The town of Paso Robles brings to mind the Healdsburg of 30 years ago, when I made my first visit to Sonoma. At the center of a charming tree- shaded square stands a handsome library donated by Andrew Carnegie. With the growing success of the wine business, the town is evolving into a place of stylish boutiques and sophisticated restaurants. But it retains the down-to-earth air of an agricultural center, and you invariably see pickup trucks and sunburned men in cowboy hats and boots.
The Hotel Cheval stands in the shelter of a large tree that slightly obscures its striking and pleasingly proportioned façade of stucco and cut stone. As the name suggests, the property has a dash of French flair, first revealed in an inviting lounge where reception staff greet you at a lovely Provençal desk. Although the Cheval’s amenities are limited, it is a delightful small hotel that I greatly enjoyed and to which I would happily return.
The Hotel Cheval, Paso Robles
Photos © Andrew Harper
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