One of the best resorts in California and a World of Hyatt favorite, Alila Ventana Big Sur will remain closed until at least May 26. This is because Highway 1 was closed for construction after a series of events, including storms and multiple landslides, left the road severely damaged for several last week and month.
Currently, the hotel’s website displays the following message: “Alila Ventana Big Sur has temporarily closed until May 26, 2024 due to road closures on Highway 1. Please call reservations us at 1-800-628-6500 for further assistance.
The facility, which closed in late March after an incident that damaged the highway, has changed its scheduled reopening date multiple times in the past few weeks; Construction crews are working to repair damage on the popular two-lane highway, including one lane that collapsed into the ocean, according to AP news agency.
Guests staying at the resort over Easter weekend shared on a Reddit thread that, after road closures left tourists stranded, the resort extended their stay. However, the resort urged guests to check out once on-time convoys were announced allowing them to safely leave the quarantine area.
Now, guests who booked expensive or hard-to-get award rooms until May 26 are out of luck and are encouraged to call Hyatt reservations at 1-800-628-6500 to discuss Reservation options. Reddit users who previously booked during the initial closure reported that Hyatt offered to refund points to a World of Hyatt account or a cash refund.
The problem: Points bookers are saying that Hyatt is placing the onus of finding and rebooking award stays on the customers themselves. If you’re familiar with Alila Ventana Big Sur, you’ll know that finding available prizes can be like finding a needle in a haystack.
TPG has reached out to Hyatt for a statement regarding the closure.
Alila Ventana Big Sur’s planned reopening date could be in line with the California Department of Transportation Announced April 12 that they “expect to complete 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.
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For visitors affected by the resort’s closure, it is important to note that access to the entire area will remain difficult during construction; it might be best to vary the route and visit different areas throughout California or elsewhere.
For World of Hyatt members looking to take advantage of a vacation nearby, the closest Hyatt hotel that TPG recommends is Carmel Valley Ranch, part of the Unlimited Collection; however, it feels more like a larger resort than Alila Ventana Big Sur. The resort offers various awards from now through the end of May, most at 40,000 points per night or higher for the Standard Suite Award.
To stick with Alila’s family, Alila Napa Valley in St. Helena, California, has several awards starting at 20,000 World of Hyatt points per night; the Alila Marea Encinitas Beach Resort near San Diego also has some prizes available for 30,000 points per night through May 27.
Another recommendation in Southern California is Park Hyatt Aviara. It has a completely different feel than Alila Ventana Big Sur but still makes for a great stay, with awards nights starting at 25,000 points.
Or, to maintain the health-conscious, holistic feel of Alila Ventana Big Sur, consider changing your entire trip and heading to Texas or Arizona to stay at one of the sought-after Miraval Resorts Hyatt’s favorite. At these resorts, meals are included and you can spend the day 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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