Entire home

2-Story Gem | Downtown Access | Private Backyard

Photo gallery for 2-Story Gem | Downtown Access | Private Backyard

Living area
Terrace/patio
Private kitchen
Dining
Room

Reviews

9.4 out of 10
Exceptional
1 bedroom2 bathroomsSleeps 4

Popular amenities

  • Kitchen
  • Washing machine
  • Dryer
  • Air-conditioning
  • Outdoor space

Explore the area

View map
San Luis Obispo, CA
  • Place, Downtown SLO Farmers' Market
    ‪12 min walk‬
  • Place, Mission San Luis Obispo de Tolosa
    ‪13 min walk‬
  • Place, Fremont Theater
    ‪13 min walk‬
  • 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.

Add dates for prices

Have a question?

AI iconBeta

Get instant answers with AI powered search of property information and reviews.

Similar properties

House Rules

Check in after 4:00 PM
Minimum age to rent: 25
Check out before 10:00 AM
default

Children

Children allowed: ages 0–17
default

Events

No events allowed
default

Pets

Pets allowed
Charge may apply
default

Smoking

Smoking is not permitted
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 # 2585395vb
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
On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Host has indicated that there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated that 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 and terraces, which may not be suitable for children; if you have any concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm that they can accommodate you in a suitable room

About the area

San Luis Obispo

Lower Higuera, a neighbourhood in San Luis Obispo, is home to this holiday 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.
Map
San Luis Obispo, CA

What's nearby

  • Bubblegum Alley - 10 min walk - 0.9 km
  • 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, CA (SBP-San Luis Obispo County Regional) - 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 is parking at 2-Story Gem | Downtown Access | Private Backyard?

On-site 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?

Checkout is at 10:00 AM.

Where is 2-Story Gem | Downtown Access | Private Backyard located?

Located in Lower Higuera, this holiday 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 labelled.
Learn moreOpens in a new window
Rating 10 - Excellent. 38 out of 51 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 9 out of 51 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 2 out of 51 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 2 out of 51 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 51 reviews

9.6/10

Cleanliness

9.8/10

Check-in

9.6/10

Communication

9.8/10

Location

9.4/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

Verified

10/10 Excellent

Thomas C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
great location, loved the property, great stay
Stayed 4 nights in Apr 2026
Response from VrboOwner on 10 May 2026
Hi Thomas, we’re so glad you enjoyed the property and hope to welcome you back again soon. —Retreat Vacation Rentals, Inc.
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Rebecca M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Charming home! Was so convenient walking to town for farmers market and restaurants! Pet friendly! Would absolutely recommend this home!
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2026
Response from VrboOwner on 4 May 2026
Hi Rebecca, we’re so glad you enjoyed the location and your time here, and we truly appreciate the recommendation. —Retreat Vacation Rentals, Inc.
Verified

8/10 Good

Todd M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location
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.
Stayed 5 nights in Mar 2026
Response from VrboOwner on 25 Apr 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.
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Analise S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
The bed is huge, the place is spacious and the area is so walkable.
Stayed 3 nights in Jan 2026
Response from VrboOwner on 23 Feb 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.
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Jon K.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
All good: location, amenities, value.
Stayed 3 nights in Jan 2026
Response from VrboOwner on 10 Feb 2026
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.
Verified

10/10 Excellent

srlink23

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
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.
Stayed 4 nights in Jan 2026
Response from VrboOwner on 10 Feb 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.
Verified

10/10 Excellent

David B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Nice place. Exactly as advertised. Great location.
Stayed 6 nights in Dec 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 22 Dec 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.
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Ali F.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
This is my 3rd time renting this lovely gem. Such a fabulous location!
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 17 Nov 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.
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Elegant house, excellent location, great communication with the host.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 20 Sept 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.
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Ben E.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
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!
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 24 Oct 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.
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Evonne M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
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.
Stayed 4 nights in Oct 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 17 Nov 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.
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Vishy R.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
The experience was very very good. Would recommend this property. The property management support was beyond exceptional.
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 6 Aug 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.
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Rachel M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great location!

This location is extremely walkable to Downtown SLO
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Robert S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great Place.

Very nice for a couple.
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Anne W.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

A great little place to stay

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!
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Ali F.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
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!
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 6 Aug 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.
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Susan S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

SLO nice!

Great location! Walk to downtown. Nice private backyard. Quirky layout but worked for us.
Stayed 9 nights in Apr 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 20 May 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.
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Sally D.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Best Bed and Tub

This was a great place, quiet and walking distance from town. Best nights sleep and soaking in the big tub was a real treat!!
Stayed 7 nights in Feb 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Sally M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

One wonderful stay near downtown SLO

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.
Stayed 7 nights in Sep 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Dick W.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

San Luis Obispo

Nice property in a great location
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2022
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Cary C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Cool and Funky

Layout is a bit funky but I liked it. Quiet neighborhood and walkable to downtown. Property manager is super friendly.
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 4 Mar 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.
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Carmen B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Nice home and location

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.
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Tom B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great Stay and Management

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.
Stayed 16 nights in Feb 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 22 Apr 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.
Verified

10/10 Excellent

randall s.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

SLO visit

Comfy bed, great upstairs sitting room/kitchen. Fenced back yard for our dog
Stayed 3 nights in May 2024
Verified

8/10 Good

Stephanie P.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Clean and centrally located

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.
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 22 Apr 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

Host profile image

Premier Host

They consistently provide great experiences for their guests
Tell us how we can improve our siteShare feedback