Looking for a boutique chic hotel in downtown San Luis Obispo with an on property spa, Mediterranean-inspired restaurant and rooftop garden? Hotel Cerro is the newest hotel to open on California’s Central Coast. While the eco-friendly hotel looks like it blends right into it’s 1920’s brick building, the operating partner duo of Beverley and Shaun Matthews have added everything you’d expect in a cutting-edge hotel, and then some.
The 65 room hotel appears popular with both the SLO locals, business traveler and visitors to Cal Poly looking to soak up the SLO way of life. I say this after experiencing a two night stay in the plush Garden Suites. Located on the second floor of the 4 story brick building, the 7 garden suites showcase the rooftop edible garden and Central Coast California indoor/outdoor living concept.
Our 750 square foot suite featured sleek dual sinks, a bathroom toilet that was so discreet, hidden behind a sliding barn door, that for a moment, I didn’t think this room existed. While not the star of the show, the free standing bathtub is a show stopper. You’ll have to see it to believe it, but it is a delight if you like soaking tubs. On the other hand, I could have stayed a long time under the Gessi shower fixture. Well designed bathrooms make me happy.
The suite was roomy with a comfortable neutral-toned sofa and leather chair by the gas fire place and HD smart TV. Beyond the fireplace was the king bed, resting on a raised wood platform with Anichini bedding and bath towels. Additionally, there was a coffee area with Fair Trade pour-over coffee (and clear instructions on how to make coffee) as well as Rishi tea service. A mini fridge and shelf space was below the coffee station. Hat tip to Hotel Cerro for the branded refillable water bottles left for guests to use and the filter water stations in the hotel. There was also an in-room safe.
A backdoor opened to a private patio with fire bowl, sitting area and plants. Beyond the patio spanned the rooftop edible garden with raised beds for guests to graze on. A colorful cow sculpture grazed in a garden bed, complete with water trough. If you spend any time walking the streets of downtown SLO, you are bound to run into additional cow art; it’s a thing in this semi-rural area.
Rooftop pool for relaxing or evening entertaining
Hotel Cerro has the first downtown rooftop pool with 360 degree views that I’m aware of. It’s a coin toss whether I’d spend my time at the swimming pool or Spa Cerro, both have cozy lounge areas for soaking in the Central Coast sunshine. Speaking of Spa Cerro, there are couples and single treatment rooms for massages, body treatments and facials.
Eat and Drink at Hotel Cerro
An important component of Hotel Cerro is eating and drinking. This wasn’t lost on me when I walked into the hotel and spotted the brand new copper still and floor to ceiling wine racks on display in a private room off the lobby. Wander further down the hall and you’ll enter Brasserie SLO, a new bistro-inspired restaurant with well-respected chefs from the culinary world. And don’t even get me started about the Sweet Life of Pie shop situated around the corner. Check back soon for the launch of their Pie of the Month club.
I had the pleasure of dining at Brasserie SLO for dinner with my husband. My meal, and service at the restaurant, was excellent. The wine list, while expensive, was diverse and California’s Central Coast wine region was well represented. All this, in addition to the craft beer and hard cider scene, play a dominant role in this laid-back, yet sophisticated community. The culinary team takes pride in their rooftop edible garden and their commitment to utilizing local vendors, be it foragers, meat producers or fish mongers, is evident.
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Hotel Cerro’s pastry chef turns out a sweet continental breakfast for hotel guests (for an additional fee) and Garden Suite guests enjoy coffee or tea, fresh juice and a basket of fresh baked pastries delivered to their hotel room at a pre-selected time.
Whether you drop in for a wood-fired flatbread accompanied with a craft cocktail at Brasserie SLO or spend a night or two in a pet-friendly hotel room, you are bound to have a good time at Hotel Cerro. Rates start at $200 per night. Check the website for their best deals and specials.
Review and all photos by travel writer Nancy D. Brown, who was a guest of Hotel Cerro for review purposes. As always, all opinions are her own.
