Granada Hotel & Bistro

This hotel is fantastic, with great rooms and excellent service. However, be aware that the company has changed its policy regarding the hydro flask in each room. Previously, guests could use them during their stay, but now they are not allowed. This policy change is not clearly communicated, and we were charged $35 for the flask without any exceptions or courtesy adjustment, even though we were aware of the old policy. Most hotels would have made a courtesy adjustment, so I was very surprised after staying in multiple of their properties.

Service: 3

This review is for the restaurant. I've been there many times over the years but most recently in Jan 2025.

The scallop appetizer was delish, the scallops were large and perfectly seared and I enjoyed them. The chicken confit was small - I was served one piece of chicken on a small bed of parsnip/potato puree and a handful butternut the squash. It was actually nice to be served a smaller portion except for the price. The flavor was good.

My dirty martini was super oily. I wouldn't order that again.

My main complaint is about the vibe. Pretty as it is, the lights were so dim that I couldn't tell when eating my bone-in-chicken where the meat ended and bone began. Eww. Also, one of the servers was wearing SO much cologne that it overpowered the food and drink flavors and he would not go away. Also the waft from the adjacent hipster Nightcap bar, when doors were opened, loaded us with overwhelmingly potent wafts of patchoulie. It was just weird. It was like the grownups had stepped aside and the boys in charge were on LSD. There weren't many tables. It was a slow January night. Maybe the professionals took the night off.

Service: 2

Great location. Lovely hotel.

Walkability: Nice and safe neighborhood

Service: 5

Updated review
First I will start by acknowledging the pleasant and kind staff at the hotel and the bistro, everyone was great. The building and ambiance were incredible.
I had an issue that I reached out to management about, and they worked with me find a solution which I very much appreciated.

Service: 5

I used to live near by, but now I try to make a visit and stay at the hotel when I need a quick refresh.
This was my first visit flying solo (left the husband and kid at home)
The hotel is always lovely, but the people working at the bistro made my stay feel extra welcoming.
Every person I spoke with from Thursday until I left Sunday was so warm and friendly, yet, professional.
Not to mention, the quality of cocktails were exceptional.
Thank you all for making a rare weekend alone just what I needed.

Service: 5

Four of us went for dinner on Monday night and all the meals were bad. Burger tasted like fish, fried chicken was dry, swordfish was bland and served on a bed of flavorless couscous and my eggplant pasta dish had a weird smokey flavor with overcooked pasta. We were so looking forward to this meal with visiting friends as we’ve had a great experience there in the past. On a positive note, drinks and service were great.

A friend recommended Granada to me for my stay in SLO and I must say it was a great suggestion! From the friendly night clerk who welcomed me to the stunning and generously sized Room #1 with the glorious steam shower, to the convenience of being right in the middle of town without being noisy! Would stay again for sure.

Service: 5

Beautiful patio - service was great and delicious dishes. My husband loved the tri-tips (great quality meat, perfectly cooked) and I had the roasted eggplant parpadelle. Cooked to perfection fresh and flavorful pistachio pesto - highly recommend the Granada bistro.

Happy hour at bistro, perfection on the patio

Service: 5

We were somewhat disappointed in the food. Our drinks were outstanding as well as the service. The food however was less than what we expected. Tomato bisque was good, but on the cool side. The vegetarian pasta selection was not a winner-I left half on the plate. Reportedly the tri-tip was good, but there was a lot going on. The bread was great and the shisitos were appreciated. Our server was very on it, friendly and timely as were the other staff. No complaints there at all and again, the drinks were great.

We booked at restaurant expecting a great meal. Instead, we got a dry swordfish that required tons of salt to be flavorful. It lacked a good sauce and was paired with a bed of quinoa which was too light to balance the swordfish. Generally all the food was 'off'. Flavors not balanced. Scallops seared well but a mushy pea sauce with uncooked or still dried peas was a downer. Everything is individually ordered, meaning no bread, salad, etc comes with anything. You only find this out after your food comes. Management needs to revise the menu and train the staff. Waiters don't know how to serve food, explain menu, check on customers regularly, etc. They were nice enough but need more training. Service mid to poor. Waiters tried, but they spent most of the time sequestered in the kitchen. All clients were outside and servers were nowhere to be seen. We waited over 8 minutes for someone to emerge during the meal. For the price we expected much much more. Setting is incredible, but food does not compensate. Nothing served would make me return. The thrill was gone.

Service: 1

Came up for a work trip and loved the experience here so much we went to Nightcap after our brief post-dinner walk. The scallop appetizer was the only thing disappointing - the pea puree didn't do it for me and was a bit under seasoned and had whole peas added for plate appeal that were COMPLETELY dry and wrinkly and wholly inedible. However, the caesar salad was the star (so much we ordered another one) and the ahi tuna poke was delicious. Our server was great and the cocktails were all perfect.

A charming boutique hotel tucked into downtown San Luis Obispo.

Food & drinks: Two great bars and a lovely restaurant too.

Service: 5

I had a truly amazing experience here. The lady & gentleman who work the front desk are very professional and helpful. Thank you & your staff for making my stay a great experience. Will definitely stay here again when traveling town.

Service: 5

The restaurant is geared toward outdoor seating so it is cold even indoors near the bar. There is an outdoor fireplace. We sat indoors. I had swordfish and it was not memorable in terms of taste. The tomato in the serving was the taste most remembered. The waiter was friendly but returned a total of three times after taking our order. The setting is beautiful.