A retro-chic, mid-century motor lodge restoration in Paso Robles, featuring an adults-only pool, custom-designed rooms, and poolside Cal-Italian dining.
River Lodge Paso Robles is a meticulously restored mid-century motor lodge located at the crossroads of Highway 101 and Highway 46 West. Originally opened in 1947 as the Suburban Lodge, the property sat vacant for years and was slated for demolition before Nomada Hotel Group undertook an ambitious two and a half year rescue mission. Led by creative director Kimberly Walker, the restoration preserved the motel's iconic Googie architecture (characterized by its dramatic boomerang-shaped building, retro-futuristic lines, and neon signage) while transforming the three-acre grounds into a sophisticated, adults-only retreat. To shield the property from highway noise, the team erected an eight-foot-tall wall, moving the original parking lot to the outer perimeter and replacing it with a central courtyard of lush lawns, rose gardens, and walking paths.
The heart of the property is the central courtyard, which features a restored kidney-bean-shaped pool and hot tub reserved exclusively for guests aged 21 and over. Flanking the pool is Ciao Papi, the lodge's seasonal Cal-Italian restaurant and bar, which serves al fresco meals under the sun. The menu highlights fresh, regional ingredients with dishes like the signature Ciao Papi pizza, spring primavera, and polpette, paired with curated local wines and craft cocktails like the Electric Boots or the Poolside Hugo. Around the pool deck, guests can lounge in free cabanas, gather around communal fire pits, or relax on hammocks slung beneath the palms. For those looking to explore the nearby wineries or the shops of downtown Paso Robles, the lodge provides a fleet of complimentary Linus cruiser bikes.
The 28 guest rooms are designed with a boots-off spirit that blends vintage California cool with boutique luxury. Each room is individually decorated by Nomada Deco, showcasing custom-designed furniture including velvet-upholstered beds, wing-back club chairs, and walnut nightstands. The spaces feature high-end details like Pierre Frey fabrics, handmade Moroccan tiles, original artwork, and cozy fireplaces to ward off the cool Central Coast nights. Outside, private partitioned front porches are outfitted with Bolivian hammocks, and select rooms offer private backyards with personal fire pits and outdoor showers. Modern conveniences like mini-refrigerators, curated minibars stocked with local provisions, and artisan-made bath products complete the experience, and the entire property welcomes four-legged companions for a modest pet fee.
Skip the drive and spend the afternoon at the adults-only pool with a Poolside Hugo cocktail from Ciao Papi, or borrow one of the complimentary Linus cruiser bikes for a quick ride to the nearby tasting rooms.
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