Back Bay Inn

Hotels
9.2 (276 reviews)
1391 2nd Street , San Luis Obispo , us

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Facilities

Non-smoking rooms
Air conditioning
Family rooms
Pets allowed
Non-smoking throughout
Free wired internet
Internet access
Japanese garden

Review Highlights

Pros:
Great location
Friendly staff
Cons:
Room quality variability
Cleanliness issues

Categories

Cleanliness
8.54
Some reviews mentioned unpleasant odors and a lack of proper room temperature control.
Service
9.99
Staff described as friendly and helpful by multiple guests.
Location
9.55
Great views and proximity to dining options noted positively in several reviews.
Room Quality
8.5
Some guests expressed disappointment in room conditions and size, which affected their perception.
Amenities
9.03
Complimentary wine reception and dog-friendly services received positive feedback.
Value for Money
8.99
Mixed feedback on room quality for the price; guests suggested more expensive options may be better.
Food and Beverage
9.04
Coffee shop on site for breakfast received favorable mentions.
Overall Experience
9.99
Most guests enjoyed their stay, indicating a high likelihood of return despite some drawbacks.
* This sentiment is summarized by AI based on user reviews.
Updated at: 2026-01-09 04:29

Property Description

Welcome to Back Bay Inn, your oasis in San Luis Obispo!

Scenic Views and Serene Gardens
Indulge in the breathtaking sea views from select rooms' private terraces. Explore our lush garden, perfect for a morning stroll or evening relaxation.

Modern Comforts
Experience convenience with our rooms featuring well-equipped kitchens, including a fridge. Enjoy the freedom to prepare your meals just the way you like them.

Convenient Location
Located near major attractions such as Mission San Luis Obispo de Tolosa and California Polytechnic State University, our hotel offers easy access to the best of the area.

Ready to experience the perfect blend of comfort and convenience at Back Bay Inn? Book your stay now!

Important information:

Guests are required to show a photo ID and credit card upon check-in. Please note that all Special Requests are subject to availability and additional charges may apply.
This property does not accommodate bachelor(ette) or similar parties.

Check-in and check-out hours:
Check-out: 11:00 AM
Airport code: SBP

Location

Guest Reviews

9.2
Based on 276 reviews
Cleanliness: 8.54
Service: 9.99
Location: 9.55
Room Quality: 8.5
Amenities: 9.03
Value for Money: 8.99
Food and Beverage: 9.04
Overall Experience: 9.99
K
karal982 • Solo travel • Thousand Oaks, California
10
A gem on the bay
Pros:

I was pleasantly surprised when I rolled in yesterday to stay at this beautiful Inn. It is indeed on the water with a coffee place and several restaurants within a stone’s throw. It is a birder’s paradise. Lots of places to walk or sit and soak up the sun. Want to kayak? Just walk ten paces to the left and head out.

I was given a complimentary upgrade to a second floor view, room 212. During check in, complimentary wine hour, and check out, the staff were exemplary. I am a Hilton Diamond member and used to all the perks but this place exceeded every expectation. And yes, I second the towels. They are larger than the standard and quite plush. If you want a quiet oasis on the central coast, this is it.

2026-02-01 • via Tripadvisor
D
David • couple • us
9
Pros:

Back Bay says it all! Our room was right on the water! We were greeted and treated with great warmth; what an asset the team is for this property!

2026-01-29 • via Nuitee
S
steven • couple • us
10
Pros:

The staff was great. The room was super clean.

2026-01-26 • via Nuitee
R
Ronald • couple • us
10
Great getaway. Very comfortable. Had everything we needed.
Pros:

Views were great. Right on the eater. Dog friendly. Friendly staff. Great location.

Cons:

Nothing

2026-01-18 • via Nuitee
A
Annett • family_with_children • us
10
Come for the quiet, come back for the experience!
Pros:

I loved everything about this hotel. Great staff, the views were off the hook, semi-private patio, such a comfortable bed, huge room, lap blankets for star gazing, and bonus… the towels! Yes you read that right; the bath towels actually went all the way around. It was a first for me and the cherry on top. I highly recommended Back Bay Inn.

Cons:

There was nothing not to like. My stay was excellent.

2026-01-18 • via Nuitee
M
Melinda • extended_group • us
8
I love Back Bay Inn for the location and bedding options.
Pros:

A traveling companion was quite sick, and the staff allowed us a free late check out with option to book again for that night at a discounted rate if they were not feeling better -- I really appreciated this! Spending time in the gardens around the inn is wonderful.

Cons:

Very small bathroom.

2026-01-07 • via Nuitee
E
Elizabeth • couple • us
8
Pros:

Beautiful location and nice property--our second time there. It seems like staff/ownership may have turned over since last year, but new crew seemed friendly and service oriented. Guests no longer have access to a kitchen, but the nice woman at front desk brought us a microwave upon request.

Cons:

A few things disappointed, compared to last year. No breakfast voucher this time, and no access to kitchen. "Pet friendly" doesn't equate to $30 per night for the dog. Also, having a receptacle for pet waste would be nice. VERY hard to be responsible about that when you cannot find a can or dumpster anywhere.

2026-01-06 • via Nuitee
D
Danelle • couple • us
10
2026-01-03 • via Nuitee
T
Timothy • couple • us
10
2025-12-30 • via Nuitee
A
anareli • couple • us
10
2025-12-20 • via Nuitee
J
Johanna • couple • us
9
Pros:

The view of the bay was calming, the gardens were beautiful and we could to all the restaurants within minutes!

Cons:

Our fireplace didn't work.

2025-12-17 • via Nuitee
K
Kellen B • couple • us
10
Beautiful setting and hotel
Pros:

We loved our little cottage by the beach! It's in a great area of Los Osos with food options right next door. The staff was super friendly and the room was perfect. Dog friendly, too! Would absolutely stay here again!

Cons:

N/A

2025-12-09 • via Nuitee
L
Laura • couple • us
10
Relaxing spot near the bay! Great staff!
Pros:

Adored the view! Great location to see birds and the sea!

2025-12-04 • via Nuitee
J
Jennifer • couple • us
10
2025-11-16 • via Nuitee
D
David • couple • us
9
A relaxing stay on the bay shore
Pros:

The location is great, and the thing I enjoyed the most is the ability to walk along the shore right next to the Inn.

Cons:

It was a little cool, and I did not see any way to heat the room except for the bathroom, which did have a heater.

2025-11-02 • via Nuitee
K
Kathryn • solo_traveller • us
9
2025-10-18 • via Nuitee
J
JEREMY • couple • us
8
2025-10-18 • via Nuitee
B
Bruce • extended_group • us
9
Pros:

Complimentary wine bar and beautiful outside areas to sit.

2025-10-17 • via Nuitee
S
Sun-Inn • couple • us
10
2025-10-16 • via Nuitee
T
Terence • couple • gb
8
Pros:

Lovely; friendly staff and warm welcome.

Cons:

Disappointed not to have a bay view - this is the main selling point for the facility; this could be made clearer in the booking options.

2025-10-14 • via Nuitee