Travel

These 6 SLO County spots are among the top 100 hotels in the U.S., Yelp says

The sunrise casts a golden glow across Morro Bay in May 2022.
The sunrise casts a golden glow across Morro Bay in May 2022. nakamuraphotography.com

From the rolling hills of Paso Robles wine country to the beaches of Morro Bay, San Luis Obispo County has lots to offer travelers.

That includes some of the best hotels in the United States.

Popular review site Yelp just released its list of the Top 100 U.S. Hotels for 2022 — and it includes 37 spots in Calfornia.

Of those Golden State locations, six are in San Luis Obispo County.

To the south, Santa Barbara County has two hotels on the list: Santa Ynez Inn in Santa Ynez and Cuyama Buckhorn in New Cuyama.

Yelp said it determined “the different lodging categories using a number of factors, including the total volume and ratings of reviews between January 1, 2017, and May 16, 2022.”

Here’s which SLO County spots made the list, in ascending order:

The Rigdon House, Cambria

Coming in at No. 54 on the Yelp list is the Rigdon House, located in Cambria’s East Village.

A local landmark, the hotel at 4022 Burton Drive dates back to the 1880s, when it was originally built, according to the Rigdon House website. It has an outdoor fire pit and free local wines, and is pet-friendly.

Henry Myers is the owner of the Kon Tiki Inn in Pismo Beach. He has lived in the area since the early 1960s.
Henry Myers is the owner of the Kon Tiki Inn in Pismo Beach. He has lived in the area since the early 1960s. jjohnston@thetribunenews.com

Kon Tiki Inn, Pismo Beach

The Kon Tiki Inn, landing at No. 25 on the list, is a Pismo Beach hotel with quick ocean access for visitors and a signature style.

One Yelp reviewer described the hotel at 1621 Price St. as a “throwback-style inn that embodies the feel of the tropics and the charm of the (1960s).”

A different site user noted the oceanfront hotel’s spacious rooms and noted that it is walking distance to lots of locations.

Petit Soleil, San Luis Obispo

No. 24 on Yelp’s Top 100 U.S. Hotels list is the European-inspired bed-and-breakfast Petit Soleil, located just five blocks from downtown San Luis Obispo at 1473 Monterey St.

Guests are served breakfast in the dining room or back patio — designed to mimic Provence, France — while evenings wind down with a pairing of local and French wines and small bites, according to Yelp.

One Yelp reviewer said the owners and staff were what made staying at Petit Soleil so special. “They will make you feel appreciated and welcome in a way that makes you feel you made a good investment in your decision to stay at Petit Soleil,” Sarah N. wrote.

Dolphin Bay Resort and Spa, Pismo Beach

Dolphin Bay Resort & Spa in Pismo Beach, ranked at No. 21 on the Yelp list, offers dog-friendly accommodations with ocean views and beachfront access for guests and pets.

Other attractions at the hotel, located at 2727 Shell Beach Road, include a swimming pool, a spa and the upscale Lido Restaurant and Lounge.

In one recent five-star review, Yelp reviewer Remy P. called Dolphin Bay the “best resort especially if you want to bring your pup!” and posted photos of her adventures with her furry friend.

J Patrick House and Inn, Cambria

No. 20 on the Yelp list is Cambria’s J Patrick House and Inn, which has been serving guests for nearly 40 years.

“Today, it still draws travelers dodging the urban hustle-and-bustle — along with history buffs on their way to nearby Hearst Castle, the lavish former mansion of publishing tycoon William Randolph Hearst,” Yelp writes, noting the inn’s proximity to downtown Cambria and Moonstone Beach.

“But you might not want to leave the hotel’s quaint Irish-themed environs — or even get out of bed — since the rustic rooms feature their own personal fireplaces,” Yelp says, plus complimentary cookies.

J Patrick House and Inn is at 2990 Burton Drive in Cambria.

Anderson Inn, Morro Bay

The highest ranking hotel in San Luis Obispo County is Anderson Inn in Morro Bay, coming in at No. 16.

Located at 897 Embarcadero, the inn is described as a “luxury boutique hotel” with “gorgeous ocean views.”

“In some rooms, the private balconies actually jut out over the water,” Yelp says. “The nautical decor is simple, soothing, and modern, with such touches as vaulted wood ceilings and indoor fireplaces.”

According to Yelp, hotel guests can explore nearby Morro Rock, go for a hike or paddleboard session or “indulge in a day of wellness at nearby spas and yoga studios” before dining at the on-site Galley Seafood Grill & Bar.

See the full list of Yelp’s Top 100 US Hotels for 2022 at yelp.com/article/yelps-top-100-us-hotels.

Read Remy P.'s review of Dolphin Bay Resort & Spa on Yelp
Sara Kassabian
The Tribune
Sara Kassabian is a former journalist for The Tribune.
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