11 Best Cheap Hotels in San Luis Obispo

Famous for its award-winning wine, outdoor activities, and farm-fresh food, the city of San Luis Obispo, is one of California’s most beloved travel destinations. This mid-sized city is the perfect city for you to enjoy the scenic beauty of the shore. Apart from that, it also boasts beautiful 18th-century architecture and mountain trails that’ll keep travelers happily busy. Not to mention, it rarely rains in this sunny city! That said, the huge choice of places to stay in the city is equally appealing, as many are affordable. If you’re on a limited budget, we highly recommend booking a cheap hotel in San Luis Obispo. Since there are dozens of options to choose from, we’re here to help. The following cheap hotels in San Luis Obispo, California, will let you enjoy the city to the fullest without making a hole in your wallet.

Olive Tree Inn & Suites

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Though not as popular as Los Angeles and Hollywood, San Luis Obispo is an amazing city in its own right. That said, the first cheap hotel in San Luis Obispo that we’d love to show you is the Olive Tree Inn & Suites. This two-story hotel is a mile away from California Polytechnic State University and the San Luis Obispo Museum of Art. Apart from its admirable location, this hotel is also loved because of the freebies it offers. They include parking for cars, trucks, and RVs. Of course, there’s also complimentary breakfast every morning, served in a casual dining area. Meanwhile, those who want to chillax can take a relaxing dip in the outdoor swimming pool.

With wood floors and exterior entrances, each room on the property has everything you need for an enjoyable stay. There’s free Wi-Fi to help you update your socials, and the flat-screen TV will accompany you during those sleepless nights. There’s also a microwave, mini-fridge, and coffee-making facilities to make you feel at home. If you need more space and don’t mind spending more, you can book the suite instead. It has tile floors, a separate living area, and a kitchenette.

Lamplighter Inn & Suites

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Only a 10-minute walk from downtown, the modern Lamplighter Inn & Suites is also seen as one of the top cheap hotels in San Luis Obispo, California. At this hotel, all rooms are fitted with free Wi-Fi and boast a spotless private bathroom with a shower. Aside from that, guests can also keep themselves entertained thanks to the 42″ flat-screen TV. Need to store your ice cream or reheat your sandwich? Feel free to use the in-room mini-fridge and microwave!

As you can expect from the best cheap hotel in San Luis Obispo, California, a complimentary hot breakfast buffet is offered every morning at this hotel. Apart from that, guests can also park their vehicles for free. Meanwhile, those who are in town for business can use the hotel’s computers or meeting rooms. Want to keep your body in check? Then, burn some calories in the seasonal outdoor pool or fitness center.

Quality Suites Downtown San Luis Obispo

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Set in a Mission-style building, the Quality Suites Downtown San Luis Obispo is an all-suite hotel that’s within walking distance from Lake Charles Civic Center and Mission San Luis Obispo de Tolosa. Want to go to the San Luis Obispo Reginal Airport? Perfect, as it’s only four miles away from the hotel. That’s not all, as there are plenty of restaurants and cafes surrounding the hotel, so you’ll never spend a moment feeling hungry.

Named the best cheap hotel in San Luis Obispo, this property offers many freebies, including a hot breakfast and parking. To add, there’s also a heated outdoor swimming pool and hot tub, so when it’s time to unwind, you know where to go. Better yet, a weekly evening reception with drinks is also offered. Meanwhile, all the suites are spacious and fully equipped with a mini-fridge, coffee maker, microwave, flat-screen TV, DVD player, and free Wi-Fi!

La Cuesta Inn

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Beautifully set on the hills above the city and only a mile from the historic San Luis Obispo de Tolosa, the La Cuesta Inn is another cheap hotel in San Luis Obispo worth considering. Your experience at this hotel will be memorable with a view of the mountains. As one of the best cheap hotels in San Luis Obispo, California, parking and continental breakfast are available for free. In addition to that, guests can also access the hotel’s heated outdoor swimming pool and hot tub at no cost.

Each relaxed room on the property is fitted with everything you need. You can expect a mini-fridge, microwave, and coffee maker in each room, so you’ll never have an empty stomach. Of course, free Wi-Fi and a flat-screen TV keep you entertained. Meanwhile, upgraded rooms offer a balcony as well as a sleeper sofa.

Best Western Plus Royal Oak Hotel

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No matter where you go, you can’t go wrong by staying at a Best Western hotel. On this list is the Best Western Plus Royal Oak Hotel, one of the best cheap hotels in San Luis Obispo, California. We’re sure you’ll appreciate this property’s simple and clean guestrooms. Imagine chilling in the soft, plush bed while streaming your favorite series using the free high-speed Wi-Fi. That sounds like the perfect way to end your day. That’s not all, as each room has a coffee maker, mini-fridge, and microwave.

Breakfast and parking are complimentary at this cheap hotel in San Luis Obispo. Apart from that, guests are invited to chillax in the outdoor swimming pool and work up a sweat in the modern fitness center. Here for work? Then you should take advantage of the meeting facilities and business center! What about its location? This hotel is only two miles away from Mission San Luis Obispo de Tolosa and Bubblegum Alley!

Apple Farm Inn

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The Apple Farm Inn is an elegant country-style hotel with a homey vibe. All the guestrooms at this cheap hotel in San Luis Obispo are tastefully furnished with a four-poster bed, a flat-screen TV, and free Wi-Fi. Some even boast a fireplace, seating area, pull-out sofa, and creek views. If you want to pamper yourself, in-room breakfast is available for a charge.

However, the real stars are the top-notch amenities this hotel offers. As one of the top cheap hotels in San Luis Obispo, California, it offers a beautiful in-house restaurant that serves farm-to-table dishes. Aside from that, a free airport shuttle can also take you to and from the airport. Speaking of freebies, there’s free parking, all-day drinks, and evening wine socials. Other notable amenities include a heated outdoor pool, a hot tub, and a garden.

The Kinney San Luis Obispo

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We have a feeling young travelers will love The Kinney San Luis Obispo! This cheap hotel in San Luis Obispo has a youthful, collegiate vibe. Also perfect for making new friends, this hotel boasts a vast open-plan social area with a self-serve bar, an in-house pub-style restaurant, and board games. The guestrooms are unique too. They have a surfy aesthetic and come with everything you need. Think free Wi-Fi, a flat-screen TV, a mini-fridge, a coffee maker, and a spotless bathroom.

After a good night’s sleep, guests can enjoy the hotel’s complimentary breakfast. However, it’s not for free. But did you know what’s free? Parking! Yes, guests arriving by car can park their vehicles free at the designated parking area. When it comes to the location, this property is only two blocks away from the 101 Freeway and an 11-minute walk away from California Polytechnic State University.

Sunbeam Motel

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Don’t underestimate the Sunbeam Motel just because it’s a motel! With a vintage sign, traditional rooms, and a cheerful atmosphere, this lodging deserves a spot on our list of the best cheap hotels in San Luis Obispo, California. Set in a cozy building on a leafy property, this motel is only a short walk away from some of the city’s top spots. Places like the California Polytechnic State University, Mission San Luis Obispo de Tolosa, and Bubblegum Alley are all only around a mile away.

Though not that spacious, the down-to-earth guestrooms are homey. They feature free Wi-Fi, a flat-screen TV, a microwave, a mini-fridge, and a coffee maker. They’re more than enough to make you feel at home! Aside from that, this smoke-free property also offers free parking for its guests, which can help them save money.

Garden Street Inn Downtown San Luis Obispo

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The beautiful Garden Street Inn Downtown San Luis Obispo is a four-star hotel that’s surprisingly cheap! Set in the historic downtown, it’s only a short walk away from the Spanish mission and other top attractions. Apart from the favorable location, this cheap hotel in San Luis Obispo also offers many amenities it’s proud of. For instance, free Wi-Fi, free parking, and complimentary breakfast served in a quaint parlor. Even better, this hotel is pet-friendly so that you can bring your favorite four-legged friends along.

Unlike some of the best cheap hotels in San Luis Obispo, California, this property doesn’t have many rooms. There are only nine rooms and four suites in total, but each of them is well-appointed. They’re decorated with period antiques; some come with a whirlpool tub. If you spend your nights in the suite, you’ll have the privilege to enjoy the private deck and seasonal fireplace.

Madonna Inn

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Known for its unique decor and themed rooms, the Madonna Inn is a three-star hotel that has been pleasing countless travelers. Quirky and colorful, this cheap hotel in San Luis Obispo houses 110 striking rooms, each of which is themed differently. From Old Mexico to Country Gentleman, each guestroom offers you different experiences. Don’t worry; they all come with free Wi-Fi access, a flat-screen TV, and a coffee maker. Some rooms even have rock walls, and mini-fridges are available upon request.

As one of the best cheap hotels in San Luis Obispo, California, this lodging boasts plenty of excellent amenities. It features a hilltop terrace with a bar, a pristine infinity pool, an in-house gym, and tennis and basketball courts. Hungry? There’s a steakhouse, cafe, and bakery at the hotel! Want to rejuvenate your body and mind? Spend some time in the elegant spa that offers pampering treatments.

La Quinta by Wyndham San Luis Obispo

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With spiking angles and minimalist suites, the modern La Quinta by Wyndham San Luis Obispo is seen by many as one of the most popular cheap hotels in San Luis Obispo, California. With the breathtaking views of the Santa Lucia Mountains in the background, this fantastic hotel is an excellent option for outdoor enthusiasts. Don’t worry, as the bright downtown and its local arts are on your doorstep too. Places like the Cal Poly Recreation Center and Mission San Luis Obispo de Tolosa are only a few moments away from the hotel. Even better, plenty of eateries and cafes are sprinkled around the property.

As the best cheap hotel in San Luis Obispo, this hotel offers plenty of complimentary amenities. Guests can start their day with a happy tummy thanks to the complimentary breakfast, and staying connected is a breeze thanks to the free high-speed Wi-Fi. Aside from that, there’s also a rooftop terrace featuring a pool and a fitness center to keep everyone fit and busy. Meanwhile, the relaxed rooms are fitted with standard amenities like a flat-screen TV, mini-fridge, coffee maker, and microwave. Perfect for families, the suites and family rooms come with a fireplace. Oh, kids aged 17 and under can stay at no extra cost!

Top Affordable Bars in San Luis Obispo

• Bull’s Tavern – Enjoy cheap cocktails and draft beer at this laid-back bar. The selection of drinks is amazing, and the service is impeccable.
• Silver Bar Cocktail Lounge – Serving cocktails, craft beers, and wines, this bar is popular among travelers. Aside from cheap drinks, you can also order some appetizers and menus for breakfast, lunch, or dinner.
• Nightcap – Have an intimate cocktail experience downtown by visiting this bar! It features exquisitely crafted cocktails, bites, and sipping spirits.

Top Affordable Restaurants in San Luis Obispo

• Old Slo BBQ Co. – This barbecue restaurant allows you to have cheap food without compromising taste. The sandwiches and other BBQ entrees are amazing, and there’s outdoor seating too.
• Franks Famous Hot Dogs – Founded in 1977, this hot dog restaurant serves yummy hot dogs, burgers, and breakfast items. The atmosphere is great, and the food is cheap.
• Taqueria Santa Cruz Express – This modern restaurant serves delicious Mexican standards like tacos and burritos. Though small, the service is great.

Free Things To Do in San Luis Obispo

• San Luis Obispo Museum of Art – Take in the local art scene at this amazing museum. Perfect for art lovers, it offers free admission to everyone!
• San Luis Obispo Thursday Night Farmers Market – This is a year-round market downtown held every Thursday evening. You can enjoy the live music for free. There are also plenty of street food stalls, but of course, you’ll have to pay to try them.
• Pismo Beach – Marvel at the fluttering Monarch Butterflies in Pismo Beach from November through February! These winged beauties flock will flock to the Central Coast during migration and post up for the winter at the beach.