Where to Stay
Best Hotels in Pismo Beach
18 hotels reviewed, from oceanfront luxury to budget-friendly options near the pier.
Pismo Beach has a wide range of accommodation options, from luxury resorts with full spas to budget motels steps from the pier. The best hotels sell out weeks in advance during summer, so book early. Here are my reviews of all 18 hotels I have personally evaluated.
| Hotel | Area | Price | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| The Cliffs Resort | Shell Beach | $$$ | Luxury Oceanfront |
| Dolphin Bay Resort and Spa | Shell Beach | $$$ | Contemporary Luxury |
| SeaCrest OceanFront Hotel | Pismo Beach | $$ | Mid-Range Oceanfront |
| Pismo Lighthouse Suites | Pismo Beach | $$ | Family-Friendly |
| SeaVenture Beach Hotel and Restaurant | Pismo Beach | $$ | Romantic Beachfront |
| Shore Cliff Hotel | Pismo Beach | $$ | Clifftop Ocean Views |
| Sandcastle Hotel on the Beach | Pismo Beach | $$ | Beachfront |
| Kon Tiki Inn | Pismo Beach | $$ | Vintage Oceanfront |
| Avila Lighthouse Suites | Avila Beach | $$$ | Avila Beach Luxury |
| Spyglass Inn | Shell Beach | $$ | Budget Oceanfront |
| Oxford Suites Pismo Beach | Pismo Beach | $$ | Best Amenities |
| The Pismo Beach Hotel | Downtown Pismo Beach | $ | Historic Budget |
| Pismo Beach Club | Pismo Beach | $$$ | All-Suites Premium |
The Cliffs Resort
Shell Beach · Luxury OceanfrontThe top luxury option near Pismo Beach. The Cliffs Resort sits on a dramatic bluff in Shell Beach with breathtaking Pacific views from nearly every room. Features a full spa, ocean view restaurant, outdoor pool, and immaculate grounds. Worth the splurge for a special occasion.
Dolphin Bay Resort and Spa
Shell Beach · Contemporary LuxuryAn all-suite resort with full kitchen suites, a beautiful spa, and ocean views. Dolphin Bay feels more residential than a traditional hotel, making it ideal for longer stays. The pool area is excellent and the staff are outstanding. One of the most well-reviewed properties in the area.
SeaCrest OceanFront Hotel
Pismo Beach · Mid-Range OceanfrontWith over 4,000 reviews and consistently excellent ratings, the SeaCrest is the best value oceanfront hotel in Pismo Beach proper. Direct beach access, a heated pool, pet-friendly rooms, and a great location near downtown restaurants. This is where I send most of my friends.
Pismo Lighthouse Suites
Pismo Beach · Family-FriendlyAll-suite property with over 2,800 reviews and an excellent family-friendly setup. Larger rooms with full amenities, a pet-friendly policy, heated pool, and spa tub. Close to the pier and downtown. Consistently ranked as one of the best mid-range options in Pismo Beach.
SeaVenture Beach Hotel and Restaurant
Pismo Beach · Romantic BeachfrontThe most romantic hotel on the beach. Every room at SeaVenture has a private balcony with a hot tub overlooking the Pacific. Waking up to the sound of waves and soaking in your private outdoor hot tub is an experience unlike any other in Pismo Beach. The on-site restaurant is also excellent.
Shore Cliff Hotel
Pismo Beach · Clifftop Ocean ViewsPerched on a clifftop with dramatic ocean views and a popular pool area. Shore Cliff is a solid mid-range option with great views, a good restaurant, and a prime location. The pool deck is one of the best in the area for watching sunsets.
Sandcastle Hotel on the Beach
Pismo Beach · BeachfrontOne of the only truly beachfront hotels in Pismo Beach, with rooms that open almost directly onto the sand. Pet-friendly, well-maintained, and in a great location near downtown. Great choice for families who want direct beach access without a luxury price tag.
Kon Tiki Inn
Pismo Beach · Vintage OceanfrontA Pismo Beach institution with vintage California coastal charm. The Kon Tiki has been welcoming guests to its oceanfront location for decades. Recently refreshed rooms, a heated pool, and an unbeatable location right on the bluff above the Pacific. Excellent value for oceanfront.
Avila Lighthouse Suites
Avila Beach · Avila Beach LuxuryIn neighboring Avila Beach, this all-suite property features a beautiful pool, spa, and access to the protected, warmer waters of Avila Beach. A quieter, more relaxed alternative to Pismo proper. Ideal if you want a beach vacation with a resort feel and less crowds.
Spyglass Inn
Shell Beach · Budget OceanfrontThe best budget-friendly option with ocean views. The Spyglass Inn sits on the bluff in Shell Beach with real ocean views at a fraction of the cost of The Cliffs Resort next door. Pet-friendly, has a pool, and offers solid value. Rooms are basic but clean and well-maintained.
Oxford Suites Pismo Beach
Pismo Beach · Best AmenitiesThe best hotel for value-added amenities. Oxford Suites offers a free hot breakfast every morning, an evening reception with free drinks on weekdays, a pool, and spacious suite-style rooms. Not oceanfront, but a short walk to the beach and excellent for budget-conscious travelers who want more than a basic room.
The Pismo Beach Hotel
Downtown Pismo Beach · Historic BudgetThe oldest hotel in Pismo Beach, dating back to 1937. Located right downtown near the pier, it has been lovingly restored while maintaining its historic character. Basic rooms, great location, and the lowest prices you will find this close to the pier. A charming, no-frills choice.
Pismo Beach Club
Pismo Beach · All-Suites PremiumAn upscale all-suite property with partial ocean views, a premium location, and resort-style amenities. Larger suites than most Pismo Beach hotels with full kitchens. A good choice for longer stays or families who want space and style.
Pismo Beach Hotels: FAQs
What is the best hotel in Pismo Beach?
For oceanfront luxury, The Cliffs Resort and Dolphin Bay Resort and Spa are the top picks. For mid-range oceanfront value, SeaCrest OceanFront Hotel and Pismo Lighthouse Suites are highly rated with thousands of reviews. Budget travelers do well at Oxford Suites or The Pismo Beach Hotel downtown.
Are there pet-friendly hotels in Pismo Beach?
Yes, several. SeaCrest OceanFront Hotel, Pismo Lighthouse Suites, Sandcastle Hotel on the Beach, Spyglass Inn, and Oxford Suites all accept pets. Confirm pet fees and policies when booking as they change frequently.
How far in advance should I book a hotel in Pismo Beach?
For summer weekends (June through August), book at least 6 to 8 weeks in advance. Oceanfront hotels with ocean views sell out fastest. For the Clam Festival in October, book 2 to 3 months ahead. Off-season travel (November through April) can often be booked last minute.
Which Pismo Beach hotels are right on the beach?
SeaVenture Beach Hotel and Sandcastle Hotel on the Beach are the two most directly on the sand, with rooms that open close to the shore. SeaCrest OceanFront Hotel also has direct beach access. The Cliffs Resort and Shore Cliff Hotel sit on clifftops above the ocean rather than at beach level.
What is the most romantic hotel in Pismo Beach?
SeaVenture Beach Hotel stands out for romance. Every room has a private balcony with an outdoor hot tub overlooking the Pacific. Waking up to the sound of waves and soaking in a private hot tub with ocean views is hard to beat. The Cliffs Resort is also excellent for a special occasion.
Are there hotels with pools in Pismo Beach?
Yes. Most mid-range and luxury hotels in Pismo Beach have pools. SeaCrest OceanFront Hotel, Pismo Lighthouse Suites, The Cliffs Resort, Dolphin Bay Resort, Spyglass Inn, Kon Tiki Inn, and Oxford Suites all have pools. Shore Cliff Hotel has one of the best pool decks for watching sunsets.
What is the cheapest hotel in Pismo Beach near the pier?
The Pismo Beach Hotel, built in 1937, is the most affordable option within walking distance of the pier. It has been restored and maintains its historic character. Oxford Suites Pismo Beach is also budget-friendly and includes free hot breakfast, which adds significant value.
Is Shell Beach the same as Pismo Beach for hotel bookings?
Shell Beach is a separate community about 3 miles south of downtown Pismo Beach, but it is often grouped under the broader Pismo Beach area. Hotels in Shell Beach, including The Cliffs Resort, Dolphin Bay, and Spyglass Inn, are on dramatic bluffs above the ocean. Expect a short drive to the pier and downtown restaurants.