Before our San Luis Obispo stint, we had spent a few days prior in Paso Robles wine tasting. As a chatty gal, I always told the sommeliers how we’re staying in SLO next and almost everyone, upon learning we’d be staying at Hotel Cerro, would excitingly explain how cool the rooftop pool was there.
And hot dang, of course, they were right. After Elise and I checked into Hotel Cerro we almost immediately put on our swimsuits and ran up to the pool. Somehow, we had it all to ourselves that afternoon. Pure bliss. If you’re on the hunt for the best of San Luis Obispo hotels, let me show you why you need to book a stay at Hotel Cerro.
Good for: Couples, friends, business
Dog Friendly: Yes
Book here to earn rewards points!
Confession: I absolutely looked up Zillow home prices for San Luis Obispo county during our time on the Central Coast. Just to see. After visiting Pismo Beach earlier this year, I totally fell in love with this corner of the state.
This was my first time in the town of San Luis Obispo, though, and totally swooned over the experience (so many cute shops, amazing restaurants, breweries and even an art museum!) Staying at Hotel Cerro was key for making such a great impression.
Hotel Cerro SLO: Come For The Rooftop Pool, Stay For The Food & Bar
Located in the city center on Garden Street, the hotel property boasts multiple levels of plush guest rooms, a rooftop pool with mountain views, a fitness center, edible gardens, valet parking and the Brasserie SLO restaurant (which has its own distillery!)
Our room was bright and airy, with a private patio deck for morning coffee. I loved the little touch of pour-over coffee they had for guests to use (so much better than old coffee makers!) And, since I was traveling with a friend, we both appreciated the two sinks in the bathroom to make getting ready a breeze.
Read more about amenities below:
Hotel Cerro Ammenites
- Wifi
- In-room pour-over coffee
- Fridges in room
- Robes
- TVs
- Valet Hotel Cerro parking
- Pool
- Shower on rooftop
- Gym
- Onsite restaurant
- Spa Cerro
- Refillable water stations
- Shower and bath products
- Blow dryer
- Housekeeping
- Balconies (in most rooms)
Brasserie SLO: A Dinner You Won’t Forget Soon
What makes Hotel Cerro one of the best hotels in SLO is Brasserie SLO downstairs. They serve up modern coastal cuisine, sometimes with a slight French twist. The menu has a focus on fresh and local ingredients, sometimes the chefs even pull from the Edible Gardens on the second floor of the hotel. Can’t get more local than that!
Brasserie SLO has a couple of different dining spots. There’s the main dining room which has a bar and outdoor seating on Garden Street. But I suggest asking to be placed in the back garden area for something extra special. Back here there’s a few fire pits, cozy seating, hanging lanterns and it feels extra dreamy.
You really can’t go wrong with anything from the menu, but I suggest trying the Spanish G&T, which is a purple gin and tonic with flower garnishes from the Edible Gardens. It’s so refreshing on a hot summer day. For dinner, you simply must get an order of the Avocado Hummus. When I got home, I told my foodie husband to figure out how to make some of it for ourselves, it was that good.
As I’m writing this Hotel Cerro review post, I’m sitting on my couch in San Francisco. June Gloom is in full effect, which means it’s like 55 degrees outside, windy, foggy and COLD. Every part of my being wishes I was down in SLO soaking up the sunshine from Hotel Cerro’s rooftop right now, followed by a few of these Spanish G&Ts for happy hour.
I guess that just means I’ll have to road trip back down to the central coast soon…
Again, you’ll love Hotel Cerro. It’s right off the main street and literally steps away from fun spots like the Bubble Gum Wall. You won’t really find yourself needing to drive while staying at Hotel Cerro, but if you choose to, it’s close to the Madonna Inn, Avila Beach for kayaking and hiking or Paso Robles for wine tasting.
Got questions about Hotel Cerro? Drop a comment below or DM me on Instagram @thewhimsysoul and I’ll try to help! Stay adventurous.
