The Cliffs Hotel and Spa

Pismo Beach, California

Star rating

Aerial view of hotel and pool
Hotel exterior
Classic King Room
Clasic 2 Queen Room
Hotel exterior
Pool
Shell Beach
Beach/Pool sign
Hotel sign
Hotel Lobby
Spa
Ocean view
Aerial view of hotel and pool
Hotel exterior
Classic King Room
Clasic 2 Queen Room
Hotel exterior
Pool
Shell Beach
Beach/Pool sign
Hotel sign
Hotel Lobby
Spa
Ocean view

The hotel

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

Where is it

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

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.

Coastal/Partial Ocean View Rooms have a quiet setting by the beach pathway, with coastline and Avila Bay views, and 1 king-size or 2 queen-size beds, sleeping maximum 4 adults. Non-Ocean View Rooms have mountain views, and 1 king-size or 2 queen-size beds, sleeping maximum 4 adults.

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).

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*.

Regular events schedule including fitness classes and live music.

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

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

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

Resort fee includes:- Access to the fitness centre –  Use of the outdoor pool and hot tub – WiFi access – Computer use in the lobby. Resort fee and inclusions are subject to availability and change. 

* 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.

Rating summary

  • Location Image of the Tripadvisor rating
  • Sleep Quality Image of the Tripadvisor rating
  • Rooms Image of the Tripadvisor rating
  • Service Image of the Tripadvisor rating
  • Value Image of the Tripadvisor rating
  • Cleanliness Image of the Tripadvisor rating

Traveller rating

  • Excellent (879)
  • Very good (377)
  • Average (142)
  • Poor (77)
  • Terrible (71)
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Love this Hotel.

Aug 6, 2025 Diggytravel Santa Monica, California

Wanted to share our lovely experience at The Cliffs hotel. From the friendly valet to the front desk person we were always greeted with a smile. Room was beautiful and clean and beds were very comfortable. The Marisol restaurant was very good and our server was fantastic. Can’t say enough good things about this beautiful hotel. Great job Cliffs!
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Very reasonable priced for a high-end resort hotel

Jun 29, 2025 melissa s

This place was absolutely amazing. The most dog friendly resort I’ve ever been to. It’s high and it’s on a cliff. There’s a dog beach in a swimming pool a beautiful lawn fire pits. We love staying on the doggie floor. Excellent restaurant high-end very kid friendly absolutely coming back . Very reasonable prices for what you get.
Image of the Tripadvisor rating The views!!!

May 29, 2025 Liz C Saint Peters, Missouri

This is a wonderful hotel with access to the beach. The views are stunning and the rooms have baths that overlooks the views. It stays busy so make sure to make reservations in advance. The lights went out while we were there - an unusual event - added some excitement to the visit, but in total a positive experience. We held a business meeting… Read more
This is a wonderful hotel with access to the beach. The views are stunning and the rooms have baths that overlooks the views. It stays busy so make sure to make reservations in advance. The lights went out while we were there - an unusual event - added some excitement to the visit, but in total a positive experience. We held a business meeting here and the food and service was excellent. Read less
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Beautiful views

Apr 21, 2025 Curiosity65648543253

Everyone from valet to front desk was very friendly. Room was clean and balcony with views and of pool and pacific was beautiful. Only stayed one evening and didn’t use outdoor areas but did see personnel vacuum pool and wiping down outdoor furniture before 8 am. Marisol restaurant served a plentiful and delicious breakfast Will stay again… Read more
Everyone from valet to front desk was very friendly. Room was clean and balcony with views and of pool and pacific was beautiful. Only stayed one evening and didn’t use outdoor areas but did see personnel vacuum pool and wiping down outdoor furniture before 8 am. Marisol restaurant served a plentiful and delicious breakfast Will stay again if in the area Read less
Image of the Tripadvisor rating More Than Dog Friendly

Feb 22, 2025 M9787LCrobinm

We spent the weekend at the Cliffs with our two large dogs. The bottom floor of the hotel is not just dog friendly but is a resort for dogs. The room was modern, spacious and opened right outside to several greenbelts for access for the dogs. The room had a large sofa which we made into a dog bed. There is a trail that is wide and takes 2 minutes… Read more
We spent the weekend at the Cliffs with our two large dogs. The bottom floor of the hotel is not just dog friendly but is a resort for dogs. The room was modern, spacious and opened right outside to several greenbelts for access for the dogs. The room had a large sofa which we made into a dog bed. There is a trail that is wide and takes 2 minutes to the beach. There were multiple off leash beaches that weren't mobbed with dogs. The hotel staff were over the top welcoming offering free cocktails when we walked through the door and went out of their way suggesting a spectacular restaurant(Marisol) right next door. The view overlooking the ocean was greet and the pool was large. The fitness room was also large and had all types of machines. Read less