Any recommendations on where to stay, eat, drink? I'll be going for a week with M. while he participates in his cycling team's training camp.

Een

Here's a link to a travel article I wrote on San Luis Obispo last year. Not a lot has changed:
http://www.winespectator.com/Wine/Archives/Show_Article/0,1275,5090,00.html

Tim, thanks.

Cal Poly (SLO) alum here (1987). SLO is one of the best places to visit, but where to stay and what to do depends entirely on what you're looking for.

Personally, I like staying in town, not out near Pismo or Shell Beach. Downtown San Luis Obispo has some of the best shopping and nightlife you can find. We alway stay at The Quality Suites on Monterey Street. It isn't super upscale, but it is nice and it is a suite with a separate living room/TV area. There also is a downtown trolley that picks you up right in front of the hotel and drops you anywhere downtown you want to go; very convenient to avoid drinking and driving (police in SLO are tough to say the least so don't D&D). The Quality Suites also offers "free" happy hour between 5-7pm (beer and cheap wine) as well as free breakfast (fully cooked to order) in the morns.

The entire area is based around The University so dining isn't upscale in a San Francisco/Monterey Peninsula sort of way, however, there is great food if you aren't looking for 5 star dining. Definitely do Farmer's Market downtown on Thursday night. It is a great year round scene that will blow your mind (food and drink). When in Rome, do as The Romans did, so when in San Luis Obispo, enjoy the college town. I love it there.

Sycamore Mineral Springs just south of SLO at Avila Beach is a great place to eat and dine. They also have a great spa. It's my favorite place for a massage and each room has its own private jacuzzi. Beautiful place!