Nothing better can be said than that it felt like we were at home our entire stay. Freda was such an amazing host. We had never met until our stay and when we walked in the door her smile and warmth made it feel like we had knew her our entire lives. Our room was very nice with snacks a other little comforts. Breakfast was amazing, ask her about a few of the cooking awards she has won! We got to take home food because there was so much and we loved it all! The BnB is literally a few steps from the main shopping drag and only a couple more min to drive down to the pier. If you are looking for an experience and not a sterile hotel room, we highly suggest you stay here. We were introduced to multiple shop owners and honestly got the most unique experience that we were not expecting. We cannot wait to stay again. read more

Had the worst experience at this B&B. Showed up with my husband for a romantic anniversary weekend only to find out our booking confirmation was incorrect and we actually did not have a room. They charged my card $6 & sent me an email to confirm that we had a booking but when we showed up there was no room for us. On top of that the location was cluttered, there was no parking, they weren't very polite about it and it really ruined our weekend. I would never attempt to stay here. Beware!!! read more

I was just at the Inn last weekend and I loved the place! The owner Frieda is so warm and kind, she makes you feel like you are at your favorite Aunt's place! The garden around the Inn is charming and the artwork inside and out is lovely, eclectic and original. The food was delicious and healthy (Frieda is a wonderful cook)! Frieda gives you tips on what to do and where to go from restaurants to the farmer's market. I have travelled extensively and I value quiet and friendly places. I look forward to staying there again. read more

Loved my first stay at Always Inn, and look forward to going back. Freda warmly welcomes her guests as friends. If you leave the breakfast table hungry, it's your own fault, because she puts on a spread that can keep a person full until dinner time! The location is ideal, walking distance to restaurants, shopping, and the pier. read more

I stayed here a few months ago and I will never return to this bed and breakfast again. The location is just outside of the main street in San Clemente called Del Mar. The street has amazing restaurants and local events. This was the only highlight to our trip giving it a 1 star rating. When we checked in the host, Freda , was extremely rude to my wife and I. She was extremely disrespectful to my wife do to our age and race. The first impression of the bed an breakfast looks like a homeless shelter surrounded by weeds/bushes. The room was completely filthy with dust built up. The sheets and comforter had multiple stains where I even have to lay a towel over it to sleep. We had a three night reservation however we only could take one night. I would suggest staying at the Garden Cottage at the Green Bed & Breakfast. Beautiful location and amazing staff to accommodate all of your needs. read more

We stayed at the "seahorse" condo and although it was old and dusty, it was also filled with cool trinkets, neat books, interesting art, and beautiful landscape. Freida, the hostess, is so kind. She has a warm heart and really puts a lot of love into her business. I would give it 5 stars if the house cleaner did a better job. The shelves were dusty, the "clean dishes" had dried food on them, and the comforters were not washed between guests. I woke-up with swollen eyes and sinus congestion from all the dust and dander. We will return, but I will unfortunately spend a few hours cleaning before I settle in for my stay. Maybe by my next trip Frieda will have hired a new cleaning crew. read more

My husband and I stayed here last weekend after purchasing a two night stay through Groupon and we loved it! Not only is it within walking distance to all the great shops and restaurants, but it's only about a 5-10 minute walk to the beach and pier. Frieda, the owner of Always Inn, was extremely welcoming and immediately urged us to make ourselves at home. Her cooking is just fabulous and after one of her huge and delicious breakfasts, you won't be needing lunch! She also has cookies, snacks, and coffee and tea out throughout the day, which is a nice touch. The Inn itself only has three rooms to stay in and we chose The Palm Whisper because of the great patio attached to our room. A perfect place to sip your coffee in the morning or just enjoy the fresh ocean breeze. The interior of the house is decorated with Frieda's extensive art collection and you can walk through the rooms many times and still find new pieces to marvel at. She is also very knowledgeable about all the local going ons and told us about the charming Farmer's Market that is held every Sunday morning (lots of great fresh fruits,flowers veggies, breads, etc..as well as vendors selling their various wares) and she also urged us to try South of Nick's for dinner our first night and I'm so glad we did. It was hands down the best Mexican food myself or my husband have ever eaten! Overall, this was a wonderful experience and my husband and I agreed that we would love to return in the near future! read more

Felt like I was checking in to home on the weekend my wife and I spent here with Freda and the other guests/temporary family members. Amazing food cooked with tremendous amounts of TLC and skill. Freda runs this place in an incredibly personable and caring way. She even sent us on our way at the end of the weekend with fresh organic local produce left over from the meals she'd prepared. If you're looking for lots of solitude and privacy with just your partner, don't choose this or any other B&B, but if you're open to meeting great new people and feeling cared for in a way that only a mother could, this is a great choice. Easily walkable to the beach and train station down the main drag, consider going on Metrolink or Amtrak as all you'll need for a beautiful, abundant weekend is right there. read more

I must truly dig deep to find the words to express my experience at Always Inn San Clemente Bed & Breakfast. Freda was so kind and accommodating, not to mention inviting. Our stay was a life changing experience that one must truly experience to understand. The close accommodations to the beach life was truly serene. This is a jewel in the heart of San Clemente, and we will be back to visit again soon!! read more

Warning to travelers do NOT book here. It's a very small abt 1400 square foot house chopped up into 4 bedrooms w Freda possibly living in garage. The town is vibrant and visiting is a treat however My wife talked to locals whom had unpleasantries to say about Fredas B&B seems it's known as a huge disservice to the community. She threatens local businesses with fire department visits if she doesn't get her way. The Breakfast offerings are limited to 99 cent store only. Home is not properly cleaned, would never advise anyone to book. A eye sore from the street pulling up. read more

I was hesitated to write a review because I was told owner, Freda, was going out of business last summer. I drove by the other day and noticed the City of San Clemente hadn't shut her doors down yet. BIG SURPRISE... My husband and I stayed there for 2 nights last year. At first glance the inn seems beautiful but staying there and seeing what goes on behind the scene opened our eyes to a whole new world of filth and disease. It's a wonder folks don't get food poisoning. We were appalled at the filth in the kitchen. Uncooked food, which is served to the guests the next day, was left out overnight. Big pots of food were left on the stove overnight as well. Dirty dishes were everywhere in the kitchen. Freda's hired help tried to come in after hours but he was too drunk to find his way in. He was loud and woke everyone up. I would rather sleep on the street than stay in that cesspool called Always Inn. Please think long and hard before you book a room here. read more

If you are looking for a relaxing weekend (in a place that is pet friendly), definitely check out Always Inn. Freda took me, my husband, and our loving dog in for a long weekend and pampered us. The breakfasts were amazing as was all of the food that we snacked on throughout the day. She took care of all of us - including our dog, who was as sad as we were to leave! We can't wait to go back! read more

This is the best bed & breakfast I have ever stayed in. Freda is an amazing host, I truly felt at home. Breakfast was delicious and there is always fresh fruit/ pastries to snack on. The location is in the center of downtown so you are very close to any restaurant or store you desire. We will definitely be staying here again! Thank you Freda for the wonderful stay. read more

This place is great. Me and my gf needed a place to stay one night for a wedding and this place was cheaper than most and really close to the pier which was near where the wedding was going to be. I thought "oh well just one night and cheap but it will probably be a dump." Boy was I wrong! It was as cozy and comfortable as staying at your friend's house. There are two or three rooms with their own bathrooms off the bedroom, a little outdoor patio, parking right there and you are right on the main street if you want to walk to anything in town. The nice couple who runs the place even cooked up a nice REAL breakfast of scrambled eggs and hash browns after first inquiring if we had any dietary restrictions. They had a bunch of books and dvds to borrow in the living room and we snagged Zoolander to cap the night off right. A pleasure staying there for sure. read more

Looking for a couple of days of peace and quiet, my wife and I were really looking forward to a great stay at this place with stellar YELP ratings. When we arrived at this very small residential convert, we were told we had been given their largest room- a small bedroom size at best. When a host of disappointments from the dirty looking sheets & dirty bedspread, micro-sized TV dusty mismatched furniture and generally ugly appointments were amplified by the loud trucks, fire engines and cars right outside our ground floor window with mini-blinds and no air conditioning And no privacy the kitchen table was on the other side of the bedroom wall which put us in a position where a whisper was required .This.prompted us to speak up and request another room, we were accommodated by being offered a better room, much better room that one of the regulars had previously reserved, but also with the suggestion from the owner that we were not a "good fit" for their property. After that, better room or no, how could anyone relax in such a setting. We were outa' there! We spent another couple hours looking for a hotel and securing our refund. This was a very negative experience. We will never stay in someones boarding house again! read more

I read reviews and thought this would be perfect for our family of four. I was even convinced when I called to make reservations. However, when we got there it was a different story. I was told on the phone that there were sand toys , and beach blankets etc there for us. We arrived around check in time. We let ourselves into the studio rental which was fine. But only to find gnats in the kitchen and bathroom. I searched the kitchen cupboards and found the kitchen trash full under the sink. I decided no big deal. No sand toys in sight for the little ones, so I called and Freda kindly went and bought some form the store. We were brought an air mattress for the little ones which was fine. We didn't set it up until around 9pm after getting back from the beach and shopping only to find it took batteries which were not provided. I called Freda to advise her and she told me we could go to the 99cent store. After showering and picking up batteries from a different store and paying too much money for them we started to get settled for the night. The bottoms of our feet from walking barefoot in the house after showering we're black. Trying to not be negative we pull the sheets back to get into bed only to find women's hair on the pillowcases. So I call Freda to tell her we would be checking out earlier then expected and was never asked what the problem was. Poor customer service. The $40 you leave for the cleaning lady Juanita is a joke. It was quite obvious she didn't sweep, mop, or change the bedding. All she did was wash the towels. Shame on Freda for not checking the rental before our arrival. For the amount of money you spend I expect more. Will never stay here or recommend to anyone. Not worth the money. read more

We absolutely loved our stay at the Always Inn in San Clemente! Freda, the owner, greeted us with a hug and made us feel like cherished guests in a family home. The decor is wonderfully quirky with incredible artwork from local artisans, and the multiple patios in which to dine or relax are filled with the evidence of a very green thumb and an eye for beauty! Freda is an accomplished chef, and the breakfasts during our stay were scrumptious, made with local flair and so plentiful that we almost didn't have room for dinner later on! We did manage to find the requisite space in our tummies after walking around town and down along the beach (the Always Inn is within walking distance of the San Clemente Pier/beach and just off of a wonderful shopping/restaurant district), and found that Freda has an encyclopedic knowledge of the best deals and places to eat that just made our stay even better! Try the sunset deals at the Fisherman on the pier M-F, La Tablita at South of Nick's on PCH and Italian Cravings on Ola Vista - they were all amazing! We also enjoyed some community theater at the Cabrillo Playhouse across the street. Freda is very involved in the community and a great supporter of local businesses - she is an absolute treasure and we look forward to our next stay at the Always Inn! read more

Amazing! Freda and Indy (her dog) are awesome and so welcoming and nice. It's a cute little b&b right in the middle of everything, close to a ton of good restaurants (ask Freda for her recommendations, they were great!) and the beach. Breakfast was super delicious and fresh and it was nice to just hang out and talk with the other guests! Freda was super accommodating (I have dietary restrictions) and went out of her way to make stuff I could eat! read more

This was our first experience at a B&B and me and my husband loved it. We came down on a friday evening and Freida welcomed us warmly with cookies. She made a few suggestions for dinner and let us settle in. That night we stayed in and watched a DVD from the over 100+ collection. The following morning, we anxiously awaited the famous breakfast - started off with a fresh fruit bowl, then a warm pastry and muffin as a second course and ended with a savory meal of country fried potatoes, sausage and an omelet. We were more than stuffed with all the delicious food. Freida also gave us a pass to check out the San Juan Capistrano Mission - it was beautiful and also next to where we were married. The following morning's breakfast did not disappoint either - we had the fresh fruit and warm muffin to start and then she made a "San Clemente Sheppard's Pie" and Frittata - both delicious but I went back for seconds on the sheppard's pie and she even told us take some home in tupperware - so sweet. Since we are expecting, she gave us honeydew and papaya to take home with us to make sure that I was getting enough vitamin C. So thoughtful! We can't wait to come back! read more

We want for a quick visit to san Clemente and decided to stay in this b&b because we wanted a local experience. We were warmly welcomed by Freda. She is a wonderful innkeeper she knows every thing about the town with great tips for dining and sight seeing. Every morning there was a wonderful breakfast hot, homemade and delicious. We enjoyed our stay and Freda so much we've already booked our return visit. read more

I stayed at the Always Inn and was happy I found this beautiful B&B. Freda the owner was such an amazing Host. Her home is warm and welcoming with lots of beautiful artwork from around the world. She knows so much about the town that it was easy to figure out what to check out. I highly recommend this place and I would stay again in a heartbeat. Oh and she is an amazing chef. read more

This is truly a healing place to stay. Freda is the most amazing host, I'm so grateful I found her bed and breakfast. It is hands down the best bed and breakfast I've ever stayed at. She thinks of everything and is so kind and welcoming. My friend and I are pescatarian and gluten free and she made the most amazing and delicious breakfast for us every day. I've never had someone be so accommodating for my dietary needs. It is difficult while traveling accommodating my diet and she made it so easy. She has snacks available and a tea bar, and beach mats and even sunscreen available. The patios are beautiful to eat breakfast in the morning and everyone is so friendly and it is just a short walk to the beach or walk to the down town area after breakfast and during the day. We also had a little dog and Freda spoiled her immensely with treats and even an extra little doggie bed for her. And we love Indy, her dog, and mascot for the Inn, our pup and Indy got along so well. Freda truly goes above and beyond and I'm so grateful I found her and the Inn and I highly recommend to anyone looking for a relaxed, beautiful and unique place to stay in gorgeous San Clemente. read more

The Inn is cozy and charming. the Inn Keeper, Freda is Chaming and amazing as well. No need was left unserved. The rooms are quaint and very comfortable. Ours had a side patio that was very enjoyable. There is a street side patio and front patio as well. Breakfasts were over the top amazing. All prepared by Freda from scratch with all local fresh ingredients that she pick up from the farmers market every Sunday. She uses all of her own spices in her cooking and the flavor is amazing. We had her prepare our anniverary dinner which she prepared to order just for us. She loves to cook and it definately shows. The location of the inn is well situated and is close to the main shopping and night life of San Clemente and a comfortable walk to the beach if you like walking. We will be back! read more

Fantastic! Great place to stay in San Clemente. The hostess Freda was kind, generous and welcoming. The room was spotless and filled with all the amenities one needs for an enjoyable stay at the inn or a visit to the beach. The breakfasts were outstanding; obviously Freda was a professional cook at some point and she enjoyed lavishing her guests with scrumptious meals. Will definitely stay at Always Inn during my next visit to San Clemente! read more

We loved the eclectic decor with local seashell art mingled with pieces from Freda's travels. As a botanist, I was particularly enthralled by the garden areas which also reflected her eclectic tastes and interests with an amazing collection of tropical and succulent plants. Freda extended a warm and welcoming nature from the moment we arrived. Her willingness to share her knowledge of the area began even before we arrived with a multiple page email containing information on sights that helped us in planning our visit. The breakfasts were bountiful and delicious. Every breakfast included fresh fruit, pastries and a main course that was a scrumptious surprise every morning. Our bed was comfy and we loved having a refrigerator in the room. Freda gave us a real sense of a charming small village community as she intoduced us to neighboring shopkeepers. We are looking forward to our next visit. read more

This B&B is exactly what I look for when traveling. It feels like home and like I'm part of "the village". The room I stayed in was cozy, clean, and pretty quiet. The owner, Freda, is charming and kind. She clearly has a love and respect for the people who stay here. She's also talented in the kitchen and a wonderful host. I must also say that when I contacted her a couple times to notify her I'd arrive later that expected, she was patient and flexible. I will definitely come back if I have the chance! read more

What a wonderful stay at Always Inn. Freda's breakfast was amazing! She also took the time to show me her herb garden and even shared some gardening tips with me. I felt at home here and the location was fantastic. We will definitely be back!! read more

I would not advise anyone to rent here. While the owner seems nice - Beware. When this woman turns on you, she is unprofessional. I would advise anyone to not deal with this person. Words of wisdom to anyone thinking about a rental: Go somewhere else. read more

My wife and I spent two nights here celebrating our 7th anniversary. Great place with incredible artsy things throughout the house. Our room was nice as were all the outside sitting areas. Be prepared to have a huge breakfast Freda will prepare, she is an incredible chef. Indy, the sweet dog, was fun to be with. Also, nice to be so close to the nice shops and eateries just around the corner. read more

Loved it. Freda treats you like family. Highly recommended. And the location is UNBEATABLE.

My husband and I had never been to a B&B before so we weren't sure what to expect. Normally we stay at hotels so when we walked in, and it was actually a home and not a cozy hotel we weren't sure what to think. We were greeted by Freda and two dogs, and since we are dog people that was fine by us! She immediately made us feel welcome and comfortable. We were shown where all the beverages and snacks (homemade cookies!) could be found and given a quick tour of our room. Again, having only frequented hotels, it was weird staying in literally a bedroom of a home and while it seemed small at first, it turned out to be more than enough space. You just have to remember this is a B&B, not a hotel! Along with the coziness of a B&B comes many perks! Besides the fresh cookies, Freda made us chocolate covered strawberries for our anniversary....NO CHARGE.... What tastes better than chocolate covered strawberries? FREE chocolate covered strawberries! She went to the market and came back with fruit that she offered us, again, at no charge. Breakfast in the morning was divine! I loved, loved, loved her food. We sat out on our private patio one morning and on the patio facing the street another. Everything was made with love and tasted great! I told my husband, it was like being at grandma's house. Not because it smelled like old people and there was no cable, but because you were waited on hand and foot, felt welcome, were always full of food and didn't want to go home! lol The location was perfect, short walk to the beach and tons of food and shopping just around the corner. I found the amenities to be ample, cable, lots of movies, flat screen tv, spa bathtub, comfy bed and pillows, mini-fridge in the room, designated parking space, it really was great. My husband and I were extremely relaxed after the weekend here. It was so nice coming to stay somewhere and it wasn't all business. I wasn't asked for ID, a credit card for incidentals, I didn't have to sign my name one time. It was like staying with a friend and I'd recommend it to anyone! read more

Just had a wonderful 2 night stay at the Always Inn. The place has a great eclectic feel to it and is very welcoming. Don't go in expecting a resort style, stuffy experience. This is a B&B and all that implies. That being said, if you're a non-Type A, open minded personality you will LOVE your time here. Multiple pretty garden patio areas to sit and enjoy the lovely weather and relax. Great fresh made breakfast in the morning and goodies available throughout the day. Location is close to the Del Mar downtown area shops and restaurants and a short walk to the beach/pier/Metrolink stop. (Although it is a bit uphill coming away from the beach). We didn't get to meet the famous Freda, as she was away on a trip, but the lovely Tiffany did a superb job of taking care of us and making us feel welcome and at home. Felt like I met a new friend. All in all a top notch experience. Will definitely be back soon. read more

BEWARE. Contaminated food being served. First we want to start off by saying this place is nothing like described. Freda puts on a very warm welcome as we were told this is for money reasons. The description was very off compared to what she is offering but we didn't want to put a damper in our trip. We had a lovely dinner at the Pier Fishermans & After dinner we went to a few local shops who asked us where we were from etc, whom then told us once we said where we booked Always Inn about how Freda is being investigated. The only reason we booked was due to her reviews which we were then informed are all her friends and family! So upset we were taken advantage of. I will book something next year that is much safer and cleaner. I did also noticed my bag had been opened when I returned which was very concerning to me but I didn't mention it because other guest were around. Adore SC and all it has to offer, look forward to a private quieter stay next time. read more

Great location in San Clemente - within walking distance of the train station and downtown area. Freda was incredibly warm and accommodating, and the food was tasty. You literally feel right at home from the moment you arrive. read more

Great place to stay in San Clemente. Freda, the host, is very friendly and accommodating. This is a pet friendly inn and our dog was welcomed with gourmet dog treats. The food is excellent with plentiful portions. The location is perfect, just a block off Del Mar (San Clemente's main street) and healthful walk from the beach and pier. A very comfortable place to stay. I would happily stay again. read more

I spent a week in one of always san Clemente beach rentals. The sea breeze unit, it was perfect for my family. The unit was stocked with everything you would need and more. The owner Freda was so welcoming and made sure we had more then we needed. If I go back I would stay again. read more

Smells like Mildew in this tiny mismatched dump called a B&B ! There were bugs all over the kitchen where the owner prepared frozen foods for us. NO PRIVACY~ RUDE Owner~ Far from relaxing & fun! Steer clear of this place! read more

Do NOT stay here! My boyfriend and I saw it online and were pleased with the pictures and impressed with the yelp reviews...talk about FALSE advertising! The place is surrounded by a parking lot, with little privacy. Our bedroom was right off the living room, with people sitting just outside our door. Both times I went in to the room, I was stared at by the people on the couch as I closed the door and my boyfriend and I felt we had to whisper the whole time because we could hear the people on the couch talking clear as day. The rooms are quaint, but VERY small and the dog had peed on our floor! The proprietor, Freda, tried saying it was Pine Sol after my boyfriend and I had both smelled it, and he had stepped in it with bare feet. Pine Sol smells like dog pee?!! Really?!! We hoped she would have some pride in her establishment and work ethic, and at least accept responsiblity, but no such luck. read more

This experience exceeded every expectation I had! Freda is amazing! We found a new friend in her and I look forward to going back to visit. We felt at home from the minute we arrived and were sad to leave. Freda made us amazing breakfasts and snacks that were catered to our tastes and beyond anything you would get at a typical B&B or resort. Indy, the resident dog, is friendly and well behaved and was a welcome addition to our stay. The B&B is quaint with an eclectic flair that we enjoyed as we used the different patios and common areas. There are 3 different rooms, all of which seem very adequate. Nothing over the top but very homey and comfortable, exactly what we were looking for. The location is perfect...a few blocks from the beach and right in town where you can enjoy many different shops and restaurants. We got everything we wanted and more and couldn't be more pleased with our decision to go with this B&B instead of a hotel. This is definitely a great value for a wonderful location and experience! If you are looking for a relaxing, enjoyable experience by the beach, I would highly recommend staying at Always Inn San Clemente B&B! read more