We stayed here three nights and really enjoyed it. There are basically three areas of cabins. The first area is on the Big Sur River, with lots of big redwoods, and it's down the hill from the lodge office, which is right on the highway. That's where we stayed the first two nights (Cabin 7). Very nice and quiet, we were right on the (small) river and could hear the river at night. The cabins are a bit funky and rustic, but had some nice touches (nice artwork etc), and overall it has a very woodsy feel.

We had to move to another cabin on the third night, since our first cabin had not been available the third night when we originally made our reservations. We had hoped there would be a cancellation, but no such luck. And so, the third night we stayed in cabin 12A (a duplex), which is up the hill from the lodge office, and you hear the highway a bit more, though it's not bad. Although the cabin was generally fine, the walls are a bit thin, and we didn't enjoy it as much as the first cabin. Not the same woodsy feel. Overall, it is well worth the extra money to stay in the cabins down by the river. Spend the extra money (probably an extra $50 a night, for example, $85 versus $135).

One thing I would highly recommend against are cabins 10 and 11 (the third area). They are VERY close to the highway.

The staff was very friendly and nice, in a genuine kind of way.

We only had breakfast at the restaurant, but the food was good and reasonably priced (unlike the nearby Big Sur Lodge, which is nowhere near as nice as the name would imply, and where we had a bad dinner experience).

We had dinner at a restaurant across the highway from the Ripplewood office, and it was good and reasonably priced too. Deetjen's down the highway is a great place for breakfast, dinner sorta pricey.

Before we made reservations at Ripplewood, I researched the area lodgings pretty thoroughly, and I am VERY glad that I did. There are a number of places that look great on their websites, but when you research them more, they are either very close to the highway, or have very thin walls, or the pictures on their websites are a little misleading, etc. etc.

In general, I would say that if you don't mind things a little rustic and a bit funky, I would highly recommend this place, especially if you can get one of the cabins down by the river.

One thing we did while we were there was to go have a drink on the Post Ranch patio at sunset. A great experiece, though the drinks are quite expensive. If you go there, I would recommend that you dress up a bit (business casual), as it's a chi-chi place, though the wait help were nice and friendly.

This was our second visit to Ripplewood cabin 4. Our first was 10 years ago and it's pretty much exactly the same only this time we had a baby with us. It's the perfect place to get away, no phone, no television, no computer. We just sat by the fire or out on the deck and spent some quiet time together. It was lovely. They bring you firewood every day, so you don't have to go buy any. The store at River Inn up the street has a nice selection of vegan food and groceries. The Ripplewood store has a nice wine selection and some basic amenities. We used the kitchen quite a lot and it was reasonably well equipped. We will definitely be back again and again.

We only stayed for one night in cabin 6 (http://www.ripplewoodresort.com/cabin6.htm) on a trip heading south down Highway 1, but we wish it had been for more. The cabin was down by the river, which we could see and hear flowing. It really is in a beautiful setting in amongst the tall redwoods which rustle peacefully in the breeze.

The cabin was spotless, with a bed in the main room and a full kitchen including oven. The only downside was a nasty smell in the cabin which seemed to emanate from the kitchen when we arrived, but which we got used to :-S It was a little chilly at night, but we were here in March!

If you don't fancy cooking, there is a restaurant that serves breakfast and lunch on-site, and other restaurants available for dinner a short drive away - but as we didn't go to any, we can't make any recommendations!

Have been travelling to California for years but have never stayed in Big Sur due to the fact that it is pricey. You can generally get a cheap room in Monterey.

But, it was Christmas and we wanted to spend 1-2 nights in Big Sur. We
did not call ahead but instead just dropped in and asked if they had anything. Slim pickings as we wanted a cabin for 2 nights and all they
had was a single cabin 3 days in the future. We took it.

We stopped at the general store across the street at 3 PM to get our Key. You must pay in advance and there is a 72 hour cancellation policy.

We stayed in Cabin 4. Cabins 1-9 are the ones down by the river and are the ones that you want. The others are close to the highway and aren't anything special. You can see a map picture of the cabin layout
on Ripplewood's web site. Very handy.

I only saw the inside of our cabin but I assume they're all very similar. Very clean. Basic. Our's had a fireplace and a deck and was right on the river. They supply you with enough firewood for one day and we used ours during the evening and again the next morning. We had
a furnace with a thermostat that worked well as it was cold out at night. The bathroom was almost all new and the kitchen area was great. All in all it was a very nice quiet place to chill out. I wish we could have gotten a second night.

What you don't have is a telephone, wireless, or even a TV. That's fine with us but just wanted to be sure you know.

For dinner we drove north on Highway 1 about 3/10's of a mile and had Dinner at the River Inn. Very nice. Full service bar, nice place for all meals, and does have wireless internet and a fireplace where you can sit and relax. Recommended.

Negatives: Nothing. We paid $150 including tax for our cabin which is a lot for us but it was worth it. Once you drive down the road off the highway to the cabins you are in a huge redwood grove and the river ran right behind our cabin.

Highly recommended.