Dana M.'s Profile

I love this hotel! I have stayed here 4 or 5 times and my most recent visit was the best yet! After an epically long drive we arrived around 9pm and were greeted (as the other reviews have mentioned) with friendly, personable, accommodating staff. Craig checked us in, and he was very professional and courteous even under the pressure of the boss who was (jokingly) giving him a hard time throughout the process. It was only his third day on the job but he held his own, had the answers to the few questions we had, and helped to make check-in (what can sometimes be a stressful ordeal)  very easy.

I am a hotel lover and obsessive online researcher. I reserved the the Parlor Suite-King Bed. It was hard to tell for sure if this room (apartment I should say) had a soaking tub. I found mixed information all over the web. I don't go ANYwhere where there is not a bathtub, preferably a bigger, fancier one than I have at home :-)  So, imagine my dismay when I was told by - who I can only assume was the manager (I didn't get his name, d'oh!) - that out of all the Parlor Suite Kings there were only two without a soaking tub, and we were assigned to one. *gasp* Sensing my impending total melt down (lol) he told me not to worry, that he was happy to try and switch rooms. I told him I would be ok to downgrade to another type of room, I just needed that tub. He said he prefers to always UPgrade instead, when possible. After a couple of minutes of messing with poor Craig and showing him how to manipulate the reservations in the computer ... Waaa Laaa! Soaking tub. I can't say enough about the staff. They do really go out of there way to make sure you have a good time while you're there. And in South Shore this is rare.

Now... the room... #308...LOVE!!! I said 'apartment' previously because that's what it's like. A one bedroom apartment complete with kitchen, separate bedroom, big bathroom and BIG tub with separate shower. There was a gas burning rock fireplace, super cool wallpaper and 2 flat screens. DVD players in both rooms (nice) and a HUGE (ie: long, not wide) private deck on the back with doors from the kitchen and the bedroom. I absolutely love this renovated room! I've always stayed in the two bedrooms and they are very nice as well but it had been a few years since I had been here and what a difference! It was so nice to be in Tahoe and still get all the 'little' things that make a huge difference. Like big flat screens, DVD players, cool wallpaper and furnishings. And that bed... OMG! LOVE LOVE LOVE! So comfortable. Seriously one of the best hotel beds I've ever slept in (and that's sayin somethin', lol).

The only issue we had was housekeeping  walking into our room at 11am on the dot after just one quick knock. We had asked for a late checkout (and was accommodated, of course) and were not prepared to have the cleaning staff just walk in. Admittedly, the 'boy' had not placed the Do Not Disturb card back in the door lock so technically it IS his fault. We did receive two more knocks in the next hour, however, seeing if we had left yet. A system of letting the cleaning staff know when there's a late checkout would be a great idea.

We had NO problem with the free wifi and it was very easy to connect to. Can't wait to come back. I won't even look into staying anywhere else in Tahoe again!

I have visited Scala's many times over the years and have never been disappointed. What encouraged me to review it this time was the amazing staff.

Natalie has got to be the most personable, engaging, sexy, knowledgeable hostess in the city. From her accent to her all-knowing winks she makes you feel welcome and special. I can't say enough about her.

Our server, DeeDee, was also incredible. She was very knowledgeable about the menu and the wines, even letting me taste a couple because I couldn't decide which I wanted from the 'by the glass' list. She timed the food perfectly (huge pet peeve when things come out too fast and/or out of order) and though she was VERY busy that night, did not rush us AT ALL and made us feel very relaxed and taken care of.

The pasta, well... it speaks for itself. The menu changes daily so you never know exactly which pastas will be offered but I have never had one that didn't blow my mind. And pasta is my vice.

The decor is amazing, though crowded and loud. I love the semi open kitchen and the booths. Being right in Union Square and in a hotel I would never expect Scala's to be the gem that it is. Touristy, yes. But the service and the food are so amazing who really cares?

Yes, it was a shock to pull up to the valet curb and have a mob of boy-cotters blocking the space. The hotel staff tried their best to get them to move so we could park. We were SCREAMED at in the face by both the bullhorn 'gentleman' and about 15 others. SHAME ON YOU. THERE'S A BOYCOTT HERE. over and over and over... omg. It was quite annoying, shocking and a little stressful upon check-in. But Michael, the front office manager was very cordial in answering any of our questions. He gave us free drink passes to the bar and did his best to explain the situation. They were all gone by 5:30pm. Arrived again (UGH) at 7:00 or 7:30am Saturday morning which woke us up, but only screamed and yelled for one hour and then left. The did not return that evening or Sunday morning.

That said, we love this hotel. The beds are amazingly comfortable. The decor and furnishings are very hip and unusual. Room service has always been spot on and courteous. Michael called us personally on Sunday to see how we were and asked us to join him downstairs for a bloody mary (it was my man's birthday).

I have to rave about Hunter in the bar/restaurant. He was so welcoming and engaging. Very personable, remembering us every time he saw us whether it was dining or sitting at the bar. Went out of his way to make sure we were taken care of. Great sense of humor and just an all around cool guy. He made the stress of the boycott fade away.

I do have one negative comment, and I usually do not name names unless it feels very warranted. Our server in the restaurant, Tim, was quite rude. To the point of almost hostile. It was clear he was unhappy with his job (unlike Hunter who appeared to truly enjoy being there) and he had no qualms hiding it from his customers. I am in the food industry so I am very sensitive to service. I think Tim may need to go stand outside and take a lap with the boy-cotters so the diners can have a more pleasant experience.

Bottom line: GO! Once you get past/thru/over the shouts on the sidewalk you will love your stay at the Frank.

We stayed here on a spur of the moment trip once they finally reopened Hwy 1. Cabin 17 was the only one left available. It was small, no fireplace, no TV but it was up on the hill and surprisingly quiet and private. Nothing fancy but it was nice to have a fridge and big, new, white fluffy towels. Those were a pleasant surprise. We had a reasonable rate of $125, which is LOW for anywhere in Big Sur.
The REASON I felt compelled to write this review, however, is the bed. OMG... I don't know if all the cabins have beds this comfortable but it was right up there with some of the most expensive, high end hotels I've stayed in in Vegas or SF. Super soft hotel quality linens and SO cushy. The king of pillow-top mattresses. I could barely pull myself out of it. If you go, ask them if the beds are like the one in cabin 17. And cross your fingers!
The cafe was a nice surprise as well. AMAZING breakfast. We has Huevos Rancheros and Eggs w/Chorizo. Some of the best I've had anywhere. Service in the restaurant was fast and very friendly. The store staff could take a lesson from them.

Favorite restaurant in SC hands down. Worth the (sometimes shockingly long) wait. Hint: Call ahead and tell them you're coming. They don't take "resos" but will put you on the "list". Then go over to the Crepe Place and have a drink. They'll call you when it's your turn.

Best steak I (and anyone I've taken there) have ever had. Perfectly seasoned and perfectly cooked every..single..time. Great house wine served in cups not glasses. I love that. The "Kitchen Special" is to die for. I find it hard to ever order anything else. Chef will make it spicy if you want. VERY spicy if you want. The service is always warm and inviting. Feels like home there - probably because we go so often, lol.

Yes, it's noisy. So what. Yes, you have to walk thru the kitchen to get to the bathroom. Just gives you a chance to flirt with the cooks, I mean see the kitchen ;-). Yes, you will have to wait. Don't go if you're on a schedule. But go... GO NOW.

Btw, you'll want to go every night if you befriend them on Facebook. They post each night's specials. I heart that.

Best chicken larb (salad) hands down... when you ask for spicy that mother comes SPIIIICYYYYY!  And the service (generally) is very friendly. We go often and are always recognized and well served.

Ditto what everyone said. Amazing event. Scored free tix to the Lexus Grand Tasting. Got to nuzzle up to Fabio -swoon- and have (lots of) the yet to be released Belvedere Pink Grapefruit....NOM! It was a foodie paradise. Nuff said.

BEST Coconut Milk Soup (Tom Kha) I have EVER had. Will go back and have JUST this every single time.

After walking past this place weekly for years and never paying it any attention we finally stopped in for dinner, after reading the Yelp reviews.

It is run by a husband/wife team. They are gracious hosts, taking time to talk to us (what we could understand :-/) and make us feel very welcome and comfortable. The place is tiny tiny and it's brightly lit so don't expect any real 'ambiance' here. Come for the service, the value and the food.

All three rolls were very fresh and bite sized, which is nice. We had three rolls, a small sake, a soda, 2 house salads, a cucumber salad and a miso and it was under $28!

Definitely going back, soon!

REVIEW OF SUITES (not lodge side)

Pros:
Very close to beach (10 minute walk)
Great jacuzzi bathtub
Mini kitchen
Free afternoon appetizers and wine (take advantage of this!)
Free (real) breakfast (take advantage of this!)
Great fire pits in courtyard
WiFi $3.99 a day

Can't say much negative about this place. Don't know what the lodge side is like but the suites are great, especially if you can get one at a discounted price.