I first learned about Stables Inn while I was scrolling through Instagram. The white-washed barn aesthetic caught my eye and I immediately fell down the scrolling rabbit hole. I knew I was heading to the California Mid-State Fair and needed a place to stay while I was there, so I quickly booked a room. Not only did I fall in love with the white-washed barn look, I also enjoyed the attention to detail everywhere I turned.
To me, Stables Inn felt like a classic American inn that met a modern equestrian style. When you first arrive, you’ll notice the equestrian artifacts, cowhide rugs, a cowboy mural, and big marquee letters that spell STABLES. Their lobby connects to their Tack Room, which is a communal space with sliding barn doors, decorated with vintage photographs and an early 1900s galvanized-metal windmill tail. This is where you’re served locally brewed coffee and pastries in the morning! Outside is another communal area with Adirondack chairs surrounding a firepit under a beautiful Magnolia tree. This is a great space to start or end your day with a hot cup of coffee or a glass of wine.
Stables Inn sits right on the side of the road on Spring Street, which is one of the main streets in Paso Robles that takes you right through their historic Downtown City Park and town center, near their locally owned boutiques, restaurants, and tasting rooms. Personally, I loved the distance between the downtown area and the inn – It felt close enough yet far enough away from the crowds that the downtown area attracts at times.
While we were staying there during the California Mid-State Fair, I noticed most of the other guests used it as a place of refuge during their winetasting extravaganzas. There are three style of rooms to choose from: a room with a California king size bed, a double room with two comfortable beds, and the Bunkhouse. The Bunkhouse sleeps six people, which is ideal for a family or a girl’s weekend when you’re winetasting with your friends.
The Stables Inn’s staff was unbelievably friendly and eager to assist in anyway they could! Normally when I’m traveling and staying in hotels, encounters with staff seem surface-level and inauthentic. The staff at Stables Inn felt so genuine and engaging, which I truly appreciate. It makes the experience seem more personal and enjoyable.
I highly recommend booking a room in advance at Stables Inn while traveling to Paso Robles. They are the only boutique motel in town, so they book up quickly!
Photography: Kristine Cramer Photography
