If you are looking for hotels and one-of-a-kind accommodations in California, this article is for you. We list below the coolest, different, famous, and glamorous resorts on the American West Coast.
A tip that is excellent when searching is to filter by neighborhood or even region and check out the reviews. Also, it is important to pay attention if the resort you are looking at is suitable for your trip. Whether you have kids or pets, or if you are on your way to a romantic getaway. The more suitable the resort is to your itinerary, the more you will enjoy the experience.
Interactive Map of 25 Best Resorts in California
1. Hotel del Coronado, Curio Collection by Hilton
Located in Coronado Island in San Diego and built in 1888 the Hotel Del Coronado, or simply Hotel Del as the locals call it, is pompous and imposing. The hotel is a gigantic wooden structure in the shape of a castle decorated with beautiful chandeliers and rugs. The gardens are beautiful, and the white sand beach is more than inviting.
Eternalized in the films of Marilyn Monroe, Hotel del Coronado is one of those gorgeous and ultra-stately hotels full of beautiful details. The rooms are brand new and they feature a very clean decor with a beachy feel. And the leisure area has a complex of very nice pools, bars, and restaurants.
2. Thunder Valley Casino Resort
Located less than 30 miles from Sacramento, Thunder Valley Casino Resort has an earth-toned décor and tribal theme and features a gym, sauna, and steam room. The best of all is to get your own massage at the local spa.
But the resort’s highlight is the casino featuring many slot machines, table games, poker tables, and bingo night. The resort also has a food court with a Fatburger, Subway, Pizza Hut, Panda Express, Ben n Jerry’s ice cream, and the unique Thunder Cafe.
3. Terranea Resort
Situated on a cliff by the sea, in the elegant Rancho Palos Verdes, the picturesque resort called Terranea Resort is a haven of relaxation. With an upmarket Mediterranean-style decoration, Terranea Resort is less than 15 miles from Long Beach.
With a spa, four swimming pools, and eight restaurants, it is a place where you can taste and enjoy the sea view. It is also perfect if you like to exercise since there is no shortage of equipment and options for physical activities. In fact, the resort also offers yoga classes and a golf course.
4. Tenaya Lodge at Yosemite
Close to the southern entrance of Yosemite National Park, Tenaya Lodge at Yosemite is a resort with activities for the whole family, a well-appointed spa, and many attractions for you to enjoy your trip in any season. The structure of Tenaya Lodge at Yosemite is excellent, it has a heated pool, a brand new and very complete gym. Not to mention a delicious spa with a menu of different treatments as well as dry and wet saunas.
Overall, the amount of activities within the resort is its highlight. It has an ice skating rink, a snow rink for sledding, rental of various equipment, guided hikes with snowshoes that can be done in the morning or at night, archery sessions, and a club with activities for children. There are also daily guided tours to explore Yosemite and neighboring regions like Bass Lake.
5. The Ritz-Carlton, Half Moon Bay
In the city of Half Moon Bay is located one of the best hotels on the entire Pacific coast, the luxurious Ritz-Carlton Half Moon Bay. Located high on a hill, the hotel offers beautiful views of the ocean and an unforgettable sunset. There are lounges and more lounges with lots of wood, carpets, restaurant, dark wood bar with green tables, rooms with fireplaces, cozy sofas to sink in and dive into your favorite book. Being close to Pillar Point and Mavericks, its rooms offer an excellent view.
After visiting the hotel from the inside, exit through one of the side doors and take a stroll along the trail that runs along the sea. Go to the end and go down the ladder that leads to the beach and feel the smell of the sea.
6. Manchester Grand Hyatt San Diego
With views of Coronado Island, the Manchester Grand Hyatt San Diego hotel is a luxury 4-star hotel, very well located in the Marina District region. It is less than 5 kilometers from the airport, next to Seaport Village. This is an open mall with several shops and restaurants, including a Cheesecake Factory.
The hotel has a pool, hot tub, spa, exercise room, and more. According to TripAdvisor, the Manchester Grand Hyatt San Diego has the best cost-benefit in the region. In addition to having the flag of one of the largest chains in the sector, the hotel is close to several attractions, such as the USS Midway Museum and the San Diego marina.
7. Monterey Plaza Hotel & Spa
Facing the beach with large, well-lit rooms, jacuzzi, and gym, Monterey Plaza Hotel has been recently renovated and is a very solid hotel option. The hotel is just steps away from Cannery Row and you can do everything on foot. Besides being very well located in the city, it also has one of the most incredible views of Monterey Bay.
The accommodations themselves are excellent, with the rooms considered both spacious and comfortable. Among the hotel services are free Wi-Fi, a restaurant overlooking the ocean, spa, gym, parking, and many others. So, if you are looking for a stay with a lot of sophistication and a great location, Monterey Plaza Hotel & Spa is the ideal choice.
8. Waldorf Astoria Monarch Beach
Overlooking the ocean, Waldorf Astoria Monarch Beach is a luxury resort less than 4 miles from Aliso Beach, north of San Clemente. Featuring shops and restaurants, Monarch Beach offers many kids activities and is a dog-friendly hotel. Their attention to detail is so impressive. From the delicious breakfast burrito and breathtaking views to the turndown service, the Monarch Beach staff does not disappoint.
The resort also counts with a golf course that is as beautiful as it is challenging. One of the highlights of this beautiful course is teeing off on hole 3, facing the Pacific. Try not to be distracted by all that beautiful view.
9. Loews Coronado Bay Resort
Surrounded by water on all sides, the Loews Coronado is a delicious option for those who want to enjoy San Diego with great comfort and spectacular views of the bay. Also located in Coronado Island, Loews Coronado Bay Resort is more suitable for families who want to take the time to rest, enjoy the beach and each other’s company. It is approximately 4 miles from Orange Avenue and situated on a 15-acre peninsula.
The hotel has spacious and comfortable rooms with clean decor. And it offers an impeccable leisure complex with 4 swimming pools and a private beach.
10. Park Hyatt Aviara Resort, Golf Club & Spa
Park Hyatt Aviara Resort is a beautiful, well-rated hotel, and a sure-fire alternative for family travelers. The Hyatt has large rooms with tasteful decor and neat views of the Batiquitos Lagoon. Located only 6 miles from San Diego Botanical Gardens, Park Hyatt Aviara is also close to South Carlsbad State Beach.
The resort’s highlight is its great leisure complex with a delightful pool, a golf club, tennis courts, spa, game room, and play area. Recently renovated, the hotel itself is absolutely beautiful and the facilities are clean, well-kept, and well-managed. And as a bonus, the breakfast menu at Ponto Lago restaurant is creative, diverse, and delicious.
11. Meritage Resort and Spa
Located in Napa Valley, Meritage Resort and Spa has a very good structure for the whole family. In total there are two restaurants and a delicious cafe with great prices for breakfast. In one of the restaurants, there is a fun bowling alley to play all night. The hotel has a very large swimming pool and a super equipped gym.
Also, there is a spa with breathtaking treatments located in a beautiful cave, just below the vineyards. The coolest treatments are wine-based treatments, which start with exfoliation and end by applying a cream made with grape seed. And as a bonus, the hotel has a transfer service to downtown Napa Valley, so that guests can enjoy the city without worry about how much they drank.
12. Montage Laguna Beach
Providing one of the most amazing views in all of California, Montage Laguna Beach has an air of sophistication rarely found anywhere else in the state. For example, in the lobby, you will find works by famous Californian artists and classic handcrafted designs with wood and stone.
The resort features a balcony with views of cliff gardens, secluded coves, and Santa Catalina Island in the distance. This is the same view that you will enjoy from airy, beautiful, and inviting rooms. The luxury continues with contemporary French cuisine inspired by California and the beach house design in the modern handcrafted style of Studio, Montage’s exclusive restaurant.
13. Omni La Costa Resort & Spa
Located close to Legoland, Omni La Costa Resort & Spa has a Spanish-colonial style with 2 golf courses, several tennis courts, a spa, a play area, and much more. The leisure area of the resort also counts with 8 pools and some of them even include waterslides.
Very kid-friendly, the Omni is a “grand old resort’ which means it is quite beautiful and well-appointed. The spa itself offers a sauna, steam room, hot tub, cold plunge, heated pools, plenty of lounge chairs, and poolside food and drink service. All of this is on impeccably maintained grounds with attentive service.
14. Four Seasons Resort The Biltmore Santa Barbara
Facing one of the most beautiful beaches in Santa Barbara, FS The Biltmore combines beautiful architecture with a spectacular landscape design. There are many green areas, flower beds, and century-old trees. Decorated in a Spanish colonial style, the rooms are spread out over the hotel buildings in the middle of the gardens. And there are also some houses so that guests can have all the privacy possible.
The hotel has a complete leisure structure with 2 swimming pools, tennis courts, and a full spa. The Coral Casino Beach and Cabana Club across the street is excellent, there is a spectacular gym, a huge lap pool, and two restaurants. At this beach club, there is also an amazing bar that features an aquarium, so while you have drinks you are watching the fish and starfish.
15. JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort & Spa
Located close to Coachella Valley, JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort & Spa is a luxury accommodation surrounded by lakes and gardens. Featuring a contemporary design and decoration the resort offers a wide range of dining options, including Japanese cuisine and a steak house.
The hotel has a little bit of everything for the whole family to enjoy themselves. Regarding leisure, JW Marriott has 2 golf courses, 3 pools, tennis courts, a nightclub, and even a play area for the little ones. The rooms themselves have a separate living room with great views.
16. Omni San Francisco Hotel
With an incredible location, between California and Montgomery streets, the Omni San Francisco Hotel is the perfect choice for your trip. With luxurious decor and inspired by the heyday of the 1920s, you will feel like a celebrity in this location. Another nice point of this hotel is that it is very close to the BART Montgomery Street station. So if you want to take tours that are far away, there will be no problem when it comes to getting around.
In terms of advantages and benefits, this hotel offers its visitors: a restaurant with delicious local cuisine, a gym, meeting facilities, a tour desk, luggage storage, Wifi access, and much more. As for the Omni rooms, they have very luxurious decor, flat-screen TV, bathrobes, and private bathrooms.
17. Hilton Santa Barbara Beachfront Resort
The mission-style Hilton Santa Barbara Beachfront Resort, located next to Santa Barbara harbor, is actually across the street from East Beach. The resort features tennis courts, heated pools, a spa, and much more.
The rooms themselves are spacious and very cozy with balconies and terraces providing ocean and mountain views. And besides a few bars on-site, the resort also features a wine tasting room, a grill restaurant, a café, and a breakfast lounge. Overall, the grounds are immaculate and peaceful to simply sit and enjoy the day. Whether you visit it for a wedding or a getaway this is a perfect and tranquil gem. Not too far from everything but far enough to be in peace and quiet.
18. Surf and Sand Resort
With a high rating, Surf and Sand Resort is highly recommended in Laguna Beach and is in high demand by tourists. In terms of location, it is perfect as it is located in the city center and offers private access to the beach. Regarding the services offered by Surf and Sand Resort, some of them are an excellent restaurant with the best of local cuisine, bar on the property, outdoor pool and terrace, and complete gym.
Those who love hotel rooms, know that this one, in particular, is magnificent. There, for example, you will have a complete convenience consisting of flat-screen cable TV, a private bathroom with a bathtub, bathrobes and complimentary bath products, and even air conditioning.
19. Silverado Resort and Spa
The Silverado Resort offers a world of leisure and entertainment for those who want to enjoy Napa without giving up the amenities of a good resort. Located on an area of 1,000 acres and just minutes from more than 400 wineries, it has a jaw-dropping structure.
For you to get a sense, the complex houses 17 tennis courts, 10 swimming pools, 2 professional golf courses, full SPA, 13 meeting rooms, 3 restaurants, business center, gym, bicycle and tour rental, tennis instructors, and much more. Breakfast is served in one of the hotel’s restaurants and it is served à la carte. Only a few things are served at the buffet.
20. La Quinta Resort & Club, A Waldorf Astoria Resort
Part of the Waldorf chain, La Quinta Resort & Club is actually a golf and country club resort dating back to 1926. This is a beautiful old-style resort with sprawling grounds and lovely flowers. Overall, the hotel is beautifully landscaped, the rooms are very comfortable, and the food service is excellent.
The resort features 6 restaurants and many leisure areas, including a pool and a spa. There are also many nice hiking trails close by. One can choose to be around crowds at the main pool, or the quiet privacy of the poolside rooms. The nightly music at the firepit is a favorite amongst the guests.
21. Fairmont Grand del Mar
Located in San Diego, Fairmont Grand del Mar has 249 rooms, all of which are very beautiful and give the feeling of being on a former farm. The design is by the architect Addison Mizner who was inspired by the Spanish palaces and the arts of Florence to take to Palm Beach and Boca Raton.
The hotel offers tennis courts, a golf course, SPA, a swimming pool, a heated pool, trails, and much more. For children, there is a children’s club, children’s TV channels, booklets, DVDs, and music. In general, it is a great hotel to spend a few days in.
22. The Ritz-Carlton Bacara, Santa Barbara
The Ritz-Carlton Bacara is a Mediterranean-style resort in Santa Barbara with Spanish-colonial designed rooms overlooking the Pacific Ocean. The resort features saltwater pools, tennis courts, several dining options, and a kids’ club. In front of the resort, you will find a secluded beach with a delightful nature walk and the Elwood Pier.
The resort is private, and an escape from the rest of the area. Sometimes this leaves you with the hotel as your only dining option. However, the resort is not far from downtown Santa Barbara and Montecito, to explore during the day.
23. The Waterfront Beach Resort, A Hilton Hotel
Located right at Huntington Beach, The Waterfront Beach Resort is a polished Hilton Hotel with cozy rooms featuring ocean views. The hotel is so close to the beach that you can simply exit the hotel, cross the street, and you are there.
The resort counts with a heated pool, a gym, and a hot tub. The left side pool is definitely more for the kids with two waterslides available. And the right side pool is smaller but directed towards grown-ups. Also, the resort’s restaurant offers a terrace with live entertainment.
24. Ventana Big Sur, An Ailla Resort
The woodsy-chic resort of Ventana Big Sur is located only 0.5 miles from Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park. Some of its perks include free breakfast, guided walks, wine and cheese receptions, and daily yoga and Tai Chi classes. There is also a farm-to-table restaurant and bar, a clothing-optional pool, a dry sauna, a fitness center, and a spa.
This is an excellent property in Big Sur with a gorgeous sea view, especially during sunrise and sunset times. The resort looks to be tailored to couples mostly, as it has a zen vibe and tranquil atmosphere. Sitting out by the pool or the lounge chairs at the Meadows to enjoy the view is super relaxing. Also, enjoying the Japanese bathhouse and the infinity pool can be very relaxing.
25. Solage, Auberge Resorts Collection
Featuring chic studios and wooden cottages, Solage, Auberge Resorts is located just outside of the historic Calistoga. The resort features a restaurant serving an organic farm-to-table menu, along with a patio lounge. Amenities include yoga classes, mud baths, and a hot-springs mineral pool.
Overall, it is like a luxury adult summer camp where the activities include, relaxing, eating, drinking, hanging by the pool, and getting spa services. The rooms are impeccably designed, spacious, and feel like dreams coming true. The most popular activity around Solage is simply walking around the grounds or taking bikes to downtown Calistoga.