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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