Bayfront Inn

Situated in one of the few remaining original motels along the Embarcadero, the Bayfront Inn maintains its original charm with a classic motel-style, two-story building with open-air hallways. A cream-colored facade is accented by orange doors. Inside, a small reception area offers a few drinks and traveler’s essentials for sale along with a reception desk. There is no particular lobby and few indoor common spaces, but lots of outdoor seating areas dot the grounds on both patios and viewing decks. A playful bowl filled with rubber ducks takes the place of the usual fire pit. The property also has a cute cafe next door and a small breakfast room. Overall, the hotel offers the relaxed, social ambience of a hostel, but with a step-up in cleanliness and guest perks. Aimed at budget travelers who still want an excellent location, this property particularly attracts couples because of the small room sizes.

Located right along the bustling Embarcadero and directly across the street from Morro Bay and Morro Rock, the Bayfront Inn is one of the few hotels in the area that sits this close to the water. The immediate, walkable area offers local shops, eateries, bars, and a relaxed vibe. While hotels up the hill may be cheaper, the Bayfront Inn is well-priced for its excellent location. The San Luis Obispo County Regional airport is around a 30-minute drive from the inn, while Santa Maria Public Airport is about an hour away. Parking is free and can accommodate trailers and those with boats in tow, a nice perk.

Rooms at the Bayfront are extremely small (more akin to standard European sizes), which the hotel makes clear on its own homepage so guests aren’t surprised. With this expectation in mind, guests find the rooms clean, comfortable, and functional as a home base for enjoying the bay. Rooms have a dorm-room feel with neutral wall-to-wall carpeting, cream-colored walls, and modern wall art along with a small closet area and a simple en-suite bathroom with a standing shower. A few quirky accents, like lip-shaped phones or molded chairs, add charm. Each guest room is equipped with a flat-screen TV with 100 channels and HBO, free Wi-Fi, a Keurig coffeemaker with free K-cups, and a mini-fridge. An iron and ironing board are available upon request. Bathrooms have hairdryers, towels, and individual organic toiletries. There is no air-conditioning and the facility has no elevators. Past guests have occasionally complained about thin walls.

Several size rooms are available, from the tiny, no-view Room 18, to the king-size Room 20 with an in-room hot tub, to Room 9, which can accommodate up to four people. Standard Rooms are designed for two, but can additionally accommodate a child under three, though there is no space for a crib. 

Features here are limited, but thoughtful. Guests are given a gift basket upon arrival stuffed with salt water taffy, bottled water, juice, and coupons for wine tasting for two, a five-piece fish and chips meal at the nearby Giovanni’s Fish Market, and a free ride on the Morro Bay trolley. The hotel is also pet-friendly in 10 of the 16 rooms. Guests are charged an extra fee for pets, but they receive a gift bag with a pet blanket, snacks, a dog toy, and dog-poop bags.

Frankie and Lola's is a cheerful yellow cafe attached to the inn, which has the ambience of a local hangout rather than a sterile hotel restaurant. In a separate area, a free continental breakfast offers standards like cereal, waffles, and hard-boiled eggs, as well as freshly baked cinnamon buns from the cafe. The hotel offers several outdoor seating areas with colorful Adirondack chairs or cushioned patio chairs. Wi-Fi is free throughout. Guests find the owners and staff hospitable and friendly.