Big Sur River Inn

7.7Good365 reviewsSee rooms

Guest house

Facilities at a glance

Free Wi-Fi
Parking
Outdoor pool
Bar
Daily housekeeping
Family rooms

About this place

The Big Sur River Inn is an unforgettable one-stop vacation destination where traditions are born and thrive, year after year. Nestled amid towering redwoods along the scenic Big Sur River, the River Inn is Big Sur's first hotel and restaurant, and remains a beloved gathering place for locals and visitors alike. Originally the Apple Pie Inn, it has been the site of fun family vacations, wedding celebrations and quiet Big Sur getaways for many generations. Guests can relax on the sun-dappled deck beside the Inn's outdoor pool, dine in the historic dining room overlooking the Big Sur River, and lie back in the grass on the banks of the river. Riverside suites overlook the expansive lawn and redwood-lined Big Sur River, while motel-style ridge rooms sit along historic Highway One across from the main lodge.

Choose your unit

Pick check-in and check-out to see live room prices.

5 room types

Choose your room
Room type	Guests	Show prices
Queen Room with Two Queen Beds 24 m²2 × Queen bed	Sleeps 4	Show prices
Suite with River View 32 m²King bed, Sofa bed	Sleeps 4	Show prices
Deluxe Suite ADA 32 m²King bed, Sofa bed	Sleeps 4	Show prices
Deluxe Family Room Sofa bed, 2 × Queen bed	Sleeps 5	Show prices
Queen Room 17 m²Queen bed	Sleeps 2	Show prices

What this place offers

Internet

Free Wi-Fi

Parking

Pool & wellness

Outdoor pool

Food & drink

Restaurant
Bar

Services

Daily housekeeping

Family

Family rooms

Outdoor

Garden

General

Non-smoking rooms

Location

Address
46800 Highway One, Big Sur, United States
2.7 km from the center of Big Sur

Questions about this stay

Quick answers from the information this property gives us.

What are the check-in and check-out times?
Check-in from 16:00. Check-out by 12:00.
Is Wi-Fi included?
Yes, this property lists free Wi-Fi.
Is parking available?
Yes, this property lists parking. Check the room offer for any fee.
Does the property have a pool?
Yes, this property lists a swimming pool.

Guest reviews

7.7365 reviews

Reviews from guests who stayed at this hotel, shared by our hotel supplier. Score based on the latest 200 reviews.

Cleanliness7.7

Service8.7

Location9.5

Room quality6.8

Amenities8.2

Value for money5.5

Food and drink8.1

Olga
Switzerland · Family · October 2026
9.0
“Nice location, overpriced for quality but you don’t find easily something good in Big Sur”
+Cool chairs in the river are very nice to chill, location is nice next to all attractions. Beds are very comfortable. Bungalow was spacious and clean.
−Bungalows are facing the main road, at night it is quiet but not very cozy during the day and at around 6 am the noise and traffic start.
Astrid
United States · Family · October 2026
1.0
“Not worth the price too pricy for what you get”
+I love the access to the river
−I didn’t like that I over payed for a room and ended up having a room across the street apart from the river . I don’t like that there was no phone access , the restaurant food and options were not good the food was bland . Overall I felt overcharged for a room that didn’t have enough amenities not even a fridge . The room was basic nothing stood out . I don’t recommend
Ian
United Kingdom · Couple · September 2026
8.0
“Just a brilliant location”
+Site position
−Nothing
Rose
United States · Couple · September 2026
7.0
“Relaxing and fun!”
+Breakfast was delicious and location was perfect! Service was great.
−Everything was great!
Joan
United States · Couple · September 2026
9.0
“Expensive but cute roadside inn for a central Big Sur stay”
+Back area of the hotel on the river is lovely and very peaceful. Staff at bar was super friendly and helpful. Room was spacious and liked the little outdoor patio/chairs with dividers between the rooms for privacy. Very conveniently located for exploring Big Sur (unfortunately some state parks were closed due to the timber fire while we were visiting but normally would be an awesome location).
−The room is kind of dark/not well lit and the carpet seems old and icky.
Craig
United Kingdom · Family · August 2026
10.0
“Great quirky stay, staff we great, food good too”
Izabella
United States · Family · August 2026
8.0
“Our stay was short, but i felt like we were able to sqeeze in alot of hikes and see beautiful scenery”
+The property was beautifully maintained with the flowers and everything was clean.
−There was nothing that I outright didn’t like, but i wish my room had a fridge and the wifi was stronger. My daughter was on summer school and getting her work was very slow.
Mark
United States · Couple · July 2026
5.0
“A very small outdated motel room. Decor old, dark, thin walls.”
+Very small rooms. No air conditioning. No refrigerator. Ice across the street. Expected more for the steep price!
−Location.
Anita
United States · Solo · July 2026
8.0
“Wonderful but maybe too expensive for a repeat stay.”
+The chairs in the river are really fantastic! Pretty little porch with our room with glider and table and parking right outside!
−Front desk was a little lackluster
Carol
United States · Family · July 2026
8.0
“Overall we had a nice stay.”
+I loved being able to sit in the Big Sur river in the river chairs. I also enjoyed being able to eat dinner and breakfast at the restaurant onsite.
−The restaurant was expensive. We asked our waiter for the 10% discount for people staying at the hotel. We did not get the 10% discount on our bill. Lastly, the window coverings in our room did not fully cover the windows. That was very disappointing!

Good to know

Check-in & check-out
Check-in from 16:00 · check-out until 12:00
Pets
Pets are not allowed

Facilities at a glance

About this place

Choose your unit

5 room types

Queen Room with Two Queen Beds

Suite with River View

Deluxe Suite ADA

Deluxe Family Room

Queen Room

What this place offers

Internet

Parking

Pool & wellness

Food & drink

Services

Family

Outdoor

General

Location

Address

Questions about this stay

What are the check-in and check-out times?

Is Wi-Fi included?

Is parking available?

Does the property have a pool?

Guest reviews

Good to know

Check-in & check-out

Pets

Guest reviews