It’s been quite awhile since I’ve visited San Luis Obispo wine country and even longer since I’ve stayed overnight in the seaside town of Pismo Beach, California. This classic beach town on the central coast offers beautiful, white sand beaches, multi-colored sunsets and, is surrounded by SLO wine country. In order to keep up with the summer surge, Pismo has added a new hotel to the mix, with more to follow. Inn at the Pier opened late 2017 and is a welcome addition to the neighborhood.
The craftsman-style ocean front hotel is a big improvement from some of the tired budget hotels that visitors see once off the freeway. The city of Pismo Beach is dutifully working to upgrade the Pier, boardwalk and Pomeroy Avenue. Inn at the Pier offers 104 boutique hotel rooms looking onto the pier and boardwalk. The 3-story hotel offers a light and bright lobby with a bar, Blonde restaurant and ample sitting area next to reception.
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If you’d like a view of the ocean, book an ocean view room. Traveling with kids; I’d book a downtown view, as you probably won’t be spending the bulk of your vacation in your hotel room. If you do like to spend time in your hotel, all rooms feature Pillowtop Beauty Rest Bed by Simmons, work desk & chair, mini refrigerator, 55″ television, Amazon Echo, espresso machine, safe, ironing board (do people still use irons in their rooms?) as well as robes and a hairdryer. All rooms include complimentary WiFi.
One of the unique features of this hotel is the rooftop pool. To be clear, you won’t be swimming laps in this dipping pool, but you can sit here, or in the hot tub and take in the central coast views. If you prefer your liquids in the form of libations, belly up to the rooftop bar or grab a seat at one of several outdoor fire pits.
If you prefer your calories in the form of food, rather than cocktails, the hotel serves brunch and dinner on the rooftop, along with craft beers and wine. Of course, there’s always room service and Blonde restaurant on the lower level. I had breakfast both mornings of my stay in the restaurant and enjoyed the yogurt with house made granola and fresh fruit. If you like clams, I highly recommend ordering the Pismo Beach clam chowder. It was so good that I would have brought this home with me. Until then, I’ll be dreaming of the New England clam chowder on my next visit.
Rates start at $199, with the best rates guaranteed on the website. While many wine country hotels are pet-friendly, Inn at the Pier only accepts service dogs. Make your reservation at the Inn through their website or try Booking.com.
Hotel review by San Francisco-based Travel Writer Nancy D. Brown. Photos by Nancy D. Brown. I was a guest of Inn at the Pier while researching a story on SLO Wine Country.
