Escape to Cambria's Coastal Paradise: Pelican Inn & Suites Awaits!
Escape to Cambria's Coastal Paradise: Pelican Inn & Suites Awaits! - A Thoroughly Unfiltered Review (Brace Yourselves!)
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because I'm about to spill the beans on the Pelican Inn & Suites in Cambria. Forget your perfectly polished travel blogs – this is the REAL DEAL, warts and all. Because let's be honest, who wants a sterile review? You came here for chaos, right? Good. Let's dive in!
First Impressions & Accessibility (or, the Great Elevator Debacle)
Okay, so Cambria? Stunning. Pure, unadulterated coastal beauty. Pelican Inn? Well, it attempts to live up to that scenery. The exterior is cute, all charming seaside vibes. The accessibility situation? Not always as charming. While they do have an elevator, its journey to your room can feel like an epic quest, especially with luggage. I'm talking slow. Like, "contemplate the meaning of life while waiting" slow. But, hey, at least it exists, which is a huge plus because seriously, carrying a suitcase up stairs after a long drive is basically a personal Everest.
Accessibility: Mostly good, but the elevator is a test of patience.
Wheelchair accessible: Yes, but I can't personally vouch, so I'll trust the listed amenities and cautiously say, "Check beforehand and confirm your room's accessibility details."
Internet (Oh, the Joys of Wi-Fi!)
Right, let's talk internet. Because in this day and age, connectivity is practically a human right. The free Wi-Fi is supposedly in all rooms. Supposedly. See, I'm a bit of a tech grump, and sometimes the connection felt, shall we say, temperamental. Think: buffering hell. But hey, at least it was free Wi-Fi in public areas too, so I could always head to the lobby and, you know, actually get work done. They also offer the old-school Internet [LAN], so if you're into that, go for it. The internet services were… well, serviceable. Nothing to write home about, but hey, I survived.
Internet: Spotty at times, but hey, it's free!
Getting Around (Fueling My Inner Speed Demon)
Okay, now, it's important to get around so let's talk about it!
- Airport transfer: Didn't need it, but glad it's there.
- Bicycle parking: Never saw it, but maybe I wasn't looking hard enough.
- Car park [free of charge]: Praise be! Free parking is always a win.
- Car park [on-site]: Yep, plenty of parking!
- Car power charging station: Bless you, Pelican Inn, for thinking of the electric vehicle crowd!
- Taxi service: Available, if you need it, and I definitely appreciate the option.
- Valet parking: Didn't use it, because, honestly, I like to park myself!
Safety & Cleanliness (Because Pandemic Life)
This is where the Pelican Inn, bless them, really shined. They clearly took the whole pandemic situation seriously. Cleanliness and safety were top-notch. They were on it. They went above and beyond in taking precautions. The anti-viral cleaning products were in full effect, right? I'd trust them to prepare my meal right then, right there. They had daily disinfection in common areas, and the staff seemed genuinely invested in keeping things sanitized.
I was particularly impressed with Sanitized kitchen and tableware items.
Cleanliness and safety: Top marks! Felt safe and secure.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking (Food, Glorious Food!)
Ahhh, the crucial stuff. Food. Let's get real.
- Breakfast [buffet]: Sadly, I didn't indulge, but I'm sure it was adequate.
- Breakfast service: See above!
- Restaurants: Yes, and I'll get the lowdown.
- Coffee shop: Yes, yes, YES. Caffeine is essential, people.
- Poolside bar: Yes, perfect for that sunset margarita.
- Snack bar: Needed this, but didn't try this.
- Room service [24-hour]: Oh, yeah. Perfect for those midnight cravings.
Things to Do, Ways to Relax (Spa Day Dreams!)
This is where the Pelican Inn could have REALLY wowed me. The setting screams "escape!" Think dramatic cliffs, crashing waves, the sweet salty air…
- Swimming pool: Yes. A decent-sized outdoor pool.
- Swimming pool [outdoor]: Yes. See above.
- Pool with view: Yes. The view is magnificent.
- Spa: Yes, but didn't experience.
- Spa/sauna: Yes. (Ditto)
- Sauna: Yess. (Double Ditto)
- Gym/fitness: Yes. (Triple Ditto)
- Massage: Yes. (Quadruple Ditto)
- Body scrub: (I'm sensing a pattern here)
- Body wrap: (Okay, I'm getting serious FOMO)
Service & Conveniences (The Little Extras)
- Concierge: Helpful and friendly.
- Daily housekeeping: Excellent. My room was always sparkling.
- Elevator: Good, if a bit slow, but it's there.
- Dry cleaning, Ironing service, Laundry service: All available, perfect for those post-beach grime.
- Doctor/nurse on call: Reassuring to have, though thankfully, I didn't need it (this time!).
- Facilities for disabled guests: Check with the inn for specific accessibility details.
- Daily housekeeping: Did I mention? Excellent!
- Business facilities: Conference rooms, meetings, audio-visual equipment… the works.
Rooms (The Heart of the Matter)
The rooms? Clean, comfortable, and mostly well-appointed.
- Additional toilet: Yes.
- Air conditioning: Crucial.
- Alarm clock: Check.
- Bathrobes: Lovely touch.
- Bathroom phone: A bit useless, but hey, it's there.
- Bathtub: Yes, perfect for a long soak after a day of exploring.
- Blackout curtains: Thank god!
- Coffee/tea maker: Essential.
- Complimentary tea: Always appreciated.
- Desk: Good for catching up on emails.
- Extra long bed: Comfy.
- Free bottled water: A nice touch.
- Hair dryer: A must-have.
- In-room safe box: Peace of mind.
- Internet access – wireless: Yes. More or less.
- Ironing facilities: Useful.
- Laptop workspace: Essential.
- Mini bar: Not bad, but I've had better.
- Non-smoking: Good.
- Private bathroom: Always a win.
- Refrigerator: Handy for storing snacks and drinks.
- Satellite/cable channels: Standard.
- Seating area: Always appreciated.
- Shower: Works.
- Smoke detector: Essential.
- Soundproofing: Decent.
- Telephone: Who uses these anymore?
- Toiletries: Basic, but adequate.
- Wake-up service: Reliable.
- Wi-Fi [free]: The aforementioned Wi-Fi.
The Verdict (The Moment of Truth!)
The Pelican Inn & Suites is a solid choice for a Cambria getaway. It's clean, safe, the staff are generally friendly, and the location is fantastic. While the internet may not be the speed of light, and the elevator is a bit of a snail, overall, it's a pleasant experience. I'd recommend it, with the caveat: be prepared for the pace of coastal life to extend to the internet!
MetaData & SEO Stuff (For the Internet Gods)
- Keywords: Cambria, Pelican Inn & Suites, California Coast, Hotel Review, Accessibility, Beach Getaway, Spa, Pool, Free Wi-Fi, Pet-Friendly, Family-Friendly, Coastal Paradise, Monterey County, Central Coast California, Vacation, Travel Review
- Title: Escape to Cambria's Coastal Paradise: Pelican Inn & Suites Awaits! [Honest Review!]
- Description: Honest and unfiltered review of the Pelican Inn & Suites in Cambria, CA. Discover the pros & cons of this coastal hotel with a detailed look at amenities, accessibility, cleanliness, and more. Find out if it's the perfect escape for YOU!
(Optional) Sentiment Analysis:
- Overall: Positive, with some minor reservations.
- Highlights: Cleanliness, location, staff friendliness.
- Lowlights: Internet speed, elevator speed.
Final Thoughts:
Go, stay, enjoy. Just pack some patience (and maybe a book) for those
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Okay, buckle up buttercups, because this isn't your grandma's itinerary. This is a Cambria, California, "Adventures of Me, Myself, and I (and possibly a rogue seagull)" travelogue. We're ditching the brochure-perfect, and embracing the glorious, slightly-off-kilter reality of a solo trip to the Pelican Inn & Suites. Prepare for tangents. Prepare for opinions. Prepare for the inevitable existential crisis that surfaces when you're alone with your thoughts and a questionable amount of coffee.
Day 1: Arrival and the Quest for Coffee (and Sanity)
- 1:00 PM: Land in, let's be honest, slightly stressed. The drive up Highway 1? Breathtaking. The parallel parking at the airport? Less so. I'm already picturing myself backing into a rental car. My anxiety is currently riding shotgun.
- 2:30 PM: Pelican Inn & Suites check-in. The lobby is charming, all nautical knick-knacks and faintly of bleach. The receptionist is way too cheerful. I swear she asked, "Are you excited for your adventure?" with unsettling enthusiasm. I mumbled "Yep, sure am" and prayed she wouldn't ask about my life goals.
- 3:00 PM: Room Unpacking, or more accurately, "Toss All My Stuff In Random Places And Hope For The Best." The room itself is…fine. Clean. View of the parking lot. Could be worse. Could be better. The fridge is empty. Oh, the fridge.
- 3:30 PM - 4:30 PM: The Coffee Catastrophe. This is where things went downhill, or, well, uphill in a weirdly caffeinated way. I NEED coffee. Like, survival-mode NEED. Looked up the nearest coffee shop & off I go.
- The "Coffee Catastrophe" Breakdown:
- The Search: Turns out, the "nearest" coffee shop was, in fact, a solid mile hike. Fine, exercise. I begrudgingly walked.
- The Wait: Waited in the line in my flip-flops and my hair in a messy bun. I probably look like a crazy person.
- The Order: Asked for a latte. Specifically, I asked for a latte that didn't taste like hot milk.
- The Result: It was, and I am not exaggerating, the worst latte I have ever tasted. I mean, I am talking about the kind of latte that makes you question all of your life choices.
- The Reaction: I'm not exaggerating when I say I wanted to cry. Now there is me, in the middle of the café, with that latte I just paid for and just wanting to start throwing the coffee into a garbage.
- The Lesson Learned: Never trust a coffee shop that also sells tie-dye t-shirts.
- The "Coffee Catastrophe" Breakdown:
- 5:00 PM - 6:30 PM: Re-group at the Pelican Inn. Stared out the window at the parking lot, pondering the meaning of bad coffee and the futility of life. Decided a shower was the answer. It helped. A little.
- 7:00 PM: Dinner at [Restaurant Name]. The reviews were mixed. The food was okay. The wine was good. The waiter's name tag said "Barry." Barry was… intense. Reminded me of a talking bear from some kids' movie. I can't even remember the name, but I will never forget Barry.
- 8:30 PM: Walk on Moonstone Beach. Found a few actual moonstones. It's pretty. The ocean is loud. Kept thinking about the conversation with the receptionist and the coffee debacle. I might have laughed at myself for a good ten minutes.
Day 2: Coastal Wonders and Questionable Decisions
- 9:00 AM: Breakfast at the Pelican Inn. The continental breakfast is… what it is. Adequate. Scrambled eggs that bear an uncanny resemblance to rubber. Coffee is drinkable, yay, but I'll be sticking with the instant one that I packed.
- 10:00 AM: Hearst Castle. Yes, it's touristy. Yes, it's crowded. But it's also undeniably impressive. The sheer scale of the place…woah. Started feeling a tiny bit better about life. Until the tour guide started droning on about the architectural details. I zoned out.
- 12:00 PM: Lunched in the Hearst Castle café. The food was standard tourist-trap fare. I tried to avoid eye contact with anyone wearing a fanny pack. Failed miserably.
- 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM: The Elephant Seal Beach Encounter.
- The Setup: Drove to Piedras Blancas Elephant Seal Rookery. Heard about from a fellow traveler. I was told it's pretty cool.
- The Reality: OMG, THEY ARE EVERYWHERE. Like, hundreds of enormous, blubbery, snorting, farting, sunbathing elephant seals. The smell is… intense. Like a very specific, fishy, decaying organic matter.
- The Reaction: I was, simultaneously, horrified and captivated. One giant one looked at me, I swear, and winked.
- The "Good" Part: The sound of the waves. The sun on my skin. The sheer, undeniable weirdness of the whole thing. It was an experience. It was smelly, and loud, and completely unforgettable.
- The "Aftermath": The smell followed me for hours, even after a shower. I'm pretty sure I'll be imagining giant seals for weeks.
- 5:00 PM: Back to the Pelican Inn. Contemplating whether or not to go out again. Decided to stay in.
- 7:00 PM: Ordered pizza from a place that looked vaguely promising. Ate it in bed. Watched a terrible movie. Fell asleep mid-credits.
Day 3: Final Day, and the Unfinished Business of Coffee
- 9:00 AM: Tried the Pelican Inn coffee again. Cautiously. It was…better? Maybe I'm just adjusting. Probably I'm just desperate.
- 10:00 AM: Morning Hike. I found a trail. It was beautiful, with ocean views and wildflowers. It was also steep. And I'm definitely not in hiking shape. Almost gave up. Pushed through. The views from the top were worth it.
- 12:00 PM: One last walk on Moonstone Beach. Collected some shells. Kicked sand. Said goodbye to the ocean.
- 1:00 PM: The Coffee Redemption Arc (or at least, the Attempt). Decided, against all better judgment, to try another coffee shop. Determined to find some decent coffee.
- The Search: Found a little cafe that seemed promising. Small. Local. Looked like they actually cared.
- The Order: Ordered a simple drip coffee.
- The Result: It was… good. Really, genuinely good. Sigh of relief, basically.
- The Realization: Maybe Cambria just isn't a coffee town. Or maybe I'm just incredibly picky.
- 2:00 PM: Checked out from the Pelican Inn. The receptionist was still smiling. I smiled back. Maybe she was just trying to make this place better, with bad coffee and everything.
- 3:00 PM: Drive home.
- 4:00 PM: Realized that I never used the pool.
So, would I recommend a trip to Cambria? Yes. Would I recommend this itinerary? Maybe. It was messy, honest, and human. And hey, at least I have stories. And a strange, lingering scent of elephant seal. Now, to start planning the next one… and maybe pack my own damn French press.
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Escape to Cambria's Coastal Paradise: Pelican Inn & Suites Awaits! - Uh, Maybe? (A Very Unslick FAQ)
Okay, so...Cambria. Is it actually paradise? Because, you know, expectations are a killer.
Paradise? Well, alright, let's not get crazy. It's Cambria, not a tropical island staffed by shirtless dudes feeding you mango smoothies. BUT… it's freakin' gorgeous. The coastal views are… ugh, just gorgeous. Picture this: windswept trees, that perfect California light, and crashing waves that make you feel… small. In a good way. Really, really good. I mean, I almost cried the first time I saw Moonstone Beach. Okay, I *did* cry a little. Don't judge. Paradise-adjacent. That’s a good way to put it. The Pelican Inn & Suites? More on that later, but yeah, its location helps a *lot* with achieving optimal "almost paradise" vibes.
What's the Pelican Inn & Suites really like? Be honest. No fluffy marketing speak, please!
Okay, honest time. The pictures? Yeah, they're pretty accurate. The rooms are… decent. Not fancy, but clean. And the location? HUGE win. Seriously, walk out the door and you're practically on the beach. I stayed in a room with a balcony… and that balcony became my new therapist. Coffee in the morning, staring at the ocean… bliss. I’m not gonna lie, the bed was also comfy. Maybe a little *too* comfy. I nearly missed my kayaking tour because of it. Oops. The breakfast? Let's call it… functional. Think continental, but with a waffle maker. Waffle maker is always a win, right? I also forgot my toothbrush, and that was a minor catastrophe. But the front desk was super helpful. So, yeah, it's a solid place. Not the Ritz, but it’s all about the location.
Okay, location, location, location! But specifically, what can I *do* in Cambria? Besides, you know, staring at the ocean?
Okay, staring at the ocean is a *major* activity. Don't underestimate it! But fine, there's more. You can walk along Moonstone Beach (duh), explore the shops in the village (cute, but expect to actually *spend* money!), visit the Fiscalini Ranch Preserve (a must-do for hikers, even if you’re as lazy as I am), and check out the nearby Hearst Castle (yes, it's touristy, but it's also… Hearst Castle!). Oh! And kayaking! Do the kayaking! I nearly didn't because of that darn comfy bed, but I’m so glad I did. The seals were amazing. One of them splashed me (mostly on purpose, I'm pretty sure), and I haven’t laughed that hard in ages. Pro-tip: wear layers. Cambria weather is unpredictable. One minute sun, the next…brrr! The wind is no joke!
Let's get REAL. What are the downsides? What should I REALLY know before I go?
Alrighty then. Let's be honest. First, Cambria is… quiet. Like, *really* quiet. If you're looking for nightlife, you're in the wrong place. Think cozy restaurants, maybe a live band at a pub, but that's about it. Second, parking. Parking can be… a *challenge*, especially near Moonstone Beach. Plan accordingly. Third, the wind. Did I mention the wind? It can be brutal. Pack a jacket. A REALLY good jacket. Fourth, and this is purely a *me* thing, but bring snacks! There aren't a ton of late-night options, and I, personally, get the munchies. So, yeah. Pack snacks. And maybe a good book. And a jacket. And your toothbrush. Seriously, don't forget your toothbrush.
Tell me more about that kayaking! I need the details!
Okay, okay, you got me! The kayaking. It's a must-do. I booked a tour with a local outfitter (I'm not naming names, but google is your friend) and it was pure gold. The ocean was a little choppy that day, which actually made it more fun (in a slightly terrifying, adrenaline-pumping way). We paddled along the coast, and the scenery was just… wow. Then, the seals! Massive, playful, sunbathing seals! I’d seen them from the beach before, but being out there with them… that's a whole different experience. One decided to get really close to my kayak, then, *splish*... soaked me with a massive splash! I mean, I gasped, I yelled, I laughed so hard I almost fell out of the kayak. I managed to keep my phone dry, thankfully. That seal totally made my trip. Seriously, if you only do one thing besides staring at the ocean (and trust me, you should do both), it's kayaking. Bring waterproof sunscreen! I learned that the hard way...ugh.
Is the Pelican Inn & Suites kid-friendly?
From what I saw, yes. They definitely had families there. The rooms are big enough, and the proximity to the beach is a major plus. I mean, kids love beaches, right? Just make sure the little ones are bundled up, as I've mentioned, the wind is a constant companion out there. And maybe bring some earplugs. I'm just sayin'. Those little ones are energetic.
Food! What about the food? Do I need reservations everywhere?!
Okay, food. Cambria isn't exactly a foodie paradise, but there are some excellent options. Reservations? Probably a good idea for dinner, especially if you're going in peak season. I ended up wandering around a few nights hangry (not a good look!), so learn from my mistakes. The best I found? Definitely Moonstone Beach Bar & Grill. Ocean views, delicious food, and (most importantly) a good beer selection. Also, the clam chowder at West Coast Grill, or someplace similar to that. It was amazing. Another tip? Look for the little places, the ones tucked away. They often have the best food and the most character. Experiment! (and carry snackies!) You are now forewarned.
So, bottom line: Would you go back to the Pelican Inn & Suites and Cambria?
Absolutely. Without hesitation. Even with the quiet nights, the potentially-hangry moments, and the persistent wind, I’d go back in a heartbeat. I mean, that balcony with the ocean view? Pure magic. And the kayaking with the seals? Lifetime memory. Would I stay at the Pelican Inn & Suites again? Yeah, probably. For the price and location? Hard to beat. It's not a perfect experience, let's be clear, but it's a damn good one. It's that kindFind Your Perfect Stay
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