Is parking available at the property?

Free self-parking is available on-site, but it is limited. No reservation is required.

Does the property allow pets?

Pets are allowed with a fee of USD 25 per pet, per night. Service animals are exempt from fees.

What are the check-in and check-out times?

Check-in is from 3:00 PM to 11:00 PM, and check-out is by 11:00 AM. Early check-in is available for a fee of USD 25, subject to availability.

What accessibility features does the property offer?

The property features step-free entrances and wheelchair-accessible facilities, including public areas and rooms.

What is the location of the property in relation to key landmarks?

The property is located near the airport, within a 5-minute drive of Bubblegum Alley and Mission San Luis Obispo de Tolosa. It is approximately 1.8 miles from Fremont Theater and 2.8 miles from California Polytechnic State University.

What are the policies for guests staying with children?

Up to 2 children aged 10 years old and younger can stay free when occupying the parent or guardian's room using existing bedding.

What are the policies regarding extra beds and cribs?

Cribs are available for a fee of USD 15 per day, and rollaway beds can be requested for USD 15 per night. Availability is subject to confirmation, and advance requests are recommended.

Vagabond Inn San Luis Obispo Hotel

Average nightly price at Vagabond Inn San Luis Obispo by month, last 12 months (USD)
Month	Average price
January	US$68
February	US$84
March	US$76
April	US$105
May	US$102
June	US$122
July	US$121
August	US$117
September	US$97
October	US$105
November	US$93
December	US$69

What guests think

At Vagabond Inn San Luis Obispo, travelers consistently note clean, budget-friendly rooms and welcoming staff, alongside a convenient location near the freeway and Madonna Inn, but recurring maintenance and noise issues affect comfort for some stays.

Many reviews praise spacious, recently updated rooms and good value. Common drawbacks include loud plumbing with occasional hot-water shortages, drain odors from sinks, thin walls and light leakage from shutters, and inconsistent floor and linen cleanliness. Facilities like the pool and hot tub are appreciated, though the spa is often reported as not hot. Overall, expect a simple, affordable stay with friendly service and convenient access if you can tolerate some quirks.

Facilities

Cleanliness

Rooms

Service

Location

Dining

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AI-generated summary based on recent guest reviews

Facilities

There’s a large outdoor pool and hot tub many guests use, though temperatures are often reported as cool and the spa not hot. Parking is generally easy and well lit; a few accessibility limitations to the pool area were noted.

Related guest reviews

10

Kristine

20 Jun 2024

·

Stayed 2 nights

Great pool and spa!

8

Wenis

2 Aug 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

It’s convenient with Denny and EV charging stations close to the inn.

8

Jayita

23 Aug 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Rooms were spacious, and we liked the 2 room suite. Rooms were clean enough, but the bathroom was small and a bit cramped. There was a big pool and a hot tub that we used and enjoyed for one night. No breakfast though, but you get 10% off at Dennys.

8

Robert

6 Sept 2025

·

Stayed 3 nights

The Vagabond Inn is in a convenient location, if you have a car. It is 5 min to downtown SLO and Cal Poly, 10 min to Avila and Pismo, and 15 min to Morro Bay. There is a Denny's next door, grocery store across the street, and McDonalds a block away. Wifi worked well. There is a large pool, though the temperature is cool. The place is a bit rundown but okay.

10

Lori

14 Jun 2024

·

Stayed 2 nights

We stayed in an accessible unit, and although the pool and hot tub both had lifts there was no easy way to get someone with a walker to the pool area. It was on the edge of a hill.

10

Sandra

28 Apr 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Check in and out was smooth. And they have and ice machine.

8

Katrina

9 Jan 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

We have stayed here a few times now. Check in is easy. It is quick to get to from the freeway and has many amenities nearby. The property is well kept with landscaping and has a nice area to take the dog out. They gave us poop bags and a bag carrier for the dog which was nice. Our only issue is that the hot tub is never hot enough. Although we requested they turn up the heat, it never gets hot enough.

10

Eric and Denise

8 May 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

For a last-minute stay it was perfect. They're doing some construction but it wasn't noisy at any point. Hot tub was great.

8

HEATHER

22 Sept 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Did the job . Better than the usual motel style rooms , good sized, clean and good location ! Pool wasn’t heated though 😳

10

Cristina

24 Jun 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

Everything was clean and well-stocked. It’s got ample parking and a nice pool and hot tub.

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AI-generated summary based on recent guest reviews

Cleanliness

Feedback is mixed: many describe rooms as very clean, but recurring complaints cite dirty floors, occasional stained bedding or towels, and sporadic pest sightings.

Related guest reviews

10

Nathan

4 Mar 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

Very clean and freshly renovated. Grocery store walking distance across the street, Dennys discount, and a nice pool and jacuzzi. Highly recommend!

2

Becky

23 Aug 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

The worst and dirty hotel experience ever! If I could upload the photos you could see for self. I will be putting a review on google and if allowed, you can see the photos there. I paid $250 to stay one night 8/17/24 for soccer tournament at Cal poly. This booking was booked with many days in advanced. The beds had body fluids all over! The sink, faucet and bathroom floor had yellow/brown build up. As for the beds, I'm talking about urine stains, blood looking stains, other brown stains and one pubic hair. One of the queen matress cover had urine all over and a huge brown/yellow stain running down the bed. I called the front desk manager to the room. While I showed all the stains, he had the audacity to pretent he didn't see it all! I would of been ok if he just replaced the peed covers Very nicely I asked for clean sheets . I wanted that nasty cover replaced with a clean one. He said he would just bring more sheets to stack up on top of the dirty one. Well in deed that was all he did, unbelievable! This was at 8 pm and we were all tired to go look for a last minute hotel. We had to be up by 7 am so we stayed. Everything was unsanitary in room 205. Even the white doors had brown hand stains all over and dust collected on top of the frames We have stayed in many hotels before and this is by fast the worst experience.

8

Veronica

30 Jul 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Comfortable stay but super dirty floors. Our feet turned black.

10

Charles

24 May 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Easy access near freeway off ramp. Large very clean room. Courteous helpful front desk.

10

Herbert

30 Oct 2025

·

Stayed 3 nights

Clean room, friendly staff.

4

Alan

17 Jul 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

The room had dirty sheets when we arrived. The manager brought up two sets, just in case, and one set was also dirty. He was also asked to provide a box of tissues since room service had left only one tissue in the box. We stayed for two days and discovered that the shower's body wash was empty. Additionally, there was trash at the bottom of the steps, and it remained there for the entire duration of our stay. Clearly, room service was not fulfilling its responsibilities.

10

Martin

20 Jun 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Very large, clean room. New. Nice association with adjacent Denny's.

8

Ryan

1 Aug 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Good value and great location. The only complaint I have is that the floors are not totally clean and when you walk around in bare feet they get dirty. But bathroom is clean and room overall is clean. Just the floors need more.

4

Kenia

18 Sept 2023

·

Stayed 1 night

The sheets had a stain on them and were very dusty. We had three beds and felt unclean in all beds. Laundry needs to be done better and actually wash the sheets/comforters properly.

6

Risa

3 Sept 2023

·

Stayed 1 night

Spacious room with comfortable bed. Nice wood-look flooring instead of carpeting, but floor was FILTHY. We ended up cleaning it ourselves with a wet bath towel. Also killed a nice assortment of bugs in the room. All said, decent for an overnight stay but not a comfortable base of operations for anything longer.

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Rooms

Rooms are basic, spacious in many cases, and recently updated, but comfort varies. Frequent issues include loud plumbing, thin walls, light bleed from shutters, and some uncomfortable mattresses or lumpy pillows.

Related guest reviews

6

Donald

12 Jul 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

Check in fine, no problem. Friendly enough. Room in a good location but a bit tattered, but overall ok, at least clean. Mattress was terrible, feels very old. Two days and my back was out and I just got back from Europe on 18 hotel stays and no problems with that there. Not enough hot water. Morning turned on water and it didn't get hardly even warm. Left running 15 minutes, so not so ecofriendly there. Turned off and waited a couple hours and the water was then hot. Should have enough water for every person to take a morning shower if they wish. Pool nice,too cold outside the days I was there so didn't use it; others did though. Check out just a text so that was easy enough. We were downstairs and the ceiling was thin, had to listen to people walking for half the evening. Not to great there. Good location, near shopping and plenty of restaurants. Stay away from Ralphs Market across the street where they charge you $2.39 for one small donut; everything else there seemed expensive to. Olive Garden about a mile away, great food and service.

4

James

22 Nov 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

The room had a bad smell. Worse than that though the wood shutters did not keep out the light. The light from the hall outside streamed fully into the room all night long. It was like daytime at night in the room. Unacceptable.

6

Jermane

29 Mar 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

Room was okay. Bed was hard and very uncomfortable. The light fixture/ pug next to bed was hanging out of wall and did not work.

6

Evan

21 Mar 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Overall it was ok, except for being woken up multiple times due to extremely thin walls. One of the times I believe it was just the upstairs person taking a shower, which made a comically loud sound in my room. I had a noise machine on, but it was no match for the poorly built hotel. If you want a good night sleep go somewhere else.

8

Lisa

8 Mar 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

A little cold and bare-bones feeling. No carpeting but I get it. Tv in an awkward place on wall relative to bed.

8

Rhonda

2 Aug 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

Room spacious and clean. Plumbing was loud and bed not very comfortable

8

Frank

17 Jul 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

It is a decent inexpensive hotel for the area. I wish the curtains or wood blinds. Did a better job at blocking out the light in the parking lot. It kept me up. Also, the beds are pretty thin and not the most comfortable. This place is clean and the staff is nice. It’s also the cheapest hotel in the area.

4

Traci

13 Aug 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

You get what you pay for ……. It was small but very clean, shopping center across the street….. the beds were horrible!!! My back was so sore! But it was very cheap for San Luis Obispo! Office staff was very nice & professional.

2

Michael

26 Jun 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

The water pipes of the motel made a terrible noise, from our room as well as from the adjacent rooms! The window shutters let most of the light in from the street lamps outside!

6

Gail

7 Mar 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

There are only shutters in the room. It is way too bright with the parking lot really lit up. You need black out curtains. Everything else was great.

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Service

Staff are widely described as friendly, accommodating, and efficient, with quick check‑in and helpful managers. Some guests reported poor responsiveness to noise or maintenance problems and rigid early check‑in policies.

Related guest reviews

2

Iris

30 Jun 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Everything was good then at night it was loud people running yelling banging called front desk he pretty much didn’t do nothing. I told him their were a party with young kids next door told him check cameras he never got back to me couldn’t sleep had an early app and missed it. Also very loud noise in bathroom all night off and on told him about that too and nothing was done. Very disappointed never going back he didn’t offer to move rooms or nothing he basically brushed it off and didn’t try but said sorry. Will be escalating this issue with Expedia do better please.

10

Sandra

13 Mar 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

Staff is friendly and very helpful!!

6

Xochitl

27 Apr 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

The people at the front desk are rude and unfriendly. For a business in the service industry, this is a deal breaker. The pool is advertised as heated, but it was super cold and they closed it before the advertised time. The guests in the neighboring rooms were so loud, the walls are paper thin.

10

Joshua

16 Aug 2024

·

Stayed 2 nights

Great customer service never had a hard time with checking in is super fast

10

erica

30 Sept 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

Extremely friendly staff, quiet despite being off the freeway.

10

Gary

13 Aug 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Stayed one night whilst travelling from Carmel to Santa Barbara. Hotel is just off the 101. Guy at reception was very welcoming and upgraded our room free of charge which was a nice surprise. Check in was very quick and simple. Room was huge. Very clean. Had a large T.V, iron and ironing board, fridge and a microwave. Hotel is a 5 minute drive from the centre of town where there are lots of shops, bars and resturants. There is a Dennys next door to the hotel and a Mcdonalds across the road. King bed was comfy and hotel was nice and quiet. Although fairly busy, we did not hear other guests. Pool and jacuzzi available upto 9pm.

4

Michael

29 Sept 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

Day of check-in, was harassed via text, email, and phone to give an ETA that I didn't have. Room's AC unit was so loud that it disrupted my sleep. Bed blanket was rough and scratchy. Hotel WiFi timed out every time I attempted to connect. Shower pipes rattled like a failing engine when in use. Received another amount text the next morning regarding checkout time.

6

Michael

10 Sept 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

2pm on a Wednesday. Not a single vehicle in the parking lot. Wouldn’t let me check in until 3. Sat in the parking lot for an hour for no reason. The place is decent but the counter guy sucked

10

WILLIAM

9 Oct 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

The manager Arco was fantastic. Answered questions and went out of his way to be helpful. It is a good location. The room was very clean. Would reccomend this facility to anyone traveling to SLO.

10

Catherine

19 Apr 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

The room was very clean. Arco, the front desk manager, was helpful above and beyond what could be expected.

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Location

Very convenient by Highway 101 with food, grocery, and the Madonna Inn next door; a short drive to downtown SLO and Cal Poly. Best suited for guests with a car.

Related guest reviews

8

Crystal Lizette

2 Sept 2024

·

Stayed 2 nights

I liked how close to the free way this hotel was and within walking distance to madonna inn and stores.

10

Vadim

8 Jan 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

I recommend this hotel for a stop on your trip especially if you plan to have dinner at the Madonna Hotel restaurant... very close and convenient! The hotel has spacious rooms and everything you need for a comfortable stay!

8

Robert

6 Sept 2025

·

Stayed 3 nights

The Vagabond Inn is in a convenient location, if you have a car. It is 5 min to downtown SLO and Cal Poly, 10 min to Avila and Pismo, and 15 min to Morro Bay. There is a Denny's next door, grocery store across the street, and McDonalds a block away. Wifi worked well. There is a large pool, though the temperature is cool. The place is a bit rundown but okay.

10

Kyla

24 Jul 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Great location!

10

Alberto

27 Sept 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

My favorite place to stay when I visit my son at Cal Poly! Close to freeway & restaurants. Great location! Rooms are basic but very clean. Great rates too.

10

Sheila

20 Sept 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

Great location & value - Vagabond Inn San Luis Obispo is an older property, but it is kept up and cared for and is in a great location. We have stayed at the property several times as it is a good value for a family and the grandkids love the pool. The location is wonderful because it is close to downtown, there are stores and a grocery across the street. It is also safe, and we have never had a problem. The famous Madonna Inn is located right next door, and we walk over there for meals or to listen to music in the evenings with the grandkids and they love it. We always look forward to the clean pool and appreciate the owners for all their work keeping the place nice for us to relax and enjoy. Every time we stay overnight in San Luis we stay at the Vagabond Inn.

10

Tina

20 Oct 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

Convenient, close to shopping and food. Right next door to Madonna Inn

10

David

1 Sept 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Clean, cool, quiet, great location.

10

Tina

3 Dec 2024

·

Stayed 3 nights

Conveniently located. Walking distance to restaurants and grocery store. Plenty of shopping.

10

Glenn

7 Jul 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

Very clean, quiet dog-friendly motel located next to Madonna Inn and just a short drive to downtown SLO. There’s a Denny’s restaurant on-site and a grocery store across the street. While it’s not walkable to many of SLO’s attractions, I’d definitely stay here again.

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AI-generated summary based on recent guest reviews

Dining

No breakfast is provided, but several guests appreciated discounts and easy access to Denny’s/IHOP and other nearby restaurants. Overall dining relies on neighboring options rather than the hotel.

Related guest reviews

10

Pamela

19 Jul 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

Easy check in, clean room albeit a bit noisy. We heard the people in the room above walking around and using the shower. The children enjoyed the pool and it was convenient to have an ihop next door for breakfast.

10

Alessandra

8 Feb 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

I stayed for a night Bed was comfortable Clean Upgraded for a budget hotel I recommend Dennys is next door

10

Parrish

13 Feb 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

Hotel was well kept and clean. Front desk was courteous and efficient. I would stay here again. Dennys on site is a definite plus!

8

Maggie

27 Dec 2023

·

Stayed 1 night

Limited dining

10

John

11 Nov 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

A 2min walk to Denny's

6

Robert

7 Apr 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

The Vagabond is, as motels go, fine: it was clean, the service was prompt and friendly and the water was hot. The bed was pretty shopworn and bordering on the uncomfortable and there were no dining opportunities nearby (I don't consider Denny's a "dining opportunity") but for an overnight stay it fit the bill.

10

Barbara

31 Aug 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

Convenient and clean good value

8

Jayita

23 Aug 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Rooms were spacious, and we liked the 2 room suite. Rooms were clean enough, but the bathroom was small and a bit cramped. There was a big pool and a hot tub that we used and enjoyed for one night. No breakfast though, but you get 10% off at Dennys.

10

Sarah

26 Jul 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

We had 2 rooms. The ground floor room with 3 beds was huge! The lighting wasn’t great but apart from that, it was perfect. The first floor room with a king bed was large and comfortable. Motel is handy with great breakfast options all around. Would recommend.

10

Sheila

20 Sept 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

Great location & value - Vagabond Inn San Luis Obispo is an older property, but it is kept up and cared for and is in a great location. We have stayed at the property several times as it is a good value for a family and the grandkids love the pool. The location is wonderful because it is close to downtown, there are stores and a grocery across the street. It is also safe, and we have never had a problem. The famous Madonna Inn is located right next door, and we walk over there for meals or to listen to music in the evenings with the grandkids and they love it. We always look forward to the clean pool and appreciate the owners for all their work keeping the place nice for us to relax and enjoy. Every time we stay overnight in San Luis we stay at the Vagabond Inn.

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AI-generated summary based on recent guest reviews

Su	Mo	Tu	We	Th	Fr	Sa
				1	2	3
4	5	6	7 $70	8 $76	9 $231	10 $272
11 $77	12 $77	13 $75	14 $75	15 $77	16 $164	17 $222
18 $75	19 $76	20 $75	21 $77	22 $73	23 $148	24 $173
25 $73	26 $74	27 $74	28 $75	29 $75	30 $143	31 $151

Su	Mo	Tu	We	Th	Fr	Sa
1 $71	2 $70	3 $71	4 $70	5 $71	6 $179	7 $187
8 $95	9 $71	10 $71	11 $71	12 $71	13 $111	14 $120
15 $71	16 $71	17 $71	18 $73	19 $71	20 $112	21 $120
22 $71	23 $71	24 $70	25 $78	26 $120	27 $143	28 $145
29 $70	30 $71

Vagabond Inn San Luis Obispo

Prices for Vagabond Inn San Luis Obispo

Monthly average prices

About this property

Location

Room options

Standard Room, 1 Queen Bed

Standard Room, 2 Queen Beds

Standard Room, 1 King Bed

Studio Suite

Standard Room, 2 Queen Beds, Accessible

Family Room

Family Studio Suite

Guest reviews of Vagabond Inn San Luis Obispo

Who stays here?

What guests think

Property policies

Check-in instructions

Security deposit

Good to know

Optional extras

FAQs about Vagabond Inn San Luis Obispo

Prices for upcoming dates