Hotel San Luis Obispo

Picture the ideal California coastal destination and you might picture a place like San Luis Obispo. Nestled just about midway between Los Angeles and San Francisco, this smallish city offers laid-back, beachy relaxation while also offering plenty to explore and see, at a decidedly non-urban pace. (SLO doesn’t call itself “SloCal” for nothing.) Enter Hotel San Luis Obispo, a boutique hotel that’s equally suited as a home base for exploring or as a sanctuary for a private getaway.

The hotel’s elegant modern exterior ruffled some feathers early on — this town loves its Spanish Colonial architecture — but it’s a vibrant addition to the downtown historic district. Inside, expect to find airy and spacious suites, decorated in a style that draws inspiration from breezy beaches and boho-chic ranch life. White oak floors, hand-made Nani Marquina rugs and furnishings with playful pops of color make the spaces feel fresh and rejuvenating, and original artwork depicting iconic SLO sites by Sara Frantz give the rooms an intimate connection to the surrounding area. Not to mention, each suite features floor-to-ceiling windows and a sitting balcony or spacious terrace, so guests can enjoy the city’s pleasant Mediterranean climate.

Don’t miss the hotel’s 50-foot garden terrace swimming pool, complete with a Jacuzzi and poolside service, or the lavish Sol Spa. One restaurant, Piadina, serves wood-fired Californian fare with an Italian accent, and the second is a steakhouse called Ox + Anchor. Meanwhile the location puts you just blocks from luxury shopping and the historic Mission San Luis Obispo de Tolosa, and within driving distance of a blossoming wine scene and gorgeous hiking along miles of coastal trails.