Petit Soleil’s Spirited Revamp with a Cocktail Twist
Mixing Parisian flair with clever dashes of whimsy, a pair of mixologists have crafted the perfect cocktail in the newly refreshed Petit Soleil. Long popular with road-trippers and Cal Poly parents, this former roadside motel in San Luis Obispo was originally built in 1952 as the Don Motel. Fifty years later, in 2002, John and Dianne Connor transformed the aging property into a charming bed and breakfast inspired by the south of France. In April 2024, the newest owners, Brandon Ristaino and Misty Orman-Ristaino, unveiled an impressive renovation that tops all previous incarnations.
Brandon and Misty are the masterminds behind a string of swanky cocktail bars on the California Central Coast, including The Good Lion in Santa Barbara and the Japanese izakaya-inspired Strange Beast in Ventura. On past trips to San Luis Obispo over the years, they loved staying at Petit Soleil and got to know the previous owners quite well. When John and Dianne decided to retire, Brandon and Misty jumped at the chance to purchase the inn. They were excited for the opportunity to expand their vision for meticulously curated eating and drinking spaces to the world of boutique hotels.
Working in collaboration with MN Studio Interiors, they completely transformed the inn for a new generation of travelers while honoring Petit Soleil’s French roots. The rooms retain their original names and themes—Le Cage Aux Folles, Côte d’Azur, Van Gogh, etc.—but inside, the design-forward renovations are far more Parisian chic than countryside quaint and are thoughtfully curated down to the smallest detail.
Bold wallpapers speak to the theme. Irises bloom across a field of yellow in the Van Gogh room while swimmers take to the waters in the Côte d’Azur. Retro telephones and velvet headboards and chairs provide playful pops of coordinating color. Luxurious beds are finished with fine cotton linens and cozy duvets. Stylish lighting on dimmer switches helps to set the mood. The gorgeous new baths feature spacious walk-in showers with rain showerheads, glass enclosures, and beautiful tilework.
But the pièce de resistance is the custom-designed and thoughtfully curated minibars in each room. Guests will find everything they need to craft their own cocktails including locally sourced artisan spirits, chilled mixers, barware, and a variety of glassware. Inside the minibars’ built-in refrigerators, guests will also find house-made bottled cocktails including White Negronis, Old Fashioneds, and Manhattans. The owners’ appreciation for a well-stocked minibar is evident, turning each room into a private speakeasy.
The inn’s public spaces are equally inviting. The back courtyard, with its trickling fountain and intimate seating areas, is the perfect spot for morning coffee or apéritif hour. Inside, a swanky lobby lounge hums with cocktails being shaken or stirred while strains of French jazz float through the air.
The innkeeping staff at Petit Soleil are delightfully warm, amiable hosts who are a wealth of knowledge on all things San Luis Obispo. Effortlessly flitting between check-ins and bartending, they offer helpful insider tips on hikes, beaches, wineries, restaurants, and more.
Each morning, they prepare a delicious breakfast featuring a choice of sweet or savory entrées, freshly baked pastries, farmer’s market produce and fruits, locally roasted coffee, and more. For the complimentary apéritif hour each evening, the staff serves locally sourced charcuterie and hors d’oeuvres with local wines, craft beers, ciders, and of course, house-made cocktails.
Building upon Petit Soleil’s spirited revamp, more plans are already underway to open a cocktail bar and restaurant next door and add brand-new second-floor suites designed for longer stays. The new spaces will undoubtedly raise the bar for travelers seeking a taste of the good life in San Luis Obispo.