Asilomar Conference Grounds

This place is the worst hotel we've stayed at. I'm not even sure how they can call it a hotel. The only nice thing about this place is the location. Absolutely nothing else. Don't ignore all the negative reviews. Unfortunately, they are accurate.

Old buildings not well kept

The location is excellent and the grounds/beach access are great. I also love Julia Morgan’s architecture. On the second day, we had no water at all! There was no call or text or any warning. The front desk shrugged shoulders and said it may be back on later- I asked if I could have another room if water wasn’t on by evening and the woman at the front desk rudely said no and that they were full and that I could use the main building to use the restroom and wash my hands (my building was about a 10 minute walk to the main building) -no running water is unacceptable and likely a health code violation-a big nope!. Not to mention that I paid for accommodation with a bathroom and running water- not a camping experience. It finally came back on later in the day, but it was a bad experience. I’d totally understand if I had warning and if they assured me that I’d have a different room if water wasn’t back on. Also, the building we were in was the training center accommodation for State Park employees and they did like to stay up late and party- first night at 11:45pm or so I did open my door and ask them to quiet down and they were respectful. Nonetheless I wasn’t expecting the college dorm level noise at Asilomar as I’ve stayed before and had quiet almost retreat like experiences. Lastly the property isn’t well maintained- the toilet ran constantly (except when water was off LOL).

Our recent stay was incredibly disappointing. The water was shut off, so after traveling and spending the day at the beach, we were unable to shower that first day. The second day, we still had no hot water. The bathroom had visible mold on the shower curtains and throughout the bathroom, which was completely unacceptable. We booked our rooms together, yet we were not placed together. The rooms were also advertised as having balconies and fireplaces, but the rooms we received had neither. The beds were extremely uncomfortable and painful to sleep on. What hurts most is seeing how badly the property has deteriorated. Buildings that I remember being beautiful and well cared for now look dilapidated and neglected. There appears to be a serious lack of maintenance and care for a property with so much history and sentimental value. After 36 years of coming here, this was devastating. Asilomar should be a special place where families create memories, not a place where guests have to deal with no water, no hot water, mold, uncomfortable beds, inaccurate room descriptions, and neglected buildings. This experience truly ruined our stay. Sadly, after coming here since childhood, we will not be returning.

Best location

The room looked nothing like the photos; the carpet was dirty and very old, the bathroom was horrible, and the whole room was dated. No complaints about the parking, but the pool area was a definite no-go...

The location is beautiful and the breakfast was delicious. The photos were misleading as to what the rooms really look like. There was mold in the bathroom and spiders/spiderwebs. The place smelled like smoke and you could hear everything through the walls.

We checked in room 107. The room was run down and dirty. The bathroom tiles moldy, the ceiling had mold spots; it was probably the worst bathroom I had at a hotel/motel in a very long time. Cheap hotel chains have cleaner bathrooms and they don’t cost $300 plus a night. What a rip off. I was changed to another room in same section (J parking), room 118. Slight ly better but overall the same condition of bathroom. The front desk tried to accommodate our request but it was a busy weekend. I can tell that there were other rooms that are updated but it seems the entire set of rooms in J lot have not. While I understand the property has different rooms and for some it is clear that some are “historical” that is no excuse to charge $300 for run down room. Unacceptable. What a rip off!

The location is unbeatable! For the cost, you would expect so much more. It’s basically a slight upgrade from camping. The rooms are very rustic, the only true redeemable part of the room is the fireplace. The beds are tiny and you can feel every little movement of your partner.

Fireplace was so nice. Right on the beach!!

The rooms were rather beat up and old but they were basically clean. When we came to the desk for check in the woman there seemed passive very uninterested probably because they can't really do anything themselves anymore (we were friends who wanted adjoining rooms). I've been to Asilomar off and on for years, several times with big family groups, once with a big group meeting, and perhaps five times with my husband alone as a getaway. I loved it when I knew the people at the desk and they seemed to remember me. I most love the big lodge and the fireplace in early mornings and cold evenings; the beautiful grounds; the boardwalk through the natural areas; and the walk along Asilomar Beach. I appreciate that it's one of the few places left on which migrating birds can land to rest. I'll always come back.

The shower delivered water nicely and the bed was comfortable. The wifi worked and the location was serene. The AC controls did not function. Although research may have revealed it there were no drink making facilities nor TV. The furniture was the oldest I'd ever seen

Beautiful historic property. It’s a bit run down and the staff is not the friendliest but it’s worth it for the location and history and just the sheer beauty of the overall property.

Rooms were clean just outdated and could use a fridge and microwave. Breakfast was ok not bad but not the best. It looks nice and is really quiet outside and close to the beach. Would not recommend to stay here if bringing kids.

For the price I would absolutely not book again.

Lounge zone, the territory, breakfast Airplanes are very loud (because of Monterey airport nearby)

Beautiful view and peaceful

The location of this place is beautiful. I enjoyed my three day weekend here with my friends. As I checked in, the staff was very helpful with the accommodations I requested. I appreciate them very much. It was easy finding our room and loved the easy access to parking. I would say that my favorite part was the walk to the beach. Woke up at 6:30am and enjoyed a nice chilly walk down the trail. Overall, really good experience and would definitely come back

The grounds & Hearst room were amazing. We liked our balcony. Pool was dirty. There was a toothbrush in our shower?! Which made us think it wasn't cleaned well. When we brought it up to the woman at check-in desk, she was totally unconcerned & offered no solution. I was having a different issue about a delivery we didn't receive & she just asked me to step aside.

Historic property, location at the beach, guided nature walk, visitor lodge with many amenities (including a piano), Phoebe's Cafe, dining hall, nature preserve. Asilomar is truly a gem!