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.
Based on 1554 reviews
Rating summary
Location
Sleep Quality
Rooms
Service
Value
Cleanliness
Traveller rating
Excellent (883)
Very good (378)
Average (144)
Poor (77)
Terrible (72)
Beautiful views but noisy rooms!
Mar 18, 2026mkbuffingtonColorado
The location is great but a few notable negatives. First and foremost, the walls are SUPER thin. Basic hallway noise sounds like it’s happening in your room and a crying kid next door, sounds like they’re in your bed. Additionally, the hotel is not super family friendly. No kids under 18 allowed in the hot tub after 7pm. I understand the thought…
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The location is great but a few notable negatives. First and foremost, the walls are SUPER thin. Basic hallway noise sounds like it’s happening in your room and a crying kid next door, sounds like they’re in your bed. Additionally, the hotel is not super family friendly. No kids under 18 allowed in the hot tub after 7pm. I understand the thought but why not make it 8pm or later? We tired to sit around a fire pit one night and the employee couldn’t get it working, so we were out of luck. Otherworldly se, they have done a good job of maintaining the property despite its age.
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Nice Hotel
Jan 1, 2026Audrey M
Staff was very friendly and helpful. Room was nice. We had looked forward to sitting in the Jacuzzi. Jacuzzi's water was warm, definitely not hot. Nice easy access to the beach
Less than stellar experience.
Nov 8, 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…
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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.
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Enjoy the hotel, skip the restaurant
Oct 22, 2025JC_Cheese_25Long Beach, California
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…
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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.
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Disappointed birthday
Oct 8, 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…
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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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Beautiful views but noisy rooms!
