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Shell Beach Inn

2.0 star property
Hotel in Pismo Beach with free parking

Choose dates to view prices

Photo gallery for Shell Beach Inn

Outdoor pool, sun loungers
Room 11 - King One Bedroom Suite | Private kitchen | Mini-fridge, microwave, coffee/tea maker
Exterior
Room 7 Queen/Queen | Individually decorated, individually furnished, iron/ironing board
Room 11 - King One Bedroom Suite | Individually decorated, individually furnished, iron/ironing board

Reviews

9.6 out of 10
Exceptional

Popular amenities

  • Housekeeping
  • Air conditioning
  • Free WiFi

Explore the area

View in a map
653 Shell Beach Rd, Pismo Beach, CA, 93449
  • Place, Pismo Preserve
    ‪1 min drive‬
  • Place, Pismo Beach Pier
    ‪4 min drive‬
  • Place, Monarch Butterfly Grove
    ‪5 min drive‬
  • Airport, San Luis Obispo, CA (SBP-San Luis Obispo County Regional)
    ‪15 min drive‬

Room options

View all photos for Room 1 - Queen & Double Room

Room 1 - Queen & Double Room | Individually decorated, individually furnished, iron/ironing board

Room 1 - Queen & Double Room

8.4 out of 10
Very good
(5 reviews)
  • 225 sq ft
  • Sleeps 4
  • 1 Queen Bed and 1 Double Bed

View all photos for Room 2 - King Room

Room 2 - King Room | Individually decorated, individually furnished, iron/ironing board

Room 2 - King Room

9.4 out of 10
Exceptional
(11 reviews)
  • 225 sq ft
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 King Bed

View all photos for Room 6 - Queen & Double Room

Room 6 - Queen & Double Room | Individually decorated, individually furnished, iron/ironing board

Room 6 - Queen & Double Room

9.6 out of 10
Exceptional
(10 reviews)
  • 220 sq ft
  • Sleeps 4
  • 1 Queen Bed and 1 Double Bed

View all photos for Room 7 Queen/Queen

Room 7 Queen/Queen | Individually decorated, individually furnished, iron/ironing board

Room 7 Queen/Queen

9.2 out of 10
Wonderful
(5 reviews)
  • 220 sq ft
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Queen Beds

View all photos for Room 3 - King Room

Room 3 - King Room | Individually decorated, individually furnished, iron/ironing board

Room 3 - King Room

9.8 out of 10
Exceptional
(10 reviews)
  • 225 sq ft
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 King Bed

View all photos for Room 9 - King Room

Room 9 - King Room | Individually decorated, individually furnished, iron/ironing board

Room 9 - King Room

9.2 out of 10
Wonderful
(9 reviews)
  • 225 sq ft
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 King Bed

View all photos for Room 8 - Double / Double Room

Room 8 - Double / Double Room | Individually decorated, individually furnished, iron/ironing board

Room 8 - Double / Double Room

9.6 out of 10
Exceptional
(7 reviews)
  • 195 sq ft
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Double Beds

View all photos for Room 5 - Queen Room

Room 5 - Queen Room | Individually decorated, individually furnished, iron/ironing board

Room 5 - Queen Room

9.4 out of 10
Exceptional
(3 reviews)
  • 210 sq ft
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 Queen Bed

View all photos for Room 4 - Queen Room

Room 4 - Queen Room | Individually decorated, individually furnished, iron/ironing board

Room 4 - Queen Room

10.0 out of 10
Exceptional
(11 reviews)
  • 210 sq ft
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 Queen Bed

View all photos for Room 11 - King One Bedroom Suite

Room 11 - King One Bedroom Suite | Individually decorated, individually furnished, iron/ironing board

Room 11 - King One Bedroom Suite

10.0 out of 10
Exceptional
(3 reviews)
  • 775 sq ft
  • Mountain view
  • Sleeps 4
  • 1 King Bed and 1 Double Sofa Bed

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About the neighborhood

Pismo Beach

Located in Shell Beach within a 5-minute walk of Margo Dodd Park, Shell Beach Inn is within a 15-minute stroll of Dinosaur Caves Park. This 10-room hotel welcomes guests with conveniences like an outdoor pool, free in-room WiFi, and free self parking.

What's nearby

  • Pismo Preserve - 1 min drive - 0.0 miles
  • The Spa at Dolphin Bay - 2 min drive - 1.6 miles
  • Pismo Beach Pier - 4 min drive - 3.2 miles
  • Pismo Beach Premium Outlets - 4 min drive - 3.7 miles
  • Monarch Butterfly Grove - 5 min drive - 4.1 miles

Getting around

  • Grover Beach Station - 12 min drive
  • San Luis Obispo County Regional Airport (SBP) - 17 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Old West Cinnamon Rolls - ‬3 min drive
  • ‪Wooly's - ‬3 min drive
  • ‪Splash Café Pismo Beach - ‬3 min drive
  • ‪Giuseppe's Cucina Italiana - ‬3 min drive
  • ‪Blast & Brew - ‬2 min drive

About this property

Shell Beach Inn

Hotel in Pismo Beach with free parking
Guests of Shell Beach Inn enjoy features like an outdoor pool, free WiFi in public areas, and express check-in. Free parking is included with your stay. Front-desk staff can help with concierge services, and provide local restaurant recommendations. This hotel also has express check-out.
Guests can expect free WiFi and 40-inch flat-screen TVs with cable channels. Microwaves, coffee makers, and ceiling fans are other standard amenities. Change of towels is available on request.
Recreational amenities at the hotel include an outdoor pool.

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Property amenities

Internet

  • Available in all rooms: Free WiFi
  • In-room WiFi speed: 25+ Mbps
  • Available in some public areas: Free WiFi

Parking and transportation

  • Free uncovered self parking on site

Things to do

  • Outdoor pool

Family friendly

  • In-room microwave
  • Mini-fridge
  • Outdoor pool

Conveniences

  • Limited-hour front desk

Guest services

  • Change of towels on request
  • Concierge services
  • Housekeeping (daily)

Outdoors

  • Pool loungers

Accessibility

  • If you have requests for specific accessibility needs, please contact the property using the information on the reservation confirmation received after booking.
  • No elevator (single-level property)
  • Well-lit path to entrance

More

  • Designated smoking areas

Room amenities

Bedroom

  • Bedsheets provided

Bathroom

  • Hair dryer
  • Towels provided

Entertainment

  • 40-inch flat-screen TV with premium cable channels

Food and drink

  • Coffee/tea maker
  • Free bottled water
  • Microwave
  • Mini-fridge

More

  • Air conditioning
  • Ceiling fan
  • Heating
  • Individual decor
  • Individual furnishings
  • Iron/ironing board

Policies

Check-in

Check-in start time: 3:00 PM; Check-in end time: midnight
Express check-in available
Minimum check-in age: 18

Check-out

Check-out before 11:00 AM
Express check-out available

Special check-in instructions

The front desk is open daily from 2:00 PM - 6:00 PM
Front desk staffed during limited hours
If you are planning to arrive after 6:30 PM please contact the property in advance using the information on the booking confirmation

Access methods

Front desk (limited hours), smart lock

Pets

  • Service animals exempt from fees

Property payment types

Important information

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card, or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
This property accepts credit cards, debit cards, and cash
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher, a smoke detector, and a first aid kit
  • Check-in: 3:00 PM—-midnight
  • Check-out: 11:00 AM
  • Minimum check-in age: 18
The front desk is available during limited hours, and checking in and out are easy with express services. Driving? This property offers free parking.

We should mention

Details about charges, deposits, or other important information:

  • This property is managed by a professional host. The provision of housing is linked to their trade, business, or profession.
  • Charges for extra guests may apply and vary depending on the property's policy.
  • A cash deposit, credit card, or debit card for incidental charges, as well as a government-issued photo ID, may be required at check-in.
  • Special requests are subject to availability at the time of check-in and can't be guaranteed. Certain requests may come with additional charges.
  • This property accepts credit cards, debit cards, and cash.
  • Onsite safety features include a fire extinguisher, a smoke detector, and a first aid kit.

Additional information about polices, regulations, and more:

  • There are no elevators.
  • No rollaway or extra beds are available.

Frequently asked questions

Is a free cancellation option available at Shell Beach Inn?

Shell Beach Inn offers free cancellation on some room rates. For specific requirements, review the cancellation policy on our site.

What's there to see around Shell Beach Inn?

This hotel is situated in Shell Beach within a 10-minute walk of Margo Dodd Park and Dinosaur Caves Park. You'll also find Pismo Beach Pier and Avila Hot Springs within a short drive.

Is parking available on site at Shell Beach Inn?

Yes, uncovered self parking is offered for free at the hotel.

Does Shell Beach Inn include a casino?

No, Shell Beach Inn doesn't have a casino.

Is there an indoor pool at Shell Beach Inn?

No, this hotel doesn't have an indoor pool; however, there is an outdoor pool.

Is Shell Beach Inn a good place to stay for couples?

Couples staying at this hotel will appreciate amenities like an outdoor pool plus some guestrooms include kitchens and mountain views.

Are there hot tubs at Shell Beach Inn?

No, there isn't a spa tub at this hotel.

Does Shell Beach Inn have a restaurant that serves breakfast?

No, Shell Beach Inn doesn't have a restaurant that serves breakfast.

Does Shell Beach Inn allow pets to stay free of charge?

No, pets aren't allowed at Shell Beach Inn though service animals are welcome.

Does Shell Beach Inn have connecting rooms?

No, there aren't connecting guestrooms at this hotel.

How close is the airport from Shell Beach Inn?

The closest major airport to Shell Beach Inn is San Luis Obispo County Regional Airport (SBP), which is 10.4 mi away (17 minutes by car). Another top airport is Santa Maria, CA (SMX-Santa Maria Public), which is located 27.3 mi away (32-minute drive).

Are there rooms with balconies that I can book at Shell Beach Inn?

No, there aren't any guestrooms with balconies at Shell Beach Inn.

Shell Beach Inn Reviews

Reviews

9.6

Exceptional

Rating 10 - Excellent. 358 out of 432 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 52 out of 432 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 14 out of 432 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 5 out of 432 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 3 out of 432 reviews

9.8/10

Cleanliness

9.6/10

Staff & service

9.6/10

Amenities

9.6/10

Property conditions & facilities

9.6/10

Eco-friendliness

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Brian

Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Kenneth

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Very nice little inn. Rooms are great. Recently updated
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Carolina

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
great experience!
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

6/10 Okay

Alfred

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Location is great everything is in walking distance.Staff was friendly and rooms were nice.Only the bed was old and you rolled to the middle and had a hard time getting off of it . We had a good time and would stay again
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2025

8/10 Good

Sheila

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
This property is cozy. Price is right. Bed needs an upgrade. They did a lot here to make you feel comfortable and welcome.
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

8/10 Good

Leslie, El Dorado Hills

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Heard the freeway but the bed is super comfortable, coffee in room and newly renovated room, shower does need remodeling but towels and bedding new and high quality. Split unit for heating and air was great. Love the area and front desk employees are great
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Jorge

Traveled with family
Liked: Staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
The room was great loved all the extra pillows on the bed only complaint there was left over sushi in the refrigerator and the toilet seat was loose but other that that it was a beautiful room quit and intimate I will definitely book again
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Gaynor

Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Robert

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
My wife and I were greeted warmly at check-in. The room was charming and comfortable and the staff continued to be friendly throughout our stay. We were a short distance from excellent eateries and easy access to 101. We will return
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Fabio

Traveled with partner
Liked: Amenities
Amazing place
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

6/10 Okay

Valerie

The room was fine and check in was too. However, there was no hot water available for showers in the morning. I would not stay here again.
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

8/10 Good

Matthew

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Bathroom was outdated in our room.
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Gerald and Angela

Business traveler
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Dave

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
A hidden gem. The Shell Beach Inn provided a warm welcome and quirky decor with some nice extra touches such as popcorn and complimentary water. Nice location for sunsets at the nearby coast. Would stay there again.
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025

8/10 Good

Sylvia

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Charming little property. Rooms were s bit small but comfortable
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2025

8/10 Good

Verified traveler

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Great location- pick your room wisely!

This was our 2nd time staying at this property. We love the location and overall, it’s an old property that has been well renovated. We love the pool area and extra touches with complimentary bottled water, popcorn and playing cards. Check in was very easy but there is no staff on the property after 6:00. We were in room 9 which had a deck facing the trash cans and did have an odor of old hotel and we had issues with the old TV. We appreciate the cable tv but there was no remote for the actual TV and it was not a smart TV so we couldn’t get back to the cable when we accidentally pushed a button and we couldn’t stream anything. The ironing board was also broken and the room was very dark. I would recommend a different room if you want to be able to see and not have the odor of old hotel. We had previous takes in room 2 or 3 and had no issues.
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Alan

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Overall a nice experience
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025

8/10 Good

Jane

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The room was clean, which is important to me. The lighting could be improved; even with all the lights on, the room was a little dark. Bed was comfy, but the king mattress probably needs to be replaced. It was a little "lumpy." The location is perfect!
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Terri

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Really enjoyed our stay and will return. Staff and room were great.
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Anna, Hawthorne

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Christiane

Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities
Clean and comfortable, attention to details, and like the Shell Beach neighborhood!
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2025

8/10 Good

Rick

Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Diana, Sherman Oaks

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Very cute property! The rooms were very well appointed. They even gave us a little cooler full of ice because there is no ice machine. The only thing we didn’t like was the extremely squeaky bed that had a big dent in the middle! They should put in platform bed frames and get rid of those old metal frames! Overall, we loved our stay! Great location with a nice bike trail! And Zorro’s Cantina down the street…yum!
Stayed 1 night in May 2025

6/10 Okay

Kevin

Liked: Room comfort
Disliked: Cleanliness
The floors were filthy, my white Sox were black with dirt stains from walking around. The dark floors hide the dirt. Stayed one night and literally put towels on the floor after showering so I could put clean socks on for the shoes.
Stayed 1 night in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Bonnie

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
We had another wonderful stay at the Shell Beach Inn. Very clean room, very comfortable, I love the new A/C unit. The pool was very nice. I really appreciated the excellent communication with the office staff. We will definitely be back! Thank you.
Stayed 1 night in May 2025