Fusing Modern Art, History in a Light-Filled Boutique Hotel in San Luis Obispo
One of the most striking design features of Hotel San Luis Obispo is the indoor-outdoor gathering spaces that cultivate a laid-back vibe and take full advantage of the Central Coast’s sunny, mild climate. A modern urban oasis, the hotel’s lobby and bar feature floor-to-ceiling sliding windows along the entire back wall which opens to a spacious garden courtyard. On any given night, you’ll find live music in the bar, dining tables spilling out into the courtyard, and guests gathered around the fireplace or the multiple fire pits outside. Secluded by the courtyard’s gardens, an outdoor pool and hot tub lie just beyond the clinking glasses and lively chatter.
Another convivial gathering space is the sunny rooftop terrace offering panoramic views of downtown San Luis Obispo and the surrounding hills. Ride the elevator to the top floor to find mixologists crafting cocktails, friends playing bocce, and a mix of locals and guests imbibing until long after sunset.
History and Art
Beyond inviting the outdoors in, the design of the hotel is rooted in local history and art. Nestled in SLO’s historic Chinatown district just one block from the Mission San Luis Obispo de Tolosa, Hotel SLO honors its location and history with traditional Chinese elements woven throughout the hotel’s design and architecture. At the entrance, a circular succulent wall was inspired by the moon gates of classical Chinese gardens. The metal screen on the two-story glass bridge over the pedestrian walkway emulates the “cracked ice” pattern of traditional Chinese window screens. The name of the hotel’s ground floor cocktail bar, S.Low Bar, is a nod to the vintage Shanghai Low Chop Suey neon sign that still hangs outside the building.
Inside, the hotel’s walls are lined with commissioned artwork inspired by the SLO vibe. Many of the rooms and hallways feature pop-art renditions of iconic local landmarks created by Cal Poly professor Sara J. Franz. The wide, airy corridors are capped with colorful installations of hand-painted driftwood by California artist Leo Bersamina. In the lobby, a large, intricately layered, hand-cut map of SLO by Matthew Picton explores the region’s history. Even the stairwell is a gallery. A four-story mural comprised of bold color panels from t.w.five is a conceptual representation of SLO’s landscapes.
Guest Rooms
The playful, artsy, modern vibe extends to the hotel’s 78 luxurious, light-filled guest rooms. The wooden knots and squiggles that hang over each bed are made by San Francisco-based artist Katie Gong. She uses a unique steam bending technique to twist the wood into nautical-inspired knots and shapes evoking the silhouettes of local hills. The rooms also showcase Nanimarquina rugs and a colorful array of ottomans and throw pillows. Thoughtful amenities include complimentary snacks, reusable water carafes, Nespresso coffeemakers, tea kettles, blue tooth speakers, clothing steamers, and cozy robes and slippers. The rooms’ floor-to-ceiling sliding glass doors lead to private balconies, which are ideal for hanging out and watching the sunrise over the hills.
Food and Drink
In addition to all the art hanging on the walls, you’ll find veritable works of art on your plate. Chef Ryan Fancher brings extraordinary culinary talent and artistry to the hotel’s two onsite restaurants: Piadina and Ox + Anchor. A Central Coast native, Fancher previously worked his way through the kitchens of Auberge de Soleil, The French Laundry, Per Se, and most recently, Barndiva in Healdsburg. He returned to the Central Coast to oversee Hotel SLO’s Piadina and Ox + Anchor as the executive chef.
Open from breakfast to late at night, Piadina is a casual spot serving wood-fired Californian cuisine with an Italian flare. Menu highlights include the smoked salmon and caviar pizza and ahi tuna sashimi, but even the classic herb-roasted chicken soars to gastronomic heights with an expertly brined bird served over a bed of crisp Brussels sprouts with pickled red onion, bacon, and a swirl of pesto and olive oil.
Ox + Anchor is a relaxed fine dining destination that puts a modern spin on the classic steakhouse. Any of their signature steaks, from the filet mignon to the ribeye, can be topped with a medley of bacon, blue cheese, and caramelized onion, grilled lobster tail and drawn butter, or served Oscar style with Dungeness crab, asparagus, and bearnaise sauce. Ox + Anchor also offers a carefully curated list of Central Coast wines and a beautiful wine library available for private dining.
Just off the lobby, a convenient coffee bar serves up espressos, matcha drinks, artisan pastries, and other grab-and-go treats.
Sustainability
Another convenience is rooted in the hotel’s commitment to sustainability. Along with the reusable water carafes in each guest room, you’ll find refilling stations located throughout the property offering your choice of purified still or sparkling water. Soap and shampoo dispensers eliminate the need for single-use plastic bottles. The restaurants forgo table linens to save water and guests can opt to do the same by reusing their sheets and towels. Key cards activate guest room lighting while motion sensors activate lighting throughout the hallways. Complimentary EV charging and a fleet of cruiser bikes encourage alternative transportation. Each stay at the hotel also supports a local Keys for Trees initiative which aims to plant 10,000 trees in SLO by 2035.
Location
The hotel is located in historic downtown SLO, within walking distance of a plethora of boutique shops, restaurants, museums, and the historic mission. Beautiful beaches, hiking trails, wine-tasting rooms, and Cal Poly are all just minutes away. The hotel’s concierge services can help you make the most of your trip.