Escape to Paradise: Bayfront Inn Morro Bay Awaits!
Escape to Paradise: Bayfront Inn Morro Bay - My Messy, Honest (and Sometimes Overwhelmed) Review!
Okay, so I just got back from a stay at the Bayfront Inn in Morro Bay, and frankly? My emotions are all over the place. Let's just say this isn’t a perfectly polished travel brochure – this is real life, with all its imperfections and, yeah, occasional triumphs. Buckle up, buttercups, because we’re diving in!
First Impressions (and the Initial Panic Attack):
Right, so the name hyped it up: "Escape to Paradise." Morro Bay is gorgeous, I'll give them that. But paradise? My blood pressure spiked just a little upon arrival. Parking was… well, let's just say I spent a solid 15 minutes circling the carpark, praying to the parking gods for a spot. (Thankfully, it's Car park [free of charge]. Phew.) Finding the entrance was a bit of a scavenger hunt in itself, leading me to momentarily forget about the hotel chain fact. The exterior corridor felt a bit… motel-ish. But hey, Exterior corridor! And while it wasn't an instant "Wow!" moment, the view, though, was… okay, it was pretty damn amazing. I mean, Pool with view? Yep. Definitely living up to some of the hype.
Accessibility and Safety… because, hello, are we living in 2024?!
Alright, straight up: accessibility is a HUGE deal for me. The good news? Facilities for disabled guests are listed. I didn't need them, but it’s reassuring. The front desk staff seemed chill and friendly, and I like that there is Front desk [24-hour]. The whole place feels pretty safe, with CCTV in common areas and CCTV outside property, plus Security [24-hour]. I saw Fire extinguisher and, crucially, Smoke alarms. Makes ya feel slightly less like you’re about to be a human marshmallow, right? Plus, Non-smoking rooms are a big bonus for my sensitive sinuses, and the air felt fresh (or at least, I'd assume it'd be if someone was smoking on the area)
Cleanliness and Safety (Covid-era Edition):
Look, I'm still a little jumpy about germs. So, I was happy to see the Anti-viral cleaning products being used. They advertised Rooms sanitized between stays and a bunch of other precautions. The staff seemed to know their stuff, wearing their gear and being attentive and well trained in safety protocols (Staff trained in safety protocol). There was Hand sanitiser everywhere and a Cashless payment service, which I'm all about. I felt a little more at ease after all of this.
My Room: Fortress of Solitude… Plus a Refrigerator!
Okay, the room itself. Not bad! I definitely appreciated having Air conditioning because Morro Bay can get a bit… unpredictable weather-wise. The Blackout curtains were a lifesaver (because I'm an expert sleeper). And the Wi-Fi [free] worked like a charm. Complimentary tea and Coffee/tea maker were essential for my morning ritual, and the refrigerator was a lifesaver, allowing me to make sure I can drink my evening cold drinks. I might be getting lazy. Having an additional toilet was also convenient. The small details made a difference, like the Mirror and Hair dryer, even if I didn't fully appreciate them.
One thing I've learned is that the little things matter the most, so being able to have a desk also made me happy. I appreciated the fact that the daily housekeeping was on top of daily tasks. The Safe/security feature was also a good thing to have, which is the In-room safe box.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: Fueling the Adventure (or maybe just avoiding hangry meltdowns).
Right, the food. This is where it gets… messy, again. They offer a Breakfast [buffet] but I am more a fan of a smaller, local Breakfast takeaway service, even though I did not request it. They had a Coffee/tea in restaurant, but I didn’t grab it. I also did not spend time to enjoy the Happy hour. There is a Poolside bar.
They have Restaurants but you would have to go to it because the Room service [24-hour] is not an available option.
Things To Do (or how I tried to relax, unsuccessfully):
I'm not a big spa person, but they have one. Spa, Spa/sauna, Steamroom. There is also a Fitness center and the option of the Sauna.
Things To Do (or how I tried to keep busy):
Morro Bay itself is the star. The town is super cute and has Things to do. There’s a Shrine, for those into spiritual exploration.
The "Behind the Scenes" Stuff (aka Services and Conveniences):
Okay, this is the stuff that keeps the whole operation running. I noticed Daily housekeeping. It seemed to be a big operation as the staff had to do a lot of things. The Concierge was nice.
For the Kids (because, you know, some people travel with them):
I didn’t have any kids with me, so I didn’t experience their offerings.
Getting Around (because you can't just be in Morro Bay, you have to go places):
They had Car park [on-site] and had everything for you. I also did not use the Taxi service.
My Final Verdict?
Look, the Bayfront Inn Morro Bay isn't perfect. But it's got location, location, location. It's a solid, user-friendly spot with some great views. If you're looking for a stress-free getaway, it might not be the absolute “escape to paradise” they promise, but it's a good base camp for exploring this beautiful area. And hey, at least you’ll probably get a parking spot… eventually. Now if you could excuse me, I'm going to go find a beach to walk on.
Laguna Beach's Hidden Gem: Capri Laguna's Beachfront Bliss!
Okay, buckle up, buttercup, because this isn't your grandma's travel itinerary. This is the Morro Bay itinerary, Bayfront Inn style. And trust me, it's going to be a wild ride. Prepare for the kind of travel that makes you question your life choices… in the best possible way, hopefully.
Morro Bay: A Messy, Honest, and (Hopefully) Hilarious Adventure (Bayfront Inn Edition)
Day 1: Arrival and the Great Clam Chowder Quest
- 1:00 PM: Arrive at the Bayfront Inn. (Uhhh, hoping for a good room! Last time, the "ocean view" was mostly "parking lot with a teeny sliver of ocean.") Check-in. Pray the key card works.
- 1:30 PM: Room check. Okay, acceptable. A little bit of a stale air smell, but nothing a quick spritz of that travel-sized Febreze can't handle. The view… is indeed better than the parking lot of my last visit. Progress!
- 2:00 PM: The stomach grumbles. Commence the Clam Chowder Quest! This is serious business. First stop: Tognazzini's Dockside Restaurant. (Recommended by a friend, but those places are always hit or miss, right?)
- 2:30 PM: Tognazzini's: Chowder acquired. Oh. Em. Gee. This is… a contender. Thick, creamy, with a hint of something… delicious. (I'm not an expert, but I like it.) Ate it so fast I didn't even take a picture. Rookie mistake.
- 3:30 PM: Stroll along the Embarcadero. Observe the sea otters. They're unbelievably cute, but I swear one gave me a side-eye. Like, "Yeah, you and your chowder. We're watching you."
- 4:30 PM: Second chowder attempt! (Yes, I'm on a mission.) This time it's at Dutchman's Seafood House. Their deck looks inviting. Sun, water, chowder… what could go wrong?
- 5:00 PM: The deck is paradise. The chowder, though? Not a contender. Thin, watery, and tasting vaguely of sadness. (Sorry, Dutchman's, but you failed the quest.)
- 6:00 PM: Back to the Bayfront Inn. Admire the (now) beautiful sunset. Reflect on the highs (Tognazzini's) and the lows (Dutchman's). Chowder is a cruel mistress.
- 7:00 PM: Dinner. Probably some leftovers from Tognazzini's. Or, you know, whatever random snacks I bought at the gas station earlier. Don't judge.
- 8:00 PM: Relax. Watch some TV. (Probably a cheesy rom-com. Don’t tell anyone.)
- 9:00 PM: Bedtime. Ready for tomorrow. Hopefully, I will be smarter when it comes to chowder.
Day 2: Bay Explorations and the Ultimate Kayak Shenanigans
- 8:00 AM: Wake up. Coffee! Coffee! Coffee! (The hotel coffee is… well, it’s coffee.) Need to hit up a decent cafe ASAP.
- 9:00 AM: Breakfast. Find a charming coffee shop. Grab a pastry. Fuel up for adventures.
- 10:00 AM: Kayak time! This is where things could get interesting. (I'm not exactly a water sports expert, but I am adventurous… or, more accurately, easily convinced.) Head over to Kayak Shack or Central Coast Outdoors to rent.
- 10:30 AM - 1:00 PM: Kayaking! This is the part of the trip where I fully commit to getting sunburnt. This is NOT something I'm trying to avoid at all! Paddle around the estuary. Try (and probably fail) to look graceful. Expect to get splashed. Expect to see some amazing wildlife. Expect to almost tip over at least once. (And hope nobody's watching!) Also, I'm going to get SO many photos! Like, a ridiculous amount. Let's hope they're good.
- 1:00 PM: Kayak return. Limp back. Probably smelling of the ocean. Triumph!
- 1:30 PM: Lunch. Something fast because I'm starving after that workout. (Okay, it felt like a workout.) Burger? Pizza? Decisions, decisions… I'm probably going to end up eating something covered in cheese.
- 2:30 PM: Time for the beach. Hit up Morro Strand State Beach. Walk on the sand. Possibly build a pathetic sandcastle. (It helps to pretend I'm a kid again.)
- 4:00 PM: Drive up to Morro Rock. Take a million photos. (It's mandatory.)
- 5:00 PM: The world's best fish and chips from Frankie and Lola's. (My opinionated opinion). The food is absolutely delicious. Also, admire the sunset from the back of the restaurant.
- 6:00 PM: More chill time. This is when my brain needs a break.
- 7:00 PM: Watch the sunset. Reflect on the day. Think about how amazing those fish and chips were.
- 8:00 PM: Bed. So tired.
Day 3: Farewell and the Longing for a Return
- 8:00 AM: Breakfast. Gotta get that coffee fix.
- 9:00 AM: One final stroll along the Embarcadero. Soak it all in. (The sea air, the salty vibes, the whole shebang.)
- 10:00 AM: Check out of Bayfront Inn. Sigh.
- 10:30 AM: Buy some souvenirs. Anything from Morro Bay.
- 11:00 AM: Final chowder attempt. (One last shot!)
- 12:00 PM: Head home. Think about the trip. Take the time to make mental notes about the things to prepare for next time.
- 1:00 PM: Start planning the next trip to Morro Bay. I'll be back… and maybe, just maybe, I'll actually learn how to kayak.
- Every day after: Missing Morro Bay. And the chowder. Always the chowder.
So, is this "Escape to Paradise" thing actually...paradise? Because let's be honest, marketing lies.
Alright, alright, let's get this out of the way. Marketing *always* exaggerates. Remember that burger ad? Yeah, felt like a total betrayal. Paradise? No. Not *exactly*. But Morro Bay? It's got a certain...vibe. I’m talking about the kind of vibe where you can stroll on the Embarcadero, smell the sea, and realize you haven't checked your work email in, like, a full day. That, my friends, is a win. The Bayfront Inn... well, it's a solid launching pad for that vibe. It's like, a friendly, well-worn pair of hiking boots, not a gleaming spaceship. Comfortable and gets the job done.
What's the *room* like? Because tiny rooms are my personal nightmare.
Okay, room situation. Look, I've stayed in places where you could barely swing a cat (not that I condone cat-swinging, just for the sake of the metaphor!). The rooms here are…decent. Not palatial. Don't expect a king-sized bed you can roll around on for hours. *But* they're clean (thank GOD), most have a decent view of the bay (worth it!), and the bed was surprisingly comfy. I’m telling you, after a long day of eating fish tacos (more on that later), that bed was a freaking angel’s cloud. Seriously. I slept like a rock. One minor gripe: the bathroom lighting gave me some *serious* "reality check" vibes in the mornings. Let's just say, it's bright. Very bright.
That view...is it really as stunning as the pictures? Because, again, marketing...
Listen. The pictures are…pretty accurate! The views from the rooms facing the Embarcadero and Morro Rock? GOLD. Pure. Freaking. Gold. I swear, I sat on the balcony one evening with a glass of wine (BYOB, FYI -- another plus!) and just stared. The colors of the sunset over the water? Unbelievable. Seriously. Unbelievable. Morro Rock itself is just… majestic. It's HUGE. It's imposing. And the light? Oh, the light. I may have shed a tear or two. Don't judge. I’m a sucker for a good sunset.
Okay, enough about the views! What’s the *location* really like? Can you actually walk anywhere?
Location, location, location! This is where the Bayfront Inn really… shines. You’re literally *on* the Embarcadero. Like, step out the door and you're *there*. Restaurants? Walkable. Shops? Walkable. All the cute little harbor seals basking in the sun? WALKABLE. The whole thing feels super chill, super walkable. I even managed to get to some decent coffee shops *and* get some of that amazing fish taco action I promised. It's the kind of place where you can leave your car parked and just… wander. Free yourself. It's glorious. (Okay, maybe the parking *was* slightly tricky at times, but totally manageable.)
Tell me about the breakfast. Because a good breakfast can make or break a stay.
Breakfast… well, breakfast is included. It’s a continental breakfast. So, manage your expectations. Think cereals, pastries, juice, coffee, maybe some fruit. It's not a gourmet experience, alright? But, it is free, and it does the job. It’s enough to get you fueled up for a day of exploring. Okay? You’re not going to write home about the breakfast, but you won't starve. My advice? Grab a pastry and a coffee, then load up on that amazing Morro Bay sunshine. Problem solved.
Is it good for… families? Romance? Solo travel?
Alright, let's break it down:
- Families: Yeah, totally. It’s a relaxed vibe. The location is great for kids (parks, activities, all nearby).
- Romance: Absolutely! Cozy rooms, amazing sunsets, romantic walks... Bring your significant other, pop the champagne, and have a good time.
- Solo Travel: YES! I loved it. Felt completely safe, comfortable, and free to do my own thing. Read a book, sit on the balcony, and soak up the views. Pure bliss. Honestly, I think it's perfect for solo travelers. It's the kind of place where you *can* strike up a conversation with someone if you want to, or just be perfectly content in your own company. I am a solo traveler and I would recommend it to other solo travelers. I had a great time and felt totally comfortable. It's a great place to unwind and just be.
The fish tacos. You've mentioned them. *Where* do I get these magical fish tacos? And also, is there a jacuzzi?
Alright, fish taco intel is *crucial*. *Crucial*, I tell you! Okay, so I went to Taco Temple. I’m not saying it’s the *only* place, but, man. Those tacos… *chef’s kiss*. Get the grilled fish. Trust me. Get extra napkins. You'll need them. And the jacuzzi. The jacuzzi is… there. It gets the job done. It’s not a luxury spa experience. It just kind of sits there and bubbles. I mean, hey, after a day of walking around and eating tacos, a slightly-less-than-luxurious jacuzzi is still pretty darn good. Actually, yeah, the jacuzzi was pretty great after all. Take a look at the sunset at the Bayfront Inn's jacuzzi - you'll thank me later. But seriously, get the fish tacos. They are the real star of this show.
Are there any downsides I should be aware of? (Be honest!)
Okay, let's get real. Nothing is perfect. The parking situation can be a bit of a *nightmare* at peak times. Seriously, I circled the block for a good twenty minutes one evening. And the Wi-Fi… well, it’s okay. Don't expect lightning-fast streaming. It's fine for checking emails, but not if you're dependent on it. And the decor is a little… dated. Think "classic motel" rather than "boutique hotel." But honestly, for me, those downsides were outweighed by the location, the view, and the overall chill vibe. But if you need a super-modern, super-luxe experience, this might not be for you. But if you’re after a relaxing, comfortable, and convenient base for exploring Morro Bay? You’re good toBook Hotels Now
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