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Kon Tiki Inn

4.5 star rating
based on 18 reviews

Category: Hotels  [Edit]

1621 Price St
Pismo Beach, CA 93449
(805) 773-4833
Price Range:
$$

18 reviews for Kon Tiki Inn

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Photo of Anthony N.

 

143

65

Anthony N.

Simi Valley, CA

4 star rating
11/18/2009

So the boyfriend had 2 days off work and he thought it would be nice to go on a little romantic beachy midweek getaway and I thought the idea was cute so I was totally game for it.  We packed our bags and embarked on the long trek to Pismo Beach where Jon has nostalgic memories of his long lost childhood.  One of those many places that triggers his past is this Inn that has one of the most amazing locations and views of California's coast.  It is absolutely breath-taking.  Perfect scene for a romantic getaway.
The room itself was a little less desired, with its old fashion 90's kitschy decor and sheets that probably haven't been changed in a while and are covered in semen and God only knows what else.  However the place has solid bones with a great panoramic view of the ocean and the beach, with a little money and a few upgrades this place could become an amazing resort.  
The place has a pool and a hot tub which is pretty nice...and kind of funny considering there is the beach like 10 feet away...but then again this is America, land of the plenty and what we don't need is what we want.  lol...
I'd say the decor in the room brought it down to 3.5 stars for me...but the nostalgia for Jon made me give the place 4 stars because it really was an amazing sight to wake up and greet the day with that kind of view.  Sometimes it is all about the view.
ps: Reviews for the places we ate at and stuff we visited on our little vacation are coming shortly :)

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12

70

E Z.

Artesia, CA

5 star rating
7/9/2009

This hotel claims to be California's mainland paradise and so they should!  The pictures and website do not do this place justice.  While it functions like a motel, it has close to all the amenities of an actual resort: heated pool, in-room amenities and easy access to dining, exercise facilities, and the beach.  It's not a huge property but yes, it has private access to the beach and every room has a full ocean front view.  Bring your own tropical drinks and you're all set.

I actually liked their continental breakfast, not just because it was free, but because it had everything we needed.  The already peeled hardboiled eggs and quality tea were pleasant surprises.   And on a clear night like this past 4th of July, you could see fireworks up and down the coast, not to mention the best view of the Pismo Beach fireworks display without having to jockey for a spot on the beach or deal with parking.

This is a great place to stay if you want to be near the action but away from the crowds.  Also, with lots of stuff within a short drive away and easy access to the freeway, it made a great home base for our central coast explorations.  And with FREE WI-FI I was able to Yelp some great places for dinner.

Note: You can't book this hotel online, you have to make reservations the old fashioned way, over the phone.  And if you go during the 4th, folks who come back "every year" seem to be a little possessive of the jacuzzis (there are two).  But who knows that could be me one day...  ;)

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0

4

Tyler C.

Olivehurst, CA

4 star rating
9/4/2009

So were going on a family vacation FINALLY, and I blast out an email asking all my coworkers where should I stay in Pismo. Well this one gal hands down came to my desk and sad you HAVE to stay at the Kon Tikki Inn.
After I got done laughing at the name I made my reservations. Wow, I am sure glad that I did. With all things considered this place had everything! From the views to the Wi-Fi to the gym to the breakfast they had the help on where to go, and the location was awesome.
We didn't drive our whole vacation, we were able to walk to where ever we wanted to go.
The only two things missing were hammocks and a fire pit.

Great place to go that seems central but yet away at the same time. I was able to run on the beach and have a healthy breakfast, the pool was done right and nice, the hot tubs were never crowded.
This is a great place and we will be definitely be coming back year after year....

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Elite '09

13

98

Dale G.

San Leandro, CA

5 star rating
9/16/2009

Been coming here for years and it is the only place to stay!  Every room has a magnificent view of the beach.  The pool and hot tub are perfect.  A little known fact is that if you are traveling alone you can sometimes score a "single" rate of $84 while everyone else is paying over $100.  Take the stairs down to the beach (it is an easy trip going down but a workout coming back up).  Steamers next door is a great place to grab a drink and some clams.  If you are looking to keep in shape the hotel also owns the gym in front of the hotel and will give you a free pass to get in.

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Photo of paul k.

 

2

5

paul k.

Morgan Hill, CA

4 star rating
8/12/2009 3 photos

Great place for a romantic getaway, but definitely good for family too. Loved the stay here, we lucked out and got one of the 4 top rooms on the 4th floor of the Inn. Hotel looks kind of shabby on the outside, could use a paint job and dated on the inside, but for under $200/night with a great view, access to the beach down below (stairs are great exercise by the way), 5 minute jog to the pier/promenade, free continental breakfast, free gym w/tennis court and basketball court, fireplace (maybe just 4th floor), mini-fridge, microwave, iron, blow dryer, pull out couch and FREE Wi-Fi this place really knew how to make us happy on our stay.

They don't nickel and dime you for add-ons or features, you either pay for the top room or regular rooms. You can't book online, website is atrocious, just pick up the phone and call, they're quite nice. Will be back next summer with the kids. I know they'll love the pool and hot tub with a great view of the sunset in the evenings (weather permitting - I'm told it gets quite cloudy/misty on most days - 2 out of 3 for us).

Would give it a 5 star, but carpet and bed duvet could really use an upgrade.

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Photo of Ryan J.

Elite '09

184

289

Ryan J.

Los Angeles, CA

4 star rating
6/9/2009

Went to Pismo Beach for a casual weekend for the girlfriend's birthday.  A little wine tasting, romantic sunset walks on the beach, all that jazz.  Duty calls my brothers.

So I was looking for a hotel with a reasonable price tag but where I wasn't sacrificing location.  Kon Tiki Inn takes the cake.  The rooms are large (although the bathroom wasn't), and clean if a little dated.

But as soon as I opened the sliding glass door to the balcony, it was all worthwhile.  Every room has an ocean view.  I requested a third floor (top story) room so that I could have the best view possible, and was definitely not disappointed.  We slept with the sliding door cracked so that we could wake up to the sounds of the ocean.  

Yep, hopeless romantic, right here... or so I try to convince myself... and my girl pushes back equally hard saying that I'm delusional.  Which I probably am ;P

For the price, I couldn't have asked for anything more.  The hot tubs are nice, and overlook the ocean.  The hotel staff was helpful as well.  I hit them with question after question about restaurants, outdoor activities and hikes, where to go wine-tasting, even where to watch a Lakers game IN HD in the town!  They were very helpful, and patient as well.  

The free continental breakfast didn't look very good, so we didn't hang around for breakfast... plus I'm not a fan of Farmers Bros coffee (yep I'm a snob)... but for those who are looking for a simple breakfast (fruit, cereal, bagels, ahem and Farmer Bros coffee) then this should work for you... I need some steak and eggs, or at least some chorizo in the morning!

The location is great; you can walk along the beach to go to "the strip" and get food or go shopping, and yet you're far enough from the pier that you don't have to worry about all of the crowds.

Summary: Unless you want to pay way more for Dolphin Cove or The Cliffs, this is the best hotel in Pismo.  It isn't fancy, but I give it 4 stars because it was everything for which I was looking.

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38

Joey S.

San Francisco, CA

5 star rating
7/5/2009

Went here for the 4th of July weekend for some R&R and wine tasting in Paso Robles.  The location is very central to all of the towns up and down the coast.  

All of the rooms face the ocean with a balcony.  The rooms are clean, large and even includes a lazy boy loveseat that is quite comfortable.  There's a refrigerator, coffee maker and wireless.  The continental breakfast is not that great but that's common at all hotels.  I don't understand why hotels offer breakfast.  The staff is very friendly.   I would return on my next visit.

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6

6

Kelly D.

Oakland, CA

5 star rating
7/21/2009

I HEART KON TIKI INN
Kon Tiki Inn was actually recommended to me by a friend.  Like other reviewers have mentioned, their website doesn't do this place justice.  We were pleasently surprised with 2 hot tubs and access to the FULL Pismo Beach Athletic Club (located accross the parking lot).  We talked about going to the gym more than we actually worked out, but still we appreciated the free access to a complete club vs. just a small room with two outdated treadmills.  
The rooms were quaint.  Nothing special, but everything essential.  If you request a room with two beds, just know that all of their double rooms are actually a Full with a King.  The highlight of Kon Tiki is definitely the views of the ocean and small balcony for every room, but also the wonderful and accommodating staff.  Service overall in Pismo Beach was great everywhere we went, but we found Kon Tiki staff exceptionally pleasant.   Book your reservations for the summer time in advance, from what I hear they do sell out almost every weekend in the summer months.  Enjoy!

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Photo of Mianna A.

 

1

8

Mianna A.

Thousand Oaks, CA

5 star rating
10/6/2008

We have been staying at the Kon Tiki since 1997.  We try to go at least twice a year.  As all have mentioned, there is no bad room, all face the ocean, beach access is awesome, they are slowly upgrading the rooms, wireless is now FREE, parking is always adequate and the staff could not be nicer.

It is on the simple side for some, but perfect for us.  Once we had a child, staying on the ground floor was SO nice.  Then you have a huge safe yard for your child to play and easy access to the pool.

Once your kids get older, moving upstairs is more desirable so you can sleep with your sliding glass door open all night.   Hearing the ocean 24/7 is heavenly.

We don't go to Pismo Beach for anything else other than the Kon Tiki, their beach access and several great favorite restaurants.

My wish list for the Kon Tiki:  Update the continental breakfast to include yogurts, cereals, better pastry, etc.   Make the pool warmer.  Please bring back room service (from Steamers)  like the old days.  Add DVD players, nice for kids. Also, time to start thinking of resurfacing the pool deck, and more chaise lounges.

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Photo of Javier L.

 

4

55

Javier L.

San Jose, CA

5 star rating
9/25/2009

If you are looking for a fairley local romantic getaway this is the place to go.  My parents have been going here since I was 5 years old, which was 20 years ago and the quality and customer service have only gotten better.  We continue to go here at least 3-4 times a year and we absolutely love it.  The rooms are always well taken care of and the views from every room are the best.  For the price no other hotel compares in Pismo Beach, the average nightly rate is about $125 depending on when you are trying to go, another hotel you would have to pay extra for a view and be close to the $300-$400 range per night.  Everything about this hotel is the absolute best, my parents now go by themselves now that I am older and I go with my girlfriend and it completely relaxes.  Check this place if you get a chance, I guarantee you will not be dissappointed and make your reservations well in advance (just made my valentines day reservation the other day).

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19

Ernie S.

San Francisco, CA

5 star rating
8/1/2009

Dollar for Dollar, the best place to stay in Pismo.  Perfect location, not too close to & not too far from the pier & downtown (via beach or street).  Completely relaxing vibe; good mix of families and those without small children.  No BS on prices, about 165 every room, every time, every website.  If you take advantage of breakfast, unbelievable bargain.  Can also take out lunch/dinner from Steamers next door.  Or call in for take out from Splash or Mexican place on se corner of Price & Pomeroy(25-30 min round trip walk/stroll).  I've stayed upstairs & on 1st floor; either way is great.  If you have active kids, 1st floor is best because you can walk straight out to pool/grass/beach (& never use your front door).

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3

9

Heather C.

Santa Monica, CA

4 star rating
1/7/2009

Love this place! Stayed here once for a couple days. The place is clean, the rooms are spacious, the room includes a refrigerator, an awesome balcony with views of the ocean, there's a path down to the beach, pool and 2 spas, great complimentary breakfast, plenty of parking, gym services, quiet, affordable. I would definitely stay here again and highly recommend the place for a trip to Pismo!

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Photo of Thao T.

 

10

146

Thao T.

Milpitas, CA

4 star rating
4/21/2008

This place reminded me of hawaii without having to travel that far. We came here for christmas and the weather was actually really nice. I like that all the rooms had an ocean view and you could walk down to the beach and it takes 10 min to get to the downtown area. The people there were pretty nice. The only thing that was weird was that the parking lot to the hotel was actually really hard to get to even though you could see it the whole time you're trying to get there. Other than that, no complaints =)

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2

14

Penny M.

Pasadena, CA

5 star rating
4/14/2008

My family has been coming to Pismo Beach since I was a little one and so now that I can decide on my own accomodations, I always choose the Kon Tiki.  Gonna be here for a long weekend in May and can't wait.  Folks see pictures we've taken from our balcony here and ask if the shot was from a trip to Hawaii!!  Really nice views.  Rooms are older but very clean.  Staff is helpful.  Try it.

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Photo of Taggart H.

 

1

139

Taggart H.

Seattle, WA

5 star rating
11/7/2007

Sweet place.  Great location and every room opens to the ocean.  Good pool deck, two hot-tubs and a staircase to the beach.  Big room, mini-fridge, patio.  Really reasonably priced.  Virtually impossible to get a reservation without booking 4-6 months in advance.  Best place to stay in Pismo.

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Photo of jeff w.

 

1

35

jeff w.

Mountain View, CA

4 star rating
1/5/2008

this place seems maybe a bit far from the downtown area but it's actually only a 15 minute walk on the beach. the beach access is great. the views are great, and the room was decent.
i'd go back, it's good for couples and/or families. there's a couple of hot tubs and a pool. we didn't get to use the other facilities, but i think there's a sauna and other stuff, although it's in a different building across the parking lot.

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16

Yelp Y.

Walnut Creek, CA

5 star rating
3/21/2007

Great place!  On the beach and you can sleep with your door open at night and hear the ocean.  Love this spot!

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Photo of Miko H.

 

0

24

Miko H.

Berkeley, CA

4 star rating
11/15/2007 8 photos

A good place to stay at Pismo Beach. This is a 3 star hotel. The accommodations are very basic. The rooms are clean. The towels are the same quality you would get at a gym. The best part of staying here - THE VIEW. Every room is facing the ocean. The hotel is away from hwy 101, so  you can't hear any of the cars zooming by. The other hotels on Price St are right next to 101, so noise might be a problem if you don't have a room facing the ocean. Continental breakfast is really simple - bagels, pastries, coffee, and juice. You get access to the Pismo Beach Athletic Club with the stay here. It's nice to use a real gym. If you want direct access to the pool, stay on the first floor. If you want privacy, stay on the 2nd or 3rd floor. I stayed on the 3rd floor and I like sitting on the balcony and just relaxing in front of the ocean.  This hotel is a short 10 minute walk to downtown Pismo. One negative about this place is they don't give you free wireless internet. You'll have to pay the extra $10/day for it. At this age, internet should just be free at hotels. Parking is free and lots of it. This is a good place if you are looking for a clean, no frills, simple place to stay with a view.

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