Hotel Cheval

Paso Robles, CA

At first glance, the room rate at the horsey-themed Hotel Cheval, just off Paso's central square, felt high with no restaurant or on-site gym. Yet the inn won us over with A+ service, its winey Pony Club Bar, and a lovely central-courtyard design scattered with firepits. Plus the rooms are stellar: Each has an easy-to-use-fireplace, real coffee fixin's (as in grinds and cream in the room), and a balcony. Extra points for running the breakfast buffet till 10! $315/$350; 16 rooms; hotelcheval.com

SCORE: 78