6 Best Hotels in Paso Robles, The Central Coast

This swank, 20-acre, Tuscan-style resort amid estate vineyards is also a private museum (nonguests are welcome to walk around) where owner Douglas Ayres displays hundreds of artworks and artifacts collected on his world travels, including things like ancient Indian river stones and statues, a massive cross section from a giant sequoia, and Russian and California impressionist paintings.

Equestrian themes surface throughout this intimate European-style boutique hotel a half block from the main square and near some of Paso's best restaurants. Each of the 16 spacious rooms is named after a famous racehorse (its history and picture hang on the wall) and includes custom European contemporary furnishings, king beds with exquisite linens and comforters, and original works of art. Most rooms have fireplaces and window seats; some have vaulted cedar ceilings. For more affordable motel-style rooms with similar ambience, check out sister property Stables Inn, a few blocks away on Spring Street, the town's main drag.

Fine wines, a destination restaurant, and a vineyard's-edge setting make a stay at the Justin winery's inn an exercise in sophisticated seclusion. Three suites lie steps from the tasting room and restaurant. The high-style color scheme favors greens and dark walnut, the furnishings are contemporary with haute-1960s flourishes, and the bathrooms all have spa tubs. The fourth suite, ⅓-mile away and done up in French-country style, sits amid the production facilities, putting you even more in the thick of the winery action.

A good value for Paso Robles, this three-story chain property attracts heavy repeat business with its upbeat staff and slew of perks. The rooms, which come with either two queens or a king and sometimes a sleeper sofa, have comfortable beds and well-organized workspaces and are equipped with microwaves, refrigerators, and flat-screen TVs. All rooms have free Wi-Fi and high-speed Internet access.

On the site of an old spa hotel of the same name, this inn has various buildings clustered around a lush, shaded garden with a pool. Each of the 18 Deluxe Spa rooms has a hot tub in its bathroom or on its balcony, and bears the name of a local winery that supplied the room's photography, artwork, and other special touches. The Piccolo at the Paso Robles Inn is a four-story luxury hotel with a rooftop bar adjacent to the historic property.

Easygoing hospitality, vineyard-view rooms, and elaborate breakfasts make this inn a mile west of U.S. 101 worth seeking out. Associated with SummerWood Winery, which specializes in Rhône and Bordeaux blends, the inn was completely remodeled in 2013 in a contemporary country French–inspired style. The overall effect is upscale but casual. All rooms have gas or electric fireplaces and balconies or decks with vineyard or garden views; some have vaulted ceilings.