Oceano Hotel & Spa Half Moon Bay

A small two-lane road passes in front of the hotel and beyond that a parking lot stretches out before the sea of sailboat masts in the marina; the entire hotel is oriented toward those ocean views. The atmosphere inside is casually elegant, with maritime-influenced decor that features seashells and wooden model ships. The lobby has an atrium ceiling with interior balconies that create a bright and airy feel complemented by trendy faded area rugs and distressed white furniture that add a weathered look to the otherwise plain, off-white interiors. The on-site restaurant also takes its design cues from ships, with dark hardwood floors, lantern-style sconces, muntin-divided windows, and heavy wooden tables with upholstered chairs. The hotel attracts wedding parties, business groups, and tourists, alike.

Technically in the town of El Granada, the Oceano Hotel & Spa Half Moon Bay is on a two-lane road that curves along the waterfront from Half Moon Bay. Across the street is a the Pillar Point Harbor and marina, along with a vast parking lot. The popular Half Moon Bay Brewing Company is located next door, and numerous restaurants are within walking distance throughout the pedestrian-friendly area. The hotel is located a 45-minute drive from San Francisco, with picturesque views along Highway 1 up the northern California coast the whole way. 

Most of the 106 rooms are luxury suites or villas, and even the standard Princeton Rooms are large with private patios. All have separate sitting areas and wet bars, while larger options have dining tables and full kitchens. Dark patterned carpets and granite countertops throughout give them a dated edge that doesn't fit with the distressed style of the rest of the hotel's furnishings. The same weathered white furniture used in the lobby can be found here, paired with dark wood tables and cabinets. Gas fireplaces, flat-screen TVs, and coffeemakers can be found in all rooms, while villas have kitchens with refrigerators, microwaves, dishwashers, ovens, and stovetops. The bathrooms are similarly spacious, with large walk-in showers with granite walls, big granite vanities, and separate soaking tubs.

Attached to the atrium-roofed Shops at Harbor Village, the Oceano Hotel & Spa offers easy access to several shops and cafes. The hotel's spa is also located in the shops, and offers a full range of massages and therapies in treatment rooms with deep soaking tubs. The attached fitness center is large and well-equipped, with lots of natural light from overhead skylights. A dedicated business center has several workstations and multiple printers. With waterfront event space and several indoor venues, the hotel has over 8,000 square feet of flexible meeting and event space. With a big ballroom, permits to allow events on the nearby beach, and an outdoor garden tent that can accommodate 300 people, catered weddings are regular weekend occurrences. For on-site dining, the Oceano Bar & Grill specializes in seafood, and boasts harbor views and outdoor patio seating.