🏨 Kon Tiki Inn
Motel in Pismo Beach, CA 93449
Based on 800+ reviews from Google, Yelp, TripAdvisor • Verified December 04, 2025
Overview
Kon Tiki Inn delivers straightforward oceanfront lodging right on Pismo’s main beach strip, prioritizing location and ocean access over luxury amenities. This classic beach motel appeals to families, surfers, and travelers who want to roll out of bed and onto the sand without pretense or premium pricing.The property features a retro Polynesian theme that some find charming and others dated—think tiki torches and tropical decor from decades past. Rooms are basic but clean, with many offering direct ocean views and balconies where you can hear the surf. Don’t expect spa services or fine dining; the appeal here is pure beach access and location. There’s a small pool, but most guests spend their time on the beach steps away.You’re positioned perfectly on Pismo Beach’s oceanfront, within walking distance to the pier (about 0.3 miles), downtown restaurants, and beach activities. This is one of the few properties where you can truly walk everywhere without needing a car once you arrive. Free parking is available, though spaces can fill quickly during summer weekends.Pricing is mid-range, significantly less than clifftop resorts but more than budget motels set back from the beach. You’re paying for the oceanfront location, not fancy amenities. The vibe is casual and family-friendly—expect to see beach gear in hallways, sandy feet in lobbies, and a generally laid-back atmosphere. Pet-friendly rooms are available, making this a solid choice for travelers bringing dogs to the beach. Best for families who want beach access, surfers seeking dawn patrol convenience, and travelers who prioritize location over luxury.
Best for: budget travelers, families, pet owners, beach enthusiasts
Known for: oceanfront pool, retro Polynesian decor, beach access, pet-friendly
Rooms & Suites
Kon Tiki Inn offers 90 guest rooms in its distinctive Polynesian-themed property, ranging from standard rooms with two double beds to oceanfront accommodations with king beds and private balconies. The motel-style layout includes both oceanfront and partial ocean view rooms, with the latter offering angled views at reduced rates. Family rooms accommodate larger groups with two queen beds and rollaway options. While room décor maintains the property’s retro tiki aesthetic, all accommodations include basic amenities focused on beach access over luxury finishes.
Amenities & Services
Signature Features
- Oceanfront heated pool overlooking the Pacific
- Direct beach access via private stairway
Location & Access
Kon Tiki Inn sits at 1621 Price Street directly on Pismo’s main beachfront, just 0.3 miles (a comfortable 5-minute walk) south of Pismo Pier and the heart of downtown action. This central location means you can walk to Splash Cafe, downtown restaurants, shops, and beach rental operations without moving your car after arrival. The property provides free parking in its lot, though spaces fill quickly during summer weekends—arrive earlier in the day for best availability. You’re truly in the center of Pismo Beach activity, with the beach across the street and pier visible from oceanfront rooms. This walkable convenience eliminates the need for a car once you’ve checked in, particularly appealing for families and visitors who prefer strolling to driving.
Policies & Logistics
Check-In & Check-Out
Check-in begins at 3:00 PM and check-out is at 11:00 AM. Early check-in and late check-out may be available upon request based on availability.
Tips for Your Best Stay
💡 Upper floor oceanfront rooms are the move here—you’re literally hanging over the beach. The $40-50 bump from partial ocean view is worth every penny.
💡 Fire pits fill up around 4pm on nice days. Claim yours early if you want sunset s’mores—they’re first come, first served.
💡 Splash Cafe is a 5-minute walk and always has a line, but the clam chowder bread bowl is legitimately worth the wait. Go at 2pm to skip the worst of it.
💡 Bring your own beach stuff or rent nearby—the location makes it stupid easy to dump gear in your room between beach sessions.
💡 Pool’s mostly kids during the day. Early morning or sunset hours are way more chill if you just want to relax without the splashing.
Pricing & Availability
Average Nightly Rate: $100-180
What Guests Are Saying
Visitors love the unbeatable oceanfront location and retro Polynesian charm. The great value, friendly staff, and direct beach access make it a popular choice for beach lovers.
Top Mentions
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Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of oceanfront views can I expect at the Kon Tiki Inn?
The Kon Tiki Inn offers full ocean views from many of its rooms. Guests rave about the stunning, unobstructed vistas of the Pacific Ocean and coastline. Even the standard rooms have at least partial ocean views, while the Ocean View King rooms provide a complete panoramic outlook.
How close is the Kon Tiki Inn to the beach?
The Kon Tiki Inn is located directly on the beach, with private beach access for guests. You can simply walk out the door and step onto the sand. The property’s oceanfront location and direct beach access are two of its biggest draws for beach enthusiasts.
What kind of retro Polynesian charm does the Kon Tiki Inn have?
The Kon Tiki Inn has embraced its 1960s roots with a fun, retro Polynesian theme throughout the property. Guests love the kitschy tiki decor, vintage furnishings, and tropical vibe that transports them back in time to classic California beach culture.
Is the Kon Tiki Inn a good value for the price?
Absolutely! The Kon Tiki Inn is known for providing great value, especially given its prime oceanfront location and long list of amenities. Nightly rates are very reasonable for the area, and guests consistently praise the hotel as an affordable yet high-quality option.
Is the Kon Tiki Inn pet-friendly?
Yes, the Kon Tiki Inn welcomes pets for an additional $25 per night fee. Guests love that they can bring their four-legged friends to enjoy the beach and motel’s relaxed, pet-friendly atmosphere. It’s a great option for travelers with dogs who want to experience the California coast together.
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