Downtown San Luis Obispo Hotels
The Central Coast is known for its beaches, wine tasting, and perfect year-round weather — and San Luis Obispo hotels downtown put you right in the middle of it all. Whether you’re a family on vacation, a couple on a weekend escape, a work traveler, a solo adventurer, or even bringing your pet along, there’s a perfect stay waiting for you downtown.
Downtown San Luis Obispo is a vibrant hub, where walkable streets lined with historic charm lead to local boutiques, award-winning restaurants, art galleries, and iconic attractions like Mission San Luis Obispo de Tolosa and Bubblegum Alley. These centrally located hotels offer unique, memorable experiences for every kind of traveler.
Hotels in Downtown San Luis Obispo
What are the best hotels in Downtown San Luis Obispo?
Looking for the best places to stay in the heart of SLO? From chic boutique hotels to historic inns, downtown San Luis Obispo offers a variety of unique accommodations that combine style, comfort, and unbeatable access to the city’s top attractions. Whether you want to sip wine on a rooftop, stroll to the Thursday Night Farmers’ Market, or relax in a thoughtfully designed suite, the best hotels in downtown San Luis Obispo deliver experiences as memorable as the destination itself.
Featured properties like Hotel San Luis Obispo, Granada Hotel & Bistro, Hotel Cerro, San Luis Creek Lodge, and the stylish SLO Brew Lofts offer distinctive vibes and upscale amenities — all within walking distance of SLO’s buzzing restaurants, shopping, and cultural landmarks. Just outside downtown, the iconic Madonna Inn brings bold design and legendary character to your stay.
Hotel San Luis Obispo (SLO)
Hotel San Luis Obispo is a sleek, modern urban resort nestled in the heart of SLO’s historic Chinatown district. With a refined yet welcoming atmosphere, this upscale property features standout amenities including valet parking, two acclaimed on-site restaurants, three vibrant bars (including a rooftop lounge with a bocce ball court), and a full-service spa perfect for post-adventure relaxation.
Ideal for social travelers, wellness seekers, and business professionals, the hotel also caters to a variety of guest types. It’s a favorite among parents visiting Cal Poly students, couples on a weekend getaway, and even families or solo travelers looking for elevated comfort in a walkable downtown setting. Plus, with pet-friendly accommodations, your four-legged family members are welcome too.
Whether you’re here for a conference, a celebration, or a serene escape, Hotel San Luis Obispo offers a stylish home base just steps from the city’s shops, restaurants, and cultural attractions.
Granada Hotel & Bistro
As the first boutique luxury hotel in downtown San Luis Obispo, Granada Hotel & Bistro blends historic charm with industrial elegance. Housed in a restored 1920s building, this intimate hotel features exposed brick walls, hand-selected décor, and just seventeen thoughtfully designed rooms — creating an ambiance that feels both exclusive and effortlessly cool.
Guests can enjoy on-site dining at the stylish bistro, unwind at the connected spa, or sip craft cocktails at the neighboring lounge, all just steps from SLO’s downtown buzz. With its romantic, tucked-away feel and rich design details, Granada is especially well-suited for couples on a romantic getaway or solo travelers looking for a curated, artsy stay in the heart of the city.
While it may not be the first pick for families or large groups, this hidden gem offers a uniquely refined escape for those seeking style, privacy, and walkable access to SLO’s top dining and cultural experiences.
Hotel Cerro
Located in the vibrant heart of downtown San Luis Obispo, Hotel Cerro strikes the perfect balance between urban energy and relaxed luxury. This modern boutique hotel offers a serene escape with standout amenities including a state-of-the-art fitness center, full-service spa, rooftop pool bar with sweeping views of the surrounding SLO mountains, and its signature Brasserie SLO restaurant serving locally inspired fare.
With a pet-friendly policy, flexible meeting and event spaces, and walkable access to local shops and attractions, Hotel Cerro appeals to a wide range of travelers. It’s a smart pick for business professionals attending conferences, couples seeking a romantic retreat, and even families looking for a stylish, centrally located home base.
Whether you’re lounging poolside, indulging in a spa treatment, or savoring a cocktail with a mountain view, Hotel Cerro offers a laid-back yet refined experience that’s hard to leave — and even harder to forget.
Garden Street Inn
Tucked along a quiet, tree-lined street in the heart of San Luis Obispo, Garden Street Inn is a charming bed and breakfast that blends historic character with cozy hospitality. Located in a beautifully preserved 1887 Victorian home, the inn offers a mix of uniquely styled standard rooms and suites — perfect for those seeking a stay with soul.
Guests can unwind with a book or a cup of tea on the communal deck, relax in the quaint library, or take a short stroll to Scout Coffee, a local favorite just steps away. With its intimate atmosphere and vintage charm, Garden Street Inn is a great choice for couples on a romantic getaway, solo travelers in search of quiet comfort, and even pet owners, thanks to the property’s pet-friendly policy.
Ideally situated within walking distance of downtown shops, restaurants, and cultural sites, the inn offers a peaceful yet connected experience for those who want to savor the slower pace of SLO.
Quality Suites
Quality Suites is a comfortable, all-suite hotel located just a short distance from downtown SLO and Cal Poly, making it an ideal base for visitors who want convenient access without being in the middle of the downtown bustle. With spacious accommodations and a laid-back atmosphere, it’s a welcoming spot to relax after a day of wine tasting, bike rides through campus, or exploring historic downtown.
The hotel offers complimentary breakfast, an outdoor pool, a business center, and pet-friendly accommodations — making it a smart pick for a variety of travelers. It’s especially well-suited for families visiting Cal Poly students, couples seeking affordable comfort, solo travelers, and work professionals in need of space to unwind and recharge.
Whether you’re catching a campus event or planning a weekend getaway, Quality Suites delivers a cozy and convenient experience just outside the city core.
What Attractions Are Near These Hotels?
Wondering what to do in San Luis Obispo? No matter where you choose to stay—whether it’s a charming boutique hotel or a modern retreat in the heart of downtown—you’re never far from unforgettable experiences. While the hotels in downtown San Luis Obispo offer their own style and comfort, many of the city’s best attractions are just steps away or a short drive from your room.
Spend your days wine tasting at nearby vineyards, shopping along Higuera Street, or setting off on outdoor adventures that showcase the region’s natural beauty. With miles of road and mountain biking trails nearby, active travelers will find plenty to explore.
For a taste of the city’s culture, visit Mission San Luis Obispo de Tolosa, browse local museums and art galleries, or dive into SLO’s vibrant food scene with endless delicious dining options. If you’re in town on a Thursday, don’t miss the iconic Thursday Evening Farmers’ Market on Higuera Street — a beloved local tradition featuring live music, fresh produce, and tasty street eats.
If you’re visiting the Central Coast, stay at one of our downtown San Luis Obispo hotels on your next trip — or check out one of the city’s boutique hotels for a stay full of SLO charm.
Is it worth staying in San Luis Obispo?
Absolutely. Staying in San Luis Obispo — especially in the heart of downtown — offers a unique blend of comfort, charm, and convenience. Downtown San Luis Obispo hotels range from cozy and quaint inns to sleek, modern boutique stays, with everything from rustic-industrial design to upscale luxury finishes. Whether you’re here to explore the Central Coast, enjoy local wine and cuisine, or simply unwind, staying downtown makes it easy to soak in the laid-back vibe that makes SLO so special.
If you’re visiting the Central Coast, stay at one of our San Luis Obispo hotels on your next trip — or check out one of the city’s boutique hotels for a stay filled with character, walkability, and plenty of SLO charm.