Dawn Ranch

It was our first time coming back after the flood. We wanted to splurge and get one of the cottages. We didn't realize we'd have to run across the busy street every time we wanted to come to the main property... it would have been much more pleasant if everything was on the same plot of land and not across a busy street. The fridge in the room was also extremely small.

the food and drinks were great but insanely overpriced. Also would have been better if the main pool (in the sun) was available during our stay, we were told we couldn't use it.

We reserved the ADA accessible room because my wife uses a wheelchair. The room itself is fine, with a wide space in the bathroom though the toilet is quite low so that is difficult to sit unassisted. But the cabin itself is very difficult to get into. First, the handicap parking is at the bottom of the hill with no protected loading zone (nowhere near the cabin). There are actually regular parking spots blocking the entrance to the path to get to the room which on one occasion the driver made impossible for us to pass while loading their car (see the pictures I attached). Second, the path leading to the cabin is a 30 degree slope which was difficult for us to even push the wheelchair up -- imagine how difficult this is trying to get up the slope maneuvering the wheelchair on your own (construction regulations is 5 degrees of slope for a wheelchair ramp). And when asked at the front desk, the response was a very curt, and quite insensitively rude, “well there is a rail” (I guess they weren't wrong...). The access to the restaurant is also quite bothersome. The chair lift to get to the restaurant (attached to the side of the building, not actually an elevator) is quite rickety and dirty (covered in leaves and spider webs). The wheelchair barely fits by itself. Due to these challenges, we consciously decreased the number of excursions leaving the cabin and did not return to the restaurant during the 3 day stay, which is quite unfortunate because the food and service at the restaurant was outstanding. Also not to mention that the ADA cabin is in the the property across the street, from which there is no cross walk to get to the main part of the property (how can we run across a busy street pushing a wheelchair??). This experience was very disappointing as Dawn Ranch is advertised as part of the "Hotels Collection" resorts through American Express travel. Did not live up to the standards we've experienced through other resorts.

Lots of things led up to a less than stellar stay. Grounds are beautiful but it stops there. Check-in staff are rude at best. Dogs are somehow allowed IN the pool which is highly unsanitary and not desirable for me. I don’t want to swim in dog hair and whatever they ran around in. I found piles of dog waste around the property not picked up. Pools are advertised as heated when they are in fact FREEZING. Staff were unhelpful when I told them. Yoga was advertised in a location across the street, causing me to miss their only offering. Again, staff unhelpful when I told them. Spa amenities that are advertised as part of the hotel— like the sauna and steam room? They actually need to be booked as a day pass through Resort Pass!! Weird and more false advertising— sold out for my stay and staff suggestion was to book a massage ($300) for use of the sauna— cool. Overall, staff and team did nothing to make stay a bit better when I shared all these details and issues. Not a luxury stay.

Location

I want to say don’t come here because it’s so good. Probably safe from before being overrun though as it was not crowded. The restaurant, on the other hand, is very popular which can be a problem if don’t want to leave the property. Mixed blessing there but food and cocktails are extremely good.

Beautiful setting, wonderful staff, incredible food at the Lodge

Nothing

Super comfy cozy bed for a glamping site right next to all the beautiful trees. We stayed here for a wedding and it was gorgeous!