--- title: "Review: Hampton Inn & Suites San Luis Obispo" site: "The Quiet Vacationer" site_url: https://quietvacationer.com/ url: https://quietvacationer.com/2026/02/12/review-hampton-inn-suites-san-luis-obispo/ date_published: 2026-02-12 date_modified: 2026-05-05 author: "The Quiet Vacationer" categories: - "Hotel Reviews" - "Reviews" tags: - "Hampton Inn" - "Hilton" - "United States" --- # Review: Hampton Inn & Suites San Luis Obispo We stayed one night at [Hampton Inn & Suites San Luis Obispo](https://www.trip.com/t/zxzP7PfSWT2) towards the end of December 2025, as part of our road trip along the Pacific Coast Highway. After starting the day in Los Angeles and driving north, this hotel was exactly what we needed. It offered simple access with hassle-free parking, a comfortable bed, and breakfast included in the rate. The location was convenient too, with plenty of local amenities nearby. Trader Joe’s and Costco are both a short drive away for food, drinks, and any essentials you might have forgotten. ## Location The hotel is in San Luis Obispo, right off **Exit 200A** of U.S. Route 101 and Highway 1. This is very much a “road trip” part of the town, with a bunch of inns and motels nearby, including a Courtyard by Marriott. We picked the Hampton because it was cheaper on our dates, and because breakfast is included for all rooms (compared to the Courtyard by Marriott), which makes it a good value for a one-night stop. ![Exterior of Hampton Inn & Suites San Luis Obispo](https://cdn.quietvacationer.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/hampton-slo-1.jpg) *Exterior of Hampton Inn & Suites San Luis Obispo* ![Exterior of Hampton Inn & Suites San Luis Obispo](https://cdn.quietvacationer.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/hampton-slo-9.jpg) *Exterior of Hampton Inn & Suites San Luis Obispo* Here’s a daytime view of the entrance, given that we arrived pretty late the previous night. ![Exterior of Hampton Inn & Suites San Luis Obispo during the day](https://cdn.quietvacationer.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/hampton-slo-14.jpg) *Exterior of Hampton Inn & Suites San Luis Obispo during the day* ## Check-in Parking was free, and there were plenty of spaces when we arrived, which made check-in feel much less of a hassle. Right by the entrance, there were a few parking spots reserved for Hilton Diamond members. This was our first proper road trip in the United States, so I am not sure how common this is, but it was interesting to see it called out so explicitly. ![Hampton Inn & Suites San Luis Obispo reserved parking for Hilton Diamond members](https://cdn.quietvacationer.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/hampton-slo-18.jpg) *Hampton Inn & Suites San Luis Obispo reserved parking for Hilton Diamond members* Check-in itself was smooth. Hilton Gold and Diamond members get to pick two drinks and two snacks at the desk, which is a small perk. It’s a useful perk when you are arriving late and are feeling peckish. ![Hampton Inn & Suites San Luis Obispo snacks for Hilton Gold and Diamond members](https://cdn.quietvacationer.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/hampton-slo-21.jpg) *Hampton Inn & Suites San Luis Obispo snacks for Hilton Gold and Diamond members* ## The room We paid around US$125 for the night and booked a 2 Queen Beds Non-Smoking Room. For some reason, this was cheaper than the king rooms on our dates, so we went with the cheaper rate. We were assigned a room on level 3. As with most hotels in the United States, an ice machine can be found near the lift lobby of every floor. ![Hampton Inn & Suites San Luis Obispo hallway](https://cdn.quietvacationer.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/hampton-slo-8.jpg) *Hampton Inn & Suites San Luis Obispo hallway* The room was large, at around 33 sqm, and it felt spacious for a Hampton. With two queen beds, it can sleep up to four adults without feeling too cramped. We had plenty of space for opening our luggages too. ![Hampton Inn & Suites San Luis Obispo 2 Queen Beds Nonsmoking Room](https://cdn.quietvacationer.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/hampton-slo-2.jpg) *Hampton Inn & Suites San Luis Obispo 2 Queen Beds Nonsmoking Room* There was a built-in wardrobe with extra blankets, plus an ironing board and decent storage space. ![Built-in wardrobe of the Queen Room](https://cdn.quietvacationer.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/hampton-slo-4.jpg) *Built-in wardrobe of the Queen Room* The beds were comfortable, and there was also a small sofa by the bedside, which was nice to have. ![Hampton Inn & Suites San Luis Obispo 2 Queen Beds Nonsmoking Room](https://cdn.quietvacationer.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/hampton-slo-3.jpg) *Hampton Inn & Suites San Luis Obispo 2 Queen Beds Nonsmoking Room* A work desk was also provided, which is handy if you need to catch up on emails or plan the next day’s drive. Coffee pods and tea were available, along with takeaway cups. ![A work desk was provided within our Queen Room](https://cdn.quietvacationer.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/hampton-slo-5.jpg) *A work desk was provided within our Queen Room* A fridge and microwave were also in the room. I wish more hotels have a microwave oven somewhere in the hotel, because it is genuinely useful for heating up your food. This is one of those practical details that fits the Hampton roadside vibe perfectly. ![A fridge and microwave oven inside our Queen Room](https://cdn.quietvacationer.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/hampton-slo-10.jpg) *A fridge and microwave oven inside our Queen Room* The bathroom was large, and it came with a bathtub. ![The showers of the Queen Room came with a bathtub](https://cdn.quietvacationer.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/hampton-slo-6.jpg) *The showers of the Queen Room came with a bathtub* Toiletries were from Zero% by Gilchrist & Soames, with hand soap at the sink and shampoo, conditioner, and shower gel in the bath area. ![Toiletries were provided by Zero% of Gilchrist & Soames](https://cdn.quietvacationer.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/hampton-slo-7.jpg) *Toiletries were provided by Zero% of Gilchrist & Soames* ![Shampoo and shower gel were provided by Zero% of Gilchrist & Soames](https://cdn.quietvacationer.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/hampton-slo-12.jpg) *Shampoo and shower gel were provided by Zero% of Gilchrist & Soames* We were able to select our room in advance, so we chose one facing the front of the hotel. ![Hampton Inn & Suites San Luis Obispo 2 Queen Beds Nonsmoking Room](https://cdn.quietvacationer.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/hampton-slo-13.jpg) *Hampton Inn & Suites San Luis Obispo 2 Queen Beds Nonsmoking Room* Ours looked out towards Los Osos Valley Road and the hills of the Los Padres National Forest, and it was quiet. Rooms at the back face U.S. Route 101, so I would avoid those if you are a light sleeper. ![View of Los Osos Valley Road from our room](https://cdn.quietvacationer.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/hampton-slo-15.jpg) *View of Los Osos Valley Road from our room* ## The facilities ### Gym There is a small gym on the first floor with a decent spread of equipment, enough for a basic workout. It is not a destination fitness centre, but it is more than adequate if you want some cardio before getting back on the road. ![Hampton Inn & Suites San Luis Obispo gym on the first floor](https://cdn.quietvacationer.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/hampton-slo-22.jpg) *Hampton Inn & Suites San Luis Obispo gym on the first floor* ### Business centre There is also a small business centre. I agree it is not something most people will use, but having a printer can still be useful if you need to print a tour confirmation or last-minute paperwork. ![Hampton Inn & Suites San Luis Obispo business centre](https://cdn.quietvacationer.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/hampton-slo-16.jpg) *Hampton Inn & Suites San Luis Obispo business centre* ![Hampton Inn & Suites San Luis Obispo business centre with printer](https://cdn.quietvacationer.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/hampton-slo-17.jpg) *Hampton Inn & Suites San Luis Obispo business centre with printer* ### Pantry Next to the reception is the usual snack pantry, with drinks, ice cream, and some wine. Prices are what you would expect from a hotel pantry, so we treated it as a backup option rather than something we would actively buy from, especially with Trader Joe’s and Costco so close by. ![Hampton Inn & Suites San Luis Obispo pantry snacks for purchase](https://cdn.quietvacationer.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/hampton-slo-19.jpg) *Hampton Inn & Suites San Luis Obispo pantry snacks for purchase* ![Hampton Inn & Suites San Luis Obispo pantry snacks for purchase](https://cdn.quietvacationer.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/hampton-slo-20.jpg) *Hampton Inn & Suites San Luis Obispo pantry snacks for purchase* ## Breakfast Breakfast is included for all rooms, and you can tell. The space gets busy in the morning, and it has that familiar Hampton breakfast energy, where everyone is trying to get fed and back on the road. One thing we like about such hotels is that you can bring your food back to your room if there aren’t any space to sit. The spread was standard Hampton fare: scrambled eggs, sausages, and potatoes, plus oatmeal with toppings like dried cranberries. There were also the usual juices, and coffee, hot chocolate, and tea. ![Hampton Inn & Suites San Luis Obispo hot breakfast selection](https://cdn.quietvacationer.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/hampton-slo-23.jpg) *Hampton Inn & Suites San Luis Obispo hot breakfast selection* ![Hampton Inn & Suites San Luis Obispo breakfast juices](https://cdn.quietvacationer.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/hampton-slo-24.jpg) *Hampton Inn & Suites San Luis Obispo breakfast juices* ![Hampton Inn & Suites San Luis Obispo breakfast oatmeal](https://cdn.quietvacationer.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/hampton-slo-25.jpg) *Hampton Inn & Suites San Luis Obispo breakfast oatmeal* The waffle station was the most chaotic part of the buffet breakfast. The line moved slowly, batter was strewn everywhere, and it felt like a mini sport watching people attempt to pour waffle batter neatly before the next person reached for the batter dispenser. ![Hampton Inn & Suites San Luis Obispo breakfast waffles](https://cdn.quietvacationer.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/hampton-slo-26.jpg) *Hampton Inn & Suites San Luis Obispo breakfast waffles* Still, it was worth it if you have the patience, and our waffles even came out with the Hampton logo stamped on it. ![Our breakfast at the Hampton Inn & Suites San Luis Obispo](https://cdn.quietvacationer.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/hampton-slo-27.jpg) *Our breakfast at the Hampton Inn & Suites San Luis Obispo* One thing I appreciated is that coffee and hot chocolate are available in the lobby outside breakfast hours as well. It is a small thing, but it is nice to be able to grab a warm drink after checking in, or before heading out. ![All-day coffee and hot chocolate at the reception](https://cdn.quietvacationer.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/hampton-slo-11.jpg) *All-day coffee and hot chocolate at the reception* ## Concluding thoughts For a one-night road trip stop, this Hampton works well. The location is convenient, parking is easy, rooms are spacious, and having a fridge, microwave, and included breakfast makes life simpler. Breakfast is not the reason you stay here, but it is a solid start to the day, and if you want waffles, just budget extra time for the line. If I were doing this road trip again and wanted a simple, reliable night in San Luis Obispo, I would happily stay here again! --- *Originally published on [The Quiet Vacationer](https://quietvacationer.com/2026/02/12/review-hampton-inn-suites-san-luis-obispo/)*