Amy Risley

Deetjen’s

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Deetjen’s You might want to bring your own toiletries, <br data-src=

You might want to bring your own toiletries,
but this offering is still pretty charming.

Deetjen’s A quaint nook in the restaurant within the main house...bric-a-brac and antiques galore. The décor's traditional English feel has been maintained since 1939, when a widowed Englishwoman invested in and built upon the space, including adding the stunning redwood bar from a nearby ranch.

A quaint nook in the restaurant within the main house...bric-a-brac and antiques galore. The décor's traditional English feel has been maintained since 1939, when a widowed Englishwoman invested in and built upon the space, including adding the stunning redwood bar from a nearby ranch.

Deetjen’s Who needs Yelp when you've got volumes of handwritten journals in each room? You could spend hours pouring through the endearing, inspiring notes and illustrations left by past guests.

Who needs Yelp when you've got volumes of handwritten journals in each room? You could spend hours pouring through the endearing, inspiring notes and illustrations left by past guests.

Deetjen’s Comfy cozy simplicity.

Comfy cozy simplicity.

Deetjen’s Home sweet cabin...nestled under towering redwoods next to a lovely little stream. Castro Cabin is the one standalone room on the property.

Home sweet cabin...nestled under towering redwoods next to a lovely little stream. Castro Cabin is the one standalone room on the property.

Deetjen’s Front deck for star gazing.

Front deck for star gazing.

Deetjen’s Misbehaving rugrats beware...

Misbehaving rugrats beware...

Deetjen’s Simple seating area.

Simple seating area.

Deetjen’s The blueberry pancakes are worth a cheat. Ridiculously delish.

The blueberry pancakes are worth a cheat. Ridiculously delish.

Deetjen’s A skylight just above the bed lets the moonlight in and keeps you connected with the great outdoors.

A skylight just above the bed lets the moonlight in and keeps you connected with the great outdoors.

Deetjen’s A storybook scene greets you as you <br data-src=

A storybook scene greets you as you
approach the main house at Deetjen's.

Highs & Lows

  • Big Sur is undeniably one of the most spectacular environments you can visit in the U.S., and this is the perfect home to adopt while you're there. Be sure to experience the drive up the coast.

  • No locks on the doors. No wifi. No cell service. Nothing to do but tune in to nature and turn into a calmer, more peaceful you.

  • The Inn operates on a not-for-profit basis, so every dollar you spend goes toward preserving its greatness for future visitors.

  • So many friends were eager to make a spontaneous trip up the coast after we raved about it, but the rooms book up weeks in advance. Plan ahead!

  • There's no minibar, and they advise you to keep food in your car so pesky raccoons won't visit you for a midnight snack. If you're looking for a more pampered, luxurious experience, check out neighboring Post Ranch Inn or Ventana.

The Barometer

  • Design

  • Website

  • Environmental Consciousness

  • Night's Sleep

  • Service

  • Amenities

  • Takeable Treats

  • Refer a Friend

  • Overall Value

  • Life Changing

Total: 42/45

Important Bits

  • Type

    Historic, Rustic Inn

  • Vibe

    Peaceful, magical, old-world ambience.

  • Location

    Tucked on the east side of Highway One along the dramatic coastline. Close to Big Sur's best hikes, shops and restaurants.

  • Rooms

    Around 20 rooms, some have shared bathrooms. Each has its own distinct theme and individual charm.

  • Music

    Mellow classical

  • Year Opened

    Rooms were built between the 1930's and 1960's

  • Designed By

    Grandpa Deetjen

  • Health & Wellness

    No need for that here! Ask the Deetjen's staff to guide you toward their hiking trails for 180 degree ocean views and condor sightings.

  • Restaurant

    Romantic, homey setting serving local, organic food and an impressive selection of California wines. Their breakfast was voted best in Monterey County.

  • Bar

    There are a few barstools to cozy up to inside the restaurant.

  • Children

    Yes. Lock them up in the fake miniature jail near Grandpa's room if they're naughty.

  • Price

    Modest and worthwhile.

  • Website

    Visit website

Deetjen’s

Deetjen’s

Point Lobos

Esalen Institute

Esalen Institute

point lobos

Henry Miller Library

Henry Miller Library

55000 CA-1, Big Sur, CA 93920

Earth Tu Face Serum

Earth Tu Face Serum

48603 CA-1, Big Sur, CA 93920

HD Binoculars

HD Binoculars

48865 CA-1, Big Sur, CA 93920

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