The Highlands Inn, A Hyatt Vacation Club Resort

This is a truly spectacular resort and retreat. Quiet elegance perhaps best describes this smaller "getaway" overlooking the Pacific Ocean with impeccable service and staff without the stuffiness that usually accompanies higher quality establishments. We are a very casual couple but appreciate the high quality standards of this property and its inspired landscaping and ambiance. In addition to the cozy and comfortable rooms, restaurants, ocean view lounge and the photography-ensconced lobby with fireplaces, you are just minutes away from some of the most extraordinary hiking trails and ocean vistas, the cities of Carmel, Pacific Grove and Monterey, a plethora of golf venues (public and private), and a myriad of restaurants and art galleries. The most magical thing about the Highlands Inn is that it is in a private setting overlooking the ocean in a unique setting that will not change due to development or addition of new "phases" and it is adjacent to Pt. Lobos state reserve which is a landmark property and habitat which provides unforgettable experiences that would excite any lover of nature.

It is true, that we are owners because of our fascination with the Highlands Inn and the surrounding area, but we have been at this property a myriad of times and always look forward to our next visit. We do own an other more typical RCI 5 crown resort with golf courses, tennis courts, wide streets, pools and lots of people and enjoy that as well......but it is just a different thing for a different experience. Staying at the Highlands Inn is like a private audience with the Pope and staying at other typical quality timeshares is like going to Disneyland. Both good, but different.

If you ever have an opportunity to stay, rent or own a unit at the Highlands Inn, it should be a remarkable and memorable experience.

We stayed in a beautifully appointed townhouse in August and couldn't have been more pleased. The view was spectacular! The grounds are lovely and the restaurants are both excellent. This is really a first class place to stay. The only negative was listening to the timeshare salemen in the lobby-I'd much rather view the photography in peace and tranquility.

Exceptional view and the restaurant is wonderful. This visit sold us on buying a timeshare. Can't wait to go back.

Traded in here and the prior review gives a great description. Would agree with all of it. Had an ocean view one bedroom with pullout. Great fireplace (and they take care of the clean-up and restock.) Only thing to note is the dinner restaurant is quite pricey and upscale -- which is fine if you are expecting that. And it might not be worth the price in my opinion. The other restaurant is great for breakfast/lunch and what a view! The Hyatt experience is always top-notch.

This is a biased review as I am an owner. I purchased due to the location and the Hyatt reputation for service. Highlands Inn is located in the Carmel Highlands, 4 miles south of the village of Carmel, on a lovely forested hillside overlooking the Pacific Ocean. The day we arrived, there was a wedding on the gazebo overlooking the Pacific...of course, that is what Highlands Inn has been known for over the years.

Although 212 is designated a garden view unit, you can catch glimpses of the Pacific through the floor to ceiling glass in the bedroom and from the deck off the living room. This is a 1 bedroom unit with a full kitchen, dining area, living room with fireplace and a master suite, which is separated from the living room by Shoji sliding doors.

The kitchen and bathroom counters and the 2- person jacuzzi tub are done in dark granite. The kitchen and master suite floors are slate tiles, as well as the fireplace. The bed is king size with a goose down duvet and the best feather/goose down pillows upon which I have rested my head!

There is daily housekeeping, as well as turn down service (delicious Ghiradelli chocolates.) The fireplace is cleaned and set up daily for use in the evening. Bath salts are left for the evening soak and cozy terry robes are hung for your use. Listening to the soothing music from the CD's in the room add to a restful soak. Coffee and tea are provided in the room...although, I brought our own. A morning paper is left on the doormat daily.

The lodge constructed of golden granite is the focal point of the resort. It was originally built in 1917. From the lodge, the restaurants and the surrounding decks, you can see the rocky coastline, ocean and beautiful sunsets. There are two massive fireplaces at either end of the large central room of the lodge. Overstuffed leather sofas and chairs are arranged throughout the room, allowing guests to curl up with a book for the afternoon or visit with other guests. On the west side, the wall is nearly floor to ceiling glass with an endless view of the Pacific. A large antique looking telescope is set up in a corner for use. Again, there are large leather chairs for you to sit and enjoy the views. In the evening, the area is an overflow from the bar, and a pianist entertains nightly on the baby grand piano. Around 8 pm, both fireplaces are lit and guests congregate to chat, play board games or sip a glass of wine and enjoy the music.

The grounds were immaculate. Highlands Inn is built on a steep hillside, so walkways meandered through levels of units and were lined with flowers, ferns, shrubs and everything green. There is a pool and several hot tubs on the grounds.

Requests were handled immediately and with smiles...no grumps at all. Staff lived up to the high quality expected of Hyatt. I can hardly wait to go back there during the week of Thanksgiving!