We passed on Peter Greenberg's tips about the Treebones Resort in Big Sur a short while ago, and now this collection of yurts has made it onto a list from Budget Travel magazine too: a list of accommodations in Big Sur for under $200 a night.
The odd thing about Treebones is that the owners never intended to build a hotel or resort of any kind. They bought the land there to retire on, and then discovered that new planning laws prevented them from simply building a house. And gradually the idea of the yurts developed--because they didn't want a "normal hotel"--and Treebones as we now know it, 16 simple wooden yurts and a lodge--came to be.
Rates are still the same, starting at $155 a night. They have got a special coming up if you're in to planning ahead to 2009--a whale watchers' package with 20% off rack rates for two-night, non-weekend bookings.
While staying a night or two in a yurt might be more commonplace as you transit through Mongolia on the Trans-Mongolian Express, you don't need to head to such exotic spots to do so. In fact, according to a tip from Peter Greenberg, you can overnight in a yurt--those tent-like affairs typically used by wandering Mongolians--at Big Sur in California.
The Treebones Resort in Big Sur has 16 yurts and all of them are a lot more luxuriously equipped than their Mongolian counterparts. Some of them have an ocean view and all of them have queen-sized beds, electric lighting, a heater and hot and cold running water. They even have polished wooden floorboards, which is much more than the nomads would've been prepared to carry around with them. Additionally, there is a heated pool and hot tub on site, and a lodge building for dining.
Two things you should know: there is no cell phone access (which is probably a good thing for a vacation but you might want to know about it ahead of time); and you can't drive right up to the yurts so you'll want to pack light enough that you can carry everything you bring. If the yurts are booked out and you've got a tent, there are also five campsites available for hire.
On weekends or through the April to October peak season, there's a minimum booking of two nights. A full ocean view yurt for two people comes at $175 per night, or $155 if you only get a partial ocean view; some of the yurts can fit from four to six guests and start at $245 a night for four people. All of which is a lot cheaper than flying to Mongolia.
We wonder what marketing gurus in Dubai would think of Travel and Leisure's pick for the top of their 500 Best Hotels list, The Post Inn of Big Sur. We know it kills them at the same time as bewilders them as to how this small hotel (only 30 rooms and one restaurant!?) could take the cake.
Although they would probably give credit to the beauty of Big Sur's coastline that the hotel has a perfect view of, the lack of mile-high tennis courts and super-speed elevator systems jetting 50 floors up would leave them open-mouthed and giving each other looks of pure cluelessness.
One of the Post Inn's guests claim that this should be the first 6 star hotel:
I recently stayed at Post Inn ranch and all I can say is that it is unreal. It is the most peaceful place I have ever stayed. We stayed 3 night in the ocean house room and it is by far the best room I have ever stayed in. This is the first 6 star hotel mark my words!
At this point our table of snazzy men sitting at their long polished table on the 70th floor of some architectural wonder in downtown Dubai, are actually sweating; they are offended by this preposterous claim. The only 6 star...wait no, make that, 7, 8...9....hell, 10 star hotel that there will ever be shall be in DUBAI!
Back to reality though, the Post Inn truly is hotel perfection. The cozy rooms will feel like your very own and the view will make you forget anything that's bad in this world. If you've got the money or even if you don't, well here's your hotel.
0 Comments - Add Yours
by amandak
