Thank you to our West Coast travel writer Kathy Chin Leong for exploring the Paso Robles Inn for us.
Yes, Paso Roblans have been tentative, even fearful. Word spread last year that the beloved Paso Robles Inn would be undergoing a $15 million overhaul. For years, the hotel had been serving the community with an endless number of weddings, Mother’s Day brunches, and graduation parties. Would it lose its rustic charm? Would the lodge go the way of bland corporate hotels?
Originally built in 1891, the landmark was considered one of the most magnificent hotels in the region until it was devastated by fire in 1940. Undaunted, the grand dame rose again two years later, rebuilt to exacting standards.
Today, nostalgic locals are heaving a sigh of relief. The final cut of this resort has resulted in all new décor, paint, furnishings, and landscaping under a reimagined Western aesthetic that’s cowboy-lite. For starters, the lobby features an art piece consisting of cowboy hats held together by rope. Warehouse lights adorn the walls. A nod to the pioneering era includes black and white images of Paso Robles Inn, version 1.0.
The 98 guest rooms and suites impress with coordinated detail. Area rugs tout Native American motifs. Couches sport leather belt accents. On my wall is a simple line drawing of a horse and rider. Creature comforts include Wi-Fi, Keurig coffee makers, water kettles, and flat-screen TVs. Of note is the retro SMEG refrigerator, tucked under the counter, ideal for storing Paso Robles wine. Guests can strut around in the signature striped robes while brewing in-room Joebella Coffee, a local label.
Hues of mustard, rust, and sky blue take center stage. In Room 106, my 580-square-foot suite is so spacious I can do cartwheels. There’s a beautiful living room with a tapestry print rug and a sleeper couch so you can invite a guest or two. Next to it is a separate bedroom with a sprawling king bed. End tables feature outlets for cell phones and electronic gizmos. On my patio, an L-shaped couch set beckons me to take a break from the real world.
Meanwhile, the hotel has enhanced its recreation area with cabanas, a heated pool, and a hot tub. Coupled with snow white lounge chairs with lush plantings and a necklace of lights above, the zone has been transformed into an oasis. Even the koi pond looks like it has new fish.
The hotel also modernized its steakhouse, aptly named “The Steakhouse.” The focal point of the dining room is a romantic fireplace with a giant copper hood. Be it a cozy booth, window table, or outdoor patio with views of the garden, you won’t find a bad seat anywhere. Wait staff is warm and current on all things meat. Those who love superior cuts of prime rib, rib-eye steak, and filet mignon should go on a diet now. My carved slice of prime rib, for example, was bold, big, and tender. Both types of horseradish, creamy and raw and spicy, are offered – a sign of a true steakhouse. Fish, pasta, chicken, and salads round out the menu. Sweets at press time featured a berry tart with vanilla ice cream, a triple-layer carrot cake, and more.
In the weeks and months to come, the dining and beverage itinerary will be revamped under the direction of Michelin-starred guru chef Charlie Palmer. This summer, the lounge becomes the Cattlemen’s Bar with a new remodel, cocktails, beverages, and entrees and bites. By spring of next year, the hotel steakhouse will be redesigned and renamed The Pass, featuring many local and California ingredients under a modern, elevated menu. It will still emphasize meat. The buzz is real, and locals are proud Palmer will turn their hometown into a marquee food destination.
If you’ve never been to Paso Robles, you will be immediately drawn to its low-key vibe and unpretentious atmosphere. The downtown property is walking distance to the park, gourmet shops, clothing boutiques, giftware stores, restaurants, bakeries, and cafes. The region boasts more than 200 wineries, and you can nab a free tasting from 4-5 p.m. daily at Piccolo, its sister property next door.
As for the lodge, repeat guests will be delighted with the renovation. Newbies will be pampered in luxury. Everyone is surrounded by approachable and comfortable Western décor … with nary a red bandana in sight.
- Make your reservation or learn more at pasoroblesinn.com
