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Reviews of Always Inn San Clemente Bed & Breakfast

4 out of 5
Always Inn San Clemente Bed & Breakfast
177 Avenida Cabrillo, San Clemente, CA

Reviews

8.6

Excellent

Rating 10 - Excellent. 66 out of 97 reviews" "
Rating 8 - Good. 12 out of 97 reviews" "
Rating 6 - Okay. 7 out of 97 reviews" "
Rating 4 - Poor. 2 out of 97 reviews" "
Rating 2 - Terrible. 10 out of 97 reviews" "

8.8/10

Cleanliness

8.8/10

Staff & service

9.0/10

Amenities

8.4/10

Property conditions & facilities

9.0/10

Eco-friendliness

Reviews

8/10 Good

Joan

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Muy bien
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2023

10/10 Excellent

Aaron

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The proprietor was exceptionally friendly and informative, just an honestly nice person. She cooks up a 5 star breakfast as well. Will definitely be coming back!
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2023

10/10 Excellent

June

Traveled with pets, Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Freda is a fabulous host and makes a killer breakfast. My family enjoyed our short stay.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2023
Response from Freda on Aug 28, 2023
Hi June and Aaron, thank you so much for choosing Always Inn San Clemente Bed & Breakfast as a "whole inn" booking for your family's stay for your aunt's 90th birthday. It was a sincere pleasure to host you both, Diana, David and Angel, and I look forward to hosting you all again! I miss Charlee already! What a cutie! And so well behaved for a six month old pup! Hope your sister and family can visit at "Puttin' on the Glitz" first weekend in December so I can pick David's brain about Chinese cooking!

10/10 Excellent

Alexander

Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Best Bed and Breakfast in San Clemente
We loved our stay at the Always Inn B & B. It was exactly as it is, a bed and breakfast. Very intimate and cozy. Felt like our second home. The location is also amazing and within walking distance to everything. We will definitely be returning here for our next stay in San Clemente.
Stayed 1 night in May 2023
Response from Freda on May 22, 2023
Hi Alexander and Christie, thank you so much for choosing Always In San Clemente Bed & Breakfast for your couples' getaway! It was delightful to see both and other guests enjoying our signature "Spanish Village by the Sea Sunday brunch." Look forward to hosting you both again and can't wait to meet your children. Please keep in touch until we meet again! Hugs, Freda

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveler

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Great bed and breakfast
Freda was an amazing host. I’ve never stayed at a place so warm and welcoming. We weren’t expecting a gourmet breakfast but that’s what we received. The room was nice and cozy and we enjoyed the connecting patio. If you want to know where to go, eat, hang out etc Freda’s suggestions were all a hit. If you have a four legged one, bring him/her along. Freda just might have a special treat for them! Thank you for a wonderful stay!!! Thao & Val
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2023
Response from Freda on Apr 4, 2023
Hi Val and Thao, thank you so much for the wonderful review of Always Inn San Clemente Bed & Breakfast! It was such fun to spoil Francesco; he is such a beautiful dog and so loving! I sent you "Freda's favorite things to see and do in South Orange County" which includes all the special events during the year, so plan ahead and stay longer next time! Hope you enjoyed the chili. I made it medium heat because a number of my friends can't have spicy food. Hugs, Freda

10/10 Excellent

Kari

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Freda, the property owner and host could not do enough for us! She even went out of her way and picked us up in Anaheim. It was incredibly kind, she had car trouble that day and asked her friend to help get us. We really appreciated it. We were well fed, and very well informed about San Clemente and what to do. We spent a great 4 days there. Thanks to Freda!
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2022

10/10 Excellent

Nathaniel

Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2022

10/10 Excellent

Kristi

Stayed 1 night in Jul 2022

10/10 Excellent

TING

Traveled with pets, Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
It is unique.
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2022
Response from Ferdyl on Jun 10, 2022
Hi Ting, thanks so much for your review on Expedia!

10/10 Excellent

Martin

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Freda’s place
Freda! She is the intangible that makes Always Inn work. Her check-in process allows for last minute changes. While our room was ready when promised, we wanted to get out of our car earlier. She made it doable. The breakfast was outstanding! When we return, we will stop at Trader Joe’s first. $20 for cheese and crackers at the local store. Too much.
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2022

10/10 Excellent

Thomas

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
San Clemente B&B
Freda is an engaging host with vast local knowledge. Great breakfast on the patio!
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2022
Response from Ferdyl on Feb 4, 2022
Thanks for the kind review Thomas! Hope you are having a great time in San Diego. Don't forget to try the incredible restaurants in Little Italy!

10/10 Excellent

Jerzy

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Wonderful home stay…..
It’s wonderful home away from home experience! The host welcomed us, gave a tour of the house and cooked wonderful breakfast each morning. She also gave us very helpful suggestions/recommendations to do around San Clemente. The bedroom and bathroom were clean and comfortable and I enjoyed the artwork on the wall especially. We enjoyed staying at the B&B and definitely will stay again!
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2022

10/10 Excellent

Michelle L., Cedar Rapids, IA

Liked: Cleanliness
Charming and Gracious
Charming and gracious describes not only the home, but my host, Freda. She abounds with hospitality and will treat you to wonderful food, stories and insights about San Clemente. Her location is perfect for walking to restaurants, shops and the beach. And her garden is an oasis!
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2021

10/10 Excellent

Mary

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Charming
The Inn is a unique and enchanting place. The bed comfy and room/bathroom spotless. Freda, our host, is a delight and a fabulous cook. The breakfasts are five star!
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2021
Response from Ferdyl on Oct 26, 2021
Mary and Scott, thank you both so much for choosing Always Inn San Clemente! Can't wait to host you both again and will send you recipes on Friday via email! Hugs, Freda

10/10 Excellent

Linda

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Highly recommended
We had a delightful stay at the Allways Inn in San Clemente CA. The B&B exceeded our expectations. The home is lovely and inviting with many outdoor patio areas to gather and enjoy the sea breezes. Freda was a gracious hostess before, during and after our stay. Our room accommodations were as expected and the bed was so cozy and comfortable! The gourmet breakfast was delicious. Lots of little extras to enjoy. The location could not have been better with Del Mar avenue and shops only steps away. It was a memorable stay and weekend
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2021
Response from Ferdyl on Sep 30, 2021
Hi Linda Many thanks for choosing Always Inn San Clemente! Please visit again soon and please let family and friends know about the B&B in the heart of our sweet historic downtown in the heart of our “Spanish Village by the Sea.”

10/10 Excellent

Marjorie

Traveled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Freda is a wonderful host, very pleasant, informative, and a fabulous breakfast chef! The B &B is filled with whimsy and unexpected beauty. Freda provided a wealth of helpful information about shopping, restaurants, and local events. And the breakfasts were just amazing. Highly recommend!
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2021
Response from Ferdyl on Sep 27, 2021
Hi Marjorie, it was great to host you and Rachel! Please visit again when you can! I hope Rachel can come to the San Clemente Garden Club Fall Plant Sale on Saturday, October 9 and the other events I sent you in the list of all my favorite things to see and do in South Orange County.

10/10 Excellent

Dean Jarrod

Liked: Staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2021

10/10 Excellent

Tom B.

Liked: Cleanliness
Quaint haven of rest
Host was delightful and told many secrets of San Clemente. Great breakfast and a nice walk down to the beach. The place is literally in the heart of town. My wife and I only wished we could have stayed longer!
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2021

10/10 Excellent

larry

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2021
Response from Ferdyl on Sep 27, 2021
Hi Larry, thanks so much for your wonderful review! Look forward to hosting you both again. Please keep in touch and come back for the special events in town!

8/10 Good

Verified traveler

Traveled with family
Liked: Staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Owner was very hospitable and personable. Provided discount tickets to local sites, made arrangements for dinner on first night in town. Great cook. First time staying in a Bed & Breakfast....enjoyed the uniqueness of the experience.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2021

6/10 Okay

Verified traveler

Traveled with family
Liked: Property conditions & facilities
Disliked: Amenities
Bed and breakfast with NO breakfast
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2021

8/10 Good

Cassandra

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Cozy and unique B&B
This was a great location. My husband and I walked everywhere! San Clemente is very laid back. Frida was a great hostess! Making and serving a hearty breakfast each morning. The room had everything you would need- mini fridge, personal bathroom, desk, tv, patio, fan and ample lighting.
Breakfast!
Breakfast set up on the “people watching” patio
Parking for our patio
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2021

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveler

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Very great hospitality and service. Definitely going back soon
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2021

10/10 Excellent

jared

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Weekend sneak away from kids
This was an awesome weekend getaway for my wife's birthday... Don't think we've ever eaten such great breakfast 3-days in a row. Frieda put together the most craziest out of this world food servings. We had a great time and will be back for sure!!!!
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2020
Response from Freda on Oct 17, 2020
Hi Jared and Melissa, it was such a pleasure to host you both! Come visit again soon!

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveler

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Centralized to all of downtown SC. Freda, the hostess , was very nice and welcoming.
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2019
Response from fredad on Nov 26, 2019
Thanks so much for choosing Always Inn San Clemente! Glad you enjoyed your stay...please return again soon and tell your friends and family about our little beach close B&B in the heart of our downtown village.

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveler

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The most unique part of this place is Freda! She’s sweet, kind & an formative local. She gave us all kinds of insight on where to go, eat or go thrift shopping. We had delicious food & the use of beach towels or whatever we needed for the beach! We give her 5 Stars!!! Leslie Wright
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2019
Response from FredaD on Aug 25, 2019
Hi Leslie and Michael, Thank you so much for choosing Always Inn San Clemente. In the email I sent Michael a couple of days ago I have a looooonnng writeup about all my favorite things to see and do in San Clemente and Ive got a section on the Rodeo Drive of Thrift Stores in San Clemente. Keep in mind the first Sunday of each month Art Faire and Friends of the SC Library book sale. The SC Historic Home Tour I'm chairing is Oct. 12, 2019. The SC garden tour is May 16, 2020.

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveler

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2019
Response from FredaD on Aug 27, 2019
Thank you so much for honoring Always Inn San Clemente with five stars! Leslie and Michael, if this is you, please come again soon! Don't forget the San Clemente plant sale on Oct. 12 and the SC Historic Home Tour same day, 10-4

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveler

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Awesome location in the heart of San Clemente. Freda, our hostess was attentive, friendly, and helpful. She spoils her guests in her home full of whimsy. We had a lovely stay.
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2019

6/10 Okay

Verified traveler

Traveled with family
They did not have our reservation when we got there. Said they were booked up for months but Expedia had gone ahead and booked us anyway. They got us a room at another hotel in the area. I will not be using Expedia again.
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2019

8/10 Good

Verified traveler

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Owner served a full brunch that was wonderful!! Owner was friendly
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2019
Response from FredaD on Jun 10, 2019
Thank you for your review. Could you please let us know what we can do to earn a 5 star rating?

6/10 Okay

Diane, Auburn

Traveled with family
House cleaning disinfectant smell unusually strong. Room was clean and comfortable.
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2019
Response from FredaD on Mar 22, 2019
Hi Diane, we use pinesol on the travertine floors and a wood cleaner on the room floors. Wish you had said something! Can you also please pay the $50 fee - $25 per night - for Lola? You can Venmo or send me a check. Freda D'Souza, 177 Avenida Cabrillo, San Clemente, CA 92672

10/10 Excellent

Jesse, Anaheim, CA

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Frida is awesome! Environment was full of so many interesting art pieces. The local insight and knowledge was the best for me
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2018
Response from Freda and Indy on Aug 13, 2018
Jesse, thanks so much for your kind words about Always Inn San Clemente! We were just included in hotelcombined.com's top 3% of world's lodging for guest satisfaction.

8/10 Good

Janet, San Diego

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
I called the property and the proprietor was most pleasant. She said she didn't have rooms but Expedia didn't stop listing in. I canceled with Expedia and with the property owner.
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2018
Response from Freda and Indy on Aug 13, 2018
Hi Janet, please come and stay at Always Inn San Clemente in the near future. We were just included in hotelcombined.com's ranking as one of the top 3% of the world's hotels for customer satisfaction. Want you to experience the warmth, hospitality, great location and yummy food that guests love.

10/10 Excellent

Robert and Jenni

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Response from Freda on Apr 16, 2018
Hi Robert and Jenni, thanks so much for choosing Always Inn San Clemente! Visit again soon and thanks in advance for recommending us to friends, coworkers and family!

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveler

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Great location!
Located within walking distance of all points of interest and an extremely welcoming host who will pamper you and make you feel right at home!
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2018
Response from Freda on Apr 4, 2018
Thank you so much for this lovely review! Look forward to hosting you again! Hugs, Freda and Indy

10/10 Excellent

Linda, Nevada

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Quaint Inn, walking distance to beach & shops
Charming B&B - felt like I was walking into my great grandmother's home - warm, inviting, eclectic, full of wonderful guests. Freda outdoes herself every morning with the most delicious breakfast - no one leaves hungry. Fresh baked cookies everyday. Walking distance to restaurants, beach and MetroLinkI will be returning!!
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2018
Response from Freda on Apr 4, 2018
Hi Linda, it was such a pleasure to host you! Indy and I can't wait to see you again! Bring friends and family next time. Hugs, Freda and Indy

6/10 Okay

Verified traveler

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2018

2/10 Terrible

Verified traveler

Disliked: Staff & service
Terrible Hotel. Ruined my vacation. Which one d
You still havent sent me my second night return. you are double dipping.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2017
Response from owner on Sep 16, 2017
I don't know who you are since you are "anonymous" so please call me about "my second night return?" I only have one expedia guest from these dates and they had a wonderful time (above review).

10/10 Excellent

Karen

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
The Inn was charming and the hostess, wonderful!!
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2017
Thanks so much, Karen! Please visit again soon!

10/10 Excellent

Joyce

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Like your fav aunts house!
The owner is sweet as pie!
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2017
Hi Joyce, please visit again soon! Thanks for the five star review!

10/10 Excellent

Paul

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Nice place
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2017
Hi Paul, look forward to your return! Thanks for the five star review! Hugs, Freda and Indy

10/10 Excellent

James

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Freda is simply wonderful. We are so glad to make this connection in the garden oasis of San Clemente. She is an excellent cook and very warm and accommodating hostess.
Stayed 2 nights in May 2017

4/10 Poor

Verified traveler

Disliked: Cleanliness, staff & service, room comfort
Won't do that again
I would not choose San Clemente as a destination again. Very congested and overcrowded. Seal Beach, Dana Point and Santa Barbara are much better.

10/10 Excellent

Jeff, Los Angeles, CA

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
A Relaxing Getaway
We stayed with Freda at the Always Inn for three nights over my wife's Spring Break. Upon arrival, we found that the place looks just as nice as the photos! This is an intimate setting with not many rooms--it does not feel busy or crowded. Still, we enjoyed meeting the other guests--although it's not required, we enjoyed chatting over leisurely and scrumptious breakfasts before setting out for the day. Freda provides a homelike environment and attends to every detail (including snacks and drinks available when desired). The location is great, a quiet side street, with access to restaurants and shopping a block away--on one day, we only got in our car to drive five minutes to the pier for dinner at sunset. We didn't have to worry about a thing--which was just the break that we needed!

4/10 Poor

Emily , Spokane, WA

Disliked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Great Location...disappointing stay.
As a former resident of San Clemente, when I saw the location of the Always Inn San Clemente, I couldn't help but be ecstatic. It is in the heart of downtown San Clemente, and a close walk to the beach and many of my favorite restaurants. When I called to check in a few hours earlier, the owner Freda was kind and more than happy to have our room ready for us. When we arrived to check in Freda was not there but kindly messaged my husband and I to settle into our room. As we were walking in the housekeeper was walking out of our room and the toilet was running, yet there were no cleaning products in her hands. Its safe to assume she had just used our toilet in our already "ready" room. Not the best first impression. However we decided to be patient because the location was unbeatable. We stayed a total of five nights, and by the second night I wanted to leave. No doubt, Freda is very nice, however the facility is extremely unprofessional. There are a total of three rooms and you can hear everything, so there is little to no privacy. Additionally we ran out of toilet paper and there was none to be found and no workers to ask for any. Also, during our stay the house was being "DE cluttered." There was a lady helping the owner clean out rooms and throw away items that were no longer necessary. The main fridge was thawing out indoors for several days, with the food just sitting in front of it. This place all together was not clean, and very unprofessional.

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveler

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

8/10 Good

Verified traveler

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

8/10 Good

Verified traveler

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Very relaxing, great location
I really enjoyed talking with the owner. She's a great host and fabulous chef!

2/10 Terrible

Verified traveler

Disliked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Very dirty hotel. Carpet disgusting.
Very dirty hotel. Carpet disgusting. I don't know they rate it 4.1. Really, the dirtiest house I ever been in. It is not a hotel, just a house.

10/10 Excellent

Gary & Allison, Chino Hills, CA

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
30th Anniversary Getaway Was Just What We Needed
As busy professionals, my wife and I were only able to get away for a few days to celebrate our 30th anniversary, so we chose to stay in San Clemente at the Always Inn. We were hoping for a quiet, no hassle stay near the beach with plenty of alone time. We found all of that and so much more! The Inn is small but perfectly situated in a quiet residential area between the beach and the main shopping / restaurant area. Freda, the innkeeper, was just incredible and made our stay feel like we were staying with a longtime family friend. She is super friendly and welcoming yet was very respectful of our desire for privacy. Her cooking is unbelievable - breakfast was so delicious and plentiful that we only needed small snacks for lunch. She is very active in the local community so is very knowledgeable of the local area and is extremely helpful in recommending food and entertainment options. We came away from our two day stay feeling reconnected, refreshed, and rested. Also, indicative of Freda's generosity, we came home with clippings from her beautiful succulent garden to start one of our own at home. Thanks again, Freda! We won't forget you or the Always Inn, our new favorite B&B!