The Inn at Morro Bay in a Nutshell :
Located right on the ocean inside Morro Bay State Park, the Inn at Morro Bay is, as it claims, “nature’s coastal hideaway.” Some 4,000 acres of protected land surround the resort, and hiking, kayaking, and even an 18-hole golf course are just steps away. Overall, the resort has the upscale-with-a-rustic-seaside-feeling of a New England village. Meticulously landscaped grounds include a small heated pool, two restaurants and a bar, and a small spa that offers massages and body treatments.Guest Rooms at The Inn at Morro Bay :
The 98 guest rooms have views of the pool, gardens, or spectacular Morro Bay. While the buildings are Cape Cod-style, the rooms have a country French décor. Amenities include private balconies or patios; featherbeds; irons; same day dry cleaning and laundry; coffee maker; CD player, radio, and alarm clock; and a free newspaper. Some also have hydrotherapy spas, fireplaces, and refrigerators. The resort has one cottage, with a sitting area, two fireplaces, and a sunken tub.Dining at The Inn at Morro Bay :
The Inn at Morro Bay has two adjoining restaurants: The Orchid, serving dinner and Sunday champagne brunch, and the Bay Club for breakfast, lunch, and light dinners. Happy hour includes free appetizers. The Orchid specializes in local produce, sustainable seafood, and grass-fed beef from the Hearst Ranch nearby. The extensive wine list includes both California and European wines. A typical entrée is herb-crusted rack of lamb with smoked tomato demi-glacé and goat cheese potato gratin.Weddings at The Inn at Morro Bay :
The Inn at Morro Bay holds wedding ceremonies outdoors on the terrace with ocean views, and receptions in a tent or party room. Packages include the Intimate Gathering (up to 50 guests) and the Grand Event (up to 120). Food is provided by the resort, although cakes and special items can be brought in. While the catering manager can recommend vendors, the resort has no wedding coordinator and suggests that couples use one of their own for events of a substantial size.Romance at The Inn at Morro Bay :
The Inn offers four romance packages. Honeymooners & Anniversaries includes a room upgrade, rubber ducks, champagne, breakfast, and late checkout. The Romantic Cottage Package includes a stay in the resort’s only cottage with two fireplaces and a sunken tub, a bottle of wine, and a dinner voucher. Rock, Romance, & Relaxation offers a room with private hot tub, breakfast, wine, chocolate truffles, and discounted spa treatment. Temptation for Two includes a room upgrade and dinner voucher.Facilities at The Inn at Morro Bay :
The resort is located inside its most outstanding facility: 4,000-acre Morro Bay State Park, which includes an 18-hole golf course, a marina, hiking trails, a bird sanctuary, and a nature museum. The Spa at the Inn at Morro Bay, a treatment room with side-by-side massage tables, offers three types of massage and several body treatments. The grounds also include a small outdoor heated swimming pool. Guests can use beach cruiser bicycles for free and get a free bucket of range balls.Nearby The Inn at Morro Bay :
Aside from Morro Bay State Park, the inn is close to the seaside town of Morro Bay. The somewhat touristy town has many seafood restaurants. The larger college town of San Luis Obispo is 15 minutes away, with restaurants and nightlife. Also in the area are dozens of wineries that offer tastings. The charming town of Pasa Robles, a half hour away, has numerous tasting rooms . Hearst Castle is 45 minutes away. Local tour companies offer boat tours and deep-sea expeditions.What Could be Improved at the Inn at Morro Bay:
While the Inn is proud of its food, I was baffled. A fish entrée was flavorless except for the too-hot spice covering it, and carrots were underdone. However, the chocolate lava cake was exceptional. The $10.95 buffet breakfast offers eggs, bacon, oatmeal, and fruit, but resembles a motel chain-style freebie, with make-your-own waffles (batter in paper cups), cartons of yogurt, and uninspired bagels and muffins. The resort charges for Internet access, except in the lobby.Is the The Inn at Morro Bay Right for You? :
The Inn at Morro Bay's location inside a state park makes it a great choice for hikers, kayakers, and other nature lovers. The constant presence of the Pacific Ocean is another plus that anyone can appreciate. But the staff, consisting largely part-time college students, is not truly professional and guests are hardly pampered. For example, no one helps carry guests' baggage up the stairs. Still, while the Inn isn’t luxurious, it’s a fine spot for a secluded getaway in natural surroundings.Find Out More About The Inn at Morro Bay:
The Inn at Morro Bay 60 State Park Road
Morro Bay, California 93442
800-321-9566 or 805-772-5651
Search for a Flight to San Luis Obispo Airport. It is half an hour away.
Search for a Flight to San Francisco or Los Angeles Airport, both three to four hours away.
As is common in the travel industry, the writer was provided with complimentary accommodation and meals for the purpose of reviewing those services. While it has not influenced this review, About.com believes in full disclosure of all potential conflicts of interest. For more information, see our ethics policy.
