By Contributing Writer
King Room at Inn at Morro Bay
The Inn at Morro Bay is a hidden treasure. This small, low-key hostelry on California's Central Coast is located in Morro Bay State Park, immediately adjacent to a bird sanctuary and a golf course, and it comes with some phenomenal views. The inn, built in the 1960s, has a kind of shabby-chic charm. The staff is welcoming and helpful and the rooms are clean and cozy--some even have fireplaces and hot tubs overlooking Morro Bay. The restaurant has a crackerjack chef, there is an on-site spa and the area is rich with cultural and culinary attractions and outdoor activities.
Wows and Woes
Wows: Vineyards, charming shops and cafes, and Hearst Castle, the legendary and palatial hideaway of William Randolph Hearst in San Simeon, are all just a short drive away.
Woes: Some rooms are small and dark, the water pressure could be better and soundproofing between rooms is lacking.
Insider Tips
The inn offers complementary bicycles, and that really is the best way to explore the park and the nearby village of Morro Bay. Although they don't advertise it, the inn's kitchen staff can be cajoled into packing a delicious picnic lunch. On weekends the bar hosts live music with first-rate musicians in a relaxed atmosphere. Like the inn, the spa is low-key, with excellent services at surprisingly reasonable rates.
Most Memorable Moment
We drove up to the inn after a frantic week in Los Angeles with an urge to decompress. Upon our arrival, we discovered there was a wedding scheduled for the next day and figured that was the end of our long-anticipated holiday. However, the inn's thoughtful staff were absolutely terrific, taking care of both wedding and non-wedding guests with equal style and grace. We left restored, relaxed and very impressed.
Bottom Line
Some of the rooms and baths could use renovation, however, the Inn at Morro Bay is a charming alternative to mainstream hotel chains, offering a stunning location and great value.
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Inn at Morro Bay
