Silver Surf Motel
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Avg. $82 /night, 9/18 - 9/19
$152
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$112
per night
$71
per night
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3.5
#3 of 4 motels in San SimeonLocation
4.2
Cleanliness
3.9
Service
3.6
Value
3.9
Welcome to Silver Surf Motel, your San Simeon “home away from home.” Silver Surf Motel aims to make your visit as relaxing and enjoyable as possible, which is why so many guests continue to come back year after year.
You’ll enjoy relaxing rooms that offer a flat screen TV, a refrigerator, and air conditioning, and you can stay connected during your stay as Silver Surf Hotel offers guests free wifi.
The motel features a 24 hour front desk, newspaper, and a gift shop. Plus, Silver Surf Hotel offers a pool, providing a pleasant respite from your busy day. For guests with a vehicle, free parking is available.
While you’re here, be sure to check out El Chorlito Mexican Restaurant, one of the Mexican restaurants that can be found in San Simeon, which is a short distance from Silver Surf Motel.
Should time allow, San Simeon State Park is a popular state park that is relatively easy to get to.
Silver Surf Motel puts the best of San Simeon at your fingertips, making your stay both relaxing and enjoyable.
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Property amenities
Free parking
Free High Speed Internet (WiFi)
Pool
Vending machine
Pets Allowed ( Dog / Pet Friendly )
Non-smoking hotel
Picnic area
Self-serve laundry
Parking
Wifi
Indoor pool
Heated pool
Room features
Seating area
Telephone
Wake-up service / alarm clock
Microwave
Refrigerator
Flatscreen TV
Room types
Non-smoking rooms
Good to know
HOTEL CLASS
Star ratings are intended to indicate the general level of features, amenities, and services to expect. This property is classified according to Giata.
HOTEL STYLE
Budget
Languages Spoken
English, Spanish
Location
9390 Castillo Dr, San Simeon, CA 93452-9727
Getting there
Somewhat walkable
Places to stay are graded on a 0-100 scale. The higher the grade, the easier it is for travelers to find restaurants and things to do within walking distance.
Grade: 51 out of 100
51
San Luis Obispo County Regional Airport
38.6 mi•
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Monterey Peninsula Airport
78 mi•
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51 Restaurants
within 5 miles
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Detailed Reviews
We stayed here in June 2020 for 4 nights, W - Sat. during the COVID situation. Desk staff was friendly and we got a nice upstairs room at the back of the property. That was all good. Room seemed tidy enough, but we don't examine every crevice as some do. The first two nights the motel was fairly empty and quiet so it was very nice those two nights. But then came Fri & Sat.
The motel buildings form a U shape and there's a large grassy area in the center with a few picnic tables. The motel filled up quite a bit on Fri. & Sat, and several parties were being conducted on the lawn area and the sound kind of echos around the property. With guests laughing loudly and children screaming while playing on the lawn, it got to the point we couldn't hear our TV without turning up the volume louder than we would like, as we don't like to disturb the rooms around us. But figuring we would not be the major disturbance, we raised the volume. The parties, laughing, loud conversation and screaming kids continued well after 10p, so at 11:30p we called the front desk to see if something could be done about the noise. The man at the front desk said he would talk to them immediately. If he did, it didn't seem to change anything and the noise continued until sometime after 12:30a. Since the rooms didn't have A/C there was no way to drown out the noise, but luckily we brought a fan with us in case the room got hot. (We had seen other reviews saying they got too warm in the room.) So we fired up the fan and used ear plugs in order to go to sleep.
Then on Saturday night, we had an additional situation, which we did not bring to the attention of the management, but we had a fairly strong "skunk" smell coming in the room from somewhere. This really isn't the sort of area you would expect to find skunks, so we assumed it was probably someone smoking marijuana. We had to close up the windows in the front (where you get the ocean breeze) and it got somewhat warm in the room. There was a ceiling fan in our room which helped some. Needless to say, we were glad we were leaving on Sunday.
Overall the room rate was good, bed was comfortable, front desk staff courteous, good location, but just be prepared for the possibilitiy of late lawn parties any time the weather is pleasant. I think next time we will try a different location, especially if we are there on a weekend, but I guess the noise situation could happen anytime since the management doesn't seem to be able to control the situation.
The motel buildings form a U shape and there's a large grassy area in the center with a few picnic tables. The motel filled up quite a bit on Fri. & Sat, and several parties were being conducted on the lawn area and the sound kind of echos around the property. With guests laughing loudly and children screaming while playing on the lawn, it got to the point we couldn't hear our TV without turning up the volume louder than we would like, as we don't like to disturb the rooms around us. But figuring we would not be the major disturbance, we raised the volume. The parties, laughing, loud conversation and screaming kids continued well after 10p, so at 11:30p we called the front desk to see if something could be done about the noise. The man at the front desk said he would talk to them immediately. If he did, it didn't seem to change anything and the noise continued until sometime after 12:30a. Since the rooms didn't have A/C there was no way to drown out the noise, but luckily we brought a fan with us in case the room got hot. (We had seen other reviews saying they got too warm in the room.) So we fired up the fan and used ear plugs in order to go to sleep.
Then on Saturday night, we had an additional situation, which we did not bring to the attention of the management, but we had a fairly strong "skunk" smell coming in the room from somewhere. This really isn't the sort of area you would expect to find skunks, so we assumed it was probably someone smoking marijuana. We had to close up the windows in the front (where you get the ocean breeze) and it got somewhat warm in the room. There was a ceiling fan in our room which helped some. Needless to say, we were glad we were leaving on Sunday.
Overall the room rate was good, bed was comfortable, front desk staff courteous, good location, but just be prepared for the possibilitiy of late lawn parties any time the weather is pleasant. I think next time we will try a different location, especially if we are there on a weekend, but I guess the noise situation could happen anytime since the management doesn't seem to be able to control the situation.
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Date of stay: June 2020
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
Room Tip: Upstairs rooms at the back of the property look out toward the ocean.
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We checked in later in the day. Staff at the front desk were very friendly and welcoming after a long travel day. We chose this hotel due to its close proximity to Hearst Castle, which was only about 10 minutes up the road.
It is a budget hotel so don't expect fine Egyptian cottons. The indoor pool was pretty decent. There are lots of bars, places to get a drink, and even a little mini market within easy walking distance.
As it was late and getting a bit chilly, we only took a short walk to the ocean's edge. which is just across the road. Nice little area.
The room is a little on the smaller side and the amenities were adequate for those with realistic expectations for a budget hotel. We did have to get an iron from the front desk and it had no ironing board. That was a bit of a pain but otherwise, I can say this place did everything they advertised.
It is a budget hotel so don't expect fine Egyptian cottons. The indoor pool was pretty decent. There are lots of bars, places to get a drink, and even a little mini market within easy walking distance.
As it was late and getting a bit chilly, we only took a short walk to the ocean's edge. which is just across the road. Nice little area.
The room is a little on the smaller side and the amenities were adequate for those with realistic expectations for a budget hotel. We did have to get an iron from the front desk and it had no ironing board. That was a bit of a pain but otherwise, I can say this place did everything they advertised.
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Date of stay: June 2023Trip type: Traveled as a couple
Value
Location
Service
Room Tip: Lot's of pubs, watering holes, and a mini market within walking distance.
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
The outside of this property may be ho-hum, but the rooms are nicely redone.The desk clerk was nice and helpful, telling us about discounts at he nearby restaurant.
There were a few things we didn't like-NO A/C!!, and parking in odd spots away from your room in some of the areas. One of the backside driveways is so peaked it scraped the bottom of our car when pulling in, but we were fortunate that someone had moved so that we could squeeze out another way when we left.
We stayed two nights and slept well in a quiet room with a nice comfortably firm bed. Everything was clean and appeared to be well cared-for.
There were a few things we didn't like-NO A/C!!, and parking in odd spots away from your room in some of the areas. One of the backside driveways is so peaked it scraped the bottom of our car when pulling in, but we were fortunate that someone had moved so that we could squeeze out another way when we left.
We stayed two nights and slept well in a quiet room with a nice comfortably firm bed. Everything was clean and appeared to be well cared-for.
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Date of stay: August 2021
Value
Rooms
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
My wife and I had stayed at this location several times in years past so this was why I picked it for my recent trip to deal with family business. The first room I occupied had been somewhat updated but the phone and other features didn't work and there was no refrigerator or microwave. There also was no cleaning of rooms or taking out of the trash. The mattresses were also broken down and there was no way to get a night's sleep on them. When I contacted the front desk for the third time about these issues, the manager told me they weren't cleaning the rooms or taking out trash due to COVID but they would do so if requested. (I had requested this service with other employees with nothing ever being done.) I was also told that if I wanted a room with a refrigerator & microwave it would be $17 extra and I would have to move rooms. (Something the checkin employee failed to mention when I inquired about these amenities at checkin.) So, after moving to my new room I found that while everything was in working order, the floors were filthy and it took two days to get someone to come in and clean. The vinyl floors they put in their rooms were also badly scarred due to their having the wrong type of chairs in their rooms causing major scars/gouges in the flooring. The rooms had a built-in desk area however, there were no electrical outlets available so you couldn't charge your laptop or other devices. Both rooms also had a small table/chair in the corner of the room however, there was no lighting or electrical outlet their either so they were essentially useless. Finally, the free WiFi at this location was largely non-existent for most of my stay as it was so slow and kept locking up regardless of which device I used. This hotel also has a restaurant in the main building that is apparently operated by an independent owner. I dined there once and will never do so again as the service was average at best, even though I was the only one in the restaurant, the prices are too high, and they do not provide the discount that the hotel staff kept telling guests they would receive for dining there.
I stayed at this motel due to the price, my prior experience, and the close proximity to the business I had to take care of however, based on my experience I would recommend going to another hotel either in San Simeon or in Cambria. The only positive for this place is the view of the ocean and the fact that they allow dogs.
I stayed at this motel due to the price, my prior experience, and the close proximity to the business I had to take care of however, based on my experience I would recommend going to another hotel either in San Simeon or in Cambria. The only positive for this place is the view of the ocean and the fact that they allow dogs.
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Date of stay: January 2022
Rooms
Service
Sleep Quality
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
The front desk clerk was very nice and had great customer service. However the house cleaners there should be fired! The rooms were horribly dirty. Yes I know this is a high traffic area but these rooms have not been vacuumed properly, wiped down, or dusted in what looked like months if not at least a year. The dust and grime had not been wiped from the, walls, tv remote, light switches, heater, etc. The baseboards were terrifying in the bathroom. We had 3 rooms total and each one was exactly the same filth wise. The grime build up was enough to make me nauseous. I took over an hour wiping down what we would have to touch and the amount of dirt and mystery dried fluid I wiped off was disturbing. I should have been paid for cleaning our room! Hopefully they wash all the bedding after every stay but the way everything else looked I doubt it. I really wish I was exaggerating. Thank god I brought our own sheets pillows and blankets otherwise we would have left the first day. The bed was hard as a rock!!! We woke up sore and rest deprived. Two of the hand towels still had a previous persons makeup on it and hair. Do not open the fridge or microwave unless you want to vomit and don’t you dare pick up the disgusting phone to call the front desk. It had what looked like dried blood and something sticky all over it! You have no option to not get house cleaning unless you specifically ask and we had to make our own “do not disturb” sign to put on the door. We paid for 2 nights but we’re so grossed out we only stayed for one and left as soon as we could. I wish I had taken photos but honestly I was too grossed out and wanted to leave ASAP. A complete waste of our money!
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Date of stay: April 2021Trip type: Traveled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Here for our 5 year anniversary in a sentimentally significant location. First of all, the heater was broken and someone had some come fix it as soon as we got here. It clanks unexpectedly and constantly and hisses and it's overall a noisemaker so it's rarely used. We asked if we could change rooms, they said it'd be ~$100 extra charge.
The ceiling fan is also a noisemaker and can't rly be peacefully used.
The fridge literally never stops making noises. It's probably the loudest thing in the room aside from the people across the street that party with their loud music all day and night.
There's no security latch which feels super unsafe and insecure, especially for a young woman.
There's questionable splatter on the heater itself that looks like blood.
I found myself covered in multiple bugs more than once. Also found bugs on the wall and the bed.
You can hear everything next door and you can hear stampedes of footsteps from above.
The toilet barely works. You can hear everyone else's toilets, too.
No overhead lighting for the hall/closet area either, which makes finding things in your luggage very difficult.
The wifi also doesn't work 95% of the time. Tried to leave early and be refunded for the night I'm not staying, and was told it wasn't possible. After all this?? That sounds outrageous to me. They're lucky it was just that night I was wanting refunded, and not the whole stay. Travelers beware, find someplace better. Which won't be difficult, because anywhere is better than here.
The ceiling fan is also a noisemaker and can't rly be peacefully used.
The fridge literally never stops making noises. It's probably the loudest thing in the room aside from the people across the street that party with their loud music all day and night.
There's no security latch which feels super unsafe and insecure, especially for a young woman.
There's questionable splatter on the heater itself that looks like blood.
I found myself covered in multiple bugs more than once. Also found bugs on the wall and the bed.
You can hear everything next door and you can hear stampedes of footsteps from above.
The toilet barely works. You can hear everyone else's toilets, too.
No overhead lighting for the hall/closet area either, which makes finding things in your luggage very difficult.
The wifi also doesn't work 95% of the time. Tried to leave early and be refunded for the night I'm not staying, and was told it wasn't possible. After all this?? That sounds outrageous to me. They're lucky it was just that night I was wanting refunded, and not the whole stay. Travelers beware, find someplace better. Which won't be difficult, because anywhere is better than here.
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Date of stay: May 2022Trip type: Traveled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Tried to give this place "one more chance" as I've been coming here over 45 years now off and on, This motel just keeps getting worse and worse as to overall upkeep, overall look and the location itself and the clientele are seedy. Case in point, we came back to our room to find a guy passed out and laying across the stairs leading to the guest rooms. I went to the front desk and the manager told me " we have strange people staying here, what do you want me to do"? ...What?....so this along with guests playing loud music at 11:30 pm onward as well as their TV blaring into the late night and smokers all along the top deck, You get what you pay for folks, they do have a coffee maker, the frig door was left open we we arrived and was hot inside, but that did cool down later. Also a Microwave is there in room, The Bed was okay, as was the bathroom, One Icemaker works, the other one looks to be the same broken one from 4 years ago, guess it takes time to fix it. Pool & Spa were fine, just try to get in there from 12 pm until 3 pm, after that it is crowded. Two small chairs and a small table are in the room next to the bed, Staff changed our sheets and towels but we could see the carpet had not been vacuumed and the refrigerator door was a mess when we checked in. But again, folks today just do not want to be respectful and considerate of others staying here as well as the Neighbors in the apartments in the rear of the motel, Loud loud loud. Sad really, used to love this place as a getaway from stress. Now it causes stress to stay here. Try Moonstone beach if staying around here in the future
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Date of stay: July 2021
Rooms
Cleanliness
Service
Room Tip: Nothing to offer other than a cheap price, what is that worth?
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We stopped here for a night and were pleasantly surprised. The room was very clean and comfortable with a big comfortable bed, probably one of the most comfortable beds of our trip and we've stayed in more expensive accommodations on this trip
It's always good when one fine's somewhere like this. It was excellent value and would definitely stay again if we were in the area.
It's always good when one fine's somewhere like this. It was excellent value and would definitely stay again if we were in the area.
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Date of stay: July 2022
Value
Location
Service
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We spent two nights at the Silver Surf Motel on a short road trip, and this was our favorite of the three hotels we stayed at.
The room was very clean and well-kept. The bed was made with wonderfully soft sheets, quality pillows, and a comfortable mattress. Our children enjoyed the indoor pool (because it was quite windy the day we went and an outdoor pool would not have worked). Everyone we spoke to who worked there was friendly and professional.
It is a few minutes drive from the elephant seal view areas, from Hearst Castle, and from the restaurants in Cambria (as well as the nice Big Sur Restaurant next door--get the chilaquiles!!).
I rarely write reviews about anything, but since no one ever writes reviews about places that are just perfectly nice, and that's what this place was, I wanted to take the time to acknowledge a job well done by the staff.
I would stay here again without reservation. (Pun intended.)
The room was very clean and well-kept. The bed was made with wonderfully soft sheets, quality pillows, and a comfortable mattress. Our children enjoyed the indoor pool (because it was quite windy the day we went and an outdoor pool would not have worked). Everyone we spoke to who worked there was friendly and professional.
It is a few minutes drive from the elephant seal view areas, from Hearst Castle, and from the restaurants in Cambria (as well as the nice Big Sur Restaurant next door--get the chilaquiles!!).
I rarely write reviews about anything, but since no one ever writes reviews about places that are just perfectly nice, and that's what this place was, I wanted to take the time to acknowledge a job well done by the staff.
I would stay here again without reservation. (Pun intended.)
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Date of stay: April 2023
Value
Location
Service
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
The rooms are being remodeled the price is average. The retro style does not provide wheelchair accessibility in the pool/hot tub area. The room next to ours had dirty bedding on the brick wall when we arrived. We thought it was a custodial room, but the bedding remained the majority of the day, even after the customer was provided a room. We were looking forward to the hot tub and inquired about extra towels. The women claiming to be manager was defensive and rude when addressed with concerns about only getting 2 towels. We were informed that the service was provided 2 people=2 towels only. Eventually the male office staff provided 2 pool towels after we let him know the office staffs unprofessionalism. The next day, our room door was opened and left open while we were in town. We were surprised, as we made sure it was locked, put up the do not disturb sign and left the TV on. It was justified by telling us the wind blew the sign off, the housekeeper restocked, and the door did not latch closed. No apologies or inspection of our room occurred when we let the staff know our door had been open all day. Although we did not take pictures of the pool area, the pool room is not ADA compliant, nor wheelchair accessible. There was very little room for my husbands wheelchair to enter the room without going into the pool. The hot tub is up a few stairs making it unaccessible to individuals in a wheel chair. The pool closes at 10, but it is not enforced on all parties.
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Date of stay: June 2024Trip type: Traveled as a couple
Value
Rooms
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
Room Tip: Rooms are being remodeled. Older non ADA compliant issues for wheelchairs. Staff in office...
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We did not see BBQ facilities there.
Yes. They have both
It's at 11 just make sure you don't get room 119 we had that room the last two times and the fridge does not work. We told the manager/owner after the first time we visit every six to eight weeks and was surprised to get the same room and the fridge still not working. Everything else was great we bring are own food do we don't have the breakfast at the hotel which is very basic we didn't care for the Big Sir Cafe but the Mexican restaurant two doors away was very good
Since my answer cannot include HTML or website links the email is silversurfatcablerocketcom
No, it is a budget motel across the street from the beach. They do have an indoor pool and hot tub which I did not find inviting. The rooms were large and comfortable.
"Rooms are being remodeled. Older non ADA compliant issues for wheelchairs. Staff in office (female manager) is unprofessional and rude. "Read full review
"Wonderful LARGE terrace where you can watch the sunset over the ocean. Brought wine, and cheeses from the Cookie Crock market. DELIGHTFUL!"Read full review
"Check in before 10pm! Check your bill before checking out for extra hidden fees Park out front and walk to your room…"Read full review
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PRICE RANGE
$69 - $111 (Based on Average Rates for a Standard Room)
ALSO KNOWN AS
silver surf hotel san simeon, silver surf san simeon
LOCATION
United StatesCaliforniaSan Luis Obispo CountySan Simeon
NUMBER OF ROOMS
72
Prices are provided by our partners, and reflect nightly room rates, including any mandatory fees. Taxes not included. Please see our partners for more details.
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Frequently Asked Questions about Silver Surf Motel
Which popular attractions are close to Silver Surf Motel?
Nearby attractions include Fiscalini Ranch Preserve (4.7 miles), Moonstone Beach Drive (3.1 miles), and Moonstone Beach (3.4 miles).
What are some of the property amenities at Silver Surf Motel?
Some of the more popular amenities offered include an indoor pool, free wifi, and free parking.
Which room amenities are available at Silver Surf Motel?
Top room amenities include a flat screen TV, a refrigerator, and a seating area.
What are some restaurants close to Silver Surf Motel?
Conveniently located restaurants include Madeline's Restaurant & Wine Cellar, Robin's Restaurant, and Indigo Moon.
Are there opportunities to exercise at Silver Surf Motel?
Yes, guests have access to an indoor pool during their stay.
Is Silver Surf Motel located near the city center?
Yes, it is 0.06 miles away from the center of San Simeon.
Are pets allowed at Silver Surf Motel?
Yes, pets are typically allowed, but it's always best to call ahead to confirm.
Which languages are spoken by the staff at Silver Surf Motel?
The staff speaks multiple languages, including English and Spanish.
Are there any historical sites close to Silver Surf Motel?
Many travelers enjoy visiting Nitt Witt Ridge (4.1 miles), The Old Santa Rosa Creek Chapel (4.9 miles), and Cambria Jailhouse (4.4 miles).
Is Silver Surf Motel accessible?
Yes, it offers wheelchair access. For specific inquiries, we recommend calling ahead to confirm.