I chose this place for our 10 year wedding anniver...

I chose this place for our 10 year wedding anniversary. We've stayed at Carmel Valley Ranch, Pebble Beach and a few others in Carmel by the Sea but always wanted to check out Bernardus!
I'd say this is a solid 4 star hotel but not luxury. Let me try to elaborate:
1. The grounds are gorgeous. Great landscaping, Mediterranean vibe. Also perfect for COVID times because there's so much outdoor space for eating and lounging and walking.
2. Lucia dinner was a highlight for sure. Food was excellent. My husband's filet was the best he's had in years and everything we had was to die for. Our server, Luis, was ultra attentive and topped our glasses off and comped dessert when he heard it was our anniversary.
3. Quiet. Tranquil.

Not great:
1. Room decor. We stayed in a luxury croquet room and the location was excellent on the grounds and it was large and had great patios. BUT, it was like 3 different interior designers threw up in the room. Really, pretty hideous vibe when you're paying $700+ nght.
2. Service was just so so. I told them it was our anniversary. they clearly noted it in the notes because when we checked in the wished us happy anniversary and on check out. But, no upgrade, no nice gesture like a champagne when we sat down for our dinner, nothing that made us feel well taken care of.
3. Pool. See above. There was a pool attendant but honestly i wonder if she was told to NOT help any guests because it was almost like she went out of her way. I sat on a lounge chair for 15 minutes trying desperately to make eye contact. (There were 2 other people at the pool). Nothing. Then got up to ask her for a menu. Sat back down, thinking she'd come to get my order. Nothing. She never followed up. I also saw several others have to go to her to ask for anything.

All in all, we had a good stay. There were some disappointments, plus I'm picky. I would recommend them but do hope they see this review to work out some kinks.