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 (139)
  • Poor (78)
  • Terrible (70)
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
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Lack of security, privacy and poor service

Oct 11, 2023 Kristine H

I made my reservation in April for early check-in for a special celebration weekend in October. It was ruined with no sleep and stress due to staying at the Cliffs Resort. I checked in online Friday morning . When I arrived at the front desk to get my key the first woman I met at the desk was very rude and said it didn’t matter that I checked in… Read more
I made my reservation in April for early check-in for a special celebration weekend in October. It was ruined with no sleep and stress due to staying at the Cliffs Resort. I checked in online Friday morning . When I arrived at the front desk to get my key the first woman I met at the desk was very rude and said it didn’t matter that I checked in online and requested early check in, I wouldn't get a room until 4. I expressed that I wasn't feeling well and asked if there was anything she could do so I could get a room and she repeated that I would have a room at 4. She told me to drive around until my room was available. When I returned an hour later and asked a different woman she said my room was ready. A couple hours after check-in, Management opened my door while I was resting without knocking before entering. No one apologized for entering. They just left. There was a do not disturb sign hanging and it was ignored. No one called ahead to ask if they could enter. It was very unsafe that management would come in unannounced. We notified management in person, by text and phone not to enter our room and they guaranteed that it would not happen again. The next morning, someone opened the door unannounced, without knocking, no mention of housekeeping or who they were. I opened the door, went into the hall, followed them and asked what they wanted. They had a Cliffs shirt on but said they didn’t need anything. They just ran down the hall. It was very disturbing. Shortly after that happened when I was in the shower, someone came in again without knocking or saying anything. Luckily my husband was there and told them to leave. I did not feel safe at any point during our stay. I did not sleep. The do not disturb sign was always on the door, we had multiple conversations, texts and calls with management and it did nothing to protect me. I’ve never had this happen to me at any hotel. Read less
Image of the Tripadvisor rating One night stay in pismo

Oct 9, 2023 kventura Ventura, California

Stayed here for one night. I was surprised how nice it was! As you walk in the lobby you can see the ocean. Front desk was polite, valet guys so nice. It s$20 to valet. Can come and go as you want. We had 2 rooms, one kind facing the ocean and the other 2 queens facing parking lot. The kind facing the ocean was so nice, the views were incredible.… Read more
Stayed here for one night. I was surprised how nice it was! As you walk in the lobby you can see the ocean. Front desk was polite, valet guys so nice. It s$20 to valet. Can come and go as you want. We had 2 rooms, one kind facing the ocean and the other 2 queens facing parking lot. The kind facing the ocean was so nice, the views were incredible. It’s on a cliff and you can hear the ocean waves at night even with the slider closed. Bed was soft, clean. Room with 2 queens was just okay. Good for one night, clean and comfortable. Read less
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Nice stay

Sep 25, 2023 Jaskel08 California

Overall, we enjoyed our stay. My wife and I had a two-night getaway from the kids. We had multiple options but ultimately chose the Cliffs. POSITIVES: We had an oceanfront suite. It is very spacious. Has a whirlpool soaking tub. Staff was great. It didn’t feel outdated. Very positive, friendly, energetic staff. Valet team was very… Read more
Overall, we enjoyed our stay. My wife and I had a two-night getaway from the kids. We had multiple options but ultimately chose the Cliffs. POSITIVES: We had an oceanfront suite. It is very spacious. Has a whirlpool soaking tub. Staff was great. It didn’t feel outdated. Very positive, friendly, energetic staff. Valet team was very efficient. There is also a walking path along the cliff so that we can enjoy the view. There’s a large lawn area to enjoy as well. The food and service at Marisol was great NEGATIVES: It’s not on the beach. You have to drive or walk to get to the actual beach. The ocean front room. The suite has a view of the ocean, not the beach. Also, being on the second floor, the view wasn’t as good as it could of been. NEUTRAL: Child friendly (I only list this here since it was my wife and I, however we knew this and didn’t have a problem with it). Dog friendly (we knew this and didn’t have a problem with it either). On that Saturday night, there was a wedding. We thought it was going to be loud and disruptive. When we got to our room at 9:30, it was pretty quiet. Our original intent was to book a Serena room which are newly renovated adult only room. Unfortunately, they were booked. One other appeal of the Cliffs was the price. We noticed that the price of the oceanfront suite was less than oceanfront room from comparable hotels. Read less