The Cliffs Hotel and Spa

Pismo Beach, California

Virgin rating

Aerial view of hotel and pool
Hotel exterior
Classic King Room
Clasic 2 Queen Room
Hotel exterior
Pool
Shell Beach
Beach/Pool sign
Hotel sign
Hotel Lobby
Spa
Ocean view
Aerial view of hotel and pool
Hotel exterior
Classic King Room
Clasic 2 Queen Room
Hotel exterior
Pool
Shell Beach
Beach/Pool sign
Hotel sign
Hotel Lobby
Spa
Ocean view

The hotel

Its spot on its own bluff doesn’t just provide The Cliffs Resort & Spa 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 guest rooms. Laying its claim to the beach below, you get direct access to the sands. On scenic Highway One, it’s just a drive from San Luis Obispo County’s championship golf, wineries and dining. But it would be hard to top the hotel’s own Marisol restaurant, with its ‘market-driven’ menu supplied by local farmers and fishermen, its bar winning accolades like ‘best drink with a view’ and hosting seasonal cocktail specials and a weekend brunch, a local favourite! And make sure you listen out for the daily ring of the bell to toast the sunset.

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, pool 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 complimentary WiFi access. 

Classic Rooms have either 1 king-size or 2 queen-size beds, sleeping maximum 4 people.

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.

Complimentary shuttle service to and from San Luis Obispo Regional Airport & Amtrak stations are available with prior reservations. Complimentary self-parking a short walk away, or valet parking onsite for $20 plus tax per night (payable locally, fee subject to change).

Marisol bar and restaurant (casual Californian menu and cocktails, oceanfront setting, indoor and al fresco dining, 8 HDTVs in bar, open for all-day dining). Seasonal poolside bar and pool service. Fresh coffee served in the lobby each morning. In-room dining*.

Regular events schedule including fitness classes and live music.

Heated oceanfront pool. Hot tub (adults-only). 24-hour fitness centre. Spa*.

WiFi. Laundry service*. Computer access in the lobby. 24-hour front desk. Gift shop/Boutique.

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.

Please note: The beach access is down four flights of stairs. The trail should be entered at the guest’s own risk as the stairs are uneven and subject to the elements. The beach is not accessible by wheelchair.

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 (870)
  • Very good (377)
  • Average (142)
  • Poor (78)
  • Terrible (71)
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Could do better

Sep 21, 2024 Climber02402240911 Los Angeles, California

I guess the price is all about the location but charging $300+ per night for a room without a view and without even windows / patio doors that you can open is pretty OTT. The room and bathroom were not even as nice as a Best Western to be honest. Couldn’t use the pool area because no dogs allowed which is always bizarre to me if you say you’re a… Read more
I guess the price is all about the location but charging $300+ per night for a room without a view and without even windows / patio doors that you can open is pretty OTT. The room and bathroom were not even as nice as a Best Western to be honest. Couldn’t use the pool area because no dogs allowed which is always bizarre to me if you say you’re a dog friendly hotel and charge a resort fee on top. The grassy area, fire pits, walk down to the beach were lovely but they don’t offer anything beach-oriented for travelers like towels, chairs, picnics…and it’s a public access beach. A lot of missed opportunities to make this an experience that matches the cost. I wouldn’t choose this hotel again. Read less
Image of the Tripadvisor rating They lie to book

Sep 17, 2024 Ed M Menifee, California

I called the reservations line for The Cliffs Hotel and Spa to ask questions before I booked. My wife has physical limitations and I wanted to know the difficulty in accessing their beach. I had already eliminated two other hotels because access would be challenging. I asked the Cliffs reservation lady, Lynn, about the access to their beach. She… Read more
I called the reservations line for The Cliffs Hotel and Spa to ask questions before I booked. My wife has physical limitations and I wanted to know the difficulty in accessing their beach. I had already eliminated two other hotels because access would be challenging. I asked the Cliffs reservation lady, Lynn, about the access to their beach. She told me that it is not that difficult. In the back of their hotel, there is a small dirt decline and then only about 12 steps to the beach. I also asked if it was a sandy beach or a rocky beach. She lied again and told me that it was a 'sandy, sandy' beach with no rocks. ALL LIES! After booking a room and then checking in, I checked out the access. The access is dirt and rocky and very steep and very treacherous. There are even posted warning signs advising of the difficulty of going down and coming back up. The sign also advised of sea lions on the beach and warned not to approach them. Sure enough, there were a couple fairly large sea lions on the beach and the beach was mostly rocky and rough. This was afternoon and I did not see anyone on this 'beach'. I am upset because we had to leave the hotel to get to a decent beach. I do not like dishonest people and am disgusted that the hotel doesn't take responsibility for their dishonest tactics to book a room. There are other hotels in Pismo Beach at beach level like Sea Venture. Won't stay or recommend The Cliffs to anyone, except maybe a sea lion. Read less
Image of the Tripadvisor rating I loved my stay in Shell beach

Sep 16, 2024 Passenger764722

The room is quiet, clean and has a spectacular view of the ocean and pool .The staff was friendly and accommodating and gave me an upgrade for $45 a night with taxes and fees because booking.com switched me the non-ocean view after paying on line for room with an ocean view. Recommend getting a shower in pool area for rinsing off.The bed was hard… Read more
The room is quiet, clean and has a spectacular view of the ocean and pool .The staff was friendly and accommodating and gave me an upgrade for $45 a night with taxes and fees because booking.com switched me the non-ocean view after paying on line for room with an ocean view. Recommend getting a shower in pool area for rinsing off.The bed was hard and uncomfortable and the toilet too low for older people . Shower was efficient but need a side handrail for climbing in and out . The restaurant had a wonderful sunset view and the staff were wonderful . I had fish tacos and my husband had the beef nachos. They were ok . Good wine selection . The waiter brought a piece of cake for our anniversary! Read less
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Great stay at the Cliffs Hotel

Aug 19, 2024 Texmama San antonio

We had a wonderful anniversary stay at the Cliffs. They recognized our anniversary with some Champagne and chocolates. A lovely gesture. We stayed on the adult floor which we very much liked. Had a great view across the pool of the ocean. Every staff person we encountered was exceptional. They were attentive, polite, competent and… Read more
We had a wonderful anniversary stay at the Cliffs. They recognized our anniversary with some Champagne and chocolates. A lovely gesture. We stayed on the adult floor which we very much liked. Had a great view across the pool of the ocean. Every staff person we encountered was exceptional. They were attentive, polite, competent and accommodating. I have no idea where the bad reviews of the valet or front desk came from. As I stated, all staff including the restaurant were excellent. In addition to the Hotel restaurant there are two others in walking distance. Pismo and Avila beach are minutes away. SLO is also close. The stay exceeded our expectations and we hope to return. If there was one negative it was a family group who we understood were celebrating but their celebration in the evening outside beyond 10 was just rude. It was the adults not children. Luckily they left and the resort returned to a great hotel. Read less
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