Cavalier Oceanfront Resort

This homey, family-run hotel was once part of the Best Western chain but is now an independent property, with a relaxed and peaceful vibe. Crashing waves can be heard throughout the grounds, and the hotel takes full advantage of the spectacular views from its hilltop perch. The fire pits near the waterfront are popular gathering places as the sun sets over the Pacific Ocean. Public viewing binoculars at whale watching stations give guests an up-close view of migrating marine life. The modest lobby has a rustic feel, with a gas fireplace, stonework, and Mission-style furniture. Expect to see tourists from all over the world here. 

The hotel is perched on a bluff in San Simeon, overlooking the Pacific Ocean and an expansive beach along the Pacific Coast Highway (Highway 1). It’s a one-minute walk from the property down some steps to the beach. The area is somewhat secluded, but a few restaurants and other hotels are within walking distance. It’s eight minutes (driving north) to Hearst Castle Visitors Center. Hearst San Simeon State Park and Moonstone Beach Park are about six minutes by car, while the quaint town of Cambria is a 12-minute drive. San Luis Obispo and the wine country in Paso Robles are 45-minute drives.  

There is no denying that this is an older, motel-style property, but the guest rooms have been nicely updated with simple but pleasant decor. The comfortable beds are accented with taupe throws, and above them, small photos of the area's landscape add a dash of color. There are desks, and while seating areas with upholstered armchairs and side tables make rooms homey, they're packed with furniture to the point of feeling a bit cramped. The wood-burning fireplaces in premium rooms, like Waterfront Kings and Ocean View Kings, take up even more space. Roomy granite vanities are placed outside bathrooms, which have shower/tub combos and baskets of toiletries. Amenities are a plus, with minibars, Keurig coffeemakers, iHome alarm clocks, 37-inch flat-screen TVs, safes, and free Wi-Fi. Premium rooms add robes, mini-fridges, binoculars, and patios or balconies with rocking chairs and ocean views. The rooms have no air-conditioning, but fans are provided.  

This waterfront hotel has direct access to a quiet beach that’s popular with serious surfers. The hotel’s lovely grounds include three fire pits that are surrounded by chairs for nightly gatherings, and there are two year-round heated pools and a whirlpool, with tables for enjoying the ocean views. The Cavalier restaurant is a casual, full-service eatery and bar, which serves breakfast for an extra charge. Lunch and dinner menus features American classics, including fresh seafood and locally sourced ingredients. Room service is available, as is free coffee and tea in the lobby. The Cavalier also offers to-go picnic lunches for guests venturing out for a day of sightseeing. There's a small gym with up-to-date equipment, and the hotel has a relationship with the Diva Day Spa (a two-minute walk) where various body treatments and salon services, including massages and facials, are available for a fee.  A computer and printer in the lobby is free for guests to use, and there are three meeting spaces that can accommodate up to 110 people. Concierge services are available, and a guest laundry room is on-site. Parking and Wi-Fi throughout are free. Travelers with limited mobility should be aware that there are no elevators to access second-floor rooms. Pets are welcome with some restrictions.