The Lodge at Pebble Beach Debuts Its Design Transformation, Blending Iconic Heritage and Modern Luxury

For over a century, The Lodge at Pebble Beach has been the heart of Pebble Beach Resorts: a landmark where guests, golfers, locals, and global travelers have gathered since 1919.

This year, the resort unveiled one of the most significant transformations in its history: a comprehensive renovation to its signature dining spaces, public areas, entrance experience, and expansive culinary facilities.

At a private open house celebrating the completion of the project, Pebble Beach Company CEO David Stivers (pictured above, middle) welcomed guests with heartfelt remarks:

“Today’s the culmination of nine months, thousands of hours of very hard work. We’re very proud of what this team was able to accomplish.”

The moment represented both a renewal and a continuation, honoring over a hundred years of heritage while positioning The Lodge for its next chapter.

While most people associate Pebble Beach Resorts with golf championships and unparalleled coastal views, my personal connection to The Lodge began long before I ever understood its global significance (as I’m a native of Pebble Beach).

Growing up within the gated community known as the Del Monte Forest, The Lodge became a natural extension of home. The hotel and surrounding area have always been, and continue to be, remarkably idyllic: beautiful, serene, family-friendly, and safe in a way that encourages exploration, leisure, and tranquility.

Many of my most cherished memories have happened at The Lodge.

As kids, we rode bicycles through winding forested roads, stopped at scenic overlooks, or pedaled to the Pebble Beach Market (then called The Company Store) to buy candy before looping back through the neighborhood. We spent summers playing on the beach above Stillwater Cove and splashing in the pool at The Beach & Tennis Club.

Alongside the usual pastimes (golf, tennis, and afternoons by the water), it’s still common to see locals cruising between the range and their homes in their golf carts, a reminder of how seamlessly recreation and daily life blend within Pebble Beach.

As a child, I fondly recall joining my family at the Christmas tree lighting at The Lodge, where the putting green was blanketed with artificial snow to create a festive winter wonderland.

Afterward, Pebble Beach Company hosted a holiday gathering in the conference room above the green, where Santa greeted children and families enjoyed warm refreshments.

It was a magical, memorable experience that my friends and I still reminisce about.

Dining at Pebble Beach restaurants was equally woven into our lives.

Breakfast at Gallery Cafe, overlooking the first tee, became a regular ritual, especially on sunny weekends. The Tap Room was another constant in our lives; we visited so often that the staff eventually created a custom gold “Mr. P” table plaque (in honor of my father), which they placed at our table on nights we dined there. It was a small gesture that reflected a deeper truth: Pebble Beach makes guests feel like family.

Over the years, The Lodge has also been the backdrop for unexpected, yet highly memorable encounters with several notable people.

During the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am years ago, I met celebrities like Chris O’Donnell, Kevin Costner, and George Lopez inside The Tap Room while dining with my friends. More recently, last year, I interviewed athletes Rory McIlroy and Aaron Rodgers outside The Lodge during practice rounds.

While celebrity run-ins might be an uncommon experience elsewhere, in Pebble Beach, these interactions feel surprisingly natural. It’s a place where world-class athletes and A-list stars blend seamlessly with locals and long-time visitors.

Throughout the past century, while Pebble Beach Resorts has evolved and expanded significantly (as it’s now home to three hotels, including The Lodge, The Inn at Spanish Bay, and Casa Palmero), the property has always maintained a warm, welcoming atmosphere for locals and visitors alike.

During the open house celebration, Stivers reflected on the significance of this iconic property:

“For more than a century, The Lodge has been the heartbeat of Pebble Beach Resorts. This building was first opened in 1919 and at the time was called the Del Monte Lodge. Over the course of the last 100 years, it’s amazing how far this building and resort have progressed.”

The Lodge remains central to an unparalleled calendar of events, from the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am and the celebrated Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance to Pebble Beach Food & Wine, multiple USGA Championships (including the upcoming 2027 U.S. Open), and Monterey Car Week (my favorite time of year on the Monterey Peninsula).

The renovation project was one of the most comprehensive updates in The Lodge’s recent history; a thoughtful and technically complex undertaking to modernize the building while respecting its architectural legacy.

Pebble Beach Company partnered with BAR Architects & Interiors, a firm renowned for its work shaping luxury properties in California and beyond. Their mandate was clear: retain the character that defines The Lodge while elevating its functionality, guest experience, and long-term viability.

To achieve this, BAR conducted an in-depth study of the century-old structure, examining how previous expansions, renovations, and operational needs had shaped the building over time. Their goal was to unify these layers: creating architectural cohesion through carefully integrated updates that feel both refined and enduring.

Inside, Hirsch Bedner Associates (HBA) led the interior design refresh, introducing a sophisticated palette of coastal materials, vaulted details, handcrafted chandeliers, custom carpets, and artisanal finishes that reflect Pebble Beach’s natural surroundings. Public spaces now feel brighter and more expansive, with the newly reoriented entrance and lobby offering an immediate, picturesque view toward Stillwater Cove.

One of the project’s most impressive elements is the expanded, state-of-the-art kitchen, designed to support the resort’s increasing volume of private and corporate events, large-scale culinary programs, and world-class hospitality.

Outfitted with new ranges, grills, prep stations, and automated dishwashing technologies, the kitchen elevates efficiency for chefs and staff, enabling them to execute at a consistently high level during peak periods.

The renovation also included refreshed dining rooms, upgraded event spaces such as the Stevenson Room and The Library, redesigned service corridors, thoughtful landscape improvements, and an expanded terrace overlooking the 18th fairway.

As Caroline MacDonald, Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer, shared:

“This project enhances The Lodge from the inside out, with our culinary team operating out of a state-of-the-art kitchen and guests experiencing spaces that will feel entirely refreshed like Stillwater, while maintaining the charm that has been synonymous with the building for more than a century.”

The Lodge’s transformation is not merely aesthetic; it is foundational, designed to carry Pebble Beach confidently into its next century, while still exuding understated elegance and timeless sophistication.

Stillwater: Elevated Coastal Dining with Unmatched Views

One of the most anticipated reopenings is Stillwater, perched above the 18th fairway with unobstructed views of Stillwater Cove. Floor-to-ceiling windows, vaulted ceiling details, a striking new central bar, and a glass-enclosed wine room elevate the dining room’s sense of space and sophistication.

Stillwater’s wine program recently earned the Wine Spectator 2024 Best of Award of Excellence, reinforcing its reputation as a destination for oenophiles. Their wine collection is notably extensive, including a $24,000 bottle of Screaming Eagle.

The menu at Stillwater, led by Chef de Cuisine Alex Ramirez (pictured below, inside the updated kitchen), reflects technique, balance, and bold coastal California flavors. Ramirez’s background includes The Ritz-Carlton, the Michelin-starred Dining Room in Pasadena, and working alongside Chef Michael Voltaggio in Los Angeles; experience that lends to his thoughtful approach to ingredient-driven cuisine.

Stillwater is known for its use of Monterey Bay abalone, a prized local delicacy. With an emphasis on fresh seafood, a few notable starters include the Dungeness Crab Pancake, Ahi Tuna Crudo, and Crème de Brie & Mushroom Toast, while entrées highlight dishes such as Seremoni Wild Black Cod, Seafood Bolognese, and the Whole Roasted Branzino presented with coastal herbs and charred lemon.

From the updated interior, newly-designed bar, and sweeping views, the reimagined restaurant reinforces Pebble Beach’s culinary identity while giving the space a refreshed, modern influence.

The Tap Room: Tradition Preserved, Experience Elevated

While Stillwater showcases the refreshed coastal dining experience at The Lodge, The Tap Room continues to deliver the classic, clubhouse-style hospitality that longtime guests return for again and again.

As an iconic steakhouse and gathering place beloved by golfers, locals, and returning guests, and described by Travel + Leisure as “the ultimate 19th hole,” The Tap Room has long been one of the most storied dining rooms on the Monterey Peninsula.

A recent evening there demonstrated why it continues to hold such deep meaning.

Throughout the dining room, I observed locals embracing longtime staff, friends celebrating milestones, corporate groups unwinding, couples enjoying date nights, and golfers recounting their rounds over dinner.

The energy was warm, lively, and welcoming; exactly as The Tap Room has always been.  From boisterous laughter to heartfelt hugs, the ambiance felt joyful, comforting, and congenial. It was apparent that everyone there (from the staff to the guests) was elated to be back at The Tap Room, especially after such a long renovation.

Relative to the updated interior, while the space looks refreshed, it still exudes the same aesthetic styling it always has, with traditional rich woods, comfortable leather seats, and soft, warm lighting. It’s the perfect place to dine on a chilly, foggy evening (which happens pretty often, especially during fall and winter).

When you walk through the renovated restaurant, aside from the gallery-style photos and golf memorabilia from tournaments past, you’ll also notice the recent addition of Tom Watson’s wedge from his legendary 1982 U.S. Open chip-in on the 17th hole proudly on display. These iconic pieces serve as a poignant reminder of the epic moments that have unfolded steps away, bringing history to life.

Towards the end of our meal, we had an opportunity to speak with Phil Jones, the long-time manager, before touring the newly expanded kitchen with Chef de Cuisine Shane Cassidy (pictured below).

As I came to learn, Cassidy was raised by a father who served as Executive Chef of the Disneyland Hotel, so he essentially grew up learning about the world of hospitality before formally training at the Culinary Arts Institute.

Prior to joining The Tap Room four years ago, his career took him through esteemed California institutions (from the Pacific Club in Newport Beach to Brix in Yountville and B Cellars in Oakville), where he deepened his craft and learned the value of high-quality ingredients.

After dinner, he introduced me to several members of the culinary team (many of whom have worked at Pebble Beach for years) and shared insights into the redesign, in addition to giving me a greater understanding of how they operate.

He explained the team’s guiding philosophy, which was to honor the restaurant’s classic atmosphere while modernizing the menu, aesthetic design, and workflow. He also emphasized their deep relationships with local producers (mentioning that they source California-grown artichokes, which are hand-delivered directly by the grower).

He also emphasized the fact that their team intentionally ensures that their staff are valued and cared for, which results in an atmosphere that brings out the best in each culinary and service member. This intention was evident, as I witnessed chefs high-fiving each other and joyfully smiling as they worked feverishly inside the kitchen.

When working 10-12 hours a day (as Cassidy says is common), it’s imperative to create a setting that fosters a sense of passion, a desire for exceeding guests’ expectations, and a feeling of enthusiasm.

During dinner, we were served by Mark Criscitiello, our family’s longtime Tap Room server (who has worked there for 36 years). His warmth, congeniality, and familiarity embody the Pebble Beach spirit that turns guests into family, making us (and other long-time patrons) feel like VIP guests.

When ordering at the restaurant, here’s a little insider secret: make sure to request The Tap Room’s complimentary bread basket (which includes an array of warm, freshly-baked zucchini bread, cheddar sticks, and jalapeño–cheddar cornbread). This must-try offering is now only available by request, so be sure to ask your server during your next visit.

While dining there recently, we enjoyed several of the restaurant’s enduring favorites, beginning with the Roasted Beet Salad, layered with candied walnuts and Humboldt Fog cheese, and the outstanding Grilled Artichoke, served with lemon-garlic aioli and mint chimichurri. For entrées, we indulged in the Prime Beef Tenderloin and the Mushroom & Squash Alfredo enriched with sweet, delicate crab.

To top it off, we finished with two classic desserts: the New York Cheesecake topped with glazed strawberries and a bright, refreshing Key Lime Pie crowned with lime whip and fresh blackberries.

As Stivers noted during the unveiling:

“The opening of Stillwater is the culmination of The Lodge’s transformation, bringing a fresh identity to one of Pebble Beach’s most renowned settings. Alongside updates to guestrooms, public spaces, The Tap Room and The Bench, this reopening ushers in an inspired new chapter in Pebble Beach hospitality.”

Beyond Stillwater and The Tap Room, The Lodge offers two additional spaces that enhance its dining and social scene. The Bench, which received a subtle refresh, continues to overlook the iconic 18th hole with its signature wood-fired dishes and relaxed indoor-outdoor setting; still one of the best spots for a leisurely lunch or sunset cocktail.

Just steps away, The Terrace Lounge now features an expanded patio and updated interior, giving guests a refined yet casual place to unwind with a glass of wine or sit beside the fire as they take in panoramic views of Stillwater Cove.

Together, these venues complement the Lodge’s renewed identity, offering a range of atmospheres for every part of the day.

With its renovation complete, The Lodge at Pebble Beach enters its next era, thoughtfully modernized yet deeply rooted in the heritage that has made it one of the world’s most iconic destinations.

From expanded culinary capabilities and refreshed design to cherished traditions that span generations, Pebble Beach continues to shape experiences that feel timeless, welcoming, and unforgettable.

Its enduring influence across luxury travel, golf, hospitality, and global culture remains unmatched, and now, more than ever, its future feels as inspiring as its past.

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[Disclosure: Media access and hosted meal c/o Pebble Beach Resorts. All opinions are my own.]