Just 25 miles south of San Francisco, the Beach House Half Moon Bay hotel offers a seaside escape from the city. From seemingly never ending stretches of sandy shoreline, to towering redwoods, and artisan foods produced by family-owned farms, the small coastal beach town is worthy of a weekend getaway.
The Beach House Half Moon Bay hotel features 54 spacious suites; I stayed in an ocean view suite with spectacular views of the Pacific Ocean and Pillar Point Harbor from the balcony. If you are searching for a trip where you are simply looking to relax and spend time enjoying do nothing, this is a good place to do it. All of the hotel’s suites offer either a patio or balcony; three-quarters of the suites boast ocean views.
The suites are generous with space. In addition to a king bed, there is a dedicated living room area with a queen-size sleeper sofa, two cushy chairs, and a wood-burning fireplace. The kitchenette is well-stocked with a microwave, refrigerator, (no freezer) stovetop with two burners, Keurig coffee machine, and toaster. Cabinets hold glasses, dishes, and cutlery for two. The only things I didn’t have that I would have used: dish soap, a sponge, and a dish towel.
Oversize bathrooms have two sinks, and a separate bathtub and shower. The age of my room was starting to show — the bathroom shower tile color scheme gives away its maturity — but it didn’t detract from my stay.
With the exception of the Penthouse accommodations, suites are identical in size and layout. The only thing that varies is the view. The layout and roominess makes them a good fit for traveling families.
Set on the coast, a foghorn goes off 24/7. With the slider to the patio closed, it was not loud enough to impact sleeping. Concerned light sleepers might want to consider packing earplugs.
The Beach House Half Moon Bay hotel does not have an onsite restaurant, (The always crowded Sam’s Chowder House is located right next door.) but a basic food and beverage menu with nibbles including chips and salsa, a cheese and fruit plate, and chocolate chip cookies is available from 11am to 8pm. Beer, wine, cocktails, and soft drinks are also available.
Complimentary continental breakfast is delivered to suites every morning. Options include muffins, pastries, bagels, oatmeal, coffee, tea and juice. Simply fill out the menu and hang it from your doorknob in the evening before 11pm.
The hotel’s pool and hot tub overlook the beach. Guests must reserve time to use the pool and tub, but after booking can look forward to having the space all to themselves. Half-hours slots are available to reserve every morning starting at 7am. The fitness room is currently closed.
Rates for Ocean View Suites start at $355. Rates for Standard View Suites start at $215. Continental breakfast, parking, and Wi-fi is included. You can also go to Booking.com or Expedia to compare rates and make your reservation.
Review and photographs by San Francisco Bay Area travel writer and television correspondent Dana Rebmann. Her stay was organized by Half Moon Bay Coastside and Beach House Hotel, but as always her thoughts and opinions are her own.
