This would be a great place to take a family w/kids, but for a romantic spot...not so much. The hotel has done a pretty good job with the renovation. They were definitely on the right path with the "retro" direction to the design, but missed the mark by going a bit on the cheap in the rooms. The sound of the waves is drowned out by the heater, and we needed the heater last night - the room was frigid without it. Also, lots of noise from the pool area, and all the rooms face the pool (and the ocean) but the pool is open late. Lots of kids out still swimming when were already in bed. Breakfast is equivalent to what I get at any La Quinta, which is what I consider pretty budget. The good news is that you do have an awesome view, the rooms are pretty inexpensive and clean. If I had kids, I think this would be a great place to stay, but for a quiet evening w/my honey I'll look elsewhere next time.

We go to Pismo at least once a year. This is our favorite hotel. It has easy beach access with its staircase down the bluffs. The beach there isn't crowded, The staff is very friendly. The complementary breakfast makes for a easy morning. The pools and jacuzzi are nice, and there are tables to eat at and enjoy the view. It's a short walk to the pier and restaurants, but the small distance makes it very quiet.

I got a great room rate for a full on ocean view room. The Hotel is on a cliff, so Room to beach requires walking down some stairs first. It's an easy walk with great views along the way.
The last Pismo Beach Hotel I stayed at cost $500 a night and this gem was less than $200. It was newer, cleaner and friendlier. The grounds are family friendly and more resort like than brand X. (See my previous review)
If you're looking for value, location and a stay to remember THIS is the place to stay.
Enjoy a piece of the good life.

I would have only given 3 stars, but the hotel overall has a lot going for it. We had an oceanfront room, with beautiful views, and the room was perfect for us. Great size, with a small balcony with 2 chairs on it, overlooking the pool and ocean. The biggest problem was that this hotel has terrible insulation and is SUPER LOUD. When people would walk down the hallway, our bed would shake from the vibration!

We asked to be moved the first night, but the hotel was full, so we got no sleep at all. Then, on our second night, the people on either side of us checked out, so luckily we had a good night.

Unfortunately, we won't be coming back here because we can't be worrying about whether we'll get any sleep or not. They need to spend the money to insulate the floors and walls of this hotel. A HUGE PROBLEM. We also talked to 2 other sets of guests who experienced the same thing. Bummer.