Highlights: Lodge At Pebble Beach

•Exclusive estate-style hotel within prestigious Pebble Beach resort

•World-renowned golf at four championship courses

•Spa at Pebble Beach earned a Mobil Four-Star rating and is ranked among the best in the United States

•Pebble Beach Equestrian Center offers trail rides, lessons, and horse shows

•Oceanside Beach & Tennis Club has 12 courts, freshwater pool, and fitness center

•Total of 13 restaurants at the resort, with six located within The Lodge

•Traditional, elegant guest rooms with breathtaking views

Amenities: Lodge At Pebble Beach

• 161 rooms, 3 story. Pets accepted, some restrictions; fee. Check-in 4 pm, check-out Noon. High-speed Internet access. Four restaurants, four bars. Fitness room, fitness classes available, spa. Beach. Outdoor pool, children's pool, whirlpool. Golf, 18 holes. Tennis. Airport transportation available. Business center. Credit cards accepted.

General Impressions: Lodge At Pebble Beach

With its emerald green links overlooking Carmel Bay, Pebble Beach is a breathtaking sight. This world-renowned golf resort is home to three distinct guest properties, including the Lodge at Pebble Beach, and four championship golf courses. Elegant and traditional with a clubhouse feel, the Lodge is an ideal place to unwind after a challenging round of golf, a game of tennis, or an invigorating treatment at the award-winning spa. Whether for sport or recreation, relaxation is paramount at this resort.

Most of the Lodge’s guest rooms and suites overlook spectacular ocean-side views. The rooms tastefully feature a traditional décor and while elegantly appointed, are never fussy or overdone. Many rooms feature patios or balconies, and some have private courtyards with whirlpools.

Pebble Beach offers delightful dining with a choice of 13 resort restaurants, six of which are located in the Lodge. From upscale gourmet to casual grills, the restaurants cover every conceivable palate.

In addition to its famous golf, the Lodge at Pebble Beach provides its guests with a freshwater pool, tennis courts, a fitness center, and a spa that is a destination unto itself. The resort also shares a collection of boutiques carrying appealing men’s, women’s and children’s clothing, home décor, and accessories. With Big Sur, Carmel-By-The-Sea, and Cannery Row just a short drive away, the Lodge (and all Pebble Beach resorts) are a wonderful destination or stop along the Monterey Peninsula.

The Lodge at Pebble Beach is a perfect choice for golf lovers, spa-goers, and those who enjoy rejuvenating in a stunning location. Corporate events are often held here, thanks to a large inventory of meeting spaces, though the Lodge is not an obvious choice for single business travelers. Since the Lodge is a serious golf and spa destination, it lacks many amenities for children.

(+) Approachable elegance in an unforgettable setting

Guest Services: Lodge At Pebble Beach

The Lodge at Pebble Beach is a popular destination, and, as such, the staff has many guests competing for their attention. While I never felt put out or ignored, I did expect slightly more attentive service from a resort of this level. I did, however, encounter several exceptional staff members who went the extra mile to welcome me and ensure my satisfaction and comfort.

(+) Several staff members were exceptional and went the extra mile

Guest Rooms: Lodge At Pebble Beach

Guest rooms at The Lodge feature fireplaces, and most have patios or balconies with marvelous views of the gardens or the golf course and ocean. Floral and plaid fabrics and a palette of reds and browns gives the guest rooms and suites a country club ambience, while antique-style furnishings lend a traditional air. The spa rooms and suites are even more spacious than the Lodge rooms, and also include lovely, flower-filled private outdoor gardens with whirlpools.

My room was elegantly decorated in a soothing palette of beiges, browns, and golds . The fireplace and comfortable seating area added a warmth and coziness to my room. The balcony, with its views stretching out to Carmel Bay, was my favorite place to relax while staying here.

(+) Comfortable sophistication coupled with awe-inspiring views

Facilities & Activities: Lodge At Pebble Beach

Pebble Beach’s four renowned golf courses are first and foremost in many visitors’ thoughts, but an entire world exists outside the links at this resort. A 22,000-square-foot spa, named one of the top 50 in the United States and has a Mobil Four-Star rating, is a true pleasure palace with soothing and relaxing treatments, staffed by qualified and professional therapists.

The Oceanside Beach & Tennis Club boasts 12 courts and a freshwater outdoor pool. The fitness center is wonderful, with state-of-the-art equipment and inspiring oceanfront views.

Another rare find and special treat available at this resort is the Pebble Beach Equestrian Center, where guests can enjoy trail rides, horseback riding lessons, and horse shows.

Shoppers will find plenty to tempt them at the resort’s arcade of boutiques, though it is often crowded with tourists. Pebble Beach is a highlight of the Seventeen-Mile Drive, a photographer’s and driver’s dream with its serpentine curves along this picturesque stretch of Northern California coastline.

Outside, the Monterey Peninsula offers a multitude of pursuits. Whale watching and seal spotting are ideal for nature enthusiasts, and kayaking and biking are also just a short distance from the resort. Explore the nearby towns of Carmel-By-The-Sea, with its charming shops and restaurants, or head to Big Sur, and its unforgettable scenery. This stretch of California is truly hard to beat.

(+) Guests will find plenty to keep them busy on the resort grounds, while the surrounding area is a veritable gold mine of activities

Dining & Lounge: Lodge At Pebble Beach

Almost half of the restaurants in Pebble Beach are located at the Lodge. All-day dining is available in two spots within the Lodge, while the Tap Room, Club XIX, The Beach Club, and the Terrace Lounge are open for lunch and dinner only.

The Lodge’s Tap Room, with its extensive selection of beers and cocktails, is definitely the place to stop after a round of golf. For an unforgettable breakfast at the Stillwater Bar & Grill, make sure to request a table by the window to really enjoy the spectacular views. Room service was a nice experience, though with so many restaurant choices with terrific food, I preferred dining out.

(+) Wide variety of restaurants offering quality cuisine

Business Services: Lodge At Pebble Beach

The Lodge is well suited to corporate meetings and conferences. In addition to its varied activities, the hotel has nine meeting rooms with a total occupancy of 400, and its sister hotel, the Inn at Spanish Bay, features additional meeting spaces that accommodate 10 to 250 people. The ballroom, with indoor and outdoor space, has room for 800 people. While the guestrooms are equipped with high-speed Internet access, this resort caters more to the vacationer rather than the individual business traveler.

(+) Ideal location for corporate groups
(-) Not particularly well-suited for single business travelers