motel for a reason...

Well, I had high hopes considering the reviews. Alas... this was NOT a dog friendly spot. The moment we arrived I saw “no dogs on grass” signs, and the when I checked in I had to sign a policy agreeing that when the dogs were in the room they we NOT allowed on the furniture and had to be crated. WTH???
Our small room which was advertised as a King Bed... was not. It was smaller than a CA king (which we own) the sheets did y even cover the 2 of us. Pillows were as hard as rocks and the bed was super springy. I still have a backache 2 days later.
We were on a rod trip for 2+ weeks and decided to take 1 extra night in Santa Barbara. The room size could barely fit our 2 pieces of luggage and 2 small puppies. VERY Claustrophobic

Aug. 29, 2020

Ants & thin walls

When we arrived 30 minutes after making our reservation- they said come back in an hour because it wasn’t in their system. (Even tho I had a conf #) We waited in the parking lot.
We were on the first floor, to what we though would be a great stay! We could literally hear EVERY step (more like a thump) of the 2nd floor- even when they got up at 2am to use the bathroom.

We also bought amazing cake from the Madonna Inn (you must do it!) and brought it to the room to eat later. Within an hour ANTS!!! we’re climbing all over the boxes. What the heck?!

The beds were sub par.

Breakfast- they were out of one of the three, refusing to make more and skimped on the bacon for 1 of our servings so they could have enough for the people behind us (again not wanting to make more) Just seemed very lazy, in fact one of the workers was complaining about the laziness and how people congregating while waiting for eggs was a big no no!

This would have been a 1 Star but they had availability

I’ve def stayed at better places for the cost. But I guess SLO is a little pricey? Also the town itself... I had to go to 3 different coffee shops to find one open at 10am!! So very strange. If you can afford a better spot do it or skip staying in SLO all together.

Aug. 29, 2020

Nice for our 8hours

We had a brief brief stay mid road trip but were treated nicely. Food was great. Beautiful spot. The only thing that rubbed me the wrong way was the bartender told us it was last call... and when we went up stairs to get our pups and take them on a walk... when we came back, people were still getting served drinks. Seemed very biased and I was put off. Construction was happening EVERYWHERE on this side of town, so walking around with the dogs wasn’t exactly pretty or peaceful but we were only there to sleep and go.
Bathrooms were nice. Big showers. Comfy bed. Room service even during covid which is a HUGE plus.

Aug. 29, 2020

Best stay yet!!!

We’ve been on a road trip for 2 weeks, bouncing btwn dog friendly hotels and camping all over the country. And I have to say... this was the BEST lodging we have experienced in a long time!!! I wasn’t sure what to expect being a Holiday In Express... but let’s just say when we woke up our first morning there I called the front desk and extended our stay one more night.

The staff was awesome and accommodating. Beds 5stars. Seriously the best sleep I’ve had in years!!!!! Free breakfast during covid were Jimmy Dean breakfast sandwiches, fruit, yogurt and more (this was a nice treat as most places just offer pastries & cereal during covid)
The pool!!!!! Gorgeous views, and dog friendly on the patio. (No swimming for them but still! Not many places you can hang poolside with your pup!)
The restaurant across the street was so so good. And coming from San Francisco and being slightly food snobby... wow!! The set up was beautiful too.

I mean it’s hard to go wrong in Zion BUT I would come back just to have a relaxing stay at this spot even if it were in the middle of no where ❤️

Aug. 28, 2020