I stayed at this property Dec 30 arriving after sunset. I am a senior single female traveler. Property condition is acceptable and priced about right for CA which is to say, over priced for what it is. SS exists to cater to Hearst Castle visitors so first class expectations are unrealistic. From my ride by observation all properties are pretty much the same - aging. Via direct on-line reservations I had requested a first floor room which was assigned behind a pillar with no lighting and narrow passage. I returned to the front desk to request a safer location. The front desk person became indignant repeating over & over she had given me what I had requested. She did not hear my concern. She said they were full and the only thing she had was a second floor (no elevator) room. When I returned from the evening Hearst tour about 10PM, the parking lot was virtually empty and was that way the next morning at 6AM I could only think my 2nd floor room was a form of vindictive behavior. I didn't downgrade the property to Poor because of the front desk unprofessional staff though that was my experience. I would stay at the least expensive because I don't think dollars reflects anything but brand in SS.
The good news about SS is that there is a wonderful Mexican restaurant close to Best Western on Pacific side of highway. It closes at 9PM.

Tho it's close to Hearst Castle & clean it's not worth the money. Made reservations way ahead & was placed way in the back(had to drive to breakfast room) TV was horribly old and just regular cable. Stay somewhere cheaper. Only need one night to see everything.

I've stayed at this Hotel several times over the years. The management is top notch! They have a friendly, more than competent staff who is willing to go out of their way to make your stay comfortable. The rooms are nice and the free breakfast in the mornings is much better than one would expect for free.

The Quality Inn San Simeon is your standard chain motel. The room is average size, clean, and has a comfortable bed, small refrigerator and microwave. Guests can also eat a small complimentary breakfast buffet every morning. The motel is located a few miles down the road from Hearst Castle, but there is not much else around the area except for some other hotels right along the same strip of highway. We were only doing a one night stay after touring the castle, so it met our needs. We would recommend it to anyone whose situation is similar.