The Ava Hotel Paso Robles, Curio Collection By Hilton

The breakfast burrito was the one good thing about this stay. When we arrived, my elderly parents and I waited about 25 minutes because no one was at the desk. There was a note saying “they be back soon,” and I took a photo. That felt unprofessional when we were tired and ready to get into our room. We were put on the second floor, and the beds and pillows were awful. I don’t know if that had anything to do with it being a disability room, but my neck hurt so much I called the desk to ask what kind of pillows they were. I couldn’t sleep on my last night, and neither could my mom. One night the housekeeper didn’t replace our free water. When I called, the desk said it was only for silver status. I’m Hilton Gold and know the water rules, and the bottle at check-in also said I was entitled to it. Extra towels took more than 30 minutes to arrive. I also tried to use my AMEX cardholder benefit to get a late checkout for me and my family, but was told right away that they were at capacity for late checkouts. The service here was simply awful, and the beds were terrible. I definitely wouldn’t stay again.

The location made this a convenient base in Paso Robles, just a block from Downtown City Park and a short walk from some of the area’s best restaurants. I’d come back because the hotel is well appointed and so well placed. Our suite had wood floors in the living and dining area, cozy carpet in the bedroom, great lighting, lots of closet space, and two luggage racks. The bathroom was spacious, with just one sink in the main bedroom but plenty of counter space on both sides. The Nespresso machine was handy. I do wish they’d supplied real half-and-half instead of Carnation creamers. Housekeeping was nearly perfect. The facial soap was taken away and not replaced, but there was another water closet, so we used the soap there. We ran out of tissues and couldn’t find a spare box. I didn’t call for one, and at least there was extra toilet paper. There were plenty of towels, which I really appreciated. Esperanza on the second floor has a great rooftop bar beside the pool. I can imagine it’s fun in warmer weather. In December, space heaters were provided for the open air dining area, but it was too cold to eat without one and there weren’t enough. The hotel had only recently opened, so perhaps more were on the way. At the ground floor bistro, the harsh morning sun needs window coverings. The air conditioning could be turned down too, since it made a draft at the few comfortable tables. There should be more regular height tables, because the coffee table seating was too low for a meal. The printed menus could be moved away from the register so people aren’t crowding there to order. I’d also ask them to reconsider requesting a tip before guests are seated or have eaten.

Patrick and Edith made excellent cocktails for us at the bistro, and the staff were fantastic throughout. The hotel has a gorgeous Baja feel and a relaxed kind of luxury. We had a great experience and can’t wait to come back.

We had a few drinks at the rooftop bar, and the decor and atmosphere were lovely. Maxwell, the host, was professional, polite, and friendly, and gave us seats by the fireplace, which was great. Our waiter was wonderful too and knew the menu well. The food was good, and the carnitas fries were huge, enough for two. We’ll definitely go back.