Yes, you have to walk down some steep stairs.
There is a path along the cliff between the ocean and past about four other hotels. You then descend stairs to reach a succession of small rocky beaches. This is the North end of Shell Beach area. Doable but not easy depending on your mobility. The walk to Pismo is quite a hike.
Yes it's not far, would recommend this hotel.
There is not direct access from the hotel but access to the beach is only about 30 ft or so...
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