Short & simple: stay at the Little Sur Inn but avoid the staff's recommendations.

This inn is located right on Hwy 1, a stone's throw from the ocean. It's not too far from the shopping and restaurants in Cambria; you could even walk there if you're willing to trek a mile or two and work off the wonderful food in the area. We had an upstairs room facing the ocean and the view was absolutely gorgeous. The room was clean, well furnished, and the jacuzzi tub is awesome.

The only downside was the staff, really just the lady at the front desk. She was nice enough but gave some fishy recommendations. She told us to check out "Big Sur Cafe" for lunch, which was in San Simeon, the opposite direction from the wonderful town of Cambria. We went to this cafe and it was not the amazing place she made it out to be. The food was average at best, overpriced, and the service was slow. The slow service was even more amazing given that there was only one other group eating at the cafe!

The story gets better. We had a great dinner in Cambria that night. The next morning we asked the lady at the front desk for a good breakfast place. Maybe she forgot she told us about Big Sur Cafe, or maybe she assumed that we hadn't gone there. But, she told us "Big Sur Cafe is great. Most of the places in Cambria aren't that good. They don't even open until 9:30 or 10." I'd heard enough and we went to Cambria anyways. A few breakfast places had been open since 8am! We had a FANTASTIC meal at Linn's. I highly recommend eating there.

I really appreciated reading everyones review. This review section made the difference in selecting this hotel. And a good selection it was. Their staff are very helpful and answered all questons about the hotel when I initially called, and when I arrived I was looking for restaurants, they had a binder with all of the local restaurants menu's. The room we were given was a second floor room over looking the beach. While the weather was cold and windy, the sunset in Cambria was still quite beautiful to watch. And were happy to watch it from the comforts of this spacious room with a fireplace. The spaciousness of the room itself, sets it apart from other inns. This particular room had a dining room table that could seat four with padded chairs, and two lounge chair's which is great for relaxing after a day of activities.Some places only have the bed to offer, this place had options.
The bathroom was spacious and very nicley done in tile,it had a shower and jacuzzi tub. Sorry romantics, this tub is only big enough for one.
The only compliant I would have is the mattress on the bed. It was a little hard for my taste.
As for local restaurants, The Sea Chest next door was quite good, very good seafood,but bring cash, since the do not take debit cards. There is also a bar in town, I believe its called the Westend Bar. A small modest place, with good burgers and clam chowder, and a decent selection of micro-brews.

My fiance and I stayed here Nov 4th and 5th. The staff was friendly and professional. Our room (#28) was very nice, very clean and basically looked new. Bathroom was very clean and also looked new. A very nice gas fireplace also doubled as the room's heat source and was connected to a regular thermostat. A GREAT value at $125/night.

This was our second visit to the Little Sur Inn. The rooms are beautiful with classic quality mission-style furniture and the bathroom was very nice. The staff is very friendly and professional. The breakfast buffet and afternoon treats are a nice touch and a great way to meet other travellers. The location is great--even our partial view room had a nice view of the ocean and beach, and its a beautiful drive to Paso Robles wine country. The Sea Chest next door is a great seafood restaurant--try the oyster stew!