The Sanitarium

My wife, 3 month old son and I stayed at the Sanitarium two weeks ago on a road trip down the central coast. What an incredible place. Awesome energy from Suzi and everyone else we met in the house, very unique rooms with a lot of character and charm, and an incredible location about a 5 min walk from the Amtrak station and a 10 min walk to downtown SLO. The breakfast the next morning was incredible. I would highly recommend this place, and would certainly stay there again.

My girlfriend and I enjoyed a wonderful two night stay at The Sanitarium. The room was simple, yet very comfortable. We enjoyed a delicious breakfast of fresh fruits, veggies, bagels, and eggs on our private balcony the first morning. The stay was relaxing and rejuvenating-​I would recommend it to anyone seeking a quiet space to recharge. We would love to go back.

Bottom Line: When I pay $ 336 for one night in a B&B, I expect hospitality. Suzi was far from a welcoming courteous hostess.
Problems started at booking. I originally booked on Air Bnb. When my reservation was neither confirmed or denied, I called the Sanitarium and spoke to a man who told me that he never had heard of Air Bnb. I told him that the listing was under «Suzi» and the price was $ 225 for the night. Suzi calls me back and tells me that the listing is wrong, is $ 290 for the night and $ 25 if you want to bring a pet. Annoyed but still hoping for a great vacation spot, I agree to the higher price.
The day of our stay is finally upon us. I booked the room for myself, my boyfriend, and my small dog. As we drive closer to the Sanitarium, I call to give Suzi a heads-​up on our arrival time. I remind her that the reservation is for 2 people and a dog. When we arrive at the time we had projected, Suzi is no where to be found. The whole house is dark and there’s a note on the table to call her cell phone. She answers and says she’s nearby and to go into our room.
The room itself is quite nice. We had a large soaking tub, a steam shower, and a working wood fireplace.
We hear noise downstairs. We assume it is Suzi’s arrival. We head down with our small dog. While on the stairs we are charged at by two large and aggressive dogs. I sink to my knees and I throw myself over my dog to protect her. My boyfriend pulls Suzi’s dogs off from us. Suzi simply remarks that her dogs don’t like it when other dogs are on a leash. Suzi takes the dogs outside while we compose ourselves. After the scare, we attempt to strike up a conversation. Suzi did recommend a good place to take our dog for dinner, however the whole interaction felt very uncomfortable.
Location itself is great. Close, walking distance to downtown.
As we returned from dinner, we found a man standing in the kitchen who to this day we were never introduced to and have no idea who he is, though we gathered is a friend and maybe an employee of Suzi’s. My boyfriend asks for firewood. The man tells him that he has none, and my boyfriend insists. After-​all, we hoped to use the fireplace that we paid so dearly for. The man manages to pull together random items that we can burn and a few chunks of starter logs. My boyfriend finds two pieces of wood.
We spent the evening soaking in the tub and enjoying the fireplace. The whole scene was quite romantic, except for the large dogs camping out in front of our bedroom door waiting for their next chance to get at our dog.
In the morning, we hoped for a delicious home cooked breakfast. We were once again disappointed. We were served a tasty yogurt with fruit to start, but the main of the breakfast was simply bagels.
Yes, the place is decorated with a cute artsy, shabby chic motif. Go to an art gallery to enjoy similar scenes. Then find a different B&B with a hostess who understands hospitably.

I’ve played music here a few times and I love it! The acoustics are wonderful; the people generous and fun; the ambiance phenomenal. Look forward to each time I visit.

Sanatarium is more than a place to stay, it is a place to experience. As we did, I suspect you will find your own magic in that. Open hearts should feel especially welcome.
Our reasoning for the Sanatarium was a place to retreat after a week of our own wedding. Sure we live a short distance away but after eyeing this beautiful restored victorian for some time on our walks to and from Sally Loo’s, we shrugged and said «When else could we make an excuse to stay here?»
We were overjoyed at the perfect size and features of our room! No telephone, no TV, just beautiful themes of water, a huge steel tub, an expansive deck and a bathroom the size of a small bedroom with a steam shower (used quite extensively and extremely worth it after many long days in the sun).
The rest of the property is perfectly charming. The breakfasts were otherworldly (this being said after days of 5-​star meals entertaining our family) and our hosts dynamically wonderful. Like being hosted by your favorite famous artists.
We will find more excuses to retreat back here whenever possible.
Best and good luck –E

Mardi Gras madness prevailed, and we rented the front rooms of this otherworldly place for a Mardi Gras music and catered dinner party! It was perfect to set up the dj in the corner, since the first room is a big Victorian music room, including a piano. The kitchen and dining table were perfect for serving the catered dinner, but there wasn’t really as much room for seating as there might have been. The owner was cordial but a bit lackadaisical in her let them eat cake and party on attitude. We got to set up the way we wanted to, and the crowd had a great time in this magical timewarp atmosphere. The outdoor side garden could have been enjoyed were it not so neglected.
A trip to a strange land, where you might be comfortable, or you might feel like a stranger.

If you are looking for a more personable eclectic experience this is a fun alternative. We had a lovely time, comfortable, artistic, not fussy. The bathrooms are especially nice. Also the location has great walkability. I don’t understand some of these negative responses. Some people take themselves as «critics» way too seriously. Really enjoyed breakfast too.

Love, love, loooooove this place. Its peaceful, serene, relaxing. the perfect couples getaway ;) We stayed for 2 nights and had the best time! We are forever devoted guests. Added major plus: Chef Suzanne Lindell makes the yummiest foodie lovin breakfasts. Its crazy good. See photo.

Over the weekend I got ROTD, which was super sweet. This makes it all the more disappointing to follow my glory with such a shitcan review, but as you will see, it had to be done.
For Valentine’s Day, the BF and I decided to travel with another couple; our friends had been to the Sanitarium before and had a magical mystical experience there, so we decided to take advantage of the 3-​day weekend in SLO. When we booked, our friends requested the Tranquilibrium room, where they had stayed before and loved, and we booked the Hydrolucinogen, because it shares a balcony with the Tranq and we wanted to be together.
When we arrived, our friends had been moved to a different room. After asking some questions, we found out there was a long-​term boarder in the Tranq, which was puzzling since the dude apparently had been there since the end of the year, and our friends had called to confirm their reservation and had been told that they could expect their requested room. Our friends got on the phone with the innkeeper, who wasn’t on the property, and she did initially offer them a free nights’ stay but when asked why the room change had not been communicated to them, she became surprisingly obstinate. Our friends were accused of being hostile, hormonal (as the female counterpart of the couple is expecting), and were told to just take a bath and calm down.
Later that evening, after dinner, we were in the common area, and I spotted a small office area in the kitchen– the light was on and the door was open, and there were reservation papers in plain view. I saw our friend’s reservation, with their original room selection crossed out, and their new room reservation written in. That was all the proof we needed that we had, in fact, been lied to, in addition to being disrespected and dismissed, and we immediately made plans to leave first thing in the morning, as we did not feel comfortable or safe in such an establishment where the management would be so unscrupulous– indeed, to leave customer’s personal and credit card information accessible to anyone walking around, was inexcusable.
In the morning, the innkeeper, Suzan, arrived to start breakfast and that conversation went about as well as the one the day before– again, no acknowledgment on her part that a mistake had been made, no explanation for why they had neglected to be transparent about the room placement, no apologies, and got angry with us when we asked for copies of our invoices, and flat-​out refused to provide them. «I will do whatever it takes to get you and your negative energy out of here, because this is a place for happy people,» she said to us, scowling.
It’s a damn shame. All of us are artists and the Sanitarium could be– and is, taking into consideration the other reviews written about the place– such a lovely haven for the creative. However, as we are all artists, we are all businesspeople as well, and we were all shocked at being treated so terribly– there is definitely the level of customer service where you are being treated like cattle, which can be irritating, but having someone who is supposedly in the business of being hospitable, behave in such a petulant, passive-​aggressive manner, was beyond our comprehension. Also, half of our party teach high school students in the public district, so if that isn’t indication of our collective patience, diplomacy, flexibility, and a sense of humor when things don’t go our way, I don’t know what is.
Objectively, it does have to be said that one of our rooms didn’t have toilet paper when we arrived, and also the place is next to a fraternity house, so there is quite a bit of dudebro noise into the wee hours.
So there you have it. I also recommend going over to
and reading the reviews for this place over there, as the opinions are a little more balanced. I fully realize that the Sanitarium must keep afloat due to repeat customers, and obviously it is possible to have a wonderful visit there but given the attitude of the management, I can only suggest that if you stay there, you’d better like how they do things, or else too bad for you.

The Sanitarium was recommended to me by a SLO local — I’m so glad I had a chance to visit! This bed and breakfast has beautiful rooms that are spacious, clean, and tastefully decorated and a kind, friendly, helpful innkeeper. The Sanitarium is a very special space. Before it was a bed and breakfast, it was actually a sanitarium! I learned during my visit that a SanitArium is different than a SanitOrium. Sanitariums are for healing from minor illness (or tuberculosis back in the day I guess). Sanitoriums are for the mentally ill. :) I love learning new things.
Try to book your visit to include a Thursday evening so you can experience the amazing Farmer’s Market, which is downtown — conveniently within walking distance of the Sanitarium.

What a waste of money, it was like staying in a stranger’s spare room and being charged $ 200.
The operator barely acknowledged our presence and when she did we felt like we were in her way. The house was used as an open studio one day and strangers were walking in and out of our room until I tracked down the owner and got a key to lock our room.
The house is not locked at night with only sleeping guests in the building. None of the usual B&B amenities.
Only redeeming factor is location and the soaking tub and modern shower. Room had no hangers, no maid service, no offer of clean towels on second day, no coffee or tea in morning before b’fast, no wine or snacks in evening, no local menus and the list goes on.

Different… in a very good way. If you’re looking for an alternative to the traditional musty b&b you could do no better than this place. Went up with my wife for a romantic weekend and we had a truly wonderful time. The vibe, rooms and general atmosphere is very peaceful and creative. They even offer blank canvases if you’re so inclined to paint. The location is dynamite and the service is a dream. Highly recommended. Warm and welcoming. Fun in spirit.

A little slice of heaven. Don’t believe me? Read on…
I found this bed and breakfast on Unilocal when I was looking for accommodations in San Luis Obispo. I took my girlfriend there for the weekend with the goal of visiting Hearst Castle. The Sanitarium made the visit special in a way we’ll never forget.
The Sanitarium is located about a 10 minute walk from downtown SLO, which was perfect for us. The house is beautifully decorated and so relaxing. Each room has character but it’s not cheesy like the Madonna Inn could be. There are no TVs or internet, which is a good break from the hustle and bustle of city life.
Breakfast is served about 9am everyday and it is certainly an event not to miss. I was anxious about heading down there on our first morning but it turned out to be a treat. We met people from LA and other neighboring towns. The conversation was fun and breakfast was great. The second morning was equally interesting even though the guests around the table were completely different.
Have you ever been on a vacation where you left dreaming about staying there for ever? Well, I left dreaming about opening up my own bed and breakfast just like the Sanitarium. I know that we’ll be back again. The question is not when but how often.
Now you know why it’s a little slice of heaven.

Dream-​like, not for everyone… a fairy castle run by four women artists in a Victorian sanitarium, in a quiet neighborhood a couple of blocks from the SLO rail station. Every room has a zinc Moroccan tub, outdoor deck and a fireplace, and the staff is amazingly friendly. A working artists studio and turtle pond complete the picture.
Look: you can pay $ 200 for the Ramada in SLO and have a crappy T.V. and telephone, or do without the technology and sleep in this paradise.
These gals are so dreamy that sometimes their website is down. Here is a more-​reliable site: