Morro Bay's Hidden Gem: Pleasant Inn's Unforgettable Stay!
Morro Bay's Hidden Gem: Pleasant Inn's Unforgettable Stay!
Morro Bay's Hidden Gem: Pleasant Inn's Unforgettable (and Slightly Chaotic) Stay! - A Review from a Real Person (That's Me!)
Okay, folks, buckle up. This ain't your glossy, perfectly-edited hotel review. Nope. This is the truth about Pleasant Inn in Morro Bay, a place that bills itself as a hidden gem, and, well, it kinda is. But be warned, it's a gem with a few… idiosyncratic facets.
First Impressions (and a bit of a scramble):
Finding Pleasant Inn felt like a treasure hunt. The GPS took me on a scenic route of Morro Bay that included a few questionable alleyways. Eventually, there it was, tucked away just a stone's throw from the iconic Morro Rock. The exterior? Pleasant, yes, but definitely not "Instagram-ready" if you're into that sort of thing. More like a solid, dependable, well-loved grandma's house.
Accessibility? (Because let's be real, it matters):
Now, here's where Pleasant Inn deserves serious kudos. They REALLY try. They claim "Facilities for disabled guests," and, honestly, I saw it. My friend uses a wheelchair, and while the approach ramp could be smoother, the elevator was functioning, and the rooms, from what I could see, were thoughtfully designed. They even have "Wheelchair Accessible" rooms listed - a huge win in my book. They weren't available for our stay, but the intention is there, and that counts for a LOT. This is a big plus for anyone considering a stay!
Cleanliness and Safety – Pandemic Edition (because, sigh):
Look, I've become a germaphobe since 2020, and I was watching EVERYTHING. Let me tell you, Pleasant Inn takes it seriously. They mention "Anti-viral cleaning products," "Daily disinfection in common areas," and "Rooms sanitized between stays." I saw staff wiping down surfaces constantly. Honestly, it made me feel safe enough to relax, which is saying something. They even offered "Room sanitization opt-out available" if you’re extra wary – a nice touch! They definitely had "Hand sanitizer" stations everywhere. Did they have "Sterilizing equipment" like they claim? I didn't see it, but honestly, the sheer amount of wiping already made me feel fairly secure. They also had "Staff trained in safety protocol."
The Room: My Sanctuary (Mostly):
We snagged a standard room, and honestly? It was comfortable. "Carpeting" – yes, old-school but clean. "Blackout curtains" – bless 'em, because Morro Bay light can be brutal. The "Bed was comfortable," and there was a "Coffee/tea maker" which is essential for me. They advertised "Free bottled water," and lo and behold, there it was! We even had "Complimentary tea!" (I'm a sucker for free tea.) They claim "Non-smoking" rooms, which I'm always thrilled about. The "Bathroom" was clean with a "Shower." They had "Toiletries," and they even provided "Slippers". The "Additional toilet" was a nice touch, but I didn't not see it. They did have "Towels," and all your basic amenities, and "Free Wi-Fi," which worked great, and even "Internet access – LAN" which I didn't bother to try, but hey, options!
Amenities and the "Things to Do" Rundown (with a side of opinion):
Okay, here's where things got interesting. Pleasant Inn claims a "Fitness center," a "Spa," and a "Pool with view." The "Fitness center," was okay. It had your basics, but let's just say it wasn't a premier gym. The "Pool with view" was lovely with an "Outdoor Swimming pool" open, and the view was spectacular. I can confidently say there was no "Spa" or "Sauna" or "Steamroom." While I didn't use the "Bicycle parking", I did use the "Car park [free of charge]," "Car park [on-site]," and they even have "Car power charging station." The "Terrace" was a perfect spot for a quiet moment with a coffee.
Food, Glorious Food (and a Few Hiccups):
The "Breakfast [buffet]"… well, let's just say it was a mixed bag. They tout "Asian breakfast," "Western breakfast," "Breakfast service," and "A la carte in restaurant" offerings. I'm not sure how "Asian breakfast" fits in, but it was all pretty basic. There was coffee, juice, fruit, and some hot items. "Individually-wrapped food options" also made me feel safe. Did I mention the "Coffee shop"? A small affair, but the coffee was decent.
The "Restaurants" situation was a little confusing They have a "Poolside bar" so I grabbed a quick snack there. They claim a “Bar,” but it was a bit like the Fitness Center – functional, but low-key. While I did not order any "Soup in restaurant", I saw a "Salad in restaurant". They also had "Bottle of water" available, but nothing extraordinary.
Services: Helpful or Overwhelmed?:
The staff, bless their hearts, were trying. "Front desk [24-hour]" was a lifesaver, especially when I locked myself out (oops!). They were friendly, and they tried to make you feel welcome. They offer "Concierge," "Dry cleaning," "Laundry service," and "Luggage storage." I used all of them, they were helpful, and worked out great. I did not try the "Babysitting service," but I did see some "Kids facilities."
The "Perfect" Experience (or, My Biggest Takeaway):
Here’s the thing. Pleasant Inn isn’t perfect. It’s not the Ritz. It’s got its quirks. But it's REAL. And that, believe it or not, is what I loved about it. It felt like a place run by real people who care. They have "Cashless payment service," so it worked really well for that aspect. They included a "Coffee/tea in restaurant" (I love coffee!)
My biggest takeaway?
Pleasant Inn is a great, accessible place to call home. It may not be the fanciest, but it has everything you need for a comfortable stay. It is not an overly decorated hotel, but it's a place where you can relax and enjoy the beauty of Morro Bay.
Quirky Observations & Imperfections – Because I'm Honest (and a Little Messy):
- The elevator, while functional, sounded like it was about to launch into orbit.
- The “Happy hour” came and went without me even realizing it was happening.
- I thought I lost my wallet. The staff helped me search, and even though I found it, I’ll never forget their honesty.
- The "Doorman" was, I kid you not, a friendly dog. (Okay, maybe I imagined that, but still… the staff were all genuinely nice).
My Verdict: Book It! (With a Few Reservations):
If you're looking for a polished, impersonal hotel experience, Pleasant Inn might not be for you. But if you want a clean, comfortable, and genuinely friendly stay in Morro Bay, with a strong emphasis on accessibility and safety, book it! It's a solid choice. It's got a "Car park [free of charge]". It has "Wi-Fi [free]". I give it a solid 4 out of 5 stars (dropping one for the slightly underwhelming "Spa experience").
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A Compelling Offer (Because You Deserve a Deal!)
Book your Unforgettable (and Slightly Chaotic) Escape to Pleasant Inn Today!
Tired of cookie-cutter hotel stays? Craving a genuine Morro Bay experience that's both comfortable and accessible? Then Pleasant Inn is calling your name! Enjoy our clean, safe rooms, convenient parking, and friendly staff—all just steps from the iconic Morro Rock.
Here's what you get:
- Guaranteed Cleanliness & Safety: We're committed to your well-being with rigorous cleaning protocols and accessible rooms!
- Free Wi-Fi: Stay connected with lightning-fast Wi-Fi throughout the hotel.
- Breakfast Included: Fuel your adventure! Enjoy a delicious breakfast to start your day.
- Unbeatable Location: Explore the beauty of Morro Bay.
Limited-Time Offer: Book your stay at Pleasant Inn this month and receive a 10% discount on your first night! PLUS, get a free bottle of wine at check-in to celebrate your escape.
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Bali's BEST Oceanfront Villa: Relax & Unwind in Luxury!
Alright, alright, buckle up buttercups, because this ain't your grandma's perfectly pruned travel itinerary. We're going to Morro Bay, baby! Specifically, the Pleasant Inn. Don't judge, the price was right, and hey, who am I to turn down a good deal? (Or a lukewarm continental breakfast, but more on that later.)
THE PLEASANT INN MORRO BAY: A MESSY, BEAUTIFUL ADVENTURE
Day 1: Arrival & Existential Dread (with a Side of Clam Chowder)
- 1:00 PM: ARRIVE in Morro Bay! OMG, the drive down the 101? STUNNING. Okay, I might have gotten a little car sick from the curves, but WORTH IT. The ocean just… it smells right. (Note to self: buy some overpriced "ocean breeze" air freshener for my apartment. I'm a cliché, sue me.)
- 1:30 PM: Check-in at the Pleasant Inn. Dude, the lobby carpet? A glorious, faded floral pattern that screams "1980s beach vacation." It's so gloriously un-modern. I kind of love it. And the gal at the front desk? Total gem. She's seen a million tourists come and go, but she still had a smile. Or maybe she was just used to me staring blankly, wide-eyed at the decor.
- 2:00 PM: Unpack. This felt like a momentous occasion. I’m not sure why, the room itself? Basic. Two beds, a mini-fridge, a TV that probably only gets 3 channels (spoiler alert: it does). But it's my space. My temporary, slightly depressing, but ultimately acceptable sanctuary amidst the wildness.
- 2:30 PM: Walk to the Embarcadero. Hunger pangs intensifying. Okay, maybe the existential dread is fueled by a blood sugar crash.
- 3:00 PM: Clam Chowder quest BEGINS! Okay, so I’m absolutely obsessed with trying the best clam chowder in town. Ended up at that restaurant everyone raves about. And? It was… good. Not mind-blowing, but solid. I'm still on the hunt for the PERFECT chowder, the one that’ll make me weep with joy. (The hunt continues!) Ate it overlooking the bay and watching the sea otters play. Utter perfection.
- 4:00 PM: A Stroll along the Embarcadero. Okay, back where I was, the sunset made me cry. I'm serious, I literally choked up. Like, a full-on, "This is too beautiful, I'm going to die happy" moment. The way the light hit Morro Rock… wow. Just wow. I bought a silly souvenir – a "Morro Bay OR BUST" bumper sticker. I'm so easily pleased.
- 6:00 PM: Dinner at [Name of restaurant]. Okay, this place was a total suggestion. The food? Adequate. The atmosphere? Loud. The company? Me, myself, and I. The best.
Day 2: Morro Rock Mania & Bird Brains (and Continental Breakfast Woes)
- 7:00 AM: Continental Breakfast! (Prepare yourself, folks, this is a journey). Let's just say "continental" is generous. It mainly consisted of slightly stale bagels, individually wrapped plastic-y muffins, and that suspiciously orange juice from a dispenser that I suspect is about 90% sugar. The coffee? Weak. I ended up grabbing a banana and sneaking back to my room. (Hotel room breakfast, I will never understand you.)
- 8:00 AM: The MORRO ROCK! Okay, so it's giant, and magnificent. I seriously stood staring at it for like, an hour. I'm pretty sure I saw a sea otter do a backflip. Or maybe I imagined it. The sea otters were so cute they were too much to handle.
- 9:00 AM: Beach Walk – Collected SEA SHELLS. Found a perfect, smooth shell. Already envisioning it as a paperweight. Or maybe I'll eat it. (Kidding! Probably.)
- 10:00 AM: Bird Watching- (My Attempt). I’m not a bird person. But! Morro Bay is a birding paradise. So I borrowed some binoculars from the front desk (seriously, that girl at the front desk is a saint). And I attempted to spot some feathered friends. Let’s just say I’m better at looking at birds than identifying them. Mostly saw seagulls and (very majestic) pelicans. Still, a pleasant experience.
- 12:00 PM: Lunch at [Restaurant Name] Back to the waterfront. The weather was perfect. I spent a solid hour staring at the ocean and feeling utterly… content.
- 2:00 PM: Shopping at the little shops. Okay, this is where things get interesting. See, my spending habits are absolutely atrocious. I came away with an unnecessary whale-themed mug, a "Morro Bay is My Happy Place" t-shirt (double down on the cliché!), and a handful of saltwater taffy.
- 4:00 PM: Morro Bay and the bay's best kept secret. I ended up in a small, family-owned antique store and stumbled across this old, dusty book. Reading the book under the setting sun, with the ocean's view. It was all I needed at that moment.
- 6:00 PM: Dinner at [another restaurant]. This time, I was rewarded with a restaurant that was pretty busy. I really enjoyed the food and company with local residents.
- 8:00 PM: The Sunset. The sunset again. I swear, this little town has the best sunsets.
Day 3: Farewell, Morro Bay (and a Vague Sense of Accomplishment)
- 7:00 AM: The final descent into the Breakfast Buffet of Doom. (I swear, the bagels tasted even staler today.) I loaded up a plate and had to eat it on the go.
- 8:00 AM: Check Out & Some Final Stares. I made sure to leave the room spotless. The girl at the front desk? Hugged me when I left (I swear it felt like it).
- 8:30 AM: One last drive along the Embarcadero.
- 9:00 AM: Leaving. I'm sad to leave. Okay, I know I'll be back.
Final Thoughts:
Morro Bay? It's not perfect. The Pleasant Inn is… well, it's pleasant. But that's the beauty of it. It’s real. It’s a little bit rough around the edges, a little quirky, and totally charming. I came, I ate (mostly clam chowder), I stared at the sunset, and I felt something I can't quite describe, but it was pure joy. And that, my friends, is a damn good vacation.
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Pleasant Inn: So...Pleasant? Let's Break It Down (and Did I Mention the Fog?)
Okay, Real Talk: Is Pleasant Inn *Actually* Pleasant? I've seen some mixed reviews...
Alright, buckle up. "Pleasant" is... well, it's a loaded word, isn't it? My experience? It depends on your definition. I'm a sucker for the old-school motel vibe, and Pleasant Inn *nails* that aesthetic. Think worn, not necessarily luxurious, but charming in a slightly wobbly kind of way. The lobby smells of...well, let's just say it's a combination of fresh ocean air and whatever cleaning products they use. And the owners? Sweet, salt-of-the-earth types. They're practically the stars of the show.
But mixed reviews are legit. The rooms? They're clean, which is the most important thing, but not exactly overflowing with modern amenities. Don't expect a rainfall showerhead. Think functionality with a side of "rustic charm." One time, the door to the room had a little bit of a struggle to open. It was like a daily workout—a little push, a bit of a shove. But hey, it sure made a great story later.
What's the Deal with the Location? I heard it's... foggy.
Oh, the fog. Morro Bay: population, humans, birds, and *fog*. The location is fantastic, *when* the fog decides to take a day off. You're practically spitting distance from the Embarcadero (home of the famous Morro Rock!), and a short drive from everything else. But the fog is a *thing*. I've seen days where you can barely see the hand in front of your face. Imagine trying to walk in that. It made me miss breakfast, and everything was always dripping with fog.
Pro Tip: Pack layers and embrace it. The fog can also create this ethereal, almost magical atmosphere. On those rare, brilliant days, the views are stunning. On foggy days? Well, you're forced to huddle inside with a cup of coffee and plot how to spend a day playing board games.
The Rooms - Are they actually clean? And do they have...bedbugs? (Shudders)
Okay, deep breaths. Bedbugs are *everybody's* nightmare. I never encountered any evidence of them at Pleasant Inn, but here's the deal: I'm a notoriously paranoid packer and a meticulous room inspector. I check *everything*. I've actually gotten good at it. I'd rate the cleanliness as "good," but not "spotless." There might be a stray hair or two in the bathroom, but nothing that caused me any major concern. The linens always *smelled* clean, and that's half the battle, right?
The rooms themselves are… functional. They're not the Ritz, but they're comfortable. Think comfortable but basic. The beds? Actually pretty good. I have to admit, I slept really well.
I've read about the "quirky" decor. Tell me *everything*.
Oh, the decor! It's… an experience. It's like they raided a thrift store in the 80s and thought *everything* was a great idea. Imagine floral bedspreads, possibly some very outdated artwork -- some of which is in the common area, a big mural of the sea, and… well, you get the picture. But it's part of the charm! It's like stepping back in time in the best possible way.
The weirdest part? I remember one room had a small, old television set with a very limited channel selection. But hey, who needs Netflix when you have the ocean views (weather permitting), right? That little TV felt like a strange piece of history. And there's something endearing about not having a million channels.
Is there a pool? Because, let's be honest, I like a pool.
No pool. Sorry. Morro Bay's Pacific waters are cold. Unless you're a polar bear, I'd recommend skipping the swim. But the ocean is right there! And there are plenty of things to do in Morro Bay that don't require swimwear.
The breakfast situation - spill the beans!
Oh, the breakfast. Okay, this is where Pleasant Inn really shines. It's a Continental breakfast, but a *good* one. Muffins, bagels, fruit? Usually. Coffee? Decent. But here's the key -- it's all served in their cozy breakfast area. I have to say, it was so welcoming.
But here's where it becomes a story. One morning, the toaster decided to be a bit… dramatic. Smoke started billowing, the toast was burning, and everyone, including the owners, was trying to figure out what was going on. It was chaos, in the most delightful way. Eventually, they got it sorted, and everyone laughed. And that, for me, captures the spirit of the place. Friendly faces, a slightly messy morning, and a shared experience that made it all feel… well, pleasant.
Would you stay there again? Be honest!
Absolutely. Honestly? Yes. Now, if I was looking for luxury and a spa experience, I wouldn't. But if I want something comfortable, reasonably priced, and with a boatload of character? I'd go back in a heartbeat. I'm a sucker for quirky places with a genuine feel. Plus, I want to see those owners again! They are so charming! And you will likely save money so you can go to the many places to eat, like the Great American Fish Co.
The Pleasant Inn isn't perfect, and maybe that's the point. It's real. It's honest. It's got character. And sometimes, that's exactly what you need. Just don't forget your layers and prepare to embrace the fog!
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