but that was totally fine for us. We had our laptop and were able to get WiFi from the library next door (random right? Who even goes to that library...) Me and my husband would love to stay here again! Clean & friendly staff.

I felt like we were hostages in Big Sur. With little to no choices of hotels, just cabins ~ we chose Ripplewood Resort to stay. for $250 a night and the rules and regulations these people lay on you, one would expect a NICE cabin that at least appears clean. We were in cabin #7 and what a nightmare. The floors were uneven. While lying in bed your head was on a down slope. Getting out of bed walking out of the room was on an up hill slant, then turn the corner to go to the bathroom and your are on a down hill slant. It felt like a cabin that was just ignored to be taken care of. The fan in the bathroom had to be disconnected as it was ready to burn. The fireplace couldn't be burned as smoke filled the room. The patio furniture was weak and looked like it never had been cleaned or swept off! Trust me, NEVER AGAIN!!!

Very rustic, enjoyed the rustic appeal in the cabin by the Big Sur River... Cabin 5 had a small kitchen but everything you need to fix a nice meal, given that your chef has skills LOL... Be prepared for no service what so ever or wifi and that was a great getaway... General Store has what you need but hit Safeway before Big Sur as the General Stores in town can be a bit pricy and the restaurants are a bit pricy as well... Would definitely stay here again...

We stayed in Cabin #9, the bed was fine, the deck off the kitchen overlooked the river which was nice, it was a weeknight in May so not too busy The check in and check out was easy, staff was very nice. The cafe adjacent to the office was great. They make their own granola, and sell it in zip lock bags (took home a bag..yum). The cabin was rustic, floor slanted a bit, but it was clean had a well equipped kitchen and a bathroom, which is a HUGE step up from camping IMO, yet you were nestled in the redwoods without schlepping a tent, stove and you are a LOT warmer. Lodging in Big Sur is pricey, it's called supply and demand...limited supply=high demand so $200 a night is a deal. Ripplewood is in a great location. If you require room service, Frette linens, rainforest showers, pay per view movies and are tethered to your Smart Phone 24/7, you probably won't be happy here. But if you want the 'Big Sur' experience, this is it.

This place has to be reviewed in the context of what other hotels around are available. You can stay at Ventana if you want to blow $1000 a night. If you want a chill cabin to stay in a peaceful location, then look no further. We found the place on rather late notice and were glad that we did. We had a cabin a little bit up the hill on the same side of CA 1 as the gas station. There are a number of other cabins on the river side, but I think they are smaller. Our place (Cabin 16) was huge, with 2 full bedrooms, a bathroom, a kitchen, and a nice living room. It was basically a vacation house. It also had a fireplace and they supplied us with firewood, although we didn't use it because it was pretty warm when we were there. The receptionist in the store was nice, and there are a lot of necessary items in the little grocery if you need anything. Wine and beer are also available. The attached restaurant was also good. The only minor problem I had was when making the reservation I had a question about how many beds there were. We knew there were 2 queen beds, but were told that they were separated by a sheet. Given that information, we decided not to ask another couple to stay with us. However, when we arrived we found two separate bedrooms! I think maybe they misunderstood when I asked, thinking I was staying in Cabin 6. Anyway, the communication could have been a bit better. However, this was still a really good experience.

Planned a last minute trip to Big Sur with some friends and needed some cheap lodging. For 5 people, Ripplewood was the cheapest I could find. We got Cabin 15 which came out to $250/night. Not too bad once you look at the prices of the other places. And we got our moneys worth too. Cabin 15 had a nice spacious living room with a sofa, a queen bed, a twin bed, and a fireplace. Nearby was the bathroom, kitchen (stocked with kitchen items), and another bedroom with a queen size bed. Check it out here - http://www.ripplewoodresort.com/cabin15.htm. We ate out but we definitely had all the kitchen appliances needed to cook our own food. You will need to call Ripplewood to book a room and they usually require two day minimum stay and two day advanced notice. I think I must have called on a slow weekend because they gave me one night stay with one day advanced notice. Upon arriving, I found a gas station to fuel up, a cafe to eat up, and a grocery store to stock up. It's really all you need for a night (or more) in Big Sur.

The customer service was awful. The lodging was fine, very rustic, very basic. If you are at all squirmy about dead bugs (or live ones), mold in showers then I would reconsider staying here. There were termites crawling on us at night. There was an extra charge after I left that I noticed on my credit card, I called to ask about it, the person that answered the phone was incredibly rude and refused to help or even take a message. Absolutely not necessary and unacceptable. Would never recommend this place to anyone or ever stay there again. Very disappointing. I can say the best and only good part of staying here was the outdoor fire pit.

So my partner and I decided to head to Big Sur on pretty short notice and a bunch of places were already booked (I especially wanted to stay at Glen Oaks Big Sur). I'm going to admit that I'm not the camping type and I'm especially adamant when staying somewhere that it must be very clean. I came across Ripplewood Resorts and the only cabin they had available was #14. I figured this was because everyone wanted the cabins near the river and #14 is closer to where cars could be hear driving by since it's on the hillside. If you want to feel like you're deep into the woods, then #14 won't be for you even though I really didn't hear cars at all. We came here at night and it was so quiet that it almost scared me lol. There is absolutely no WiFi here but #14 is close to restaurants. There is a nice little kitchen with plates, bowls, and utensils provided to you (but you must wash them yourselves unless you want to be charged). The bedroom isn't particularly big and nowhere near luxurious but it will do. The bathroom is claustrophobic inducing and too small - I didn't really feel comfortable in there so I'm glad I just stayed a night and didn't need to use the shower. The living room is the nicest part - very lovely fireplace! It is definitely clean here although you might encounter a spider or two. Rustic is best way to describe Ripplewood.

I stayed in 12-B for about 2 days. Loved this little place. We had a quite, comfy, charming little half cabin right off the PCH. The views of the grassy field in front of our room and the friendly deer and butterflies made this place idyllic. The light rain at night was a heavenly surprise. The owner and store/check-in staff were very helpful and kind. They even have a small library that is open during the week. Unfortunately, I was there on a weekend. It is a definite place to disconnect from the grid, so if you want to watch TV or get online inside your cabin, don't plan on it. The cafe however does have Wi-Fi if you cannot resist. It was a little pricey for our small one bed cabin but then again it is Big Sur and this was a pretty low price compared to other places in Big Sur. I would definitely stay here again though.

I called to learn more about the property's accommodations and the activities available for children. The woman on the phone was so condescending and rude. She assumed I was asking about technology when I really wanted to know about swimming and play areas. When I shared we would be in town for a wedding she made it very clear that wedding guests were not wanted. I have never felt such lack of kindness and absolute arrogance from someone in the service industry. A very disappointing interaction. We will never stay there. By the way, I am only give one star because the site requires at least that. I would give zero if I could.

We visited this past weekend on cabin 9, and the setting is nice with a river running through, tall redwood trees, the cabin small enough for 2 people, clean to certain extend, the floor by the table is off level, the place have a funny smell that probably is from the wood I guessed. On the deck the chairs were dirty, which I had to clean them to avoid getting dirt when seating. Obviously in big sur probably this place is a bargain, compared to others in that region. WIFI limited even by the store area.

So clean. They offered us anything we needed. Would totally come back. It was quiet and clean and perfect.

Our stay here was all about managing expectations which I think is why it resulted in a solid 3 star, good experience that we had. I'll start by saying my research for a June 2022 trip started late 2021/early 2022 and at that time, reviews for customer service at most places in Big Sur were not good. I realize that could be attributed to many factors however it was enough that, having never been to any of them before, I decided to cancel the initial reservation I had for the more expensive riverside suite at a nearby establishment with lots of amenities and search for a cheaper option. Staying in this smaller but sufficient cabin in the same amazingly beautiful area was 1/3 of the original cost and for that alone I don't think I could ever be disappointed overall. As far as the lodging accommodations themselves go, it was actually better than what we (should have) expected. We stayed in cabin 11 and knew the cabin was right by the road, that there were no outdoor amenities besides a patio table and that there was "no kitchen". I was only slightly disappointed because I made an assumption that there would be a microwave because most places that also have a mini-fridge have a microwave, but I really had no reason to expect it so that doesn't factor into the review. There was a mini-fridge, a coffee maker, 4 short glasses, a little bar and 2 bar stools. It would make a tremendous amount of sense to add a microwave but that's neither here nor there. The space was all we (a family of 3, kiddo is 9) needed for a 3 night stay. We spent so much time exploring Big Sur that we wouldn't have gotten much use of much more in such a short amount of time. I was truly delighted with how clean the cabin was. The photos on the website and from other reviews give the impression of a very dark and dingy place with a fair amount of dust and cobwebs but that was far from the case. The quilts had been replaced from the photos, the place was well lit with overhead light and lamps, the beds were really comfortable and all the linens looked brand new. The whole cabin was so surprisingly clean, I even ran my finger over a door frame to see if there would be dust and there wasn't! The patio area was lovely with a whole, albeit small of course, grove of redwoods all to ourselves. The cabin sits by the road but you'd never know that because of the 6-7 foot ditch wall that's right beside it. We actually passed the cabin driving a few times because its so hard to see from the road and the noise from cars was noticeable at night but not what I would consider a nuisance. There was no reason to have a fire ring because of how dry this area is and its so much more peaceful (and less work) without one. I even saw a fox walk right by our porch one night. I can't reiterate enough how pleased we all were with the accommodations particularly considering the price point. Customer service is where Ripplewood fell a bit short. Having to call to make the reservation is annoying in itself and the experience I had with that part alone solidified my idea that the reviews I mentioned earlier were probably true but we'd have little interaction with the staff so it was fine. Then, the lady that checked us in upon arrival was the absolute epitome of those reviews. It was as though all guests that forced any interaction at all were bothersome to her, even though most of us were just trying to give her our money to pay our reservations. It created a very unwelcoming vibe and her attitude was such that I was left with no desire to patronize the business further and instead opted to eat and shop at many of the other places in the local vicinity. We only bought gas and a few items from the general store at Ripplewood which is one of the only options for gas in Big Sur anyway. The gas station attendant was very friendly but I never went back inside the store or ate at the restaurant to interact with any other staff. The restaurant also has limited hours compared to others in the area. My husband did bring a coffee to me one morning but it's better not mentioning. Ultimately, while I have no complaints or regrets staying at a cabin here, I am so glad not to have risked the cost of the more expensive option and it would have been nicer not being talked to like an idiot or treated like I was causing more of a problem by having to check in to get the key.

Ripplewood ~ We were in cabin # 1 We give this place 3 1/2 stars for the cabin. It was rustic and love seats need to be replaced but it was clean with a nice big fireplace and well appointed . 5 stars for the setting on the river. ...and 5+ stars for beautiful Big Sur. We have been camping in Big Sur for the past 40 yrs. And time has stood still it's so peaceful and beautiful LOVE the redwoods and coast line. 4 stars for the Ripplewood cafe we shared a wonderful omlet 2 days in a row and the best blueberry pancakes we've ever had.

This place does not cater to FAMILIES!!! Owners have no customer service skills and are some of the rudest people I have ever met. We had been there before and thought this family trip would be amazing, DIDN'T HAPPEN ! The resort is nice and my family definitely made the best of it! We had a great time with each other but it's unfortunate this place doesn't cater to families having a good time. Would not recommend it and will not be returning.

Back again and just absolutely love this place. Home away from home. Everyone is very hospitable especially the management. Thankful to return every year!

My main squeeze and I have been coming to this place for my birthday for the last two years. I love this place. The staff is very friendly and the rooms are super clean. My boyfriend and I don't really DO the maid service thing we enjoy our privacy. They will leave towels at the door for us and sweep the driveway of debris. Very cool. The front desk/store is so nice and very well stocked. Prices are higher (to be expected) than anywhere back home. If you want a quiet cabin... Cabin 11 (our favorite) might not be for you. It is right off the road. Doesn't bother us. Cabin 2 on the other hand is much more secluded. It (cabin 2) has more amenities (kitchen, deck over looking river, dining table but the bathroom was much smaller than cabin 11). I have gone on long enough. I am going to add my picture. They will say more, without saying anything.

We stayed in cabin 2 for a few nights! Here's what to expect. Pros: -Full kitchen (no microwave for those of you who use them) -Located on the river with a deck to enjoy it from -Beautiful scenery, tall red woods surround the cabins, it's quite a sight! I loved to enjoy my coffee on the porch surrounded by the beauty! -Towels available upon request -Two wall heaters - A small market up the hill and across the street is owned and operated by the resort, has all sorts of things you may have forgotten at home (toothpaste and camping food) -Small restaurant owned and operated by the resort, (personally couldn't try it because all the items contain cheese, gluten, or animal proteins so plan ahead if you're vegan or vegetarian or allergy prone) -The rooms have booklets with information about local hikes, restaurants etc -Maid service available although we didn't opt for it Cons: - The front desk couldn't provide us with fresh towels, told us it was only available through maid service which we declined that day. At first told us she could get us some if we stuck around for a few hours until she closed the shop...Plan ahead -Beds don't have fitted sheets, woke up on a bare mattress after rolling around in the night (ew) -Wall heaters helped but the cabin was very cold and required sweats and socks at all times -Spare blanket had crusty stuff on it so we decided against using it - Uncomfortably small shower with very very low water pressure and I'm 5'4 and 105 lbs. Found myself sticking to the walls and shower curtain constantly, again gross and I'm very tiny. Couldn't reach up to my hair without touching at least three walls with my clean body.Definitely could not have shaved. Boyfriend had an even harder time. If you're even slightly overweight or tall I genuinely don't think you'll be able to fit. Not sure if there are rooms with baths but opt for that.

The location was great. I'd prefer to get a cabin on the river side if I were to come back. We were in 12b (the duplex) and while the room was equipped with the bare essentials, it was really hot in there! we had to keep the ceiling fan running at all times and the door and windows open while we were in there. It just never seemed to cool down. One of the employees in the general store was a bit rude, but I just brushed it off as they were having a bad day. Wifi barely worked so we either had to go to the store or the tree across the street. I wouldn't deter anyone from at least checking it out. There's a few restaurants within walking distance too so you won't feel stranded. There was no tv's but that's perfect for being out there.

The nicest aspect of the resort is the beautiful surroundings. Cabin was rustic, but some cabins (even cabins for 4) have beds in the living room, rather than a separate bedroom. Customer service was not great, the cleaning crew threw out half of our groceries before check out time.

We stayed in Cabin 16 at Ripplewood which on the other side of the road from the river. It was very spacious and rustic and we really enjoyed our stay. It was about 250+ tax per night. There were two bedrooms (queen size bed in each) one bathroom. There is no TV or wifi or reception in the cabins. Its a very short walk to the café/store which does have wifi. The beds were pretty comfortable and the kitchen and living room are pretty good sized. The kitchen has some pots, pans, utensils. No salt, pepper or that kind of stuff which would have been nice. Plenty of seating for people. There are two outdoor areas to hang out and a nice fireplace. We loved that they gave us wood each day. And they have maid service daily which we were surprised about but was a nice touch. The store surprisingly had a lot of stuff that wasn't super overpriced. We were very pleased. You park right up by your cabin. Location is amazing. You are very centrally (closer to North) located in Big Sur. Very close to Andrew Molera, Pfeiffer, McWay. We were able to see quite a bit with limited driving. Highly recommend! Oh, and this is not a resort like the classic resort. It is just a nice cabin that is a step up from glamping. It is also pricey but for the area it was not bad.

We stopped by their restaurant on our drive along Hwy 1 and had a great breakfast. We were starving and glad they had fast service and great food. Staff was friendly and the patio was comfortable and cozy. Would definitely stop here again!

Good for what it is! Cabin (12a - joined to 12b) was super clean and smelled of cedar. Huge and comfy bed. You can hear quite plainly what your neighbor is up to but we assumed that coming in. A cheaper spot to stay and explore beautiful Big Sur - cafe and store were both great, too! We were able to reserve this cabin with only about a week and a half notice in advance. I would def recommend booking on the river side of the property (Highway 1 cuts through the property, as it does most spots). Check-in hostess was quirky.