Alila Ventana Big Sur to remain closed through May 26 — here's what we know
One of California's best resorts and a World of Hyatt favorite, Alila Ventana Big Sur will remain closed through at least May 26. This is due to the closure of Highway 1 for construction following a series of events, including storms and multiple landslides, that seriously damaged the road over the last few weeks and months.
Currently, the hotel website shows the following notice: "Alila Ventana Big Sur has temporarily suspended operations until May 26, 2024, due to a road closure on Highway 1. Please call our reservations department at 1-800-628-6500 for further assistance."
The property, which closed in late March following the incidents that caused the highway damage, has shifted its scheduled reopening date multiple times over the last few weeks; construction crews are working to repair the damage to the famed two-lane highway, including one lane that collapsed into the ocean, according to the Associated Press.
Guests staying at the resort over Easter weekend shared on a Reddit thread that, following the road closure, which ultimately left guests stranded, the resort extended stays. However, the resort urged guests to check out once timed convoys were announced to allow them to safely depart the isolated area.
Now, guests with expensive reservations or difficult-to-snag award bookings through May 26 are out of luck and are urged to call Hyatt's reservation department at 1-800-628-6500 to discuss reservation options. Reddit users with earlier reservations in the original closure window reported that Hyatt offered to refund points to World of Hyatt accounts or offer cash refunds.
The problem: People who booked with points are saying Hyatt is putting the onus of finding and rebooking award stays on the guests themselves. If you're familiar with Alila Ventana Big Sur, you know that finding award availability can be like finding a needle in a haystack.
Alila Ventana Big Sur's resort manager, Julia Chaland, said in a statement provided to TPG that the resort is in touch with future guests and World of Hyatt members to inform them of the situation.
"We are extending care and flexibility to impacted guests and members and continue to waive cancellation fees over the coming weeks. Guests and members with questions regarding future stays should contact the hotel’s reservation department at 1-800-628-6500. For bookings made via online travel agents or other third parties, guests may contact their booking provider for information on their policies and for assistance. "
Alila Ventana Big Sur's aimed reopening date is likely in line with the California Department of Transporation April 12 announcement that it "anticipates completing the initial repair work to stabilize the edge of Highway 1 south of the Rocky Creek Bridge by Memorial Day, May 27."
However, weather and unexpected delays could once again push that date back.
For travelers affected by the resort's closure, it's important to note that access to the area as a whole will remain difficult during the construction work; it might be best to shift course and visit different areas throughout California or elsewhere.
For World of Hyatt members looking to salvage a vacation on points somewhat nearby, the closest Hyatt property TPG recommends is Carmel Valley Ranch, part of the Unbound Collection; however, it has more of a large resort feel than Alila Ventana Big Sur. The resort has varying award availability between now and late May, most at 40,000 points per night or higher for Standard Suite Awards.
To stick with the Alila family, the Alila Napa Valley in St. Helena, California, has some award availability starting at 20,000 World of Hyatt points per night; the Alila Marea Beach Resort Encinitas near San Diego also has some award availability for 30,000 points per night through May 27.
Another recommendation in Southern California is the Park Hyatt Aviara. It offers a totally different feel than Alila Ventana Big Sur but still makes for a great vacation, with award nights available from 25,000 points.
Or, to keep the health-conscious, all-inclusive feel of Alila Ventana Big Sur, consider changing your entire trip and heading to Texas or Arizona for a stay at one of Hyatt's much-loved Miraval Resorts. At these resorts, your meals are included, and you can spend your days focusing on your health through spa treatments or wellness activities. Standard Award availability starts at 65,000 points per night for two guests.
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- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
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| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
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There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.