33 of the best · California, USA
Nob Hill grand hotels, a Victorian beach palace in Coronado, desert resorts in Palm Springs, vineyard retreats in Napa and Sonoma, cliff-top rooms in Big Sur and mountain resorts at Lake Tahoe.
Our 33 favourites, listed A–Z · Updated October 2026
Three of our favourites from this list, vetted by people who know and love California.
On the cliffs above the Pacific
Cliff-top rooms high above the Pacific on Highway 1.
47900 Highway 1, Big Sur, CA 93920Explore View on map
Above the valley on Rutherford Hill
A hillside resort above the Napa Valley, with a one-MICHELIN-star restaurant and terrace views over the vineyards.
180 Rutherford Hill Rd, Rutherford, CA 94573Explore View on map
The Victorian beach resort
San Diego’s famous Victorian beach resort, with its red turrets on the sand at Coronado.
1500 Orange Ave, Coronado, CA 92118Explore View on map
In-depth stories behind the list.
The back story
Nob Hill grand hotels, a Victorian beach palace, desert hideaways, vineyard resorts and cliff-top rooms above Big Sur: how to choose.
Nob Hill and the Embarcadero.
Facing the Ferry Building
A nature-inspired hotel on the Embarcadero, across from the Ferry Building and the Bay.
8 Mission St, San Francisco, CA 94105Explore View on map
On top of Nob Hill
A landmark grand hotel on the summit of Nob Hill, with cable cars passing the door.
950 Mason St, San Francisco, CA 94108Explore View on map
A small Nob Hill hotel
A small boutique hotel on Hyde Street, on the cable-car side of Nob Hill.
835 Hyde St, San Francisco, CA 94109Explore View on map
The Garden Court
A Market Street landmark with the glass-roofed Garden Court, between the Financial District and Union Square.
2 New Montgomery St, San Francisco, CA 94105Explore View on map
In Silicon Valley
A Rosewood resort on Sand Hill Road in Menlo Park, at the heart of Silicon Valley.
Nob Hill, near Union Square
A Ritz-Carlton on Nob Hill, a short walk down to Union Square.
600 Stockton St, San Francisco, CAExplore View on map
Beach resorts and the Gaslamp.
Home of Addison
A grand resort in a canyon north of San Diego, home of the three-MICHELIN-star Addison.
5300 Grand Del Mar Ct, San Diego, CA 92130Explore View on map
The Victorian beach resort
San Diego’s famous Victorian beach resort, with its red turrets on the sand at Coronado.
1500 Orange Ave, Coronado, CA 92118Explore View on map
In the Gaslamp Quarter
A stylish hotel in the Gaslamp Quarter, close to the convention centre and Petco Park.
550 J St, San Diego, CA 92101Explore View on map
In Rancho Santa Fe
A resort and spa in Rancho Santa Fe, north of San Diego.
5921 Valencia Circle, Rancho Santa Fe, CA 92067Explore View on map
Above the Pacific in La Jolla
A lodge overlooking the Torrey Pines golf course and the Pacific.
11480 N Torrey Pines Rd, La Jolla, CA 92037Explore View on map
Pools and mid-century style.
Close to downtown
A boutique hotel on North Indian Canyon Drive, a short walk from downtown Palm Springs.
572 N Indian Canyon Dr, Palm Springs, CAExplore View on map
A Mediterranean hideaway
A Mediterranean-style hideaway in the Tennis Club district, below the mountains.
257 S Patencio Rd, Palm Springs, CAExplore View on map
A classic desert resort
A sprawling resort of casitas, pools and golf in La Quinta, in the Coachella Valley.
49-499 Eisenhower Dr, La Quinta, CA 92253Explore View on map
Playful desert glamour
A colourful resort on East Palm Canyon Drive, with gardens, pools and a spa.
4200 E Palm Canyon Dr, Palm Springs, CA 92264Explore View on map
Bright colours by the pool
A brightly painted hotel around a lively pool on East Palm Canyon Drive.
1800 E Palm Canyon Dr, Palm Springs, CA 92264Explore View on map
Among the vineyards.
Above the valley on Rutherford Hill
A hillside resort above the Napa Valley, with a one-MICHELIN-star restaurant and terrace views over the vineyards.
180 Rutherford Hill Rd, Rutherford, CA 94573Explore View on map
In Yountville
A boutique hotel and spa in Yountville, the Napa Valley’s dining village.
6526 Yount St, Yountville, CAExplore View on map
Between Napa and Sonoma
Cottages among the vineyards of Carneros, between the Napa and Sonoma valleys.
4048 Sonoma Hwy, Napa, CA 94559Explore View on map
Hot-springs spa in Sonoma Valley
A mission-style spa resort in the Sonoma Valley.
100 Boyes Blvd, Sonoma, CA 95476Explore View on map
A wooded valley resort
A resort set in a wooded valley outside St. Helena.
900 Meadowood Lane, St. Helena, CAExplore View on map
Above Healdsburg
A resort in the oak-covered hills above Healdsburg, in Sonoma County wine country.
100 Montage Way, Healdsburg, CA 95448Explore View on map
Spa resort in Calistoga
A relaxed spa resort on the Silverado Trail in Calistoga, at the top of the Napa Valley.
755 Silverado Trail, Calistoga, CA 94515Explore View on map
The American Riviera.
At the foot of State Street
A Spanish-Moorish style hotel at the foot of State Street, by the beach and Stearns Wharf.
36 State St, Santa Barbara, CA 93101Explore View on map
On the sand in Montecito
A Rosewood beach resort on the sand at Miramar Beach in Montecito.
1759 S Jameson Lane, Montecito, CA 93108Explore View on map
On the cliffs above the Pacific.
Redwoods and ocean views
A Big Sur retreat among redwoods and meadows above the coast, formerly Ventana Big Sur.
48123 Highway One, Big Sur, CA 93920Explore View on map
In sunny Carmel Valley
A resort in the hills of Carmel Valley, inland from Carmel-by-the-Sea.
One Old Ranch Road, Carmel Valley, CAExplore View on map
Close to Carmel Beach
A classic Carmel hotel a short walk from the beach and the village.
On the cliffs above the Pacific
Cliff-top rooms high above the Pacific on Highway 1.
47900 Highway 1, Big Sur, CA 93920Explore View on map
The California shore and the ski resorts.
In Olympic Valley
A mountain resort and spa in Olympic Valley, home of Palisades Tahoe.
400 Resort Rd, Olympic Valley, CA 96146Explore View on map
On the South Shore
A lakeside resort and spa on Lakeshore Boulevard in South Lake Tahoe.
4104 Lakeshore Blvd, South Lake Tahoe, CA 96150Explore View on map
Slopeside at Northstar
A mountain resort on the slopes of Northstar, near Truckee.
13031 Ritz-Carlton Highlands Ct, Truckee, CA 96161Explore View on map
