The San Luis Inn met our expectations. I'd give it closer to 3.5 stars, but rounded up.
Not sure if the address shown is correct, but we managed to find it with the large sign off CO159 informing me to turn, which was fortunate because I think I would've missed the building tucked behind an old gas station.
Upon walking in through the unlocked lobby doors, we remarked on the nice and clean little waiting area, but also on how all the lights were off. We stood around for a few minutes without any sort of greeting before I finally called the phone number listed. The phone in the office immediately rang, but it must've been routed to another line because thankfully the inn keeper answered (I think he lives across the parking lot) and told me he'd be right there in a few minutes to check us in. Because of this slight delay, I think if you arrived in the middle of the night, it'd be a little of a hassle to have to call and wake up the proprietors to walk over across the parking lot.
Our reservations were listed on slips of paper in the locked office... I don't think they were anywhere shown on the computers. Additionally, they don't have a shredder, so he only blacked out our credit card numbers on these slips with a permanent marker. And the room keys were more like little computer chips than key cards. He informed us to just place the keys in the marked basket on the front desk counter since we would be up early to hike Culebra Peak, and that he'd have some sort of mini snack set out in the kitchenette just behind the counter.
Our 2nd floor rooms were easily accessible at the end of the motel with lighted, paved parking (for you bikers) right up against the building. These 2nd floor rooms were only on the north side of the corridor. The doors were heavy, but the walls are thin as we could immediately hear the low droning of our neighbors' voices and tube TVs. The bathroom was cramped with tub and toilet, and the faucet is located outside in the main bedroom, which itself was spacious. Everything was very basic but quite clean (we checked the sheets and headboard). The sheets, pillows, and springy beds were actually comfortable. The A/C worked, too, and although the sound of the fan was somewhat uneven, it drowned out the neighbors' noisiness and I got in my solid 8 hours of shut-eye.
Snacks in the morning consisted of pre-packaged cookies similar to whoopie pies, but I appreciated that it was something of a kind gesture.
I had been told we were getting the king room as originally ordered, but the room given was a double queen. I didn't really mind too much since the motel appeared fully occupied, but I'm still subtracting a star since the recordkeeping wasn't up to par. Along with the thin walls, fan vibrations, and basic appointments for $75/night (includes tax), I subtract another half star. Comparatively, I've stayed at much-better appointed ski resorts in the summer when they've had sales for the same price.
The stars are for 1) Friendly proprietors who seem to do good job with what they have, 2) San Luis businesses are all within walking distance, as long as you're around during business hours, and outdoor recreation is a short drive away; 3) It seemed pretty safe, and 4) Water pressure was good and overall we were comfortable.
Therefore, I was quite okay with this place that I WOULD stay here again, but only if I were in the area. read more