Driving up Morro Bay’s Main Street in my Mini Cooper, I could feel the ocean breeze pour into my sunroof. I had finally arrived at my Morro Bay lodging destination, Estero Inn, on California’s central coast. After several hours of driving from San Francisco, I planned to take a three-day vacation all to myself.
On my way to Estero Inn I stopped to see the beautiful view of Morro Rock, but nothing compared to the view I had from my queen bed in the Kelp Forest Suite. The outdoor scenery had me wanting to keep my curtains open, but in fear of no privacy on the first floor, I chose to keep them closed. Luckily, the owner of the four-year-old boutique hotel was clever enough to put in one-way windows out to the waterfront so I was able to keep those blinds open and feel comfortable and at ease in the privacy of my hotel room.
Estero Inn conveniently located in downtown Morro Bay, California
Not only did I have privacy and a view of the water, I felt cozy and warm with my very own built-in gas fireplace. Even though I often work while on vacation, I was able to enjoy a comfortable desk by the window that was lit up by the sun and kept warm on a windy Northern California day.
The hotel is specifically designed for couples to have a romantic getaway. The pillow-top king and queen beds are fitted with soft linens, saltwater taffy welcomes guests to their room and an in-room coffee maker with SLO Roasted Coffee from Central Coast Coffee Roasting Company makes waking up a pleasure.
Estero Inn Kelp Forest Suite
The rooms also include granite vanities with a tub and shower, flat screen televisions, a hair dryer, microwave oven and mini fridge. The complimentary breakfast, served from 7:30-11:00am, was a glorious display of local farmers’ market fruits, yogurt, bagels and cream cheese, muffins, mini cinnamon rolls, fruit juices, hot cocoa, SLO Roasted Coffee and a waffle station.
If a romantic getaway is the reason for your stay at Estero Inn, there are special packages available from boating and fishing trips on the bay to in-room chocolates and champagne. For those who seek adventure, I went horseback riding on the Morro Strand State Beach in Cayucos one day and rented a kayak in Morro Bay the next morning. Restaurants are within walking distance from Estero Inn.
Complimentary breakfast at Estero Inn, Morro Bay
The eight room Estero Inn ranges from $129-$329 depending on the time of year and room type. There is no two-night minimum stay on weekends but pets are not allowed. Although the hotel and rooms are geared more toward a couple getaway there is a family-friendly room (The Marine Suite) with one king bed, one queen futon and a single futon.
Hotel review and photos by San Francisco-based travel writer Nancy D. Brown. I was a guest of Estero Inn.
