The Palomar Inn
1601 Shell Beach Rd, Shell Beach, CA 93449-1957
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Room & Suite (7)
Pool & Beach (4)
About
Location
4.1
Cleanliness
3.9
Service
3.8
Value
3.9
The Palomar Inn is located in beautiful Shell Beach, California. Visit us year round and explore the quiet cliffs and beaches of Shell Beach. We are also just minutes from Pismo Beach and Avila Beach. Restaurants and shops are within walking distance. Suites, kitchenettes and weekly rates available.
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Property amenities
Free parking
Free High Speed Internet (WiFi)
Pets Allowed ( Dog / Pet Friendly )
BBQ facilities
Newspaper
24-hour front desk
Laundry service
Self-serve laundry
Wifi
Non-smoking hotel
Picnic area
Sun terrace
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Room features
Housekeeping
Telephone
Iron
Wake-up service / alarm clock
Microwave
Refrigerator
Bath / shower
Complimentary toiletries
Hair dryer
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Room types
Non-smoking rooms
Family rooms
Good to know
HOTEL CLASS
Languages Spoken
English
Location
Full view
62Somewhat walkable
Grade: 62 out of 100
210Restaurantswithin 5 miles
58Attractionswithin 5 miles
Contact
1601 Shell Beach Rd, Shell Beach, CA 93449-1957
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86Reviews0Q+A10Room tips
Reviews
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Cost for a nights stay was listed on Booking.com for around $70 per night. Once I arrived, I was informed there was a $20 per pet fee, so with 2 dogs, and taxes, that's an extra $45 per night, or literally over half the cost of a nights stay for one person. I feel like this is a kind of bait-and-switch policy. Then, I arrived back at the hotel the second day and found my room was locked and I could not get it. Owner informed that there was an additional charge for that night, plus more pet fees. Total for 2 nights was over $360 after their bait-and-switch fees. I just checked prices, and I could have stayed at Motel 6 in San Luis Obispo, which is only 5 minutes away, for $150 for 2 nights, and no pet fees. I'll be staying there next time. It's not directly at the the beach, but the $210 price difference buys a lot of trips to the beach!…
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Date of stay: October 2021
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
Helpful
Response from Sales Marketing, Other at The Palomar Inn
Responded Oct 11, 2021
Thanks for your feedback we are sorry that you did not check the website which mentions that there are charges for the pet fee. Our prices in the area are really competitive with the service and amenities provided we are sorry for your experience
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Girls' Weekend with my daughter and adult granddaughter. Very nice room with second bed actually in a second room! Very very clean. Easy parking and a great local coffee shop literally next door! Would definitely stay again! If I could suggest a curtain between rooms? And hooks in the bonus room to hang jackets on? And maybe outlet shelves for phone charging? And a corner shelf in the shower?
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Date of stay: August 2021Trip type: Traveled with family
Helpful
Response from Sales Marketing, Other at The Palomar Inn
Responded Aug 25, 2021
Thank you for staying with us recently. Our highest priority is to make sure you receive outstanding accommodations and a peaceful stay. We're glad you enjoyed your stay with us. Thank you for your business and we hope to see you return to The Palomar Inn, Pismo Beach/Shell Beach, Ca.
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I have not had pink eye since i was a kid but somehow after sleeping in that room for one night and on those pillow cases, i had a bad case. Additionally, during check in, the owners were not friendly and could really use a course on customer service. Do yourself a favor, pay a little extra and stay somewhere else. Never again.
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Date of stay: April 2021Trip type: Traveled solo
2 Helpful votes
Helpful
When I arrived Mr. Patel informed me there was a $20 pet fee that I was unaware of. I told him Hotels.com had not told me about that. He went on in a rude fashion that this was the policy. And I expressed that I was very unhappy because I have never paid a pet fee. Mr. Patel said “All the hotels charge a fee”. He was extremely argumentative and dismissive. Just made me feel worse. I had to go back to the front desk when our WiFi would not connect. Mrs. Patel asked me several times if I had entered the password correctly, which both my husband and I had. Mr. Patel came out and copped an attitude immediately. My phone connected while in the lobby and said it might need to connect in the office and he outwardly scoffed at me. I was so offended. My husbands still wouldn’t work, so he went to the office. Mr. Patel was equally rude to him and even said, “ She’s still angry about the dog”. Really? I never brought it up! My husband came back to the room furious. And hey if you charge a pet fee, don’t you think the least they could do is provide a water dish for the dog? Seriously! These people are clueless about customer service. The room was small, worn down, and the sheets were anything but soft. Do not stay here.…
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Date of stay: October 2019
Location
Service
Sleep Quality
1 Helpful vote
Helpful
Response from Jerre L, Reputation Management at The Palomar Inn
Responded Oct 25, 2019
Thank you for being our guest. It is disheartening to read that we did not live up to our usual standards, and we are truly sorry your stay was less than satisfactory. We are taking appropriate steps to ensure future guests do not encounter the same issues. We hope you will accept our apologies and consider giving us another chance to show you the outstanding service that we typically provide.
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Comfortable and management was pleasant and accommodating. It is an older, inexpensive motel with a certain amount of charm given its location. Not high end, but worked well for a place to stay for a family event weekend. A bit noisy and a few blocks from the beach. Needs some attention to simple details like paint and small repairs that could make a difference in perception( older and charming vs. funky and dirty).
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Date of stay: September 2018Trip type: Traveled solo
Location
Cleanliness
Service
1 Helpful vote
Helpful
Response from Brad F, Reputation Management at The Palomar Inn
Responded Sep 30, 2018
Thank you for staying with us recently. Our highest priority is to make sure you receive outstanding accommodations and a peaceful stay. We're glad you enjoyed your stay with us. Thank you for your business and we hope to see you return to The Palomar Inn, Pismo Beach/Shell Beach, Ca.
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+1
No doubt coast lodging is expensive so we thot we got a decent value for this motel or better described in its day “motor court!” Probably 1940s vintage. Very modest but clean. When there’s no cancellation once booked that is usually a clue it may not meet expectations. It was ok but I could see others would not be happy. Bath had no place for clothes or toiletry bags to be placed let alone all the hair appliances. One tiny corner shelf that was in need of paint was it. Curtains didn’t close had to jury-rigg for privacy. Heater is the old wall type looked like it had seen better times. No A/C. There was a nice patio to sit in and coffee house next door. So if funky or bohemian is ok you won’t mind paying $119 for this room!
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Date of stay: September 2018Trip type: Traveled as a couple
Helpful
Response from Harry P, General Manager at The Palomar Inn
Responded Sep 9, 2018
thank for a ice comment always appreciated
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We stayed at the Palomar Inn Shell Beach on the 20th of Juli 2017 for one night. It is an older motel, but very nicely kept, clean with parking in front of your door. The host are very helpful and friendly. We can definitely recommend this place!
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Date of stay: July 2017Trip type: Traveled as a couple
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Room Tip: All rooms are more or less the same.
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2 Helpful votes
Helpful
Response from charu c, Front Office Manager at The Palomar Inn
Responded Nov 16, 2017
thnak you so much for coming to stay with us and greatly appreciate for your comments and appreciation at our motel look forward to see you all again in the near future as allways thank you happy thanks givin
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This is the worst motel our family has stayed in .you will definitely get what u pay for .the rooms have no air conditioner and are extremely hot even at night when it's nice and fresh outside. Management does not accommodate what so ever .nothing but excuses. Do your self a favor and pay a bit more and get better rooms down the street.
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Date of stay: September 2017Trip type: Traveled with family
Helpful
I made the reservation the morning of our trip on their web site. I reserved a queen bed for $84 on a Sunday night. I stopped on the way through to check in and to see if I would be able to park with a U-Haul trailer on site. The manager was very nice and told me if I had to park on the street, Shell Beach PD would be fine with it.We checked into Room 101. I opened the two windows in the main room as well as the bathroom window to cool it off. Yes, there were a couple of holes in one of the screens, but no bugs in sight. The room had a small upright fan on the table as well as a large ceiling fan. There was a large screen TV with HBO along with a small microwave and refrigerator. The queen sized bed was firm and comfortable. There was a privacy screen in the bathroom, a pedestal sink and round bowl toilet. The shower stall was small but big enough and the shower head was great. You have to let the water run for a while to get it hot. Nice towels too. I was able to park in two spots right in front of our room. We would stay here again.…
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Date of stay: August 2017Trip type: Traveled with family
Value
Location
Service
Room Tip: 101 is a connecting room with 102
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1 Helpful vote
Helpful
Booked online-Woman at the desk is ridiculous. Rude, insisted on another credit card after we had already paid online. Then called after we were in bed to make us come back to get a credit because she had double charged us. Offered to upgrade to king from a queen, then charged us $30 more!! Room was old, dirty, moldy, CRAZY LOUD ALL NIGHT!!!!! We were too tired to drive any longer or I would have told her to stuff it. Charged $290 for this nightmare.
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Date of stay: June 2017
Helpful
PRICE RANGE
$109 - $229 (Based on Average Rates for a Standard Room)
ALSO KNOWN AS
the palomar hotel shell beach
LOCATION
United StatesCaliforniaSan Luis Obispo CountyShell Beach
NUMBER OF ROOMS
14
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Claim Your Listing Frequently Asked Questions about The Palomar Inn
Which popular attractions are close to The Palomar Inn?
Nearby attractions include Bob Jones City to Sea Bike Trail (3.4 miles), Monarch Butterfly Grove (3.1 miles), and Avila Valley Barn (2.5 miles).
What are some of the property amenities at The Palomar Inn?
Some of the more popular amenities offered include free wifi, free parking, and laundry service.
What food & drink options are available at The Palomar Inn?
Guests can enjoy barbeque facilities during their stay.
What are some restaurants close to The Palomar Inn?
Conveniently located restaurants include Old West Cinnamon Rolls, Ember, and The Oyster Loft.
Is The Palomar Inn located near the city center?
Yes, it is 0.3 miles away from the center of Shell Beach.
Are any cleaning services offered at The Palomar Inn?
Yes, laundry service and self serve laundry are offered to guests.
Are pets allowed at The Palomar Inn?
Yes, pets are typically allowed, but it's always best to call ahead to confirm.
Are there any historical sites close to The Palomar Inn?
Many travelers enjoy visiting Point San Luis Lighthouse (4.9 miles) and Price Anniversary House - Price Historical Park (2.5 miles).
Is The Palomar Inn accessible?
Yes, it offers reduced mobility rooms. For specific inquiries, we recommend calling ahead to confirm.