A little taste of heaven in Carmel Valley...
Written: Jun 27 '03 (Updated Jun 27 '03)
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Beautiful rooms, feel like royalty.
Cons: Rates sharply raised in 2003, no loyalty program.
The Bottom Line: Worth visiting year after year, if only to relax in the huge tub & sleep in the massive featherbed for a long weekend.
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| maguilar's Full Review: Bernardus Lodge |
My better half and I visit this place yearly..thats all we can afford! I cannot highly recommend this place enough, but be prepared to drop some serious $$ when you visit.
It's located in Carmel Valley, so there are no ocean views to admire, but there are mountain views. Request a mountain view room as opposed to the greenery and you will not be disappointed.
Arrive and have the valet greet you by name; as you check-in you will be given a beautiful glass of wine and invited to check out some CD's and books while they ready your paperwork. Once you are shown to your room, you notice the small things that make a difference..such as the fresh flowers in the room, the complimentary bottles of wine and champagne at your bar, the chocolate covered cherries and nuts that are in your complimentary basket near the bar. When you call for room service or even just with a question, you are greeted by name. Personal service, A+!
The bathtub is big enough for two, make use of it! The in-room CD player lets you listen to tunes as you bathe, read or just relax by the fireplace. There are also decks for each suite that let you take advantage of whatever view your room has. Bernardus is an all-suite hotel, so each room has a small living room, the huge bed, fireplace, deck, and the amazing huge bathroom. Some suites are better appointed than others apparently, but we have never been disappointed with our basic suite.
Got extra money for some pampering? Check out their on-premises spa. It's very pricey and avoid the facials (waste of money!), but go for the massage or an exfoliation, it's definitely worth it, and you get to relax in their warm tranquility spa afterwards. It's great for couples as well.
Eat at Marinus for dinner or drive the 10 minutes into downtown Carmel and dine at one of the many restaurants there. The on-site restaurant, Marinus, has excellent food, and Wickets..the downscaled version, shares parts of the menu, so you benefit from the excellent chef regardless of which on-site restaurant you eat at. There is also an outdoor patio area near a huge stone fireplace, but since we always go in the winter..we never get to enjoy it. I am sure in the summer months it's amazing to have a drink outside and relax near the fire.
Walk the grounds and look out at the view. Enjoy the complimentary wine and champagne in your bathtub late at night. Bernardus is our favorite driveable resort for a weekend of pampering, we highly recommend it--over and over again!!
Recommended:
Yes
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Epinions.com ID:
maguilar
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Location: Bayarea...California
Reviews written: 10
Trusted by: 0 members
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