Policies and Restrictions
Deetjen's Big Sur Inn is on the National Register of Historic Places. Our mission is to preserve, rehabilitate, and revitalize while maintaining the original character of the Inn's architecture, grounds and historic legacy for generations to come. We strive to create a comfortable and relaxing environment for those seeking an unforgettable getaway along the scenic Big Sur Coast. The following policies reflect our desire to meet guest's expectations, to provide all with a memorable and pleasurable experience, and to protect our wonderful Inn.
Reservation Deposit: Payment is taken in full. Reservations are not considered formal until a credit card has been successfully charged.
Reservation Balance: All balances that have not been charged in advance will be charged 7 days prior to arrival.
Cancellations and Partial Refunds: A 10% refund processing fee will be charged for any refund that is processed. If you cancel your reservation 7 days prior to check-in, we will refund your deposit back to the original credit card, minus the 10% refund processing fee. Cancellations and alterations must be made 7 days prior to the date of arrival to ensure the refund of your deposit. After 7 days your deposit becomes non-refundable. If you must cancel your reservation within 7 days of your arrival we will hold your deposit as a credit towards your next stay with us. This credit expires one year from your original arrival date. Please note: This deadline does not move with your reservation. Altering the reservation is no longer an option 72 hours before check in time of your arrival date. Any missed days (for example: late arrivals or early departures) are considered to be cancelled days and will remain charged in full per the original reservation. Please call 831-667-2377 or email us at reservations@deetjens.com, to cancel your reservation.
Travel Insurance: Understandably, Deetjen's Inn cannot be held responsible for cancellations due to weather, travel conditions, last minute change of plans, or any other causes. If these and other threats to the check-in date or length of stay are of concern, guests are strongly encouraged to pursue travel insurance.
Check-in Time: Check-in time is between 4-7 p.m. daily. Our front desk is not staffed overnight. If you plan to check-in after 7 p.m., please check your email for late check-in instructions.
Check-out Time: Check-out is noon.
WiFi, Television and Cell Service: In an effort to maintain the historical ambiance of the 1930s and 1940s when the Inn was built, Deetjen's does not have televisions or telephones in the rooms, there is no WiFi available on the property and there is no cell phone service in our area. Cell service is available 5 minutes up the road.
Common Areas and Quiet Times: Our historic Inn was built in the 1930s and 1940s and the single wall construction provides little sound insulation (you can almost hear your neighbors breathe). For this reason, guests are asked to be considerate of their neighbors during their stay, especially between 10 p.m. and 7:15 a.m. We encourage guests to enjoy our common areas. When doing so, all activity is expected to be conducted in a manner appropriate for a quiet, retreat like inn. Quiet time for the entire property is 10 p.m. to 7:15 a.m. A fee of up to $150 per room/night may be charged for noise complaints and violations of tranquility.
Privacy and Personal items: In an effort to maintain the posterity of the Norwegian architecture, the original doors are still a historic feature of the rooms. Built by Grandpa Deetjen, the expertly crafted hand-hewn doors with their antique locks, have welcomed many a weary traveler. The doors can be secured from the inside and we suggest doing so, to prevent uninvited guests and forest creatures from finding their way in. If you plan on leaving your room for any length of time, we recommend taking your valuables with you.
Children: Deetjen's Inn welcomes families with children of all ages. Due to our historic architecture (single wall construction), certain rooms are inappropriate for children under the age of 7. Please check the room descriptions to locate the accommodations required for children under the age of 7 years old. We ask that adults not leave any minor 12 years of age and younger unattended anytime during their stay. They also agree to monitor minors closely at all times as to avoid injury to the child, damage to the Inn, and disruption of the experience of the other guests. Failure to comply with this policy may result in the party being asked to leave without a refund.
Pets: We apologize in advance that we cannot accommodate pets at Deetjen's Inn.
Service Animals: We welcome service animals that have been properly trained in accordance of ADA requirements. Service animals may NOT be left in guest rooms alone at any time. Also, we do not automatically charge a cleaning fee but will exercise our right to charge the guest for any related damage (such as damage to comforters) discovered during the stay or after check-out. Also, we ask that you please let us know at the time of booking if your service animal will accompany you on your visit. Please note that Comfort, Companion, Emotional Support and Therapy Animals are not formally recognized as Service Animals. Therefore, Deetjen's Inn cannot accommodate animals that are not formally trained and recognized as a Service Animal.
Excessive Damage: In the event of excessive damage to the hotel room beyond normal wear and tear, including but not limited to significant damage to furniture, fixtures, or the room structure, the guest will be held liable for the full cost of repairs or replacements, which may include a non-refundable charge equal to the cost of one night's staying addition to the actual repair costs regardless of whether the damage was intentional or accidental.
Occupancy and Extra Guests: Rates charged are for double occupancy only (two persons per room). Select rooms can accommodate additional guests at $25/night for each extra adult/child. We do not have rollaway beds. There is no extra charge for children under the age of 2 years old.
Smoking: All our rooms are non-smoking. If found having smoked or vaped in the room, the guest will be charged a $200 fine, as posted. Deetjen's Inn reserves the right to charge additional fees if additional time is required to fully deodorize the guest room. We are in a High Fire Zone, if smoking outside, please extinguish thoroughly and dispose in designated areas.
Restaurant and Kitchen: Due to insurance regulations, our kitchen is off-limits to guests when the restaurant is both open and closed. Our restaurant is open for breakfast 7 days a week from 8 a.m. until noon, and Friday through Tuesday from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. for dinner. The restaurant staff is available to answer questions during the restaurant hours of operation. There are no refrigerators, coffee makers or microwaves in the rooms and there is no microwave available for guest use. Coffee and tea is available for guests behind the restaurant at 7:15 a.m. every morning. There are restaurants and camp stores within 2 miles of the Inn. Ice is available on-site.
Special Requests: Deetjen's is a small inn with limited inventory and staffing. We do not offer room service and we are unable to accommodate special requests.
Groups: Deetjens's Inn is committed to being open and available to the public during its working hours. As a historic inn, we do not have the amenities, nor do we possess the infrastructure to support weddings, events, large groups nor gatherings. We are not a wedding destination and we do not do ceremonies on the property. Deetjen's offers room blocks for up to 5 rooms, 12 people maximum for an intimate family gathering or celebration. Groups are expected to behave in a manner appropriate for the peaceful retreat type setting for which Deetjen's is known. Under no circumstances are guests allowed to disrupt the other guests or neighbors. No amplified music is allowed in any exterior area at any time. An incidental fee of $150/room-night may be charged for groups that book as individuals.
Room Change Procedure: If you are changing rooms please vacate the first room by noon. We have no place to store luggage, so please store all luggage in your car. Check with the receptionist anytime after 3 p.m. for your room availability update.
Parking: Parking is limited during restaurant hours of operation. Please be careful not to block driveways or walkways.
Candles and Burnables: Deetjen's Inn is located in a High Fire Zone. Thus, the Monterey County Fire Code prohibits the use of candles, incense or any other burnables. Be extra careful with matches. Fireplaces-always use screens, and stoves-always close doors.
Gift Certificates: Only Deetjen's gift certificates are accepted. Deetjen's does not participate in any other gift certificate programs.
Separate Agreements: Our general guest policies are described herein. However, there may be separate policies for scenarios not covered. If any of the following pertain to your stay, please give us a call at (831) 667-2377 to avoid issues at check-in or during your stay.
Group Room Blocks
- Corporate, Artist Retreats and other On-Site Meetings (formal or informal)
RIGHT TO REFUSE SERVICE: We reserve the right to refuse service to anyone for any reason(s) that does not violate Federal or State laws. Deetjen's Inn has a zero tolerance policy in which we will refuse to admit or refuse service or accommodation in our hotel or may remove a person, without refund, who refuses to abide by the reasonable standards and policies established by California Law and the management of the hotel. Deetjen's Inn will refuse service or evict a guest: for refusal or failure to pay for accommodations; is under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or any other intoxicating substance and acts in a disorderly fashion as to disturb the peace of other guests; is unable to properly supervise their children at all times; seeks to use the hotel for an unlawful purpose; seeks to bring into the hotel: an unlawfully possessed firearm; or something, including an explosive or hazardous or toxic substance, that is unlawful to possess and that may be dangerous to other persons; destroys, damages, defaces, or threatens harm to hotel property or guests; causes or permits persons to exceed the maximum allowable occupancy of room; refuses to abide by the reasonable standards or policies established by Deetjen’s Inn management for the effective and efficient operation of the Inn.