San Luis Obispo’s wine country is unique in its moderate climate, sprawling hillsides, and recreational activities from ocean to mountainside. With plenty to see and do, you probably want to stay for more than one day. Luckily, San Luis Obispo offers a variety of lodging options right in the heart of Edna Valley and Paso Robles where you can be as social or as private as you want. Here are some unique, historic, and off-the-beaten-path accommodations for you to consider after a day of wine tasting or other fun activities that can be enjoyed in California’s Central Coast.
Casitas of Arroyo Grande
Pat and Tony Goetz loved to travel and when they did, they preferred farm stays, boutique hotels, and bed and breakfasts to rest their heads after wine tasting and explore the area. Opening the Casitas of Arroyo Grande has allowed the couple to meet all kinds of people and offer great tips about what to see and do in the area.
Casitas of Arroyo Grande feature the 450-sq-ft Poolside Honeymoon Suite, 400-sq-ft Mountain View Suites, and a 400-sq-ft Garden View Suite with an L-shaped private deck. Amenities in all of the casitas include complimentary Wi-Fi, DirecTV, en-suite full gourmet breakfast, mini fridge, Bose stereo with iPod port, and luxury label toiletries, towels, and bedding.
The Casitas also offers its own wine tours for groups big or small. Stay at the casitas and travel the country roads to visit up to four wineries of local favorites and world renowned vineyards in the Paso Robles or SLO wine regions. The 5-7 hr. tour also includes a picnic lunch, knowledgeable wine guides, and door-to-door service. For more information, visit casitasag.com.
Old Edna Townsite DeSolina House
In the heart of Edna Valley, the Townsite cottages are perfect for a romantic getaway or special indulgence for yourself while wine tasting in California’s Central Coast. The DeSolina Cottage is complete with a cozy queen bed, comfortable seating area, studio kitchen, and a 100-sq.ft bathroom with a vintage claw foot bathtub.
Nestled in the corner of the 2-acre property of Old Edna, the DeSolina house is close to all of the amenities of SLO but offers a quiet retreat and privacy when you want it. It’s the perfect honeymoon’s suite for newlywed couples while the rest of the wedding party can stay at Suite Edna beyond the Townsite’s gardens. DeSolina House is also in walking distance to Sextant Wines, one of SLO’s premier wineries. For more information, visit www.oldedna.com/desolina
Coastal Country Retreat
Located minutes away from the beach in Arroyo Grande, this remodeled 3-bedroom 1.5-bath is totally secluded yet minutes away from Lopez Lake, SLO, Edna Valley wineries, shopping, and restaurants. After wine tasting for the day, enjoy the enclosed swimming pool, outdoor fire pit and dining areas to BBQ or cookout in, or bask in the serenity of the stone waterfall.
Easily accommodating anywhere from 6-10 people, the Coastal Country Retreat is an ideal lodging location to celebrate a special occasion as it offers a covered gazebo and area for a live band to set up. There are also a special fenced in grassy area for dogs and horses are welcome, too. For more information, visit highway1discoveryroute.com.
Greengate Ranch
Spanning 140 acres, Greengate Ranch & Vineyard combines recreation areas with world-acclaimed vineyards. Once a functioning horse ranch, Greengate has kept its stables barn, a vintage barn, and large green lawns surrounding the property, which make the perfect backdrop to a memorable wedding or special event. The Carriage House, the Ranch House, and the Vineyard Cottage each sleep 12 people and have different amenities and styles to suite your whole party’s needs and wants.
The 6,000 sq. ft. Ranch House contains 6 bedrooms (4 of them master suites), 7 bathrooms, Chef’s kitchen, estate dining room, and breathtaking views of the vineyards. A spacious living room with a fireplace, large game room with pool table, and multi outdoor BBQ areas with a bocce ball court and horseshoe pits complement the Ranch House and provide a variety of entertainment for everyone.
The 1200 sq. ft. Carriage House with 3 bedrooms and 2 baths and was recently renovated with new and modern wooden and tile décor. The cozy common space has an HDTV and sofa bed that sleeps two children if needed along and the master suite with a queen bed and private bath. However, the best part of the Carriage House are the incredible views of Edna Valley and lush horse pastures from the front and back patios.
The newest of the Greengate Ranch homes is the 3-bedroom, 3-bath Vineyard Cottage. Completed in July 2016, this 1850 sq. ft. living space is tucked into old growth pine trees with a spacious covered patio that overlooks Edna Valley’s famed Pinot Noir and Chardonnay grapes.
Planted in April 2013, the vines of Greengate Ranch produce 88 acres of premium wine grapes. The 2016 harvest produced well-balanced fruit from fourth leaf vines and its notes can be found in local wineries such as: the Center of Effort, Claiborne & Churchill, Mount Eden, Stephen Dooley, El Lugar, Tatomer, Keola, Carucci, and Wild Horse. After a stay at Greengate, you may just want to relocate to the Central Coast permanently. For more information, visit www.greengateweddings.com.
Vineyard House at Biddle Ranch
A perfect combination of elegance, luxury, and charm, the Biddle Ranch Vineyard House is situated in the middle of one of its 23-acre Chardonnay vineyard and a stone’s throw away from its tasting room in Edna Valley. The house is a mix of mid-century modern, contemporary rustic design and décor with over 3100 sq. ft. of living space. Its 4 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms can easily accommodate up to 12 people.
The Vineyard House’s stunning surroundings and proximity to a variety of Central Coast sites and activities make this a special, comfortable meeting place to relax and rest your head. For more information, visit www.biddleranch.com.
Casita at Bobcat Vineyard
This 2-bedroom, 2-bath property is surrounded by 4 acres of Pinot Noir vines and a living room with a sofa bed to sleep extra guests. Soak in the outside hot tub, cook a meal on the patio’s gas BBQ, or take a stroll through the vineyard. Constructed in 2014, the casita’s kitchen features new granite countertops and stainless steel appliances. For more information, visit https://www.vrbo.com/500178. Avg. Night $350
Libretto Cottage
Nestled into a valley below 11 acres of oak-studded rolling hillsides, this quaint little cottage is surrounded by wineries and hiking trails. Around 15 different local wine tasting spots are within minutes of the Libretto Cottage or you can climb to the top of the nearby mountain to see breathtaking views of the ocean, Seven Sister Peaks, and Edna Valley’s vineyards.
Sleeping up to four people with a queen-size bed and futon, the Libretto Cottage also has a full-service kitchen and patio with BBQ setup. However, being so close to Old Town Arroyo Grande, SLO and shopping opportunities offers plenty of options to eat out as well.
Libretto Cottage is close to Holland Ranch- a popular venue for special events- and landmarks like Hearst Castle. Next to Libretto Cottage is also the Olive Tree Cabin, which was originally a tack room converted into a studio apartment in the 1960’s. Olive Tree Cabin has preserved its rustic charm and ample living space. It has a queen-size bed for two and includes many of the amenities of the Libretto Cottage but with views of the surrounding olive trees and an outdoor private hot tub just steps away. For more information about Libretto Cottage or Olive Tree Cabin, visit Librettocottage.net. Avg. Night $149
Flying Caballos Ranch
Located less than 5 minutes away from downtown San Luis Obispo yet directly in Edna Valley, Flying Caballos offers 4 different accommodation options in a restored 1905 farmhouse. Sleeping up to 24 people total in its 5-bedroom farmhouse, cottage studio, 2-bedroom guesthouse, and Water Tower Suite, this is a popular place to relax during your Central Coast getaway or can also serve as an intimate venue for your special event.
Originally owned by the Alfred Madonna family, Flying Caballos encompasses hundreds of acres and used to be ran as a dairy farm. Growing and maintaining a garden, orchard, and vineyard, the Madonna family fished for salmon and hunted for deer all on the sprawling ranch. Today, horses and cattle can be found grazing on 100 acres of the ranch with access to its babbling creek and unobstructed views of Islay Hill and Edna Valley. For more information about Flying Caballos and its amenities, visit flyingcaballos.com.
Centaur Spa
This health-oriented bed and breakfast is perched on a hilltop of the Central Coast overlooking the Pismo Beach dunes and Pacific Ocean. Its total wellness programs combine healthy eating, exercise, and a full-service day spa that offers facials, body treatments, and a variety of massages.
For overnight stays, Centaur Spa offers three rooms (two with ocean views) and a garden breakfast, 30-minute massage, and access to the fitness center, Jacuzzi, pool and steam room is included in the rate. Centaur Spa also rents out bikes, kayaks, and hosts aqua aerobics classes. Other activities on-site and off-site like hiking, golfing, beach walks, and wine tasting can also be arranged.
To go along with its commitment to health and wellness, solar energy heats Centaur’s pool and generates electricity for the property. The stable and spa center was constructed entirely of recycled materials and it continues to recycle all waste.
SLO Brew Lofts
Considered one of downtown SLO’s most sought-after accommodations, the Lofts are directly over SLO Brew so it’s a short walk up to bed after a day of wine or beer tasting. Each of the Loft’s five urban studios is designed with a modern, sophisticated aesthetic in mind with views of the thriving downtown and a babbling brook below. Its close proximity to restaurants, shops, and pubs are perfect for guests who like to feel like they are in the middle of all the action.
One-bedroom, 2-bedroom, and 3-bedroom suites offer views of Bubblegum Alley, Higuera Street, and nearby hills. Amenities include free Wi-Fi, high-end appliances, flat screen TVs, and comfortable bedding. Along with the downstairs brewery, the Lofts offer the Carissa Club- an intimate room to entertain up to 15 guests for either a private dining experience or hosting a sales meeting/workshop. For more information about the SLO Brew Lofts or to make a reservation, visit slobrew.com.
Madonna Inn
Rooted in history, this is another one of Alfred Madonna’s creations that has become an international landmark destination. With 110 whimsical guestrooms and unique décor, the Madonna Inn offers a plethora of resort amenities and activities within its vicinity like horseback riding, a luxurious spa, boutique shops, a terrace pool and bar, and award-winning restaurants.
Just five miles away from the Pacific Ocean, the Madonna Inn is in the heart of SLO wine country and can provide VIP wine tasting experiences to its hotel guests in either Edna Valley or Paso Robles. Madonna Inn’s VIP experience includes visits to 3 wineries and a hand-packed picnic lunch for two. The Madonna Inn Gourmet & Wine Shop offers a selection of local wines, on-site wine tasting, and information about local wineries and maps. For more information about this unique and historical lodging property and all of its amenities, visit madonnainn.com.
San Luis Creek Lodge
Located at 1941 Monterey Street in San Luis Obispo, this quaint, family-owned bed and breakfast is ideal for a romantic getaway or midweek retreat. Built in 2003 and remodeled in 2008, every one of the 25 rooms has a unique charm to it. But what they all have in common is a private tiled or marble bathroom with a shower and a few with a jetted bathtub. On-site amenities include Wi-Fi, Starbucks coffee, a seasonal free trolley line going into town Thurs-Sun, and an all-inclusive daily breakfast with waffles, scrambled eggs, sausage, rosemary potatoes, and baked goods.
Whether you are visiting SLO to hike, bike, surf, or wine taste, the San Luis Creek Lodge offers everything you need to relax after a long day of activities. For more information, visit sanluiscreeklodge.com.
Paso Robles Inn
Voted one of the most romantic hotels in the US by Historic Hotels of America, the Paso Robles Inn offers country comfort, convenience and unique amenities. Guests can go for a swim in its outdoor heated pool, grab a book from its Little Free Library, or veg out in a rejuvenating treatment from the spa when not out wine tasting.
For an upgraded Paso Robles Inn experience, check out recently remodeled winery-themed mineral spa rooms. As a premier choice for guests seeking the ultimate SLO/Paso Robles wine experience, these deluxe accommodations come with a private hot springs tub spa and fireplace next to a cozy bed. Along with in-room perks including WiFi, a microwave, mini-fridge, plush bathrobes, Fiji bottled water, a flat screen TV and more, a stay in one of the 18 winery-themed mineral spa rooms includes a free wine tasting at one of its winery partners. For more information, visit pasoroblesinn.com.
Avenue Inn
Located within walking distance to downtown SLO and close to Cal Poly and Cuesta College, Avenue Inn has clean, sleek-looking rooms with modern amenities. Being right in the heart of SLO also makes Avenue Inn close to top-notch golf courses, Hearst Castle, the Pacific Coast beaches and many award-winning wineries. Proximity is everything with Avenue Inn and is perfect for those that want to have downtown SLO’s culture and attractions right at their fingertips. To make a reservation, visit avenueinnslo.com.
Avila La Fonda Hotel
The solid wood doors, traditional Saltillo tile, massive rock fireplace, hand-painted artwork, and enriched warm-colored walls will sweep you back to the Old World SLO at this Avila Beach hideaway. Enjoy the luxuries of a Spanish/Mexican architecture styled home and a friendly staff ready to greet you after your return from surfing, golfing, shopping or wine tasting.
For wine lovers, Avila La Fonda is right down the street from Edna Valley wineries so that you don’t have to worry about driving. Some of these wineries include: Alapay Cellars, Biddle Ranch Vineyard, Avila Wine and Roasting Company, Kelsey See Canyon Vineyards, Morovino Winery, Peloton Cellars, Colton Winery, and PierFront Wine and Brew. And if for some reason you haven’t gotten enough, you can join the hotel manager for his nightly wine reception. To learn more about Avila La Fonda, visit avilalafonda.com.
Avila Lighthouse Suites
Just steps away from the sand, these oceanfront accommodations allow you to sleep by the sea after a day of hitting the Avila Wine Trail that starts right at your doorstep.
Nestled beneath the Avila Lighthouse and Point San Luis is a cluster of small family-owned and operated wineries that capture the essence of Central Coast wine tasting. From the Avila Valley and See Canyon wineries down to the beachfront tasting rooms, Avila offers a fun, unique wine experience as close as you can get to the beach. Enjoy wines on the Avila Wine Trail and then maybe purchase a bottle of your favorite varietal to enjoy the sunset from your villa’s ocean view balcony. For more information, visit avilalighthousesuites.com.
Sycamore Mineral Springs Resort
Nestled within 100 wooded acres right in the heart of Avila Valley, Sycamore Mineral Springs offers guests a relaxing and restorative experience. Around since the late 1800’s, this Avila retreat has been a popular destination for those looking to get away from it all.
Only 10 minutes away from SLO, Sycamore Mineral Springs Resort features 72 guest rooms and suites plus a 3-bedroom guesthouse all equipped with a private hot mineral spring tub. The naturally heated water is also accessible from the nearby Oasis Waterfall Lagoon or the scenic hillside hot tub.
When not soaking in a mineral spring, feel free to indulge in a spa treatment or engage in a yoga class held at Sycamore’s Healing Arts Dome. Although this is a great place to get away and self-reflect, Sycamore Mineral Springs is also an ideal couples retreat because if you bring your sweetie and opt for the Romance Package, it includes handmade truffles, a $60 dining credit, and a bottle of local champagne. For more information and special offers, visit www.sycamoresprings.com.
Apple Farm Inn
Located right off of US 101, Apple Farm presents guests with deluxe accommodations and unique amenities that embody SLO wine country charm. Complimentary cookies and wine at check-in will make you feel right at home at Apple Farm and rooms include comfortable seating nooks, cozy fireplaces, and modern conveniences. Outside of your doors you’ll find lush gardens, a restaurant/ bakery, gift shop, and historic millhouse.
Open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, people come from all over to enjoy the Apple Farm Restaurant & Bakery’s fresh locally-sourced cuisine and pastries. Each month Apple Farm also features a local winery where hotel guests can partake in a special wine tasting reception. Every Friday the hotel brings in the winemaker or wine representative to share their knowledge of their own Central Coast wine production.
Apple Farm Inn is close to downtown San Luis Obispo and offers over a dozen in-room amenities if you just want to kick back and relax. For information regarding rates, visit applefarm.com.
Peach Tree Inn
You know you are in good hands with this local family-owned and operated business that has called SLO its home for the past 40 years. And they want you to feel the same at the Peach Tree Inn. Featuring charming ambiance with a bed and breakfast-like feel matched with the pleasant, peaceful surroundings, Peach Tree Inn is modestly priced and close to SLO’s boutique specialty shops and vineyards.
Located at 2001 Monterey Street right there in San Luis Obispo, a few rocking chairs, an oak tree swing, and back porch are a few options to melt into and take in the mountainside surroundings. One of the main attractions of the Peach Tree Inn is its complimentary continental breakfast with staff serving ample amounts of fruit, juice, locally-baked breads, cereals, and freshly-ground-onsite coffee.
Being Cal Poly alumni, the family offers discounts on room stays to other Cal Poly parents and alumni and extends those discounts to military, AAA, AARP, and frequent guests. For more information regarding room rates, visit peachtreeinn.com.
