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Lodgings
Adelaide Inn /1*
1215 YSABEL AVE, PASO ROBLES; 805/238-2770 OR 800/549.PASO
Though its neighbors are gas stations and coffee shops, this freeway
friendly motel is nicely isolated from its bustling surroundings. Lush,
manicured gardens are screened from the street by foliage, a relaxing
out- door hot tub is secluded inside a redwood gazebo, and there's even
a miniature golf course/putting green. The result is a surprisingly quiet,
comfortable property tended with a loving care that's rare among lower
priced accommodations—and this place is truly a bargain. The rooms
are clean and comfortable, with an extra warmth that's a cut above standard
motels; unexpected amenities include refrigerators, coffeemakers, hair
dryers, and complimentary newspaper, plus work desks and dataports designed
specifically for the business traveler. An outdoor heated pool is in the
center of the complex, and morning fruit and muffins are provided in the
lobby. $; AE, DC, DIS, MC, V; www.adelaideinn.com; at 24th St just west
of US 101.
The Arbor Inn / 2*
2130 ARBOR RD, PASO ROBLES; 805/227-4673
Across from Treana Winery about a five-minute drive from the center
of town, this elegant bed and breakfast is a favorite with honeymooners
because of its splendid setting and luxurious hospitality. Though the
main building—a white clapboard cross between Queen Anne and Southern
plantation style—looks old, it was actually built in 1994. This
means that guest rooms are extra-spacious and bathrooms ultra-modern,
though the entire inn is furnished with formal English country antique
reproductions. Treana's vine-planted acres are just steps from the inn's
back patio and visible from every room's private balcony. Each of the
nine rooms is named for a wine (Syrah, Bordeaux, Chardonnay, etc.) and
has a gas fireplace, color TV, telephone, terry bathrobes, and bedside
bottled water. Luxury is achieved through small, thoughtful touches; you'll
find fresh flowers accompanying everything from the chocolate on your
pillow with turn-down service to the morning coffee tray left discreetly
outside your door. The room rate includes full breakfast, afternoon wine
and hors d'oeuvres, and late-night cookies. If you're looking for a romantic
splurge, the Moscato Allegro room features an in-room whirlpool-for- two,
and the top-floor Cabernet Suite is as rich and decadent as an aged wine,
with sumptuous furnishings, a seven-headed shower, and an ultra-
private patio with a view. $$$; MC, V; checks OK; at Hwy 46 W, 1 mile
west of US 101.
Gillie Archer Inn / 2*
1433 OAK ST, PASO ROBLES; 805/238-0879
Architecture buffs love poking around this small bed-and-breakfast inn,
just a couple of blocks from the heart of town on a quiet residential
street lined with fabulously restored historic homes. Although the exterior
of the 1917 transitional Craftsman home has an un-fortunate layer of stucco,
it can't obscure its classic structure. No luxury was spared when this
house was built for a prominent Paso Robles attorney—at extraordinary
expense for the time—and subsequent owners have worked hard at maintaining
its historical integrity. Expect to find original built-in shelves and
storage in nearly every room, original electrical fixtures (along with
well-designed reproductions), and light, airy sun porches. Named for an
ancestor of genial innkeeper Kathleen Stratton-Haas, the inn has five
warmly decorated and unfussy rooms. Two have private bathrooms, one has
a fireplace, and all have cable TV and VCR. The morning breakfast buffet
includes treats such as apple strudel or fruit crepes along with a
large spread of fresh fruit from the local farmers' market; the sunny
breakfast room overlooks a delightful garden whose gazebo is often used
for small gatherings and events. $$; AE, DIS, MC, V; gillie@tcsn.net;
www.virtualcities.com; 1 block west of Spring St between 14th ani
15th Sts.
Paso Robles Inn / 1*
I 103 SPRING ST. PASO ROBLES; 805/238-2660
If you're attracted to the retro 1940s look of this sprawling downtown
inn, you'll enjoy learning about the first El Paso de Robles Hotel, a
grand landmark favorably compared to the finest hotels in San Francisco,
Designed by famed architect Stanford White and built in 1891, the "absolutely
fireproof" structure burned to the ground in 1940, leaving only the
ballroom wing that sits, boarded up and off limits, behind the hotel.
Many photographs and relics of the old hotel are on display in the lobby,
whose Spanish-style architecture and tile reflect the passion for Mission
Revival that was in full swing when this replacement was built.
A stroll through tranquil and lovely grounds leads guests to a footbridge
over the creek meandering through this oak-shaded property and to 68 bungalow-style
motel rooms with convenient carports. Well shielded from street noise,
these units are simple and plain, lacking in modern amenities and appointments,
but many guests consider them charming and nostalgic. (Avoid room numbers
beginning with 1 or 2, however— they're in a less desirable building
near the street.) A large heated pool near the creek makes for great afternoon
dips, and the dining room (with cocktail lounge) serves three diner-style
meals daily. $; AE, DC DIS MC, V; between 10th and 12th Sts.
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