The Cliffs Hotel and Spa

Pismo Beach, California

Virgin rating

1 King Room
2 Queen Room
Hotel Lobby
Marisol
Marisol
Spa
1 King Room
2 Queen Room
Hotel Lobby
Marisol
Marisol
Spa

The hotel

Its spot on its own bluff doesn’t just provide The Cliffs Resort 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 guestrooms. Laying its claim to the beach below, you get direct access to the sands; while its complimentary airport and Amtrak station shuttle gives you access beyond. On scenic Highway One, it’s just a drive from San Luis Obispo County’s championship golf, wineries and dining.

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 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 WiFi. Ocean/Pool View Rooms have ocean and courtyard views, and 1 king-size or 2 queen-size beds, sleeping maximum 4 adults.
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.

Marisol bar and restaurant (casual Californian menu and cocktails, oceanfront setting, indoor and al fresco dining, 8 HDTVs in bar, brunch and dinner). In-room dining is available from 8am-9pm.

Heated oceanfront pool. Fitness centre. Gift shop. Spa*.

Room service*. WiFi. Computer access in the lobby. 24-hour front desk. Cash machine. Complimentary self-parking a short walk away, or valet parking onsite for $20 plus tax per night (payable locally, fee subject to change).

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.

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 (868)
  • Very good (374)
  • Average (140)
  • Poor (78)
  • Terrible (70)
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Fabulous as always!

Apr 4, 2024 Susan H Benicia, California

Last week, my husband and I stayed at the Cliffs Hotel for two nights (3/26 - 3/28/24). I have stayed there many times since 2007 when my daughter worked at the hotel at the front desk during most of her college years at SLO. I have seen great changes occur over the last 17 years. The last time I stayed at the Cliffs was February 2019. I was… Read more
Last week, my husband and I stayed at the Cliffs Hotel for two nights (3/26 - 3/28/24). I have stayed there many times since 2007 when my daughter worked at the hotel at the front desk during most of her college years at SLO. I have seen great changes occur over the last 17 years. The last time I stayed at the Cliffs was February 2019. I was incredibly impressed with how pleasant, friendly and helpful the staff members were to us. The hotel was impeccable maintained, and our room (#355) was the best location I have ever had. We dined twice for dinner at Mirasol and thought their food and service were superb. The valet parking was efficient and quick. The well-maintained grounds were simply lovely - and of course, what a view! Our stay was simply wonderful. The Cliffs Hotel has upped their game since 2019. We will be back! Read less
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Not as good as it thinks it is.

Mar 21, 2024 Buzz S

Clean and comfortable room, at a price. The service was terrible. The Bell Hops were pushy. The front desk staff were smiley and pleasant but hopelessly lost if we tried to go off-script. Even the simplest request could not be dealt with. This place thinks too much of itself.
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Afforable Luxury Near Pismo and Avila Beach

Jan 11, 2024 absbca Santa Barbara, California

I recently had the opportunity to stay at the Cliffs in Pismo Beach and the experience exceeded all my expectaions. The Cliffs is a small personal hotel with all the amenities of a large Resort. The location is amazing tucked on the cliffs of Pismo with scenic Ocean Views. This Resort has something for everyone, from Families to Honeymooners. I… Read more
I recently had the opportunity to stay at the Cliffs in Pismo Beach and the experience exceeded all my expectaions. The Cliffs is a small personal hotel with all the amenities of a large Resort. The location is amazing tucked on the cliffs of Pismo with scenic Ocean Views. This Resort has something for everyone, from Families to Honeymooners. I was part of a Couples Mini Get-A-Way and I enjoyed all the amenities the Hotel had to offer.. I lounged at the pool/jacuzzi, had a massage at The Dia Feliz Spa and ate at The Marisol Bar and Restaurant, (Oh I didn’t even bother with the gym) this was a Pampered treat for me. Sitting on our Balcony watching the Sunset was unforgetable.. The Highlight of my Stay at The Cliffs was the people. Every Employee I encountered was kind, attentive and professional from the Front Desk to Housekeeping. What I will remember most from my stay at The Cliffs is how I felt. Being a Guest at The Cliffs made me feel like a VIP. That is an amazing gift.. to feel special. Read less
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Will never return

Nov 29, 2023 F M Santa Maria, California

BEWARE IF AN EMERGENCY COMES UP I have sent the Cliffs an email and request through their website with no response. My husband booked a room for one night for $550 last minute. Within HOURS, the next day, he called to cancel our room because our son was in the hospital. The person on the phone was very short and said he was so sorry but we did… Read more
BEWARE IF AN EMERGENCY COMES UP I have sent the Cliffs an email and request through their website with no response. My husband booked a room for one night for $550 last minute. Within HOURS, the next day, he called to cancel our room because our son was in the hospital. The person on the phone was very short and said he was so sorry but we did not cancel within their cancelation policy, no exceptions whatsoever. They did not care about my son, they were on the phone for 3 seconds and that was it. I have tried to reach out to them and ask before I posted a bad review to please refund us or at the very least give us credit, they do not care. They never even responded. I let them know that we are local and faithful customers to them. We have celebrated so many times at their establishment, they don't care. They don't care that they have lost us as their customers. At the very least respond please. I know your cancellation policy but at least respond, we did give you $550 Cliff's, let's do the right thing and give me an opportunity to leave you a great review. Read less
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Sometimes You Get Lucky!

Nov 10, 2023 Excursion41839049446 San Clemente, California

If I could give The Cliffs, a 10, I would. What an amazing stay I had. Of course, the nice weather, along with the incredible help I received from Becky, at the front desk, made it even more special but the room, views, and amenities were wonderful on their own. I added this stop to my staycation to Pismo, after a night at each of the Cliff’s two… Read more
If I could give The Cliffs, a 10, I would. What an amazing stay I had. Of course, the nice weather, along with the incredible help I received from Becky, at the front desk, made it even more special but the room, views, and amenities were wonderful on their own. I added this stop to my staycation to Pismo, after a night at each of the Cliff’s two sister properties, Seaventure and Sycamore. They were so nice, I wanted to try the Cliffs to complete my adventure. So glad I did. All three were great properties and all different. Check them out and take your pick, or do all three like I did. Rarely have I come across more pleasant and helpful staff, along with such awesome locations, than at these hotels. Read less