The City of San Luis Obispo

San Luis Obispo or SLO is a city in California's Central Coast, midway between San Francisco and Los Angeles. It has earned a name in tourist destination with its scenic views of hillsides and beaches, Mediterranean climate, picturesque vineyards, historic landmarks and yearly festivals. It houses the restored Mission San Luis Obispo de Tolosa, Fremont Theater, Bubblegum Alley, Hearst Castle and California Polytechnic State University. The city's lakes, sandy beaches, mountain ranges, state parks and natural forest make it an outdoor recreation hub. Wine tasting and agricultural tours are usual events here with the fine vineyards in SLO. Some events to anticipate in San Luis Obispo are the SLO Vintner's Harvest Celebration, Farmers Market, free plaza concerts, Art after Dark and Tour of California Bicycle Race. San Luis Obispo Budget Lodging Options

San Luis Inn & Suites- This 35-room guest room San Luis Obispo budget hotel is at 404 Santa Rosa Street. Minutes away from here are historic landmarks, wine tasting venues, beaches and shopping places. Its services include complimentary continental breakfast, a heated pool, guest laundry, free parking and meeting room facilities. Cable TV, refrigerator, microwave, iron and board, hairdryer, direct dial telephone and high speed Internet are the rooms' amenities. The room rates are very affordable at $45.00 to $50.00. Its contact number is 805-544-0881.

Sands Inns & Suites- This conveniently located hotel is at 1930 Monterey Street San Luis Obispo. The California Polytechnic University, Old Mission and downtown SLO is just walking distance away from this San Luis Obispo discount lodging. Its amenities are heated outdoor pool and spa, complimentary parking, handicap rooms, laundry facilities, meeting rooms and upgraded continental breakfast. It also has a showcase of world renowned collection of watches and Wild West guns. Pets are accepted with a $25 per night fee. The hotel's deals are 20% off on midweek stay, free 4th night lodging and a vineyard tour package. The 70 spacious rooms have wireless Internet access, cable TV, DVD players, free DVD and videos, microwave, coffeemaker, refrigerator, and iron/ironing board. The regular room rates ranges from $99.00 to $169.00 while the suites are from $129.00 to $199. The hotel's contact number is 800-441-4657.

La Cuesta Inn- This San Luis Obispo budget inn is addressed at 2074 Monterey Street with contact number 800-543-2777. The Hearst Castle, wineries, downtown San Luis Obispo, Cal Poly and recreation venues are nearby this inn. It features a deluxe complimentary breakfast, afternoon coffee and tea, 24-hour lobby, complimentary newspaper, guest laptop and outdoor heated pool and spa. The rooms come with complimentary Internet access, 2-line phone with free local calls, 27" cable TV, iPod radio dock, mini-fridge, coffee maker, iron/board, hairdryer and make-up mirror. Its discount packages are 20% off on weekday stay, summer midweek rate of $69.00 and stay for 2 nights and get a free 3rd night. The room rates start at $89.00 to $199.00.

The Hearst Castle and Bubblegum Alley

Two of the must-see attractions in San Luis Obispo are the Hearst Castle and Bubblegum Alley. The Hearst Castle in 250 Hearst Castle Road San Simeon is the estate of the Hearst family. Aside from the beautiful castle itself, a giant screen theater, a gift and food shop, an exhibit and museum shop are housed here. Different site tours are offered with adult ticket prices of $24.00 to $75.00. The Bubblegum Alley is a much-talked-about San Luis Obispo landmark. It is a 70-foot long alley of wall lined accumulated chewed gum. Some find the place disgusting while others see it as a form of art. It is located at 733 and 734 Higuera Street at downtown San Luis Obispo.