Top 10% of guest reviews in this areaTop 10% of guest reviews in this area
1 bedroom2 bathroomsSleeps 4
Popular amenities
Kitchen
Washer
Dryer
Air conditioning
Outdoor Space
Explore the area
San Luis Obispo, CA
Downtown SLO Farmers' Market
Place, Downtown SLO Farmers' Market
12 min walk
Mission San Luis Obispo de Tolosa
Place, Mission San Luis Obispo de Tolosa
13 min walk
Fremont Theater
Place, Fremont Theater
13 min walk
San Luis Obispo, CA (SBP-San Luis Obispo County Regional)
Airport, San Luis Obispo, CA (SBP-San Luis Obispo County Regional)
11 min drive
Rooms & beds
1 bedroom (sleeps 4)
Bedroom 1
1 King Bed
Living Room 1
1 Double Sofa Bed
2 bathrooms
Bathroom 1
Bathtub · Toilet · Shower only
Bathroom 2
Bathtub · Toilet · Shower only
Spaces
Kitchen
Office
Balcony
Garden
About this property
2-Story Gem | Downtown Access | Private Backyard
Summary:
Welcome to our stunning vacation rental located just a few blocks away from downtown San Luis Obispo, where you'll discover an array of fabulous bars, restaurants, and shops to explore! This fully equipped one-bedroom, two-bathroom property is the perfect getaway. Unwind at the end of the day in the downstairs bathroom's large soaking tub, or take advantage of the beautiful Central Coast evenings in the privacy of your backyard.
The Space:
This stunning two-story vacation rental accommodates up to four guests comfortably. The bedroom, along with one bathroom, is located on the first floor, while the pullout sofa and second full bathroom are located on the second floor. The second floor also features a fully equipped kitchen and cozy living room.
The home's excellent location allows for easy access to downtown San Luis Obispo and several beautiful hikes in the area. You can also relax in the private backyard, which includes an outdoor dining area and comfortable loungers.
For those looking to explore beyond the neighborhood, you can travel north towards Los Osos, Morro Bay, Cayucos, Cambria, San Simeon, and even as far as Big Sur. Traveling south will take you towards Pismo Beach, Avila Beach, and Arroyo Grande. Wine lovers can head to Edna Valley or Paso Robles, both of which are award-winning wine destinations. Downtown also boasts an abundance of wineries, breweries, and tasting rooms that are sure to delight.
Property Highlights:
Stainless steel sink
Wall heater
Window AC
Keurig coffee maker with coffee pods
Smart TV with access to your own streaming accounts
1 free off-street parking spot
Wifi
Soaking tub
Sleeping Accommodations:
1 California King-size bed
1 Sofa couch with full pullout
Guest Access:
We are pleased to provide our special guest(s) with one convenient off-street parking space directly in front of the home's entrance. Kindly be considerate of the neighboring vehicles and the limited space for egress. If you have more than one vehicle, please feel free to park the second vehicle on the street, as there is ample free parking available.
For those who prefer not to drive, Uber and Lyft are readily available in San Luis, making it easy to get to downtown without having to walk.
The Neighborhood:
San Luis Obispo, often referred to as SLO, is a vibrant city located on California's central coast. Here are some highlights about the neighborhood:
Outdoor Activities: The city offers numerous outdoor activities such as hiking, biking, and surfing. Bishop Peak, Cerro San Luis, and Madonna Mountain are some of the most popular hiking spots in the area.
Farmers' Market: Every Thursday evening, downtown SLO transforms into a bustling Farmers' Market. Local farmers, artisans, and chefs gather to sell their produce, crafts, and delicious food.
Mission San Luis Obispo de Tolosa: The Mission is a historic landmark located in the heart of downtown SLO. It was founded in 1772 and serves as a museum, chapel, and cultural center.
Performing Arts: The Performing Arts Center at Cal Poly offers a variety of shows throughout the year, including theater, dance, and music performances. The city also hosts an annual Mozart Festival and a summer concert series called Concerts in the Plaza.
Food and Drink: SLO has a thriving food and drink scene, with numerous restaurants, cafes, and bars offering delicious cuisine and craft beverages. The city is also known for its wine tasting, with nearby Edna Valley and Paso Robles offering some of the best wine in California.
California Polytechnic State University: Cal Poly is a top-ranked public university located in SLO. It is known for its excellent engineering, architecture, and agriculture programs.
Beaches: SLO is just a short drive away from some of California's most beautiful beaches, including Avila Beach, Pismo Beach, and Morro Bay. These beaches offer a variety of activities, including surfing, kayaking, and whale watching.
Historic Downtown: The downtown area is full of charming shops, cafes, and galleries. The iconic Bubblegum Alley, which is covered in chewed gum, is a must-see attraction in the area.
Getting Around:
San Luis Obispo is a walkable city, and many attractions are located within a few blocks of each other. Visitors can easily explore downtown on foot, and there are also bike lanes and bike rental options available.
For those who prefer to drive, there is street parking available throughout the city. In downtown San Luis Obispo, there are several parking garages and lots, as well as metered parking on the streets. The first hour of parking is usually free in the garages and lots, and rates vary depending on location and time of day.
Public transportation options include the SLO Transit bus system, which operates throughout the city and nearby areas, and the SLO Regional Transit Authority (RTA), which provides connections to other cities in San Luis Obispo County. There are also ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft available in the area.
Overall, visitors to San Luis Obispo have a variety of transportation options to choose from, whether they prefer to walk, bike, drive, or take public transportation.
Other Things to Note:
*All bookings are required to agree to our rental agreement terms prior to check-in. A copy will be provided upon reservation confirmation. Also, payment processing fess are non-refundable.
DOG POLICY: This property is dog friendly. There is an additional pet stay fee of $100 for booking with a dog. (Low shedding dogs under 50 pounds are allowed, dogs over 50 lbs with low shedding will be considered on a case by case basis.) If you are considering bringing your furry family member, please let the host know when you book. Thank you! *Pet must be 12 mo. or older *Pets must not be left unattended at anytime during your visit (even if outside) *Pets must be kept off of the furniture -- please bring suitable bedding *Pets must be free of fleas and up to date on a flea control treatment *Pets are required to have all current vaccinations (Parvo) *We require all pet poop to be thoroughly cleaned up around the property. *If there is damage to furniture, property, or left over pet waste due to your dog, there will be an extra $150 charge added at check out, along with additional charges for any other damages. Guests who book our dog friendly rooms without a dog accompanying them will not be charged the separate dog fee.
Our prices include all fees. No hidden fees.
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Please do not engage in any illegal activity while on the property.
Please be considerate of the neighbors; respect quiet time hours and do not ha...
Important information
You need to know
Property # 2585395
Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card, or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
Onsite parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Host has indicated there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher and a first aid kit
This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios, terraces which may not be suitable for children; if you have concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm they can accommodate you in a suitable room
About the neighborhood
San Luis Obispo
Lower Higuera, a neighborhood in San Luis Obispo, is home to this vacation home. The area's natural beauty can be seen at Avila Hot Springs and Oceano Dunes State Vehicular Recreation Area. San Luis Obispo Children's Museum and San Luis Obispo Railroad Museum are also worth visiting.
Downtown SLO Farmers' Market - 12 min walk - 1.0 km
Mission San Luis Obispo de Tolosa - 13 min walk - 1.1 km
Ah Louis Store - 13 min walk - 1.1 km
Fremont Theater - 13 min walk - 1.2 km
Getting around
San Luis Obispo Station - 14 min walk
San Luis Obispo County Regional Airport (SBP) - 8 min drive
Restaurants
High Street Market & Deli - 2 min walk
Kreuzberg Coffee Company - 10 min walk
Old Slo BBQ Co. - 10 min walk
Lokum Turkish Coffee & Pastries - 11 min walk
Nautical Bean - 6 min walk
Frequently asked questions
Is 2-Story Gem | Downtown Access | Private Backyard pet-friendly?
Yes, pets are allowed at this property.
How much does it cost to stay at 2-Story Gem | Downtown Access | Private Backyard?
As of May 14, 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at 2-Story Gem | Downtown Access | Private Backyard on May 18, 2026 start from $337, including taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.
How much is parking?
Onsite parking is available at the property.
What time is check-in at 2-Story Gem | Downtown Access | Private Backyard?
Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.
What time is check-out at 2-Story Gem | Downtown Access | Private Backyard?
Check-out is at 10:00 AM.
Where is 2-Story Gem | Downtown Access | Private Backyard located?
Located in Lower Higuera, this vacation home is 0.3 mi (0.6 km) from Emerson Park and 2.2 mi (3.5 km) from California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo. San Luis Obispo Children's Museum and Bubblegum Alley are also within 15 minutes. San Luis Obispo Station is 14 minutes by foot.
Reviews
9.4
Exceptional
Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labeled.
The bed is huge, the place is spacious and the area is so walkable.
Analise S.
Stayed 3 nights in Jan 2026
Response from VrboOwner on Feb 23, 2026
Hello Analise, thank you for your review. We're glad you enjoyed the spacious layout, comfortable bed, and walkable location. We appreciate you staying with us and hope to welcome you back again soon. —Retreat Vacation Rentals, Inc.
Very pet friendly with a secure back yard. Harder to locate because the home is behind street facing houses. Super cute neighborhood with historic homes all around.
Todd M.
Stayed 5 nights in Mar 2026
Response from VrboOwner on Apr 25, 2026
Hi Todd, we’re glad you and your pet enjoyed the secure backyard and the charming neighborhood with its historic homes. We appreciate your note about the home’s location and will keep that in mind for future guests. Thank you for staying with us, we’d be happy to host you again. —Retreat Vacation Rentals, Inc.
Hello Jon, thank you for staying with us! We’re glad to hear the location, amenities, and overall value met your expectations. We appreciate you choosing our property and would be happy to host you again anytime.
—Retreat Vacation Rentals, Inc.
My wife and I stayed here for a long weekend away from home. Very comfortable, very clean and in a great location. Easy walking distance to historic downtown and also in a very quiet, peaceful neighborhood. Would highly recommend to a couple looking for a cozy place to spend a quiet weekend.
srlink23
Stayed 4 nights in Jan 2026
Response from VrboOwner on Feb 10, 2026
Hi Scott, thank you for staying with us and for sharing such a thoughtful review. We’re glad to hear the home provided a comfortable and peaceful retreat for your long weekend, and that the location made it easy to enjoy historic downtown while still feeling quiet and relaxed. We truly appreciate the recommendation and would be happy to welcome you back anytime for another cozy getaway.
—Retreat Vacation Rentals, Inc.
Nice place. Exactly as advertised. Great location.
David B.
Stayed 6 nights in Dec 2025
Response from VrboOwner on Dec 22, 2025
Hi David, thank you for your review. We're glad the home met your expectations and that you enjoyed the great location. We appreciate you staying with us and hope to welcome you back again. -Retreat Vacation Rentals, Inc.
This is my 3rd time renting this lovely gem. Such a fabulous location!
Ali F.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2025
Response from VrboOwner on Nov 17, 2025
Hi Ali, thank you for your continued support. We're delighted to hear you enjoyed your third stay and that the location remains a highlight. We look forward to welcoming you back again. -Retreat Vacation Rentals, Inc.
Elegant house, excellent location, great communication with the host.
Verified traveler
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2025
Response from VrboOwner on Sep 20, 2025
Hello Georgiana, thanks for your feedback! We’re delighted you enjoyed the elegance of the house and its prime location! Thank you for highlighting our communication—we look forward to welcoming you back. -Retreat Vacation Rentals, Inc.
Super cute and clean house in a very walkable and quiet neighborhood! We were visiting our son at Cal Poly SLO and would definitely stay again!
Ben E.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2025
Response from VrboOwner on Oct 24, 2025
Hello Ben, thank you for staying with us during your visit to see your son at Cal Poly! We’re so glad you enjoyed the charm, cleanliness, and peaceful setting of the home. It’s wonderful to hear the neighborhood made your stay even more enjoyable. We’d love to host you again the next time you’re in SLO! -Retreat Vacation Rentals, Inc.
We had such a wonderful stay in San Luis Obispo — my hometown — and this VRBO made the visit even better. The property was spotless, comfortable, and perfectly located for enjoying everything SLO has to offer. It felt like coming home again. The hosts were responsive, thoughtful, and made check-in simple. Highly recommend for anyone wanting an authentic and relaxing SLO experience.
Evonne M.
Stayed 4 nights in Oct 2025
Response from VrboOwner on Nov 17, 2025
Hi Evonne, thank you for your thoughtful review. We're so glad your stay in San Luis Obispo felt like coming home and that the property’s cleanliness, comfort, and location added to your visit. We appreciate your kind words about our communication and check-in process. It was a pleasure hosting you, and we’d welcome you back anytime. -Retreat Vacation Rentals, Inc.
The experience was very very good. Would recommend this property. The property management support was beyond exceptional.
Vishy R.
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2025
Response from VrboOwner on Aug 6, 2025
Hello Vishy, thank you for your kind review. We're so glad you had a great experience and truly appreciate your recommendation. It’s wonderful to hear our team’s support made a positive impact—we’d be happy to host you again anytime. -Retreat Vacation Rentals, Inc.
Location is fantastic, close to High Street Deli and very walkable to downtown. Place is really cute and had everything we needed. We brought our dogs and appreciated the enclosed back yard. Would definitely stay here again!
If I could give more stars for location I would! Walking distance to downtown SLO and an easy drive to campus or Pismo/Avila! The check-in process was completely seamless and the host checked in with me to make sure we were comfortable. The backyard was very pleasant to sit outside with some coffee! This is my 2nd stay here and I already have a 3rd booked to visit my Mustang!
Ali F.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2025
Response from VrboOwner on Aug 6, 2025
Hello Ali, thank you for your wonderful review. We're so glad the location, check-in experience, and backyard made your stay enjoyable. It means a lot to have you return—and we’re honored to be your go-to home while visiting your Mustang. We look forward to hosting you again soon! -Retreat Vacation Rentals, Inc.
Great location! Walk to downtown. Nice private backyard. Quirky layout but worked for us.
Susan S.
Stayed 9 nights in Apr 2025
Response from VrboOwner on May 20, 2025
Thank you, Susan! We're happy to hear the location and backyard worked well for you—and that the quirky layout added to the charm. We'd love to host you again! -Retreat Vacation Rentals, Inc.
The property was clean with all the amenities that we needed. The neighborhood was sweet and just a very short walk from downtown. Our doggo liked the backyard and going for lots of walks.
Layout is a bit funky but I liked it. Quiet neighborhood and walkable to downtown. Property manager is super friendly.
Cary C.
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2025
Response from VrboOwner on Mar 4, 2025
Hi Cary, thank you for your feedback! We're glad you enjoyed the unique layout, quiet neighborhood, and walkability to downtown. We appreciate your kind words and would love to host you again! -Retreat Vacation Rentals, Inc.
This property was very well described and no surprises. The location was also great…walking distance to the historic downtown. Very comfortable bed, updated appliances and perfect little enclosed backyard for our dog to stretch her legs off leash.
The property is an ideal large apartment with stand alone backyard. Everything worked just fine. Plenty of storage for longer term stays (3 weeks for us) and we loved the location. Kitchen was well stocked and had all the necessary full size appliances. Leslie was very responsive and helpful.
Tom B.
Stayed 16 nights in Feb 2025
Response from VrboOwner on Apr 22, 2025
Thank you for your kind words, Tom! We're so happy to hear that the apartment worked well for your long stay and that you enjoyed the location. We're also glad we were able to assist you during your time here. We'd love to have you back anytime. -Retreat Vacation Rentals, Inc.
The property was nicely updated, interesting layout with the kitchen upstairs. Was not aware there was no A/C on the property until arrival, however the property management was excellent in communicating and purchased a personal fan the next day after I arrived.
Stephanie P.
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2025
Response from VrboOwner on Apr 22, 2025
Thank you for your feedback, Stephanie! We're glad to hear that you enjoyed the updated property and the unique layout. We apologize for the A/C not being available and appreciate your understanding. We're happy that our property management team was able to address your comfort needs promptly with a fan. We hope to welcome you back again soon! -Retreat Vacation Rentals, Inc.
About the host
Hosted by Retreat Vacation Rentals
Premier Host
They consistently provide great experiences for their guests