From iconic hotels cherished by Hollywood starlets to a unique resort where you can sleep in the heart of Yosemite National Park, California offers a perfect getaway for every kind of traveler
The Ritz-Carlton, San Francisco
Best for: A wonderfully decadent family stay
From the moment you step through the door, greeted by the sparkle of crystal chandeliers, the calming signature scent of green tea, and even a dedicated miniature check-in desk for children, it’s clear you’ve arrived at something truly special. Housed in a stunning Neoclassical landmark dating back to 1909, the Ritz-Carlton has seamlessly reinvented itself as one of San Francisco’s most luxurious destinations, quickly becoming an A-list favorite.
It’s easy to see why: impeccable service, an enviable Nob Hill location, and a spa that offers a sanctuary of zen relaxation. For families, a suite with club lounge access is ideal. The constant flow of delicious buffet fare caters perfectly to younger guests, and there’s a collection of board games to enjoy by the crackling fireplace.
For a special treat, the sleek Lounge restaurant downstairs serves exquisite, locally-sourced Californian cuisine, plus there’s a kid’s menu that’s sure to please even the fussiest of diners. And be sure to stop by the bar for a “Karl the Fog” cocktail, a playful tribute to the city’s iconic rolling fog.
InterContinental Mark Hopkins San Francisco, an IHG Hotel
Best for: History buffs
Cinephiles will instantly recognize the striking façade of this iconic hotel, immortalized in Hollywood classics like Vertigo and Bullitt. But the hotel’s history doesn’t stop at the silver screen. Head up to Top of the Mark, its famed rooftop bar, to view the legendary squadron bottle. The long-held tradition dates back to the 1940s, when patrons would leave a bottle of liquor for the next soldier who graced the bar. While you’re up there, sip a cocktail while soaking up panoramic views of the city, including the Golden Gate Bridge in all its misty glory.
Downstairs, the Nob Hill Club serves up fresh takes on American classics, in a handsome mahogany oak dining room. Pop into the miniature museum in the marble lobby, to brush up on the impressive role call of past guests, including John F. Kennedy, Winston Churchill and Elizabeth Taylor. The hotel is situated at the crest of Nob Hill, so for a quintessentially San Francisco experience, hop on one of the cable cars that rumble past this grande dame.
Hotel Casa del Mar, Santa Monica
Best for: Coastal fine dining
Hotel Casa del Mar in Santa Monica is an idyllic escape where oceanfront beauty meets California’s chilled-out sophistication. With its Mediterranean-inspired architecture, the hotel exudes a charming, elegant vibe, offering stunning views of the Pacific Ocean from nearly every room. Inside, the ambiance is warm and inviting, with a jungle of verdant house plants and overstuffed sofas in rich textures awaiting in the vast lobby. The hotel’s spa and oceanfront pool provide the perfect setting to unwind, while the beach is just steps away.
Dining at the hotel’s Terrazza restaurant is a delight, featuring fresh, local seafood alongside panoramic coastal views. Chef Chad Huff’s handmade pasta dishes are complemented with Maine Lobster and Patagonian Shrimp, while the raw bar serves up decadent oysters by the half-dozen. Round off your evening with a nightcap at the bar, as the lights of Santa Monica Pier twinkle on the horizon.
citizenM Union Square, San Francisco
Best for: Tech enthusiasts
In the beating heart of downtown San Francisco, this switched-on hotel offers a tech-forward stay just steps from the lively pulse of Union Square. Upon entering, you’re met with a buzzy lounge area where freelancers tap away on laptops beneath a ceiling splashed with vibrant rainbow murals. The public spaces feel part chic living room, part co-working hub, fostering a sense of community that many hotels strive to achieve but few master with such style. Once inside the compact guest rooms, the design strikes just the right balance between high-tech and comfort, with spaces that evoke a futuristic hotel one might expect to find in Tokyo. Guests can control every aspect of their room, from lighting and temperature to vibe, via an app. Be sure to fuel up at the breakfast buffet, where you’ll find bottomless frothy coffees to energize your morning before venturing out into the city. With its cutting-edge technology and sleek, modern design, CitizenM offers the ideal base for savvy travelers looking for a blend of innovation and prime location.
Autocamp Yosemite
Best for: Connecting to nature
Nestled on the edge of Yosemite National Park, an outdoorsy playground of majestic granite peaks, waterfalls, and ancient sequoias, Autocamp offers a refreshingly different way to experience California’s iconic wilderness. This hip glamping site boasts neat rows of stylish silver Airstreams and luxe safari tents, complete with plush beds and invigorating warm showers.
At the heart of the camp is a Scandi-chic clubhouse, serving all-day dining and s’mores kits, ready for toasting over the cozy firepit as the stars emerge. Guests can take bikes for a spin around the spacious property, and during warmer months, an alfresco rooftop pool offers a relaxing spot to bathe in the woodland surroundings. A stay at Autocamp offers the perfect balance of outdoor adventure and life’s luxuries, allowing you to reconnect with nature without sacrificing on comfort.
The Ahwahnee, Yosemite
Best for: An iconic Yosemite sleepover
It’s rare to experience some of California’s most majestic natural wonders simply by pulling open the curtains, but that’s exactly what The Ahwahnee offers. Nestled within Yosemite National Park, guests are treated to breathtaking views of iconic landmarks like Half Dome, Glacier Point, and Yosemite Falls, all from the comfort of their room.
Dating back to 1927, The Ahwahnee is a Yosemite landmark in itself, with curious visitors often lining up to tour the hotel’s public spaces. They come to admire the hotel’s blend of Arts and Crafts and Art Deco styles: soaring timber ceilings, Flintstone-style stone walls, and expansive windows framing Yosemite’s natural grandeur. This vision was brought to life by architect Bernard Maybeck, who pioneered a design style used throughout national parks to seamlessly blend architecture with the surrounding landscape.
The Ahwahnee also helped to launch Yosemite National Park as a premier tourist destination when it opened, and has since hosted notable guests, including the Roosevelt family, Walt Disney, and Queen Elizabeth II. Today, visitors can enjoy the park’s stunning beauty year-round, from winter snowshoeing to meandering summer hikes, with the hotel perfectly positioned to explore the natural wonders of Yosemite.
Shutters on the Beach, Santa Monica
Best for: Coastal charm
Shutters on the Beach is Santa Monica’s answer to Cape Cod elegance, with its charming wooden cottage façade and breezy, nautical interiors. After a major facelift, the hotel’s jostling lobby has become the epicenter of laid-back luxury, featuring ever-changing contemporary art, live sunset tunes, craft cocktails, and curated tasting events.
Upstairs, the coastal-chic vibe continues with guest rooms awash in soft blues and whites, creating the ultimate coastal sanctuary. The sparkling pool is the perfect spot for a relaxed day in the sun, or take a stroll down the iconic beach to the Santa Monica Pier. For those looking to turn up the adventure, Shutters offers beach yoga, surf lessons, and even bespoke art tours of the local cultural scene. This hotel embodies effortless seaside luxury, and after a rejuvenating stay, you may find it hard to leave its serene sanctuary.
The Beverly Wilshire, Los Angeles
Best for: Feeling like an A-lister
This Californian institution is a true Beverly Hills classic, immortalized in Pretty Woman and Clueless. Step into the marble lobby, where a Swarovski crystal chandelier casts a luminous glow, and you’ll immediately feel the weight of Hollywood history. Outside, the grand Renaissance Revival facade is framed by striped awnings, while inside, Dior-clad couples and tourists snap photos beside the famous red elevators.
Opened in 1928, this hotel was a cornerstone in turning Beverly Hills into the glam capital it is today. With a storied past that includes A-listers and world leaders, the design effortlessly blends old Hollywood opulence with a fresh California twist. Rooms are bathed in soft grays, accented with Art Deco details, and feature marble bathrooms that speak to both luxury and timelessness. Dining here is just as refined, with options like the poolside bistro offering a health-conscious all-day menu, or The Blvd, the hotel’s upscale restaurant. Make sure to snag a window-side table at The Blvd for sweeping views of Rodeo Drive. And while you’re there, order the lobster pappardelle—it’s the kind of dish that’ll linger in your memory long after you’ve left.
Hotel Per La, Autograph Collection, Los Angeles
Best for: A touch of European elegance
Hotel Per La occupies the historic Giannini Building, a 1920s bank meticulously restored to its former splendor, with lush velvet drapes and a soaring Italianate ceiling adorned in pressed metal tiles. A mirrored tunnel guides guests to the sultry Ristorante Per L’Ora, where Italian cuisine gets a bold California twist. The handmade pasta, crafted fresh daily, delivers the same quality you’d find in a traditional trattoria, with standout dishes like spicy sausage and creamy buffalo mozzarella rigatoni, and a succulent Sicilian duck swimming in a rich, earthy jus. Afterward, unwind at Bar Clara, the rooftop pool and bar, and enjoy a perfectly crafted Negroni during aperitivo hour.
The hotel’s 241 rooms combine antique charm and custom furniture, featuring leather-studded headboards and eclectic accents. Patio rooms open to private courtyards, ideal for gatherings, while city-view rooms offer sweeping sunsets over downtown LA. A quirky relic from the building’s past: the enormous bank vault in the basement now houses restrooms, complete with its original spiked wheel and locked safety deposit boxes.
Fairmont Century Plaza, Los Angeles
Best for: Mad Men fans
Nestled on a former backlot of 20th Century Fox Studios, the Fairmont Century Plaza seamlessly blends Hollywood glamour with modern luxury in the heart of Century City. Built in 1966 and designed by architect Minoru Yamasaki, the hotel earned the nickname “The Hotel of the Future” when it opened its doors, and has since retained much of its Mad Men-era charm. Its iconic ballroom has hosted monumental moments in entertainment and history, from the Emmys to presidential dinners. Musicians, including Sonny & Cher, performed here, with the duo recording their first live album in 1971.
The hotel’s spacious, sleek rooms feature floor-to-ceiling windows with impressive city views. Dining is refined, and the rooftop pool provides a refreshing retreat with panoramic vistas of Los Angeles. Located near Beverly Hills, the Getty Center, and Westfield Century City Mall, the Fairmont is perfect for those exploring LA’s cultural and culinary scene. Don’t miss the tranquil spa, where biohacking treatments – involving reclining on an anti-gravity bed and using NormaTech Lymphatic Drain boots – will blissfully relieve muscle tension and promote detoxification.
Kimpton La Peer, Los Angeles
Best for: Living like a local
Just steps from the vibrant intersection of Melrose Avenue and Santa Monica Boulevard, in West Hollywood’s Design District, Kimpton La Peer Hotel offers a serene retreat in one of LA’s most dynamic neighborhoods. Tucked away on a quiet side street, the hotel is surrounded by independent coffee shops and restaurants.
Once inside, the hotel features a courtyard pool and lounge area, plus a rooftop event space with its own pickleball court. The spacious rooms (105 luxury guestrooms and suites in total) combine minimal design with touches like custom furniture and rainfall showers. Thoughtful amenities, such as evening wine hours and pet-friendly services, enhance the hotel’s intimate atmosphere. With its proximity to trendy shopping, galleries, and eateries, a stay at the Kimpton La Peer makes you feel like a true Angeleno.
The Hoxton, Downtown Los Angeles
Best for: Culture vultures
Situated in the heart of the Arts District – with museums, music venues, and theatres just steps away – The Hoxton is a perfect base for those eager to dive into LA’s vibrant cultural scene. Yet with interiors this inviting, you might find it hard to leave the comfort of the hotel. Upon entering, the design effortlessly honors the building’s 1922 Beaux-Arts roots while embracing a fresh, modern aesthetic. The lively ground-floor restaurant serves elevated diner-inspired dishes, complemented by a coffee bar where both locals and guests mingle. Head upstairs to the rooftop pool, where fringed umbrellas provide shade for lounging on sun-soaked afternoons. The guestrooms boast sweeping views of the vibrant city below, luxurious rain showers, and stylish bentwood beds. For a true taste of California, the minibar is stocked with locally sourced delights. The Hoxton is more than just a place to rest – it’s an experience in itself.
