The Cliffs Hotel and Spa

Pismo Beach, California

Virgin rating

1 King Room
2 Queen Room
Hotel Lobby
Marisol
Marisol
Spa
1 King Room
2 Queen Room
Hotel Lobby
Marisol
Marisol
Spa

The hotel

Its spot on its own bluff doesn’t just provide The Cliffs Resort its name; it gives it incredible ocean views, a perfect setting for its heated oceanfront pool, and the inspiration for the splashes of coastal blues that brighten its earthy toned guestrooms. Laying its claim to the beach below, you get direct access to the sands; while its complimentary airport and Amtrak station shuttle gives you access beyond. On scenic Highway One, it’s just a drive from San Luis Obispo County’s championship golf, wineries and dining.

Amenities

  • Fitness Centre/Gym
  • Free Parking
  • Internet Access
  • Restaurant
  • Room Service
  • Safety Deposit Box
  • Spa
  • Swimming Pool
  • Valet parking
  • Beachfront location

Where is it

Overlooking Shell Beach, it is 10 min drive from San Luis Obispo, in a region home to top-notch beaches, championship golf courses and more than 200 wineries. The boutiques and weekly farmer’s market of San Luis Obispo, the surf and seaside shops of Pismo Beach and Avila Beach, and the antique and speciality shops of The Village in Arroyo Grande are also just a drive away. 

Hotel information

160 rooms and suites. All with private balcony or patio, views of the ocean, coast or mountains, Italian marble bathrooms, spacious work stations, fireplaces on request (dependent on availability), in-room safe, flatscreen HDTV, tea and coffee station, beverage cooler, and WiFi. Ocean/Pool View Rooms have ocean and courtyard views, and 1 king-size or 2 queen-size beds, sleeping maximum 4 adults.
Coastal/Partial Ocean View Rooms have a quiet setting by the beach pathway, with coastline and Avila Bay views, and 1 king-size or 2 queen-size beds, sleeping maximum 4 adults. Non-Ocean View Rooms have mountain views, and 1 king-size or 2 queen-size beds, sleeping maximum 4 adults.

Marisol bar and restaurant (casual Californian menu and cocktails, oceanfront setting, indoor and al fresco dining, 8 HDTVs in bar, brunch and dinner). In-room dining is available from 8am-9pm.

Heated oceanfront pool. Fitness centre. Gift shop. Spa*.

Room service*. WiFi. Computer access in the lobby. 24-hour front desk. Cash machine. Complimentary self-parking a short walk away, or valet parking onsite for $20 plus tax per night (payable locally, fee subject to change).

There is a daily resort fee of $40 plus tax per room (payable locally, fee subject to change). 

Resort fee includes:- Access to the fitness centre –  Use of the outdoor pool and hot tub – WiFi access – Computer use in the lobby. Resort fee and inclusions are subject to availability and change. 

* Denotes local charge.

Rating summary

  • Location Image of the Tripadvisor rating
  • Sleep Quality Image of the Tripadvisor rating
  • Rooms Image of the Tripadvisor rating
  • Service Image of the Tripadvisor rating
  • Value Image of the Tripadvisor rating
  • Cleanliness Image of the Tripadvisor rating

Traveller rating

  • Excellent (869)
  • Very good (376)
  • Average (141)
  • Poor (78)
  • Terrible (70)
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Superb

Jun 20, 2024 maggie186411 Leeds, United Kingdom

I emailed ahead of our stay to say my husband and I were celebrating a special anniversary and my husbands birthday. They responded straight away & emailed a couple times which I thought was a lovely personsal touch. Our room was gorgeous with a view of the ocean and a little balcony. They had left us a lovely note congratulating us and lots of… Read more
I emailed ahead of our stay to say my husband and I were celebrating a special anniversary and my husbands birthday. They responded straight away & emailed a couple times which I thought was a lovely personsal touch. Our room was gorgeous with a view of the ocean and a little balcony. They had left us a lovely note congratulating us and lots of goodies including a few beers. We had a gorgeous meal in the restaurant with a lovely view of the ocean. Our time at the hotel was memorable & all the staff were super friendly. Thank you for making our stay so special. I can't recommend the hotel enough. Read less
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Fantastic location and views, lower quality rooms and facilities, Expensive!

Jun 16, 2024 Rodeddi Sonora, California

The biggest asset of this hotel is its location. We had an ocean-view suite, so the views were impeccable. The rooms were clean, but the facilities including the bathroom appeared outdated. Valet parking was not available and couple of nights we had to park across the street. The restaurant is pretty good with plenty of tables overlooking the… Read more
The biggest asset of this hotel is its location. We had an ocean-view suite, so the views were impeccable. The rooms were clean, but the facilities including the bathroom appeared outdated. Valet parking was not available and couple of nights we had to park across the street. The restaurant is pretty good with plenty of tables overlooking the beach. The beach is easily accessible. The hotel is located in good proximity to restaurants and highways. Overall, while this hotel lacks in quality of the facilities and rooms, its location and views are unbeatable, though you will pay a premium for that. Read less
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Central Coast Weekend

Jun 10, 2024 92661

We stayed at The Ciffs Hotel this weekend. We were in town for a family reunion. I really appreciated how the hotel communicated with us. They sent text messages and emails asking how they could help us during our stay. We had breakfast at Marisol’s and it was wonderful. The heirloom tomatoes were outstanding!
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Just ok - Photos are deceiving

Jun 4, 2024 184christieg

Upon arrival we were so excited. The posted pictures portray a property with upscale ambiance, incredible views and amenities. However, it was somewhat off putting to see yellow caution tape blocking off a large section of the lobby- hopefully it was just under construction rather than a crime scene investigation. The front desk staff failed to… Read more
Upon arrival we were so excited. The posted pictures portray a property with upscale ambiance, incredible views and amenities. However, it was somewhat off putting to see yellow caution tape blocking off a large section of the lobby- hopefully it was just under construction rather than a crime scene investigation. The front desk staff failed to demonstrate any type of personality, welcoming or sense of hospitality whatsoever ever. Very cold and matter of a fact. The front desk refused to help with making spa treatment appointments and referred us to use the app or call when we got to our room. The spa didn’t answer the phone nor did their app work to book a massage and front desk staff were unwilling to help. We ended up booking spa treatments elsewhere. Our partial ocean view room (224) was at best mediocre. For a Hotel/Spa property to provide such an uncomfortable lumpy bed and over stuffed hard pillows is a travesty. Plus the bathroom exceptionally small. The rooms are like a Comfort Inn and lobby like a Wyndham. The BEST part about our stay was feeling the sun on our face as we watched the waves from our room. I loved how the pool and patio of the restaurant was situated to overlook the cliff. Would I stay here again? Maybe if I was in a pinch but definitely not if I wanted to be pampered. Read less
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Fabulous as always!

Apr 4, 2024 Susan H Benicia, California

Last week, my husband and I stayed at the Cliffs Hotel for two nights (3/26 - 3/28/24). I have stayed there many times since 2007 when my daughter worked at the hotel at the front desk during most of her college years at SLO. I have seen great changes occur over the last 17 years. The last time I stayed at the Cliffs was February 2019. I was… Read more
Last week, my husband and I stayed at the Cliffs Hotel for two nights (3/26 - 3/28/24). I have stayed there many times since 2007 when my daughter worked at the hotel at the front desk during most of her college years at SLO. I have seen great changes occur over the last 17 years. The last time I stayed at the Cliffs was February 2019. I was incredibly impressed with how pleasant, friendly and helpful the staff members were to us. The hotel was impeccable maintained, and our room (#355) was the best location I have ever had. We dined twice for dinner at Mirasol and thought their food and service were superb. The valet parking was efficient and quick. The well-maintained grounds were simply lovely - and of course, what a view! Our stay was simply wonderful. The Cliffs Hotel has upped their game since 2019. We will be back! Read less