Business Details
Your Surfside Escape Awaits at Nomads Hotel
At Nomads Hotel, we have crafted a unique hospitality experience rooted in global travel expertise and a passion for surf culture. Founded by Sean Rowland and Jeff & Renee Gourley, our boutique hotel combines the warmth of international destinations with the vibrant energy of Southern California. Located in downtown San Clemente, we specialize in creating immersive surf vacations with curated packages that include accommodations, equipment rentals, certified instruction, and transportation to premier surf spots. Our property features seven distinctively designed rooms, each offering comfort and style tailored to travelers seeking adventure or relaxation. The Nomads team personally guides guests to local attractions, ensuring every visitor experiences the authentic spirit of coastal living.With over 30 years of combined travel experience, we have created a space where surfers and travelers connect through shared experiences, music, art, and cuisine. Our commitment to quality is reflected in our premium rental equipment available at discounted rates, exclusive ocean-view dining at Nomads Canteen, and strategic location midway between Los Angeles and San Diego. We maintain strong ties to the local community while preserving the Spanish Colonial charm that defines San Clemente's character. Our working hours are structured to accommodate guests' needs while maintaining the personalized service that distinguishes our establishment.
Services
Surf Packages
Equipment Rentals
Boutique Accommodations
Ocean View Dining
Transportation Services
Highlights and features
- We offer all-inclusive surf packages with certified instructors and equipment
- Our property features seven uniquely designed rooms for groups of all sizes
- We provide exclusive surf equipment rentals at 50% off local prices
- Our owners personally guide guests to premier surf spots and local attractions
- We maintain a prime downtown location steps from boutique shopping and dining
What people say
Unbelievable stay
Awesome host
Beautiful and hip boutique hotel
Perfect place to stay
Spacious and comfortable rooms
Services
Surf Packages
Our all-inclusive surf packages combine premium accommodations with comprehensive surf experiences. Each package includes nightly lodging, daily surf lessons from certified instructors, equipment rentals, and transportation to top surf spots. Guests receive meal vouchers for our on-site restaurant while enjoying curated itineraries that maximize their coastal adventure.
Equipment Rentals
We offer exclusive equipment rentals to hotel guests at 50% off standard local prices. Our inventory includes soft and fiberglass surfboards in multiple sizes plus wetsuits for all conditions. Equipment is maintained to professional standards with daily, multi-day, and weekly rental options available for surfers of all skill levels.
Boutique Accommodations
Our seven uniquely themed rooms accommodate groups of varying sizes with interconnected options available. Each space features tropical decor, modern amenities, and strategic layouts that blend comfort with functionality. Rooms include California Patio Suite, Bali Room, and Boat Room configurations designed for both relaxation and social interaction.
Ocean View Dining
Nomads Canteen provides elevated surfside dining with ocean vistas and an extensive beverage selection. Guests enjoy craft beers, premium tequilas, and signature dishes like poke bowls while watching surf films on large screens. The restaurant features both indoor and outdoor seating with live music and cultural events throughout the year.
Transportation Services
We provide complimentary transportation to premier surf locations including Trestles, San Onofre, and T-Street. Our shuttle service operates for groups of four or more, offering convenient access to world-class waves without additional transportation costs. Vehicles are maintained to ensure timely arrivals at optimal surf conditions.
People
Sean Rowland
Co-Owner
With extensive global travel experience, Sean personally curates surf adventures and local experiences for guests. He ensures every visitor receives personalized attention and insider access to San Clemente's surf culture.
Jeff Gourley
Co-Owner
Jeff combines his surf expertise and hospitality experience to create authentic coastal experiences. He works closely with guests to deliver tailored surf itineraries and maintain the hotel's unique cultural atmosphere.
Renee Gourley
Co-Owner
Renee contributes her hospitality management expertise to maintain the hotel's distinctive ambiance. She focuses on guest comfort and oversees daily operations to ensure consistent delivery of the Nomads experience.
Questions
What surf packages include?
Packages include accommodations, daily surf lessons, equipment rentals, transportation to surf spots, and meal vouchers. Prices start at $150 per guest per night.
Are surfboard rentals available?
Yes, we offer soft and fiberglass boards at 50% off local prices, ranging from $25 daily to $100 weekly.
How far are you from surf spots?
Trestles is 5 minutes away, San Onofre 15 minutes, and T-Street within walking distance. We provide free shuttle service for groups of 4+.
Do rooms connect?
Yes, we offer interconnected rooms for larger groups upon request during booking.
Is there on-site dining?
Yes, Nomads Canteen serves Surfer Soul Food with ocean views, featuring 32 draft beers and 120 tequila varieties.
What's included with stays?
All guests receive a complimentary adult beverage round and access to our surf equipment discounts.
Reviews (4)
Kimberly S.
Aug 12, 2021
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Great place to stay and chill. Everything is so easy from here as well Ana I love the free trolley down to the beach every ten min or so. If you do have an issue, Sean has been great seeing it gets fixed. Sean truly cares about his hotel. Love the California room!
Fleur D.
Jul 18, 2021
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This is a really great hotel. I love the decor of the rooms. Very clean. Steps up to the bathroom very different. Comfortable beds. Nice Keurig coffee with Half and half for coffee with raw sugar. Soap dispenser hard to use, but nice walk in shower. A/C worked great. Sunset room very nice. History of Surfing book on shelf. Ear plugs and relaxing sleep machine of ocean sounds next to bed. No phone in room. Room was under the Canteen, but we didn't mind. Not that loud. Very friendly staff. Next time, we plan to stay and take surf lessons. Parking was a little stressful for us. We did not know
Sharon F.
Apr 06, 2021
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This place was awful. I asked for a refund after my partner and I were disrespectfully walked in on. The manager told us it was not her fault she walked in as we should've waited until the room was ready but one of the employees told us the room was ready and we could go head & head in. After we were walked in on we left since we felt uncomfortable and disrespected.
Carol K.
Mar 26, 2021
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I booked this then read reviews about noise...arrived at 630...was noisy while getting ready to go to dinner...by 11 no more noise...check in was effortless...room was exceptionally clean...very cool atmosphere...very friendly staff...will come again
