Looking where to stay in San Luis Obispo? Also nicknamed SLO, this town is one of the best Central California cities thanks to its outdoor opportunities, rich culture and cozy small town feel. There’s no lack of great hotels in San Luis Obispo, and choosing the best option is not always easy.
There are many hotels in San Luis Obispo California, from modest budget accommodations to swanky resorts where you can enjoy the views of the craggy coastline, sample dishes from the top chefs, and recharge in luxurious spas.
But don’t worry. After visiting San Luis Obispo a couple of times, I sourced some of the best hotels for all budgets and tastes in the area. This article provides a complete guide to some of the best places to stay in San Luis Obispo.
Luxury hotels in San Luis Obispo
San Luis Obispo knows how to do luxury. From spacious oceanfront resorts to quaint downtown hotels in Victorian style, there are many great resorts in San Luis Obispo that offer stylish accommodations, top-notch amenities, and on-site restaurants.
1. Garden Street Inn
✔️ Downtown San Luis Obispo
✔️ Free parking
Located in downtown, Garden Street Inn is one of the most popular boutique hotels in San Luis Obispo that features neatly decorated rooms. It offers a nice change from traditional hotels with its French-inspired decor and authentic furniture.
Guests can grab a book from the well-stocked Goldtree Library, or sip your morning coffee on our spacious outdoor common deck. Free breakfast is served every morning in the McCaffrey Morning Room. Parking is available on the property.
Mission San Luis Obispo De Tolosa is less than 5 minutes away by walking and California Polytechnic State University is less than 10 minutes away by car from Garden Street Inn.
✅ CHECK AVAILABILITY AT GARDEN STREET INN
2. Madonna Inn
✔️Swimming pool and spa
✔️Family rooms
A historic landmark and one of the best places to visit in San Luis Obispo, Madonna Inn is not just a hotel. The property boasts a colorful past and is one of the most popular stops in San Luis Obispo for photographers who come here because of the whimsical decors.
Madonna Inn has 110 unique rooms, each with its own unique style. Some of the fixtures include waterfall showers, rock fireplaces, and fine furnishings among others.
It also has a spa where guests enjoy massages, facials, and body treatments that are available by appointment to hotel guests and day visitors, alike.
Madonna Inn also has a restaurant where friendly staff members serve delicious food and drinks in whimsical dining rooms; and a world-famous bakery that serves freshly-baked cakes, cookies, pastries, dinner rolls, specialty bread, and pies.
✅ CLICK HERE TO CHECK AVAILABILITY AT MADONNA INN
3. Sycamore Mineral Resorts and Spa
✔️ Spa and wellness center
✔️ Swimming pool
Located in Avila Beach a quick drive from downtown San Luis Obispo, Sycamore Mineral Springs Resort is a great alternative to hotels in downtown San Luis Obispo, as it offers a quiet beachside setting.
The resort boasts 72 guest rooms and suites and a 3-bedroom guesthouse where guesses can enjoy privacy. All accommodations include individual hot mineral spring tubs on private balconies or patios.
✅ CHECK AVAILABILITY AT SYCAMORE MINERAL RESORTS AND SPA
4. The Cliffs Hotel and Spa
✔️Beachfront
✔️Spa and wellness center
✔️Family rooms
One of the best spa hotels in the San Luis Obispo area, The Cliffs Hotel and Spa sits on the edge of the craggy coast in Pismo Beach and boasts spectacular views of the Pacific. The hotel features a bar, restaurant, big pool, and relaxing spa where you can regenerate after continuing your adventures.
The Cliffs Hotel and Spa make for a perfect pit stop along your journey as it’s located right off Highway 101 and a quick drive from downtown San Luis Obispo.
From here, you can reach restaurants and stores in Shell Beach or make your way to Pismo Beach where you can enjoy surfing, ride a buggy on Oceano Dunes or visit the Monarch Butterfly Grove.
✅ CHECK AVAILABILITY AT THE CLIFFS
5. La Lomita Ranch
✔️Family rooms
✔️Free parking
La Lomita Ranch is a gorgeous travel sustainable property and one of the best hotels in San Luis Obispo. The hotel offers a tranquil setting in the countryside away from downtown San Luis Obispo, continental or buffet breakfast and spectacular views of the surrounding area.
✅ CHECK AVAILABILITY AT LA LOMITA RANCH
Best mid-budget hotels in San Luis Obispo
If you are not ready to spend top dollar, there are many great mid-budget hotels in San Luis Obispo California where you can spend a few nights and enjoy many great amenities.
6. Hotel Buena Vista
✔️ Family rooms
✔️ Free parking
Located right off Highway 101, Hotel Buena Vista is a great basic stay in San Luis Obispo, if you want to stop in town for a night or two before continuing your adventure in Central California.
Hotel Buena Vista offers great basic accommodations and serves free continental breakfast that includes fruits, tea, coffee, pastries, cream, and granola. A lot of restaurants are located within walking distance from the hotel.
There is also a big fitness center, heated outdoor pool, and jacuzzi where you can relax and unwind after a long day of exploring.
Electric car charging stations are available at the property.
✅ CHECK AVAILABILITY AT HOTEL BUENA VISTA
7. El Colibri Hotel and Spa
✔️ Pet-friendly
✔️ Family rooms
✔️ Spa and wellness center
El Colibri is a Tuscan-inspired boutique hotel located in the scenic town of Cambria between the coastline of Central California and the nearby mountains.
One of the biggest draws of this luxury-style hotel is a walking distance from Moon Stone Beach Park. It’s a perfect stay for travelers who are continuing their trip to Hearst Castle and Big Sur.
El Colibri Hotel and Spa features a full-serve spa, and free on-site parking and electric car charging stations are available.
✅ CHECK AVAILABILITY AT EL COLIBRI HOTEL AND SPA
Some of the nearby attractions include Hearst Castle and the Piedras Blancas Lighthouse from where you can see many elephants seals that frequent this part of California. Paso Robles wine country is about 40 minutes away by car, which makes El Colibri one of the best hotels near San Luis Obispo.
8. Quality Suites Downtown San Luis Obispo
✔️Downtown San Luis Obispo
✔️Fitness center
✔️Restaurant
Looking where to stay in San Luis Obispo on a budget?
Conveniently located right off Highway 101 and within walking distance from downtown San Luis Obispo, Quality Suites is one of the best stays if you are looking for a combination of value and comfort.
Quality Suites SLO provides value to its guests as it offers a central location, great amenities, and a FREE made-to-order breakfast that includes pastries, waffles, fruits, cereal, and coffee. There is also a heated outdoor pool, a hot tub, and a fitness center.
Several wineries and beaches are within a short distance from the hotel. Free transportation to San Luis Obispo Airport is available at the property.
✅ CHECK AVAILABILITY AT QUALITY SUITES SLO
9. Apple Farm Inn
✔️Family rooms
✔️Swimming pool
✔️Free parking
One of the most popular hotels near downtown San Luis Obispo, Apple Farm Inn boasts a homey feel and complimentary wine for its guests.
The hotel boasts several types of accommodations in the Millhouse and Trellis Court motel. Some of the more expensive rooms include fireplaces, hot tubs and kitchenettes. The hotel has a year-round heated outdoor swimming pool.
The Apple Farm Restaurant & Bakery on site has breakfast, lunch and dinner where you can try delicious dishes from from local produce.
Guests enjoy daily wine tastings, coffee, tea, cider and other delicious treats that you can pick up in the lobby.
✅ CHECK AVAILABILITY AT APPLE FARM INN
10. Avila Lighthouse Suites
✔️Beachfront
If you are looking for a great beach stay in San Luis Obispo, don’t miss Avila Lighthouse Suites!
Located in Avila Beach just a short drive from downtown San Luis Obispo, this cozy place offers one- and two-room suites that come with balconies, kitchenettes, living rooms and patios. Avila Lighthouse has a hot tub, pool and a spa, which makes it a perfect place to relax while enjoying the ocean views.
When you stay at Avila Lighthouse, you will be within walking distance of many restaurants and stores in this quiant beach town.
✅ CHECK AVAILABILITY AT LIGHTHOUSE SUITES
Best boutique hotels in San Luis Obispo
11. San Luis Creek Lodge
✔️Pet-friendly
✔️Free parking
San Luis Creek Lodge is one of the most popular pet-friendly hotels in San Luis Obispo that offers quick access to some of the best things to do in the area. Guests also enjoy a free continental breakfast and free private parking.
Guests love the hotel’s quiet setting, friendly staff, and comfort. Although San Luis Creek Lodge is located in the center of the action, it boasts a nice quiet setting, which is perfect for those travelers who need to relax but don’t want to book a more expensive accommodation away from downtown San Luis Obispo.
✅ CHECK AVAILABILITY AT SAN LUIS CREEK LODGE
12. Hotel San Luis Obispo
✔️Downtown San Luis Obispo
✔️Pet-friendly
✔️Spa and wellness center
A modern urban resort, Hotel San Luis Obispo brands itself as “both destination and experience.” The property boasts spacious rooms with unique decor touches such as hand-woven rugs, natural wood, and custom built-in features.
Guests particularly love Sol Spa which offers a relaxation lounge, salt sauna, pool, jacuzzi, and meditation room. Hotel San Luis Obispo is a few steps away from downtown and is an excellent spot for relaxing before continuing your trip along California Coast.
✅ CHECK AVAILABILITY AT HOTEL SAN LUIS OBISPO
13. Hotel Cerro
✔️ Downtown San Luis Obispo
✔️ Family rooms
Hotel Cerro is one of the best hotels in San Luis Obispo with an eco concept.
Built with historic storefronts to minimize the use of new materials, Hotel Cerro was designed toward LEED Silver and meets California’s energy efficiency standards which means it has implemented a variety of measures to minimize its use of energy and conserve water.
To keep things green, the hotel offers charging stations for electric cars and uses mostly locally sourced organic produce in its restaurant.
Furthermore, Hotel Cerro strives to minimize its use of single plastic as every guest receives a complimentary reusable water bottle that they can refill at water stations around the hotel, and provides all products served in rooms in refillable containers.
✅ CHECK AVAILABILITY AT HOTEL CERRO
FUN FACT: Did you know that San Luis Obispo is also the first destination in the United States to start an urban reforestation sustainability initiative “Keys For Trees” that is funded by local hotels? Thanks to the initiative, 1 percent of the annual revenue funds a partnership with EcoSLO, a non-profit that plants trees throughout the area to facilitate reforestation.
14. Granada Hotel and Bistro
✔️Rooftop terrace
✔️Restaurant
✔️Free bike rental
One of the most stylish hotels in San Luis Obispo California, Granada Hotel and Bistro is located in the red-brick building with hardwood floors and features many industrial design elements throughout the property.
The hotel is 3 minutes away from many San Luis Obispo shops, cafes and art galleries.
Select suites feature a private balcony at Granada. Featuring plush bathrobes, each room is styled in antique Persian rugs, hardwood floors, brick walls, original artwork and a flat-screen TV.
A book library is available for guests. And free bike rental is also provided.
✅ CHECK AVAILABILITY AT HOTEL GRANADA
Best Budget Hotels in San Luis Obispo
If you are traveling around Central California and need a good basic stay, you can choose from several budget hotels in San Luis Obispo located just a short distance away from the city’s downtown. Here you can find basic amenities and comfy rooms that are perfect to recharge when you get back to your hotel after a day of exploring.
15. The Kinney San Luis Obispo, Tapestry Collection by Hilton
✔️Swimming pool
✔️Free parking
✔️Fitness center
A stylish and modern property with retro designs, the Kinney offers a great value for your money. The hotel sits right off US-101 and has basic accommodations with an outdoor pool and fitness center.
The Kinney San Luis Opisbo is less than a mile away from California Polytechnic State University. Old Mission San Luis Obispo is only 4 miles away by car.
✅ CHECK AVAILABILITY AT THE KINNEY
16. Vagabond Inn
✔️ Pet-friendly
✔️ Family rooms
While many hotels in downtown San Luis Obispo California tend to be on a more pricey side, many alternatives cost only a fraction but offer enough amenities and plenty of comfort for a basic stay.
One of them is Vagabond Inn San Luis Obispo is a great place to stay if you have a car, but you can easily catch an Uber or bus to the city’s downtown. The hotel is within driving distance from Hearst Castle and San Simeon Mission.
There are several types of rooms available including a single king, queen, and a suite with three queen beds. There is also a complimentary breakfast available and discounts for several restaurants in the area.
✅ CHECK AVAILABILITY AT VAGABOND INN
17. Sun Beam Motel
One of the best affordable hotels in San Luis Obispo, Sun Beam Motel offers a good value for the price.
Conveniently located in downtown San Luis Obispo, Sun Beam Motel is a real bargain for many travelers who are looking for a combination of a convenient location with access to Highway 101, walking distance to many restaurants, and some of the best things to do in San Luis Obispo.
✅ CHECK AVAILABILITY AT SUN BEAM MOTEL
18. Homestead Motel
Homestead Motel is another great basic stay in San Luis Obispo half a mile from downtown San Luis Obispo and a few minutes from California Polytechnic University by car.
The motel offers free parking, nice spacious rooms, and budget-friendly rates. It’s 12.8 miles from Morro Bay and 16.9 miles from Pismo Beach State Park.
✅ CHECK AVAILABILITY AT HOMESTEAD MOTEL
Do you need a car in San Luis Obispo?
Do you need a car in San Luis Obispo?
Although San Luis Obispo is a walkable city, you need a car to explore the area and visit nearby towns like Avila Beach, Paso Robles and Morro Bay. Although you can take Uber or catch a bus to explore the area on the go, you will need a vehicle, if you want to be more flexible.
Renting a car for your trip to San Luis Obispo
If you want more freedom and want to explore some of the best places to visit near San Luis Obispo and check other incredible destinations along Central California Coast off your bucket list, rent a car.
I recommend Discover Cars, one of the best car rental companies that has thousands of vehicles at very reasonable prices.
How to get around San Luis Obispo
If you want to explore the area beyond downtown SLO, hop on the RTA bus which stops across from the Government Center at Palm Street and Osos Street.
From there, you can get to several nearby towns such as Pismo Beach, Avila Beach, and Morro Bay. And don’t forget to bring cash, because this bus doesn’t accept credit cards! Most of the time, you can’t get change either, so prepare 5 or 1-dollar bills for your trip.
You can also check the RTA bus schedule online
Where to stay in San Luis Obispo: a complete overview by area
- Downtown San Luis Obispo – Downtown SLO is home to many restaurants, stores, historic landmarks and several museums around Higuera Street. If you don’t mind spending more money, it’s a great area to stay. You will be within walking distance to bars, cafes and great nightlife.
- Pismo Beach – One of the most popular beach towns in Central California, Pismo Beach is a popular destination with tourists. Here you can explore the famous dunes, enjoy surfing and grab a bite in one of the local restaurants.
- Avila Beach – A popular local hangout spot, Avila Beach boasts a wooden pier and an assortment of local shops and restaurants. It’s home to several small hotels which are perfect if you want beachfront views. There are also several hiking trails in the area.
- Paso Robles – Located in the heart of Central California’s wine country, Paso Robles is a perfect place to stay if you want to enjoy the countryside and tour local wineries.
- Morro Bay – One of the most popular getaways from San Luis Obispo, Morro Bay is a beachside town about 15 miles north on Highway 101. It’s a perfect destination if you are looking for outdoor opportunities and smaller crowds.
Best hotels in San Luis Obispo: FAQ’s
What hotels in San Luis Obispo allow dogs?
San Luis Obispo has several hotels that allow dogs including San Luis Creek Lodge, La Quinta San Luis Obispo, Sands Inn & Suites, and Hampton Inn & Suites San Luis Obispo.
Is San Luis Obispo worth visiting?
Located halfway between Los Angeles and San Francisco, San Luis Obispo is one of the best places to visit in Central California! It offers a laid-back atmosphere, gorgeous scenery, opportunities for outdoor recreation, and close distance to the famous Big Sur.
Although some tourists skip San Luis Obispo when traveling around the coastal part of the state, San Luis Obispo deserves a spot on your California itinerary, and you can easily spend a few days here enjoying everything that this city has to offer.
What is the best time to visit San Luis Obispo?
When planning a trip to Santa Barbara, keep local weather in mind. San Luis Obispo has a slightly cooler climate compared to Southern California. But the difference is not significant: the best time to visit San Luis Obispo is from March through May when it’s not too busy and from September through early November before the cold spell rolls in the area.
Summers bring hot temperatures and can get busy, since a lot of kids are on school break. July and August is the most expensive time to visit San Luis Obispo when travelers from all over the country flock to this part of California.
More resources for planning your trip to San Luis Obispo
Looking for places to stay in San Luis Obispo California is just a small part of planning your trip. Whether you need to book a car, organize a tour or book a flight while in Central California, use some of my suggested services.
Agoda.com – a great website for budget accommodations in many parts of California.
WorldNomads – Great service for insurance coverage that will keep you safe on the road.
Safety Wing – Excellent insurance plan for long-term travelers that offers competitive rates is you are planning to stay on the road several weeks in a row.
GetYourGuide.com – Thinking about booking a tour while in San Luis Obispo? Get Your Guide is my favorite platform that offers awesome tours and top-notch guides in many destinations across California.
DiscoverCars.com – There’s nothing like exploring the incredible California Coast at your own pace. Consider renting a car at Discover Cars if you want more freedom exploring this part of the United States.
CheapoAir.com – One of the best platforms for saving money on flights within United States and beyond.
Booking.com – a popular website with tons and tons of options for accommodations of all sorts.