The Inn at Sunset Cliffs

The hotel, which originally opened in the 1950s but was last updated in 2018, gives off a delightfully retro vibe. Its architecturally unassuming facade is painted white and adorned with blue trim, awnings, and some decorative crown molding. The breezeway entrance is nestled between two main wings, lined with classic logo-tiled benches, and the reception office is to the right. Inside, a dark wooden check-in desk with two bar stools awaits as a pair of padded wicker chairs offer further waiting space off to the side. The hotel’s pleasant interior color scheme of grays, sands, and pastel blues is set here. There’s an additional lobby room off from the office with even more wicker furniture and an entire wall covered in a beautiful photographic mural of Santorini, Greece.

Back outside, a wooden trellis frames the stairs leading to the second story bridge as well as the courtyard’s garden entrance. The whole effect is very European as planter boxes line the leading edge of the top porch and the pool stretches out to the beach terrace. Most striking is the multi-level terrace with handsome wooden furniture topped in plush padding and umbrella shades. The upper level features a fantastic railing of seamless glass paneling for uninterrupted views. The lower level extends below with fire pits and an even larger expanse of concrete. The property is known for hosting weddings and other events as the waves dramatically crash in the distance.

As its name implies, the inn is located at Sunset Cliffs, but more broadly, it’s in the Point Loma area of San Diego. While it’s right on the beach, it unfortunately does not have immediate access. The hotel does have a Beach Mobile, a golf cart that can be reserved for transportation to and from nearby shores as well as restaurants, bars, and shopping. Point Loma Nazarene University is a six-minute drive from the inn.

The other closest major attraction is SeaWorld San Diego, which is just a five-minute drive away. The San Diego Zoo (20- minute drive), Balboa Park (14-minute drive), Old Town (13-minute drive), Ocean Beach, Mission Bay and the Gaslamp Quarter and San Diego Convention Center (15-minute drive) are not too far either via US Interstate 5.

The San Diego International Airport is is 15 minutes away. It’s 14 minutes away from the Old Town Transit Center for Amtrak, MTS Trolley, and Coaster departures. On-site parking is free.

Among the hotel’s 24 rooms, there are six categories to choose from: Poolside Queen, 1 Bedroom Kitchen Suite, Two Bedroom Suite, Two Bedroom Kitchen Suite, King Studio, and Presidential Suite.

The soothing color palate introduced in the office and lobby is carried through to the rooms that feature a mix of either blond wood or gray tile floors. The overall aesthetic is Mediterranean while maintaining its Californian beach culture. Bedrooms feature premium linens, and the bathrooms we saw were well outfitted with not one, but two shower heads on opposite sides. And all rooms enjoyed the lovely sounds of the waves just outside.

Technologically, the inn showcases free high-speed Wi-Fi throughout the property. USB charging ports are available, as well as 100-plus channels of satellite television. All rooms also have air-conditioning, a coffeemaker, microwave, and mini-refrigerator.

The Poolside Queen rooms are specifically sized for two adults and located along the first floor in the north wing. Meanwhile, the 1 Bedroom Kitchen Suite categories have a living room with a writing desk, sitting table, two chairs and a leather couch, as well as a bedroom with a queen-size bed. The extra kitchen comes complete with a a stove, refrigerator, microwave, toaster, coffeemaker and utensils -- making it ideal for small families.

The Two Bedroom Suites, designed for four adults, highlight a living room, writing desk, sitting table, two chairs, a couch and two separate bedrooms. One is a master bedroom with a queen-size bed, and the other has a full-size bed. The Two Bedroom Kitchen Suite tacks on a kitchen with a stove, refrigerator, microwave, toaster, coffermaker, and utensils.

The King Studio rooms feature a full ocean view and more space than the Poolside Queen with a king-size bed and full-size closet. Lastly, the Presidential Suite has a California king-size bed, bamboo flooring, two sets of ocean-view French doors, a two-person whirlpool spa tub, and leather furniture. Some suites also have sleeper-sofas, and connecting rooms increase capacity options.

The Inn at Sunset Cliffs’ greatest features are definitely its courtyard pool and beach terrace. The heated pool is surrounded by the lush landscaping of the garden’s beautiful flowers as well as a glass perimeter for safety. Above are hanging lanterns to complete the scene for soft evening lighting.

While the small property doesn’t feature a restaurant, breakfast, or bar of any kind, there are barbecues available to those interested in cooking up their own items to enjoy at the teak tables along the terrace. There is free coffee ready in the morning for guests. One additional free amenity in the lobby is a computer and printer for emails, flight check-in, and boarding pass printing. The hotel also has free Wi-Fi.

The terrace also hosts oceanfront yoga seasonally which can be signed up for. Therapie Day Spa can be similarly booked for on-site massages. There's an in-house golf cart that can be reserved for transportation to and from local beaches, restaurants, bars and shopping.