Six IHG Torchbearer trophies sit on permanent display in the lobby of Holiday Inn Express & Suites Atascadero, a rare collection for any hotel. The Torchbearer is InterContinental Hotels Group’s highest honor, given only to properties in the top 1% for quality and service across the Americas. 

This 80-room Atascadero hotel has won it three years running (2023, 2024 and 2025). The secret is local ownership. Guests get the reliability of a national brand, the warmth of a family-run Central Coast business, and a convenient home base just south of Paso Robles wine country.

What Makes It Special

Location is a big part of the appeal. Atascadero sits right in the middle of San Luis Obispo County, so you can reach Paso Robles’ 270+ wineries and Vina Robles Amphitheatre to the north. Downtown San Luis Obispo and Cal Poly are about 15 minutes south, and Morro Bay’s beaches are about 20 minutes west. Hearst Castle, Sensorio’s Field of Light and the vineyard zipline tours at Santa Margarita Ranch are all within an easy drive. Few hotels near Paso Robles make it this easy to combine wine tasting with a trip to the coast.

Staying in Atascadero is also a smart value play. Rates generally run below Paso Robles’ boutique inns and resorts, and you skip the downtown crowds. The town has its own craft breweries, artisans and laid-back, family-friendly character. The hotel’s six Torchbearer awards are the clearest sign of the service you can expect from a staff that knows the region well.

The Experience

Holiday Inn Express Atascadero opened in 2008 and finished a full top-to-bottom renovation in 2021. The updated rooms and suites have quartz bathrooms with Kohler showerheads, plush bedding, refrigerators, microwaves, Keurig coffeemakers and free Wi-Fi. Couples and small families can choose the Deluxe King or Deluxe Double Queen. Groups and longer stays fit well in the two suites, which sleep up to six guests. The Deluxe King Suite and Deluxe Double Queen Suite add a sitting area, kitchenette, executive desk, two 50-inch TVs and a sleeper sofa.

Every stay includes a free hot breakfast buffet. Grab-and-go breakfast bags are available if you have an early tasting appointment. Freshly baked cookies greet you at check-in. After a day exploring Paso Robles wineries, you can relax in the heated outdoor pool and hot tub, or browse the Market Pantry for locally curated beer, wine and snacks. The hotel hosts seasonal local wine tastings, keeps a Paso Robles wineries guide at the front desk, and offers winery discounts to guests. It’s also a pet-friendly hotel, welcoming up to two dogs per room.

For a romantic getaway in Paso Robles wine country, the Romantic Escape package includes deluxe accommodations, breakfast, a bottle of sparkling wine, fresh flowers, artisan chocolates from local chocolatier Mama Ganache, and noon late checkout. Seasonal specials rotate through the year and tie into local events and experiences, such as the SLO County Farm Trail.

Visitor Tips

• Dogs are welcome: up to two per room, each up to 75 lbs, for $35 per pet per night (dogs only, and they can’t be left alone in the room). See their offers for more info.
• Breakfast hours: 6:30–9:30 am on weekdays and 7–10 am on weekends. Ask for a grab-and-go bag if you have an early tasting reservation.
• Ask at the front desk about winery discounts before planning your Paso Robles tasting route.
• Book the Romantic Escape at least 72 hours ahead, since the flowers and chocolates are arranged in advance.
• Book a suite for families and groups. The two-room layouts sleep up to six and save on a second room.
• Going to a concert? It’s a short drive north to Vina Robles Amphitheatre, and you avoid Paso Robles’ show-night hotel prices.
• Eat next door: Mountain Mike’s Pizza offers hotel guests a discount, and Starbucks shares the same development for morning coffee.
• Call the hotel directly (805-462-0200) to book promo-code specials.

Perfect For: Holiday Inn Express & Suites Atascadero suits wine country travelers who want award-winning service, a free hot breakfast and a central base for exploring Paso Robles and the rest of San Luis Obispo County. It’s also a strong pick for families, groups, dog owners, concertgoers, and couples planning an affordable romantic getaway.