Ah, the beautiful Granada Hotel in San Luis Obispo. What a welcome sight after driving four hours down the coast from San Francisco. In town for the SLO Film Festival, I realized how lucky I was to grab the very last room. Won’t have to drive at all, steps away from everything you need downtown, restaurants, shops, museums, a lovely path along a stream. Oh yeah, and all the movie theaters, including the historic Fremont, host to opening night at the festival.
Built in the 1920’s, this 17 room boutique hotel was completely renovated, upgrading the utilities while keeping the vintage charm.
Rooms are decked out with original hardwood floors, exposed brick walls, fireplace, Persian rug, plush upholstered furniture, art, and one of a kind antiques. Industrial chic meets modern luxury. What a great mix of 1920’s vintage and modern amenities, so cozy and inviting. Exposed brick walls everywhere, comfy chairs, beautiful Persian rugs, books, original hardwood floors. Let’s call it Industrial Chic Luxury.
Day one, #17 ADA room, conveniently located adjacent to the parking lot for easy access. The lighting is subdued, making it easy to destress after a long day. Definitely bring a personal reading light & slippers for the bathroom tile floor. The fireplace was a nice touch & actually warms up the room, not that you’ll need it. Biggest TV I’ve ever seen in a hotel room. Behind the bathroom wall was the bar, but close the door & the noise disappears. Anyway, people in SLO retire early, so no problem getting to sleep.
Surprising for an ADA, the towel racks are very high, shower & toilet could use some grab bars. I appreciated the lights in the bathroom don’t flood you with harsh fluorescent beams from hell.
Impressive copal & rosewood scented lotion & hand wash was not heavily perfumed. There’s individual sanitizing hand wipes, makeup remover, cotton pads & Q tips, really cool Marvis toothpaste. Four fluffy pillows, & down quilt. Robes you can buy if you want that spa feeling back home. If you didn’t finish reading the provided books, simply buy it at checkout.
Wow, even a refillable water bottle to use.
Five stars for the rare fridge that doesn’t annoyingly buzz, and quietly closing doors.
Day two, moving on up to room #8, Deluxe Queen. Cue angels singing. Quiet corner room in back, sunlight streaming through two windows. Same amenities, lux toiletries, comfy bedding, beautiful Persian rug, robes, stack of books, unique furniture, fireplace, arty decor, and oh those wonderful exposed brick walls.
Free breakfast pastries, fruit, coffee, tea, water with adjacent indoor & outdoor seating areas to lounge, read the provided newspapers & books, even play a board game. Fireplaces everywhere.
Let’s talk about the Granada Bistro. The decor has the same warm wood, exposed brick, plush velvet upholstery, make yourself at home feel.
Super friendly service, beautiful surroundings, choice of indoor or outdoor seating, convenient check-out if you’re staying at the hotel. And oh, the food! Had the classic breakfast of 2 eggs, country toast, house made strawberry jam, & bacon. Classy Japanese cast iron teapot. Perfection. They serve lunch and dinner on specific days. Best to make a rez. No complaints.
Not ready for bed? Enjoy the convivial atmosphere at the stylish bar. Another 5 stars for back support chairs!
Granada Hotel is easy walking to all the downtown shops, river walkway, museums, movie theaters, & restaurants. Just outside town is wine country, mountains, and the Avila Beach about a mile west. Absolutely no complaints. Will return next year for the SLO Film Festival, but next time book far in advance.
