The Cliffs Resort

I guess the price is all about the location but charging $300+ per night for a room without a view and without even windows / patio doors that you can open is pretty OTT. The room and bathroom were not even as nice as a Best Western to be honest. Couldn’t use the pool area because no dogs allowed which is always bizarre to me if you say you’re a dog friendly hotel and charge a resort fee on top. The grassy area, fire pits, walk down to the beach were lovely but they don’t offer anything beach-oriented for travelers like towels, chairs, picnics…and it’s a public access beach. A lot of missed opportunities to make this an experience that matches the cost. I wouldn’t choose this hotel again.

I called the reservations line for The Cliffs Hotel and Spa to ask questions before I booked. My wife has physical limitations and I wanted to know the difficulty in accessing their beach. I had already eliminated two other hotels because access would be challenging. I asked the Cliffs reservation lady, Lynn, about the access to their beach. She told me that it is not that difficult. In the back of their hotel, there is a small dirt decline and then only about 12 steps to the beach. I also asked if it was a sandy beach or a rocky beach. She lied again and told me that it was a 'sandy, sandy' beach with no rocks. ALL LIES! After booking a room and then checking in, I checked out the access. The access is dirt and rocky and very steep and very treacherous. There are even posted warning signs advising of the difficulty of going down and coming back up. The sign also advised of sea lions on the beach and warned not to approach them. Sure enough, there were a couple fairly large sea lions on the beach and the beach was mostly rocky and rough. This was afternoon and I did not see anyone on this 'beach'. I am upset because we had to leave the hotel to get to a decent beach. I do not like dishonest people and am disgusted that the hotel doesn't take responsibility for their dishonest tactics to book a room. There are other hotels in Pismo Beach at beach level like Sea Venture. Won't stay or recommend The Cliffs to anyone, except maybe a sea lion.

The room is quiet, clean and has a spectacular view of the ocean and pool .The staff was friendly and accommodating and gave me an upgrade for $45 a night with taxes and fees because booking.com switched me the non-ocean view after paying on line for room with an ocean view. Recommend getting a shower in pool area for rinsing off.The bed was hard and uncomfortable and the toilet too low for older people . Shower was efficient but need a side handrail for climbing in and out . The restaurant had a wonderful sunset view and the staff were wonderful . I had fish tacos and my husband had the beef nachos. They were ok . Good wine selection . The waiter brought a piece of cake for our anniversary!

We had a wonderful anniversary stay at the Cliffs. They recognized our anniversary with some Champagne and chocolates. A lovely gesture. We stayed on the adult floor which we very much liked. Had a great view across the pool of the ocean. Every staff person we encountered was exceptional. They were attentive, polite, competent and accommodating. I have no idea where the bad reviews of the valet or front desk came from. As I stated, all staff including the restaurant were excellent. In addition to the Hotel restaurant there are two others in walking distance. Pismo and Avila beach are minutes away. SLO is also close. The stay exceeded our expectations and we hope to return. If there was one negative it was a family group who we understood were celebrating but their celebration in the evening outside beyond 10 was just rude. It was the adults not children. Luckily they left and the resort returned to a great hotel.

I emailed ahead of our stay to say my husband and I were celebrating a special anniversary and my husbands birthday. They responded straight away & emailed a couple times which I thought was a lovely personsal touch. Our room was gorgeous with a view of the ocean and a little balcony. They had left us a lovely note congratulating us and lots of goodies including a few beers. We had a gorgeous meal in the restaurant with a lovely view of the ocean. Our time at the hotel was memorable & all the staff were super friendly. Thank you for making our stay so special. I can't recommend the hotel enough.