The tiny town of San Simeon almost has more hotels than houses, as it is the closest place to the south end of Big Sur and also near (3 miles) to Hearst Castle - driving north on Highway 1 there are few facilities until Carmel, 94 miles away. Best Western Cavalier Oceanfront Resort is one of several places on the west side of the highway, and has 2 floors with 90 rooms, many with views out to sea; the shoreline is less than 150 feet away. Rooms are divided into two main blocks, separated by the carpark & outdoor heated pool, and are equipped with a refrigerator, mini bar, coffee maker & ironing facilities. Meals are available from the on-site Cavalier Restaurant, open from 7 am until 10 pm.

Quality Inn San Simeon is one of the cheaper hotels in town, offering basic facilities to people traveling along Highway 1 or visiting the nearby attractions of Hearst Castle, Cambria, Moonstone Beach and Big Sur. The inn has a quiet location, set back a little from the highway, with some of the rooms overlooking a sheltered courtyard garden. Guests can make use of the outdoor pool, hot tub, sun deck, picnic area and restaurant - Manta Rey, which is open for dinner only, though free continental breakfast is also available.