Travel in time at Hearst Castle

Everyone there was so friendly and informative. We loved our tour guide. We did the suites and guest house. It's such a beautiful place to go. Quiet and relaxing with phenomenal views of the ocean. Quick bus ride up the hill. If you get car sick, don't look out the window! Seat in the front of the bus and open the windows for fresh air. 😎 😊

Don't come after me, is a 5 star view of the pacific ocean and San Simeon Mountains, but it doesn't stop from being some random collection of buildings with expensive features, a 2000 y.o or something Egyptian statues, Spanish roofs, gold doors, pool with Greek thematic, but at the end is just a collection of random stuff in 5 or more none related buildings. The drive up has the more pleasant smell of fresh air, and those view. Is a 5 start views and will go again to a tour that doesn't involve the buildings and maybe change the review, but since this time I took the buildings tour is just not worth more than 2.

Today, I had the incredible opportunity to explore the majestic Hearst Castle, an experience that left me in awe from start to finish. The castle, which could also be referred to as a mansion or ranch, depending on your perspective, is a testament to architectural brilliance and design ingenuity. Guided by the knowledgeable Spencer and Poppy, my journey through this historic gem was divided into two fascinating sessions, one covering the top part of the castle and the other exploring the ground floor. Spencer and Poppy did an outstanding job of bringing the history and stories of the castle to life. Their passion and enthusiasm for the castle's past were contagious, making every anecdote and historical tidbit they shared utterly captivating. Witnessing the grandeur of Mr. William Hearst's creation firsthand was truly a privilege; the intricate details and the overall design were simply magnificent. However, there was one significant aspect of the castle's decor that surprisingly went unmentioned during the tour—the exquisite Persian carpets that adorned almost every room. These carpets, especially a remarkable custom-built one in the library on the top floor, are a sight to behold. Their presence in the castle not only enhances the aesthetic appeal but also hints at a rich history that deserves recognition. The library's carpet, in particular, stood out for its sheer size and intricate design, reminiscent of the ones I remember from my grandparents' house. It's intriguing to think about the stories these carpets could tell, especially considering the era in which the mansion was built. The omission of their history during the tour was a missed opportunity to highlight an iconic part of the castle's interior design. I am hopeful that the management might allow me a special visit outside regular tour hours to delve deeper into the history and significance of these hand-woven masterpieces. It's essential for visitors to appreciate not just the visible grandeur of Hearst Castle but also the underlying stories of craftsmanship and heritage, like those embodied in the Persian carpets, that contribute to its unique character.

Awesome tourist attraction. Buses were on time and plenty of space, with a breathtaking view on the coastline from the road to the castle. The guides were amazing, answering all the questions and really friendly. The insides of the castle are really cool, with real tapestries, unlike the replicas in Louvre. The Grand Room Tour is perfect, covers most of the inside, the pools, and even the theater of the castle. Greatly recommend

My first visit and it is more amazing then I had imagined. Absolutely stunning views and the architecture is beyond opulent. The guides are super friendly, knowledgeable and pleasant. I can't wait to return and see it all o er again! 😃 chock full of history and if you have a good imagination you can almost picture the good Ole times the guests must have had. Off season is not as crowded as the summer time. Very, very cool place indeed!