River Lodge Motel reopens after restoration with new poolside restaurant
The poolside cocktail bar located at the River Lodge. Photo courtesy of Nomada Hotel Group.
New Italian fusion restaurant open to public
– The recently restored River Lodge motel, located on Theatre Drive in Paso Robles, reopened last month with newly designed rooms, an Italian restaurant, and an adult only heated pool. Nomada Hotel group obtained the property in 2018 and spent close to three years on the renovation.
“River Lodge has been our most ambitious project to date. We underwent a top-to-toe renovation, designed much of the furniture and collaborated with local artists to create bespoke pieces throughout. After two and a half years, we’ve infused a luxurious and playful spirit into the Motel experience. While the sign and architecture retain the quintessential roadside motel charm, Pierre Frey fabrics and handmade Moroccan tiles help to elevate the experience,” said founder and creative director of the Nomada Hotel Group Kimberly Walker.
The front patio hammocks outside of some rooms at the River Lodge. Photo courtesy of Nomada Hotel Group.
The River Lodge has been in operation since 1947; the Nomada Hotel group focused on “maintaining its iconic ‘Googie’ architecture of clean lines and 1950s flair”, according to Walker, while updating the decors and amenities. Construction began in August 2021 by local business Campfire Construction.
There are a total of 28 rooms fitted with a front patio hammock, upscale toiletries and linens, and decor and furniture by Nomada Deco; room and outdoor designs were by Tom Jess from Arris Studio Architects. Gardens and walking paths are throughout the three acre property, along with fire pits and a 21 year old and over heated pool and hot tub. A bike rental program is in place.
The on-site restaurant, Ciao Papi, focuses on fresh meals served by the pool. Some popular dishes include the signature Ciao Papi pizza, the spring primavera, and the polpette. Drinks available to order include the Electric Boots and Poolside Hugo.
Ciao Papi, the restaurant located at River Lodge. Photo courtesy of Nomada Hotel Group.
“Ciao Papi is our poolside alfresco restaurant with a Cal-Italian focused menu, craft cocktails and our favorite wines,” Walker said.
Ciao Papi is open Monday through Thursday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., Friday from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., Saturday from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Reservations can be made here.
“We hope guests will feel like [the River Lodge] was a highlight of their time on the Central Coast and they can’t wait to return…we hope our neighbors are proud of the restored River Lodge as part of their community,” Walker said.
For more information about River Lodge and Ciao Papi, visit their website here.
