Luxury Hotel Review: Lodge at Pebble Beach
The Lodge at Pebble Beach needs no introduction to its famous golf course, overlooking the stunning Pacific coastline.
Even knowing about the hotel before my visit, I was still blown away by the scenery, hotel grounds, and hospitality. In full disclosure, I am not a golfer and spent my days exploring the grounds with my baby girl while my husband golfed; luckily, he will weigh in below with some golfing insight.
Since I spent my days experiencing the 18th hole with a baby, get ready for a Pebble Beach review that is not typically found in most golf magazines. This hotel review of the Lodge at Pebble Beach will give you the inside scoop regarding on-site activities, my dining favorites, and of course, what I loved about the room.
The Star of the Show: Golfing at Pebble Beach
The course at Pebble Beach will make you wish you were a golfer. I can now understand why it’s on many people's bucket lists. Since I did not experience the course myself, I asked my husband to weigh in. You can read his full tips and review on the Pebble Beach activity page. In short, he called the course, “Eye candy for a golfer,” and “Everything [he] imagined.” (He made sure I typed those exact words).
What does a non-golfers day look like? Food and Fun:
If you’re like me, you’re here for the views, the food, and some R&R. Yes, a tiny, tiny part of me wished I played golf after seeing this course, but it will have to be a goal for another time in my life.
If you’re spending your vacation without golf on the schedule, there is still plenty of fun to fill the day. Admittingly, it is not a hotel for an adventure seeker. Instead, imagine sitting in an Adirondack chair with a good book, strolling the grounds for a leisurely walk, or heading to the pool, tennis courts, spa, or shops.
Here’s what my day consisted of, with a baby in tow:
- Early breakfast at Stillwater Bar and Grill overlooking the 18th hole: I recommend going early (~8am) because it's surprisingly empty. As I waited for my order of banana pancakes, I ventured onto the 18th hole for some early morning photos. It was a photographer’s dream, not only because of the early morning light, but also because it was well before the tour bus crowds arrived, and before golfers made their way down the course.
- Morning walk through the hotel grounds: While walking on the course is obviously not permissible, some hotel access roads and sidewalks carve through the greens, and have beautiful views of the Pacific. These are not hiking trails, but don’t be surprised if you come across wildlife, like deer.
- Lunch by the pool: The pool is a short 10 minute walk from the main lodge. Tucked into its own cove, there is plenty of privacy from the golf-gawkers.
- Post baby nap activity: I recommend shopping in the stores by the Lodge and checking out the spa for some "mom time," once Dad returns from his round.
- Dinner on site: The hotel offers 5 restaurants, and a smaller market for to-go options. My favorite is The Bench; it has delicious food and stunning scenery. The outdoor fire pits overlook the 18th hole, and it's easy to sit back and relax. Be sure to try the mussels and mac and cheese.
I would also encourage all visitors to get up early to experience the 17 mile drive before sunrise. Around 7:30 am the tour buses start taking over, so snap your future holiday card fast! The sunrise light and cypress trees are an unforgettable sight.
Accommodations and service:
The rooms at Pebble Beach aim to recharge their guests after a day of golfing. We stayed in a Partial Ocean View room our first trip, and a Fairway View room the second time around. The layouts were almost exactly the same, including a large living area and fireplace, and spacious bathroom. To any parent bringing a small child, the rooms include a small, separate alcove that easily fits a pack and play! Of course, the difference between the rooms comes down to view. The first option opens to the Pacific Ocean (18th hole not visible for this room category). The second option was all about hole #1 -- the first tee off.
Lastly, the service at this hotel was top notch. That’s no surprise for a 5-star resort, but what impressed me was their helpfulness in accommodating a small child. I had originally thought a golfers’ resort would translate to a more formal environment, but the staff always found a highchair, or helped me with any mom-related needs. True story: during our first visit, upon checking out of my room (but still needing to refrigerate my breastmilk for a few hours before leaving the property), the (male) concierge happily took my cooler filled with pumped milk and understood to handle the package with care. Poor guy.
That's a wrap!
This luxury hotel review of the Lodge at Pebble Beach was an easy one to write. We've already returned once more, returning a year later to experience the hotel again with a toddler this time. It was just as enjoyable the second time around, and we were even able to explore more of nearby Monterey.
I hope this article has inspired your own family getaway to Big Sur, Pebble Beach and Carmel. If you have any questions, or your own travel tips, please leave them in the comments below. Also, don't forget to sign up for the monthly newsletter, packed with travel tips, upcoming news, and access to FREE destination itineraries.
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