Location. Nature. Grand meeting hall at reception with fire. Music evening.

Check in process is really inefficient. Rooms need some updating

This is a historic property with buildings designed by Julia Morgan in the earlier part of the 20th century for a YWCA camp and later added on to in the 60's by Warnecke, a contextualist architect who tried to incorporate the environment and other buildings into his design. We got a family room with a double and three twins with fireplace. The design was worked into the fabulous scenery. The beach was reached by a boardwalk through protected and restored dunes. The bathroom setup with a dressing room with two sinks, a separate shower room and toilet room, really worked well for the family. We could store all our suitcases, clothes, and junk in the dressing room keeping our room more tidy then most hotel rooms. The breakfast was generous and served in the historic dining hall. On Friday night, there was live music outside the social hall. My kids enjoyed the pool as well.

The reason the rooms retain their midcentury charm is that the property has been a little relaxed on updates. I believe some rooms have been recently updated, but this was not one of them. The sinks didn't have stoppers, the double mattresses was a little tired, and the sliding glass door was hard to open. Also, we had a fireplace with wood, kindling and no matches -- probably could have got them from the front desk, but we didn't try the fire. Housekeeping did not come during our stay, although we didn't ask them to, either. The pool was outside and heated, but a little chilly for the summer weather we had while we were there.

We booked a double queen ocean view. It was amazing. We could sit in our room and watch the sunset. Our room was clean and they had daily room cleaning, something we haven't experienced since COVID. They had brochures describing the original buildings, the restoration of the dunes and flora and birds. These were very interesting and made the walk around the facility and along the ocean/dunes more interesting.

I'm glad I packed using packing cubes as there were no dresser drawers. The beds were uncomfortable and we woke with backaches. The room came with breakfast. I ate it only once as it wasn't very good. Even with the negatives, we will be staying there again.

Staff - Rosalie Castro, Joe Castro, Raquel, Narianne and forgive me who I'm leaving out now....were fantastic. They followed up on everything. Always got back to me quickly and were very patient with me. Loved the firewood ready for a fire as soon as we walked in! Such a nice surprise Also the sparkling water and wine for me since I was the organizer Joe Castro personally delivering my flip chart ASAP when we realized we needed it The coffee showing up even though I hadn't decided :-) people reallly appreciated it The beach, of course!, was great - just that as the organizer I didn't have much of a chance to go there :-( my husband did) The guest playing Bohemian Rhapsody on the piano in social hall! Playing pool with my husband in the social hall! The Kiln was a GREAT meeting room for our needs - photo slideshow on big screen, recording equipment, etc. The salmon was great in Crocker

Initially I found it hard to find my way around the grounds The bathtub in the accessible room wasn't accessible per my friend in the group The shower temperature was really hard to figure out Breakfasts - really would've wanted a better oatmeal setup - maybe in a pot with a cover. It was cold even though it had been on a warmer More greens! - a salad bar every day would be great

Room was great, as usual. The grounds were a joy to walk, especially with all of the reminders about rehabilitating the dunes and honoring the land in other ways. I liked the new "Christmas tree" strategy; I assume the lighted plants in and around the lodge will be planted on the property. Setting the sustainability example is great.

I'm thrilled that the breakfast-included policy has been reinstated. HOWEVER, the food service was not good. Caffeinated coffee ran out in both pots and there were no cups or silverware on several tables ("You weren't supposed to sit there"). I'd touted the great fellowship during group breakfast to our newest traveler, but we spend a lot of time going back and forth for supplies we lacked. Also, the landfill/compost/recycle bin just outside the coffee shop was full to bursting several times during our stay.

I have stayed in different rooms in Asilomar over the years. I love the architecture (Julia Morgan). I love the boardwalks over the sand dunes and, of course, the accessibility of the beach. The rooms are older and a bit on the spartan side, but they are comfortable and the overall vibe cannot be beat! My favorite rooms have a fireplace. I also like that the landscape has been allowed to be itself and is wild rather than sculpted into submission. It's a "be one with nature experience." I also like the little cafe on site where I can get my morning coffee on those occasions that I don't buy the dining pass.

Note that some rooms do not have a small fridge. None have a microwave.

We always like staying here because of the beautiful surroundings...it doesn't feel like your typical motel...there are trees everywhere, wildlife, birds, deer, hawks,crows, squirrels...etc...it is within walking distance to the beach, on a nice wooden pathway. Some rooms have a view of the ocean, which is an added bonus, but the surroundings are enough to keep us coming back. The rooms are spacious (could definitely use some updates)

The only downside to our visit 9/6/24 was that there were no ice machines, except at the check in area...just gave us an excuse to take a walk to the check in area (again the surroundings) that was a mild inconvenience though.

We did not have meals .the new carpet and drapes were very nice! The toilet seat wa not attached to anything and and there was very little water pressure. The cold wader handle did not work. The Friday night music was v good! The rocking chairs in front of the huge fire place were wonderful!

The desk staff at the desk has no conception of the rooms. we asked for a first floor room with no stairs. Oak knoll has 20 stairs even if you are on the first floor! This was very hard! There is a man at the desk who is very loud and officious. In fact the frontal people in general seem unfriendly . They don’t smile.

It’s a gorgeous and serene historic property, great, quiet location near the beach. The retreat/camp atmosphere is interesting, and lends itself to friendly interactions with other guests. We shared s’mores with some folks, and our child played pool with another child staying on the grounds. The cafe in the main building is great for a more affordable meal than the cafeteria. There is a limited selection, but it’s good food. Rooms are basic, but clean and comfortable.

The buildings are an eclectic mix, many are pretty basic. Ours was a bit run down, in need of a re-do. Clean and comfortable, but many things need upgrading. It’s part of the system park system, so it’s not your typical hotel. The pool wasn’t heated when we were there, so we couldn’t use it. The cafeteria is very expensive!

Extremely peaceful setting surrounded by tall pine trees, sand dunes, and a beautiful, rugged coastline. The architecture is all wood and stone, designed especially for this magical, natural site. The room was very spacious, and there was a nice shared sitting area/lounge with a fireplace in many of the lodges, including ours. Peaceful brick-paved walking paths wind through the woods, as well as amazing boardwalk pathways through the dunes leading to the beach. Trails along the coastline are extensive, with inspiring views all along the way. This is an incredibly special property!