San Luis Obispo, CaliforniaDowntown
Petit Soleil
Parisian cocktail inn
Downtown San Luis Obispo, California
Renovated
2024
Price
$$
Rated for
Design Social LocalOutside the door
Parisian cocktail inn
A mid-century motor lodge reimagined by cocktail restaurateurs, where check-in begins with a drink at the parlor bar.
What it’s good at
Notable
Deep oxblood parlor tones and Parisian accents across a reimagined mid-century motor lodge.
Listed
An evening apéritif hour spills onto courtyard patios centered around outdoor fire pits.
What they say
Michelin Selected
Michelin
Petit Soleil styles itself as a ‘boutique bed and beverage,’ on the hunch, presumably, that the Californian and French wines, the local beers and ciders, and the classic cocktails are a bigger draw than the (admittedly impressive) breakfast.
Right in the middle
Well-located: walkable to some things, a short ride to more.
Upper Monterey Street sits an easy stroll from downtown tasting rooms and historic Mission San Luis Obispo.
The rooms
Rooms hold custom bar cabinets stocked with house-bottled cocktails, glassware, and local Central Coast wines.
Petite Lounge Bar
Navy velvet banquettes and marble tables fill the oxblood parlor, which hosts morning breakfast and evening wine pours.
At the table
Marble bistro tables sit among potted lemon trees on the courtyard patio, welcoming morning coffee and afternoon charcuterie.
How it began
The property opened in 1952 as the Don Motel, an everyday roadside stop on Monterey Street.
San Luis Obispo
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Our shorthand
How we rate hotels.
The medals
Gold
Extremely rare. Sets the global standard.
Silver
Brilliant execution. And we’re picky.
Bronze
They did this well. You’ll notice.
Listed
A defining trait. Makes the hotel what it is.
The eight vibes
Design
Built around a vision. Even the door handles have a designer.
Luxe
Cared for at every turn. The bath is drawn before you ask.
Local
It could only be here. You wake up knowing where you are.
Social
Where the city goes out. The bar is full and the night is young.
Heritage
A building with a story. Once a palace, a monastery, a station.
Wellness
You leave feeling new. Rest, sweat, soak and sleep like a stone.
Classic
The city grew up with it. Same rituals, same regulars, same bar.
Resort
A world of its own. Something to do from breakfast to nightcap.
The scene
Lively
Where things happen: restaurants, shops, people.
Central
Well-located: walkable to some things, a short ride to more.
Quiet
Away from the crowds. Getting around takes intention.
Secluded
A place apart: the property is the destination.