The Ava Hotel

In the heart of downtown Paso Robles on California’s Central Coast has emerged the region’s newest lifestyle hotel, The Ava Hotel designed collaboratively by HBA Los Angeles and Studio Sinclair. The 151-room Curio Collection by Hilton hotel serves as both a retreat for travelers and a social hub for locals, where wine country ease, rich culinary tradition, and agricultural roots converge.

Designers approached The Ava Hotel as a modern interpretation of Paso Robles itself: space that embodies the collective intimacy of the region and celebrates its roots in viticulture. Inspiration drawn from the Central Coast’s golden hills, olive groves, and vineyard-lined roads informs the sun-washed palette, combined with natural materials, mid-century lines, and artisanal craftsmanship to create spaces that feel both warm and transportive.

Open-air courtyards, rooftop retreats, and breezy passageways encourage effortless flow between interior and exterior spaces. Warm woods, hand-troweled plaster, hues of wine, vintage lighting, and richly textured fabrics evoke the region’s rustic beauty with refined sophistication. Two large oak trees maintained on property provide a literal translation of Paso Robles, meaning “Pass the Oaks.”

Lobby & Arrival
The hotel’s public spaces establish an immediate sense of arrival through layered, biophilic design. Fluted wood columns adorned with cascading potted greenery become living sculptures in the lobby lounge, anchored by intimate seating at the base. Sofas and lounge chairs wrapped in natural linen and buttery soft leathers invite lingering and are mindfully grouped to offer guests a variety of ways to experience the space. Patterned rugs in warm tones echo the agrarian landscape, while floor-to-ceiling windows allow natural light to flood the interiors.

A reception desk clad in richly veined dark stone is symbolic of the rich soil, where a bespoke tapestry art installation hangs behind, bringing a handcrafted sensibility to the check-in experience. Exposed brick accents, warm oak flooring, and soft globe pendants complete the space.

Guest Rooms & Suites
Designed to feel like thoughtfully curated studio residences, The Ava Hotel’s guest rooms and suites reimagine the traditional hotel stay. Each space blends the warmth and character of Paso Robles with a design-forward approach that emphasizes comfort, intimacy, and ease. Materials such as warm oak, handmade tiles, handwoven textiles, and aged brass create a grounded, tactile experience.

Custom headboards featuring leather upholstery set within black metal frames add dimension, while expansive windows allow the outdoors to feel ever-present. Rainfall showers, curated minibars stocked with local provisions, and functional yet elegant workspaces elevate everyday rituals. Artwork selections include Wood sculptures carved as though made by artisans in a local workshop, carrying the imprint of the human touch.

Culinary
An extension of the lobby experience, Pine Street Bistro is an all-day café rooted in the simple pleasures of California wine country living. Textured, handmade tile, leather-upholstered banquettes, and plastered walls imbue the interior space with textural rhythm and artisanal warmth. The bistro opens onto a courtyard framed by olive trees, hand-laid stonework, and sculptural fire features – an ideal setting for unwinding after a day spent exploring tasting rooms, golfing, or relaxing in natural hot springs.

Esperanza on the Rooftop serves as both a lively restaurant and a dynamic venue for private events. Weathered teak furnishings, woven textiles in ochre and sea-glass hues, and built-in banquettes combine in a Mediterranean-inspired atmosphere with scenic views of the surrounding hills. A defining focal point of the rooftop is the bar, clad in handmade clay tile featuring a bold, oversized motif, thoughtfully layered against a smaller-scale handmade tile surrounding a brass accented back bar. Cabanas offer shaded retreats, and fire pits invite golden hour gatherings. The adjacent saltwater pool further defines the rooftop experience as both a social hub and a serene hideaway.

Meetings & Events
The hotel’s event spaces continue the narrative of refined craftsmanship. Dramatic chandeliers are a bold nod to mid-century design, while rich wood accents at the ceilings and walls envelop each space in warmth and intimacy. In the pre-function area, illuminated bookcases showcase an expressive collection of ceramics and artisan objects, transforming the circulation space into a gallery-like experience. The Tablas Ballroom lends flexibility for corporate meetings, weddings, and social gatherings alike, beneath a coffered ceiling with exposed wooden beams.

Design: HBA, Studio Sinclair
Architects: Moore 2 Design, Pegasus Architects, Arris Studio Architects
Photography: Robert Benson