Alila Ventana Big Sur to remain closed through May 26 — here's what we know

16.04.2024 - 17:11 / thepointsguy.com

One of California's best resorts and a World of Hyatt favorite, Alila Ventana Big Sur will remain closed through at least May 26. This is due to the closure of Highway 1 for construction following a series of events, including storms and multiple landslides, that seriously damaged the road over the last few weeks and months.

Currently, the hotel website shows the following notice: "Alila Ventana Big Sur has temporarily suspended operations until May 26, 2024, due to a road closure on Highway 1. Please call our reservations department at 1-800-628-6500 for further assistance."

The property, which closed in late March following the incidents that caused the highway damage, has shifted its scheduled reopening date multiple times over the last few weeks; construction crews are working to repair the damage to the famed two-lane highway, including one lane that collapsed into the ocean, according to the Associated Press.

Guests staying at the resort over Easter weekend shared on a Reddit thread that, following the road closure, which ultimately left guests stranded, the resort extended stays. However, the resort urged guests to check out once timed convoys were announced to allow them to safely depart the isolated area.

Now, guests with expensive reservations or difficult-to-snag award bookings through May 26 are out of luck and are urged to call Hyatt's reservation department at 1-800-628-6500 to discuss reservation options. Reddit users with earlier reservations in the original closure window reported that Hyatt offered to refund points to World of Hyatt accounts or offer cash refunds.

The problem: People who booked with points are saying Hyatt is putting the onus of finding and rebooking award stays on the guests themselves. If you're familiar with Alila Ventana Big Sur, you know that finding award availability can be like finding a needle in a haystack.

TPG has reached out to Hyatt for a statement on the closure.

Alila Ventana Big Sur's aimed reopening date is likely in line with the California Department of Transporation April 12 announcement that it "anticipates completing the 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.

For travelers affected by the resort's closure, it's important to note that access to the area as a whole will remain difficult during the construction work; it might be best to shift course and visit different areas throughout California or elsewhere.

For World of Hyatt members looking to salvage a vacation on points somewhat nearby, the closest Hyatt property TPG recommends is Carmel Valley Ranch, part of the Unbound Collection; however, it