Pismo Beach hotels

Located just steps from Pismo Beach Pier, Inn at the Pier is a quintessential beachside experience and one of the best hotels in Pismo Beach. The hotel’s rooftop bar provides panoramic ocean views, which made watching the sunset with a cocktail in hand the best part of my day. Meanwhile, the on-site restaurant serves fresh, local seafood – trust me when I say the linguine and clams are not to be missed.

As someone who loves the sound of the ocean, staying here was a dream. I could hear the waves from my room, and the beach was just a minute’s walk away, making early morning strolls a daily ritual. Additionally, the hotel provides beach cruiser bicycles, perfect for exploring the boardwalk. You get the best of both worlds here – the beach in front and the classic Californian beach town out back.

If breathtaking views are your thing, Cottage Inn by the Sea is where you need to be. Set high on the bluffs overlooking the Pacific, the hotel offers stunning vistas from almost any angle. Along with the ocean views, the in-room fireplaces create a cosy cottage feel, making this one of the top-rated hotels in Pismo Beach for a romantic getaway.

The hotel also has beautiful grounds, an outdoor pool and complimentary breakfast. It’s hard to pin down what my favourite aspect of the hotel is, but the outdoor hot tub overlooking the expansive Pacific Ocean comes high on my list. I also love the in-room fireplaces and the English countryside-inspired gardens. The combination of all three easily makes this one of the best hotels in Pismo Beach.

Perched on an oceanfront clifftop just minutes from Pismo Beach town centre, the Inn at the Cove is a serene retreat. Tucked away in a cove, the hotel makes it feel like you’re a million miles away from civilization. The rooms come with private balconies with uninterrupted views of the Pacific, the perfect morning coffee or evening sunset spot.

What I love most about Inn at the Cove is its relaxing ambience. During my stay, I enjoyed a leisurely breakfast while watching the waves, took pleasant evening strolls in the nearby Margo Dodd Park and melted into the outdoor hot tub after a long day of exploring. This hotel’s combination of laid-back luxury and natural beauty made it an easy addition to my list of the best hotels in Pismo Beach.

When it comes to location, you can’t beat Sandcastle Hotel on the Beach. My favourite feature is the fact that you can step out of your room and onto the warm, sandy beach within seconds. The direct beach access and the fact that it's a three-minute walk to the shops and bars along Pismo Beach Pier make this the perfect place to immerse yourself in the coastal experience.

One of the best hotels in Pismo Beach, the Sandcastle also offers beach chair and towel hire, bike hire and beach wheelchairs, catering to all of your beachside needs. Another standout feature is the rooftop terrace with fire pits. I loved spending evenings watching the sunset here. Overall, this is one of those hotels you never want to leave.

Staying at the Beach House Inn and Suites is an absolute delight. Located steps from both the beach and the pier, this hotel has private balconies with stunning ocean views that make you feel like you are at the beach even from the comfort of your sand-free balcony. Each of the 14 suites includes a kitchenette, which helped me save money by cooking some meals at the hotel. The free beach-side covered parking is another cost-saving bonus.

For those who love outdoor activities, this place is a dream. Whether it’s hiking, surfing, fishing or biking, you can find it all just moments from the property. I took advantage of the local trails for some hiking and hired a bike to explore the area more extensively. The proximity to Highway 101 made it easy to venture out to nearby attractions and you can easily walk to nearby restaurants.

I love a good spa, so when I see a hotel with ‘spa’ in the name, I’m all in. The Cliffs Hotel and Spa delivers on every level. It has all the markings of one of the best hotels in Pismo Beach – and one of the most luxurious – offering a supremely relaxing experience, with an oceanfront heated pool and hot tub and a Finnish-style dry sauna.

You’ll even get a complimentary glass of champagne and all the healthy snacks you could wish for. And that’s before you dive into the extensive menu of soothing massages, invigorating facials and soothing body wraps.

During my stay, my ocean-view room provided a stunning backdrop for further relaxation after my spa visit. I particularly loved ending the evening with a sunset dinner at the on-site restaurant, Marisol, where I feasted on oysters, Dungeness crab cakes and fresh Ahi tuna ceviche.

If you’re looking for a luxurious beachside escape, Seaventure Beach Hotel is the place to come. Located right on the beach, the hotel is designed to provide guests with a serene coastal retreat. Each room comes with a private balcony with a hot tub, a cosy fireplace and spectacular ocean views.

During my stay, I loved the easy access to the beach for morning strolls and being able to listen to the sound of the waves from my room. The hotel also offers an array of activities like wine tasting, shopping and outdoor adventures. Whether you're looking for a romantic getaway or a family holiday where the kids will love being able to play around on the beach all day, Seaventure Beach Hotel is a great option.

When it comes to the best hotels in Pismo Beach, the Oxford Suites Pismo Beach might be my favourite family-friendly option. The hotel’s spacious suites come with separate living areas and sleeper sofas, perfect for accommodating families of all sizes. Each suite is well-equipped with modern amenities like flat-screen TVs, mini-fridges, microwaves and complimentary high-speed Wi-Fi, ensuring a comfortable stay for everyone.

Families will appreciate the heated outdoor pool, hot tub and children's pool, along with the hotel’s complimentary breakfast buffet, featuring hot eggs, sausage or bacon, pancakes or French toast, as well as a variety of cold items.

The hotel is located about a mile from the beach, and if your family is an active one, you’ll appreciate its proximity to outdoor activities like the Pismo Preserve. Plus, if you’re travelling with the family dog in tow, the hotel lets you bring your furry friend for a small additional cost.

Vespera Resort on Pismo Beach, part of the Autograph Collection, is my go-to spot for an upscale beachfront getaway. Thanks to its prime location, I never have to worry about hiring a car. The hotel opens right onto Pismo State Beach and is just a short stroll from the town centre’s local shops and dining spots, making it one of the best hotels in Pismo Beach.

The resort itself is packed with perks: a sparkling outdoor pool, a fitness centre and a cosy shared terrace perfect for unwinding. I usually just chill at the beach, but for those seeking more action, the hotel can organise activities like fishing and horseback riding.

The staff are friendly, the rooms are comfortable and the convenience of everything being so close makes your stay completely stress-free. Plus, the resort offers a complimentary bike hire service, making local explorations even easier.

One of the best hotels in Pismo Beach, the Pismo Lighthouse Suites is another standout option for travellers seeking spacious, comfortable lodgings. This family-focused hotel offers 70 newly remodelled suites ranging from 860 to 1,100 square feet (80 to 102 square metres). Each one comes with two full bathrooms, a private balcony or patio and all the modern amenities, like flat-screen TVs with streaming capabilities, microwaves and compact fridges.

During my stay, I couldn’t get enough of the stunning oceanfront views from our private balcony. Waking up to the sound of the waves and enjoying my morning coffee while watching the Pacific was a serene experience. The kids loved the on-site playground and life-size chequerboard, and we all enjoyed the heated outdoor pool. Even our dog felt at home, thanks to the pet-friendly policy.