🏨 The Palomar Inn
Motel in Pismo Beach, CA 93449
Based on 150+ reviews from Google, TripAdvisor, Booking.com, Yelp • Verified December 04, 2025
Overview
The Palomar Inn sits on Shell Beach cliffs, offering intimate boutique-style lodging with dramatic ocean views at moderate pricing. This small property (just 21 rooms) appeals to couples seeking romantic clifftop escapes and travelers who prefer personalized service over large resort anonymity. Every room offers ocean views—request Sea Cliff rooms for unobstructed Pacific vistas from private balconies perched above crashing waves.The inn’s clifftop setting creates stunning scenery without resort-level pricing. Rooms range from standard layouts to junior suites, all featuring updated coastal décor and private balconies. The property includes pool, but the real attraction is sitting on your balcony watching sunset over the Pacific while listening to waves crash against rocks below. Continental breakfast is included, served in common area with panoramic ocean windows.Located in Shell Beach, you’re about 2.5 miles from Pismo Pier and downtown—you’ll need a car for restaurants and attractions. The clifftop setting provides peace and spectacular views but eliminates walkable dining options. Shell Beach tide pools and coastal trails are nearby for romantic walks. Free parking is plentiful, unlike downtown properties.Pricing is moderate for oceanfront, typically $150-250 per night. This represents 30-40% savings versus luxury resort rates while maintaining prime ocean views and intimate service. You’re paying for clifftop location and boutique atmosphere, not extensive amenities or on-site dining. The small property size means attentive, personalized service—staff remember your name and preferences. No pets allowed. Best for couples seeking romantic clifftop views without resort pricing, travelers who prefer small inns over large hotels, and visitors who don’t mind driving to restaurants in exchange for peaceful oceanfront setting and personalized service.
Best for: budget travelers, short stays, central location, pet owners
Known for: convenient location, helpful staff, clean rooms, BBQ patio, best budget value
Rooms & Suites
The Palomar Inn features 21 intimate guest rooms in its clifftop Shell Beach property, all offering ocean views from private balconies. Standard rooms provide comfortable queen or king accommodations with updated coastal décor and ocean-facing balconies. The property’s signature Sea Cliff rooms occupy prime clifftop positions with unobstructed Pacific views, king beds, and enhanced furnishings justifying premium rates. Junior suites add separate sitting areas and larger balconies, ideal for extended stays or romantic getaways. The small room count and clifftop setting create boutique hotel atmosphere with personalized service.
Amenities & Services
Location & Access
The Palomar Inn perches on cliffs at 1905 Spyglass Drive in Shell Beach, offering dramatic ocean views while positioned approximately 2.5 miles from Pismo Beach’s downtown pier and restaurant district. The clifftop setting provides stunning Pacific vistas and peaceful atmosphere but requires driving to dining and attractions—walking to downtown Pismo isn’t practical. Free parking is plentiful in the inn’s lot without downtown space constraints. The immediate area offers Shell Beach tide pools and coastal walks, with several upscale Shell Beach restaurants (Ventana Grill, Marisol) within 1-2 miles. Plan on 5-minute drives to downtown Pismo’s restaurant scene and pier, trading walkability for clifftop scenery and intimate inn atmosphere.
Policies & Logistics
Check-In & Check-Out
Check-in begins at 2:00 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
💡 Sea Cliff rooms are perched right over crashing waves—most dramatic ocean views in the area. Perfect for romantic trips.
💡 Only 21 rooms and they remember your name—small inn service is personalized in a way chains can’t match.
💡 Ventana Grill (0.8 mi) for upscale dinner with coastal views. Short drive, great spot.
💡 Continental breakfast comes with ocean views—the breakfast room windows showcase the Pacific. Start your day right.
💡 Book direct with the inn—small places often throw in perks like room upgrades or late checkout for direct bookings.
Pricing & Availability
Average Nightly Rate: $70-112
What Guests Are Saying
Reviews consistently mention the convenient central location and helpful staff. Guests value the clean, well-maintained rooms and excellent value for the price point.
Top Mentions
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Frequently Asked Questions
How clean and well-maintained are the rooms at The Palomar Inn?
The Palomar Inn is known for its clean, well-maintained rooms. Guests consistently praise the hotel for its spotless accommodations and attention to detail. The rooms are simple but comfortable, providing a great value for budget travelers looking for a hassle-free stay.
What amenities does The Palomar Inn offer?
As a budget-friendly motel, The Palomar Inn offers the essentials for a comfortable stay. All rooms include a microwave and refrigerator, and the property is pet-friendly, making it a great option for travelers with furry companions. The hotel also has a BBQ patio area where guests can relax.
How convenient is the location of The Palomar Inn?
The Palomar Inn is known for its convenient location, situated just 0.5 miles from the beach in the charming coastal town of Shell Beach. Guests appreciate the hotel’s central position, which allows them to easily access the beach, local shops, and restaurants without having to drive far.
What makes The Palomar Inn a great value for budget travelers?
The Palomar Inn is an excellent value for budget-conscious travelers. With nightly rates ranging from $70 to $112, the hotel offers clean, well-maintained rooms and a helpful staff, providing a great budget-friendly option for those looking to stay in the Pismo Beach/Shell Beach area.
Is The Palomar Inn a good choice for pet owners?
Yes, The Palomar Inn is a pet-friendly hotel, making it a great option for travelers with furry companions. Guests appreciate the hotel’s accommodating pet policy and the ability to bring their pets along for their stay. The property’s convenient location and outdoor BBQ patio area also make it a suitable choice for pet owners.
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