The Vibe: Surf-shack chic.

The Area: In the easygoing California city that’s almost exactly midway between San Francisco and Los Angeles off the cliff-hugging Route 1. Streets brim with art, culture, independent shops and character-filled cafés (there’s been a ban on drive-thrus since the 1980s). Just beyond, you’ll find surfers’ paradise Pismo Beach, dramatic coastal hikes and the vineyards of on-the-rise wine region Paso Robles.

The DNA: The San Luis Creek Lodge is a boutique hotel that has been reborn with a modern aesthetic fusing contemporary farmhouse influence with an indie-inspired Central Coast flavor. The white-clad exterior is accented by bold black elements. The previously dark, Old English-style interiors were transformed into an elevated yet easygoing environment with three different room palette – blue, green, and black – bringing California’s beautiful light indoors, with natural materials like white oak floors, cane headboards, and grasscloth wallpaper.

Suite-Me-Up: The 25 rooms are spread across four buildings. Cosy couples should opt for a Premiere King – snuggle up around the gas fireplace on windy winter nights. There’s no room service, but you’ll find local wine and beer, healthy Erewhon snacks and not-so-healthy truffle potato chips in your minibar.

Seen: Hospitality Design

✅ free Wi-Fi • size matters: 25 rooms (27-32m2) (291-344 sq ft) • hotel opened: 2020 • interior design: Nina Freudenberger • bathroom amenities: Aesop ✅ free off-site parking • pets allowed on request