The Cliffs Hotel and Spa

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The Cliffs Hotel and Spa | Pismo Beach, California | Virgin Atlantic Holidays

Pismo Beach, California

3 stars

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

Explore the local area

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

Room Information
Room Upgrade 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.

Hotel details

Getting Around

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).

Dining

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*.

Fun and Games

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

Entertainment

Regular events schedule including fitness classes and live music.

Handy Stuff

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

Resort Fees

There is a daily resort fee of $40 plus tax per room (payable locally, fee subject to change).

Additional Information

* 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.

Trip advisor rating

4.2/5

1,553 reviews

Location
Sleep Quality
Rooms
Service
Value
Cleanliness

Excellent

57%

Very Good

24%

Average

Poor

Terrible

“Less than stellar experience.”

Nov 08, 2025Discover777023

I have stayed at The Cliffs a couple other times and it's a lovely property. However, this last stay was less than satisfactory. It appears the bottom floor, which is the "pet floor", which is convenient for dog owners, could use a little TLC. The door to the room didn't even open and we had to return to the front desk, with our dog, only to learn it just needed a little "extra nudge" to slam down on the handle to open. The mattress was lumpy and horribly uncomfortable; more that of a sofa sleeper mattress than a luxury hotel. Couldn't turn on the shower in the morning. The shower faucet was apparently "stuck" but not knowing this, I tried everything to figure out the faucet, as I wasn't keen on having (or waiting for) maintenance to come to my room first thing in the morning. I did end up needing to have them come by and it took the maintenance guy several tries to finally pry the faucet free, from the shower with visible rust stains on the tiles, which I would never have been able to have done. This after Googling the faucet type, thinking I was doing something wrong. When I shared these grievances with the front desk, they simply offered to change my room. At this point, all issues referenced had already occurred, and I didn't feel there would be any change in the condition of a different room on the same floor. My issues were at least shared with the manager, who credited my nearly $900 2-day stay by $60. Hardly consolation to a sub-par trip. They then asked I come by the front desk to further discuss. Though writing this review, I don't like to be a difficult guest or complain in front of other guests. I didn't want to continue rehashing the room conditions. Unfortunate stay. You may want to be wary of the condition of the bottom floor if you are traveling with pets, and the level of guest satisfaction if anything should be awry.

“Enjoy the hotel, skip the restaurant”

Oct 22, 2025JC_Cheese_25

We stayed two nights over the weekend. Was greeted right away as we pulled up to hotel. Attendant stated that self parking was available and was located in an adjacent parking lot. Based on the fact that I am lazy, I chose to valet. Front desk staff was extremely friendly and we were offered a glass of wine upon check in. Rooms were very spacious, clean and comfortable. The bathroom was surprisingly small in comparison to the size of the bedroom. Only one person can fit in the bathroom at one time and there is limited counterspace. We spent a day poolside and took advantage of the pool attendant by enjoying a few drinks as we lounged in the sun. Question: If you order another iced tea, should you be charged for the second iced tea or do you consider it a refill? Pismo Beach has so many great restaurant options. I suggest that you take advantage of your nearby surroundings and skip eating at the hotel restaurant, Marisol. My Eggs Benedict and wife's French Toast at Marisol was underwhelming. However if you are looking for a nightcap at the end of the evening, I highly recommend the Old Fashioned at the restaurant bar.

“Disappointed birthday”

Oct 08, 2025Kathleen S

Came for my birthday, the nicest item was my husband having the roses done in the room for my birthday. We stayed in the lighthouse suite for the view and the ability to hear the ocean. All I heard was the annoying fan In the room which was so loud This is a fault of the hotel. I have stayed many times before and I will never return. It's not worth the money.

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