Avila Beach House

The inn has so much character, and it’s right on the beach, an easy walk from the pier and several great restaurants. We got a complimentary popsicle in the lobby, and spotted a sea otter eating muscles just feet from the pier. Breakfast was hot and better than we expected, with lattes included. I also really appreciated the free covered parking on site. We’ll definitely be back.

We’ve been coming once or twice a year for several years, and I still don’t think there’s a better place around to enjoy the beach. The decor is a little funky and some upgrades would be nice, but the oceanfront rooms put you right in the beach experience. Bring binoculars for the sea life and birds, watch dogs run along the shore in the morning, and enjoy the sound of the ocean from your balcony with coffee or a glass or two of wine. Great restaurants are walkable, with plenty more a short drive away. There’s really no other hotel nearby with the same ocean experience. Morning coffee and evening pie are nice extras, too. Another big plus is the free parking under the Inn. I’m sitting here watching people drive around looking for a spot. And do yourself a favor and drive 30 minutes to El Tapatio Mexican Restaurant in Guadalupe. Absolutely the best, and we know the difference.

The room was clean, with a big comfy bed and a shower that had good pressure and warm water. It was also quite dark and noisy, though. We could hear everything from the central parking area, the hallway, and the room above us. Even so, the inn has a lot of charm and we’d come back. It felt welcoming from the moment we arrived, with the warmth of a family-run bed and breakfast in a much bigger place. There are fresh pies and ice cream each night, plus a free self-serve station open 24/7 with coffee, tea, hot chocolate, and ice cream. Cute little spots under the flowers and eclectic decor make it easy for a couple or small group to sit and talk. The complimentary breakfast on the rooftop deck overlooks the ocean and goes well beyond the basics, with homemade quiches and pastries, plus lattes made to order.

The staff and location still deserve five stars, and the bikes are fun to ride, even if they’re not as cool as the old ones. But after a few years away, I noticed a lot has changed. The rooms need updating, and the beds were so uncomfortable that our backs hurt badly by the second morning. The bedding was very thin, almost like a curtain. We could also hear every loud footstep and every bathroom visit from the people above us. If you stayed here under the previous owner and expect the same quality, you’ll be disappointed. At $500 or more a night, it’s not worth it.