Shell Beach Inn

Hotels
9.2 (537 reviews)
653 Shell Beach Road , Pismo Beach , us

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Free
Children allowed

Facilities

Offsite parking discounted rates available
Parking
Non-smoking rooms
Air conditioning
Swimming pool
Luggage storage
Express check-in/check-out
Non-smoking throughout
Board games/puzzles
Concierge service
See all facilities

Review Highlights

Pros:
Friendly staff
Comfortable rooms
Good location
Clean facilities
Thoughtful amenities
Cons:
Cleanliness issues
Noise disturbances

Categories

Cleanliness
8.1
Room cleanliness received mixed reviews due to issues with flies and cleanliness in the shower.
Service
9.57
Staff received high praise for their hospitality and helpfulness.
Location
9.61
Guests highlighted the great location with easy access to the beach and nearby amenities.
Room Quality
9.56
Rooms were described as cozy and comfortable, with positive feedback on the overall aesthetics.
Amenities
9.09
The motel offered a nice pool and complementary items such as bottled water and snacks.
Value for Money
9.05
Guests felt the pricing was fair for the experience offered.
Food and Beverage
8.6
No specific mentions regarding food and beverage but adequate offerings in the area.
Overall Experience
9.98
Overall feedback was highly positive with many guests eager to return.
* This sentiment is summarized by AI based on user reviews.
Updated at: 2026-01-07 15:08

Property Description

Convenient Location

Located in Pismo Beach, Shell Beach Inn is in close proximity to popular attractions such as Clark Center for the Performing Arts and Mission San Luis Obispo de Tolosa. With California Polytechnic State University just 20 km away, our hotel offers a central location for both leisure and business travelers.

Comfortable Accommodation

Each room at Shell Beach Inn features modern amenities including a flat-screen TV, air conditioning, and a private bathroom with free toiletries. Some rooms even offer a relaxing patio for guests to unwind after a day of exploring the nearby beaches.

Nearby Beaches

Guests can enjoy easy access to Shelter Cove Beach, Margo Dodd Park Beach, and Eldwayen Ocean Park Beach, perfect for soaking up the sun or taking a leisurely stroll along the coast.

Ready to experience a relaxing stay in Pismo Beach? Book your room at Shell Beach Inn now and make unforgettable memories by the beach.

Important information:

Late night arrivals can be arranged and will be charge prepayment of the full amount.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.
Please inform of your expected arrival time in advance. You can use the Special Requests box when booking, or contact the property directly using the contact details in your confirmation.

Check-in and check-out hours:
Check-out: 11:00 AM

Property Policies

  • Parking

    Free private parking is possible on site (reservation is not needed).

  • Internet

    WiFi is available in all areas and is free of charge.

  • Children and extra bed policy

    Children of any age are allowed.
    Children up to and including 3 years old stay for free when using an available cot.
    Children up to and including 10 years old stay for free when using an existing bed.
    You haven't added any extra beds.
    Any type of extra bed or child's cot/crib is upon request and needs to be confirmed by management.

  • Pets

    Pets are not allowed.

Location

Guest Reviews

9.2
Based on 537 reviews
Cleanliness: 8.1
Service: 9.57
Location: 9.61
Room Quality: 9.56
Amenities: 9.09
Value for Money: 9.05
Food and Beverage: 8.6
Overall Experience: 9.98
C
cynthiabA1656NP • Family
10
Enjoyed Shell Beach Inn
Pros:

Our stay at Shell Beach Inn was very comfortable. The area is quiet and yet still near Pismo Pier. Loved the park nearby, walking distance. The staff was very friendly and helpful. Our room was comfortable and clean and had treats waiting. Had small housekeeping issue, but it was immediately addressed. It was nothing that would keep me from returning. Rates are very affordable. Thank you Shell Beach Inn for giving us a relaxing getaway,

2026-05-21 • via Tripadvisor
S
Sarah • solo_traveller • us
9
Great stay within walking distance of a few restaurants and ocean views, with wonderful Staff :)
Pros:

Great stay within walking distance of a few restaurants and ocean views, with very accommodating staff :)

Cons:

​The tide pools near Margo Dodd Park that I booked this location for no longer have access, but other than that great place to stay!

2026-05-21 • via Nuitee
M
Machuca • couple • us
10
2026-05-18 • via Nuitee
C
charliebZ310DI • Couples
10
A nice place to stay for the price!
Pros:

A couple blocks from the beach and Dinasour Park. Very comfortable and the pool was nice. The room was clean and comfortable. The price was reasonable considering the location. Check in was easy and personable.

2026-05-16 • via Tripadvisor
Y
Yan • couple • us
7
A good location although there are many choices
Pros:

Front desk staff - informative

Cons:

Noise from highway. We didnt use the ear plugs provided

2026-05-13 • via Nuitee
A
April • couple • us
8
2026-05-11 • via Nuitee
H
hollyk107 • Family • Culver City, California
8
Nice clean and comfortable suite in a small family owned motel.
Pros:

We enjoyed the suite at this small family owned motel. Large living room with comfortable sofa. Quaint, but well furnished...even had a small turntable in a suitcase with a stack of LPs, including Elvis and Barbra Streisand. Full sized kitchen appliances. Small pool was warm, but no lounge chairs for laying out. No jacuzzi.

2026-05-09 • via Tripadvisor
Q
Quest08537795541 • Couples
10
The 4 C's
Pros:

Cozy, comfortable, clean and courteous!
One of the cleanest plays we have stayed. Not super fancy, only 9 or ten units. We stayed in number 3 for 1 night on our south. Not a single complaint

2026-05-01 • via Tripadvisor
E
Escape782785 • Family
6
Meh.
Pros:

I was expecting a lot based on the reviews but I was overall disappointed. We had zero face to face interaction with the supposedly extra welcoming staff, the suite was not up to my personal standards as the plumbing was leaking, the street noise was bad, the bed was very uncomfortable, and the heat/ac situation was less than ideal. I'm a new parent of a CP student but I'm going to stay elsewhere next time.

2026-04-26 • via Tripadvisor
P
Pedro • family_with_children • us
10
2026-04-20 • via Nuitee
O
Odyssey13769341894 • Solo travel • Taylors, South Carolina
8
Pismo Gem
Pros:

Great stay at the Inn. Close to everything, cozy and quiet. Only drawback was the heavily fragranced laundry detergent used on the linens. Could be an issue for sensitive skinned people (like me).

2026-03-23 • via Tripadvisor
E
Elisabeth • extended_group • at
8
2026-03-11 • via Nuitee
G
Gustavo • couple • us
10
Very happy with the stay!
Pros:

Close to restaurants, the beach and liquor stores, love the feeling of it being like a cozy cabin! Clean and friendly staff!

Cons:

No complaints!

2026-03-08 • via Nuitee
P
pedrorQ9791HC • Family
10
Amazing
Pros:

Absolutely awesome we loved are stay I will recommend you guys everything was perfect thank you

2026-03-02 • via Tripadvisor
B
bjoann1117 • Couples • Bakersfield, California
10
Great Valentine’s weekend getaway!
Pros:

My husband and I loved the location! It was quiet, yet close enough to everything we wanted to do. Walkable to the beach and amazing views. The room had everything we needed.

2026-02-16 • via Tripadvisor
F
firstbasec0ach • Couples • Diamond Bar, California
10
Relaxed and Simple
Pros:

Easy check in, comfortable bed and clean. Close to restaurants and things to do , with several wineries in the area. Staff very friendly and accommodating .

2026-02-14 • via Tripadvisor
G
George • couple • us
10
Comfortable and close to everything
Pros:

Location. Price. Comfortable bed.

Cons:

Wasn't anything we didn't like

2026-02-14 • via Nuitee
M
marylA8751CX • Couples
10
Extremely pleasant!
Pros:

This was our second visit to Shell Beach Inn and it was just as wonderful as the first! Everything was perfect and my husband and I will definitely be back!

2026-02-01 • via Tripadvisor
C
cherylsC7191UM • Family
10
Would highly recommend this family owned and operated small inn. Very clean, well maintained property w/friendly people
Pros:

This was a great place to stay for what we needed. The people were wonderful and very friendly. Rooms and property were very clean and up to date.

2026-02-01 • via Tripadvisor
3
389sitac • Solo travel
10
A Sweet Gem in Shell Beach
Pros:

The Shell Beach Inn was a perfect little Gem to spend a few days at the Beach. The room was appointed well, Clean and comfortable and you can't beat the value. Very walkable to the beach, restaurants, bars and coffee shops.

2026-01-30 • via Tripadvisor