Best Western Plus Royal Oak Hotel

With the Laguna mountains as a backdrop, Royal Oak Hotel has a tranquil setting even though it sits just off a main highway. The casual lobby follows an understated theme, with lightly colored walls, quaint old-fashioned chairs, a central glass table, mountain range artwork, and potted plants. The exterior is surrounded by greenery, including tall palm trees and a large central bricked area with a swimming pool, whirlpool, and ample sun loungers and places to sit and relax. The breakfast area is similarly simple and plain. Guests enjoy the weekday evening happy hour with free drinks and snacks, as well as the free tea and coffee station in the lobby. Overall, the atmosphere is quiet and relaxed with mostly family and leisure travelers passing through.

Located just off the busy Highway 101 with the Laguna mountains as a backdrop, Royal Oak Hotel is situated just outside of the main action of San Luis Obispo. There are numerous restaurants, shops, and fast food joints right outside the hotel and Madonna Plaza Shopping Center (with a Sears and Kohl's) is a five-minute walk away. Downtown San Luis Obispo is reachable within a five-minute drive. Nearby golf courses include Laguna Lake Golf Course (six-minute drive) and Dairy Creek Golf Course (11-minute drive). The region is packed with more than 20 vintners and wineries like, Stephen Ross Wine Cellars (six-minute drive), Filipponi Ranch (seven-minute drive), and Kelsey See Canyon Vineyards (11-minute drive). Both Pismo Beach and Avila Beach are within a 15-minute drive. It's a half-hour drive to Montana de Oro State Park and just under an hour's drive to Hearst Castle. San Luis Obispo County Regional Airport is 10 minutes by car.

The 99 guest rooms at Royal Oak Hotel feature slightly old-fashioned decor, though they are quite spacious and bright. Rooms across all categories have similar decor and amenities, including patterned carpets, orange and beige walls, wooden furniture, light brown curtains, and beige armchairs with orange pleather ottomans. Features include air-conditioning, flat-screen TVs with cable channels, mini-fridges, microwaves, tea- and- coffee-making facilities, desks, telephones, irons and ironing boards, and free Wi-Fi. Bathrooms include shower/tub combos with hairdryers and Desert Breeze toiletries. Both smoking and non-smoking rooms are available, as are pet-friendly and accessible rooms. All rooms have small furnished balconies, though only selected rooms have lovely pool and mountain views.

One of the best perks here is a free hot breakfast that's served daily in the dining room. The meal includes waffles, eggs, breakfast meats, cereals, pastries and breads, and fresh fruit. While there isn't a full on-site restaurant or bar, the hotel holds a happy hour every weekday evening with free drinks and snacks, as well as offering free tea and coffee in the lobby throughout the day. The outdoor swimming pool is surrounded by a large bricked area with sun loungers, seating areas, a whirlpool, and shady palm trees. There's a small fitness center with a simple selection of outdated Pro Maxima cardio and weight-training equipment. A tiny business area with printing and copying facilities is available, though there are no meeting rooms. Outdoor parking and Wi-Fi throughout the property are free. Additional features include pet-friendly facilities, dry cleaning, and laundry services.