White Water

Style

Scandi surf

Setting

Mystical Moonstone Beach

White Water is a seaside lodge in central California with adventure-ready surroundings and serious design cred (the interiors by Nina Freudenberger are the last word in coastal cool). The front door is steps from a stretch of surf-blessed beach, a five-minute bike ride from Cambria’s quaint cafes and fifteen minutes by car from the Paso Robles wine region. Inside, you’ll find Aesop bath products, Erewhon goodies in the minibar and fresh pastries delivered daily to your door. This former motel may be just off Highway 1, but it’s a stop so spoiling you won’t want to put it in the rear view.

Facilities

Rooms

25, including three suites.

Checkout

11am. Earliest check-in, 3pm. Both are flexible, subject to availability.

Also

All common areas and a number of Double Queen and Premier King rooms are wheelchair accessible.

Free Internet Access

Pet Friendly

At the Hotel

Free WiFi, public beach in reach, boutique, library with board games and vintage magazines, Linus bikes to borrow. In rooms: TV, Aesop bath products and an indulgent mini bar with local wines and Erewhon goodies.

Our Favourite Rooms

You’ll feel like you’re bedding down in a magazine spread no matter which room you’re in – the interiors are an inspired mix of Baltic birch wood, beach-house whites and organic textures. The Ocean View King rooms merit special mention for their panoramic views of the Pacific and outdoor soaking tub so you can stargaze by night.

Packing Tips

A rash guard if you plan to brave the breakers and a fleece for dawn whale-watching missions.

Also

The highly curated shelves in the lobby double as a general store – those design books, vintage vases and beach blankets are all available to buy.

Children

All ages are welcome, but it’s definitely better suited to adventurous teens who want to hike or hang ten.

Gallery

Food & Drink

Top Table

By the windows, for views of rolling dunes and white-capped waves.

Dress Code

Come-as-you-are casual.

Hotel Restaurant

There’s no full-service restaurant on site, but the lobby serves a selection of small bites and sharing plates like cheese fondue and charcuterie.

Hotel Bar

The petite bar in the lobby lounge has striped wallpaper in a rusty hue, beer on tap and a terrazzo countertop. You’ll also find local wines from their favourite vineyards in Paso Robles, ciders and spirits. Ask about the daily happy hour deals and plan your day accordingly.

Last Orders

Food and drinks are available in the lobby from noon to 9.30pm daily.

Room Service

There’s no room service, but there are Erewhon snacks, chocolate, local wine and craft beers in your minibar to stave off hunger pangs after dark.

Planes

There’s a small airport in San Luis Obispo (a 50-minute drive from the hotel), but you’ll need to connect through a larger hub like San Francisco, Los Angeles, Dallas or Denver.

Trains

The Amtrak station in San Luis Obispo offers daily service by the Coast Starlight train (which travels between Los Angeles and Seattle) and the Pacific Surfliner (which travels along the coast from San Luis Obispo to San Diego).

Automobiles

Hit the ignition – Cambria is equidistant from Los Angeles and San Francisco (about three and a half hours from each) on the famous Highway 1, so it’s the perfect overnight stop for both you and your little red Corvette. And, being a former roadside inn, there’s plenty of free parking on site.

Worth Getting Out of Bed For

If you’ve brought your board, you can find some of the central coast's best surfing on naturally secluded Moonstone Beach. There can be strong swells so it’s best suited to intermediate or advanced riders. If you prefer to stay dry, you can borrow one of the hotel’s Linus bikes and explore the boardwalk. The scenic, looping trails at the Fiscalini Ranch Preserve wind through pine forest, rolling grasslands and have stunning views of the coast – you might get lucky and spot a migrating whale (yelling ‘ahoy’ is optional but strongly recommended).

Fifteen minutes’ drive up the coast is Xanadu-like Hearst Castle, the former newspapers tycoon’s mind-boggling mansion that houses more art and antiquities than you could ever see in a day (plus a herd of zebras, for some reason). Or wend your way to the exciting wine region of Paso Robles – book ahead for tastings and tours at Tablas Creek, Tin City and Austin Hope.

Earn or Redeem Points with World of Hyatt

This Mr & Mrs Smith hotel participates in the World of Hyatt loyalty program. As a member, you can earn and redeem points and enjoy exclusive benefits for qualifying nights. .