32 Best Luxury Boutique Hotels In California, USA

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With gorgeous sandy beaches, lush forests, stunning deserts, and bustling cities, California is one of the most diverse and beautiful places to visit in the United States.

As one of the wealthiest states in the US, it’s also no surprise that California is home to some of the best boutique hotels in the country perfect for a relaxing getaway.

1. Twelve Senses Retreat

Address: 1004 Nardo Rd, Encinitas, CA 92024, United States
Location: Encinitas, California

This upscale modern lifestyle hotel is situated just a 20-minute walk from Swami’s beach, an internationally renowned surfing beach on the California coast.

This resort is dog / pet friendly and has a number of nearby cafés, pop-up shops, farmers markets and craft beer brewers for you to explore.

Amenities:

  • Free breakfast
  • Free parking
  • Bar / lounge
  • Free high-speed internet (Wi-Fi)
  • A fitness centre with gym / workout room

2. Dream Hollywood Hotel

Address: 6417 Selma Avenue, Hollywood, Los Angeles, CA 90028, United States
Location: Hollywood, Los Angeles, California

Dream Hollywood is the perfect place to enjoy the luxury of Hollywood glamour with style and comfort.

Each of the chic rooms here was created by the Rockwell Group and has unique black walnut finishes. While selected rooms feature views of the mountains or city through oversized windows.

Amenities:

  • Grill restaurant
  • Paid parking
  • Air-conditioned
  • Laundry service
  • Complimentary car service
  • Fitness room and an ultra-hip lobby bar
  • Rooftop pool flanked and outdoor pool

3. Malibu Beach Inn

Address: 22878 Pacific Coast Highway, Malibu, CA 90265, United States
Location: Malibu, California

The four-star Malibu Beach Inn is a seaside oasis situated on the shoreline of Billionaire’s Beach.

While the rooms and suites here benefit from extra-large beds and digital entertainment centers.

Amenities:

  • Bar and lounge
  • Rejuvenating spa treatments
  • Mani Brother’s art collection displays
  • New American restaurant with a terrace

4. Pendry San Diego

Address: 550 J St, San Diego, CA 92101, United States
Location: San Diego, California

This trendy boutique hotel is located in the Gaslamp Quarter of downtown San Diego.

Pendry ensures you’ll have an incredible, yet relaxing time at their hotel with a full entertainment schedule including both wine tastings and live music.

Amenities:

  • Rooftop pool
  • Fitness centre
  • Spa
  • 6 bars and restaurants

5. The Pearl Hotel

Address: 1410 Rosecrans Street, Point Loma, San Diego, CA 92106, United States
Location: San Diego, California

The San Diego area is full of cool boutique hotels and the Pearl Hotel is no exception. This hotel features stylish rooms with modern amenities inside a beautiful, 1960s-style building.

The Pearl has a modern, oyster-shaped pool and a classy on-site cocktail bar and restaurant: Charles & Dinorah, named after the original couple who owned the Pearl.

The modern rooms feature artwork by local artists, including ceramic pieces and block prints by renowned artist Natalie Bessell. 

Amenities:

  • Pool
  • Bar / lounge
  • Bicycle rental
  • Outdoor furniture
  • Electric vehicle charging station
  • Free high-speed internet (Wi-Fi)

6. The Guild Hotel

Address: 500 West Broadway, Downtown San Diego, San Diego, CA 92101, United States
Location: San Diego, California

The Guild Hotel is one of the best places to stay in San Diego and boasts an incredible mix of historic charm and modern design with high ceilings, exposed brick walls and the original tilework from the century-old building.

The central location of this hotel makes travelling the distance to Little Italy, San Diego Zoo, or Seaport Village easy and convenient.

Amenities:

  • Free Wi-Fi
  • Smart TVs
  • Contemporary local artwork
  • Lounge and exercise room

7. Villa Royale

Address: 1620 South Indian Trail, Palm Springs, CA 92264, United States
Location: Palm Springs, California

The historic Villa Royale is a great Palm Springs hotel for the glamorous and eclectic traveller.

The decor blends Spanish Revival style with bold, modern art and classic glam, and the rooms are spread across terracotta-roofed buildings in lush courtyards.  

If you want to make an excursion to downtown Palm Springs, you can, as Palm Springs is relatively easy to navigate by foot, bike, or car. I highly recommend visiting the highly renowned Palm Springs Art Museum. 

Amenities:

  • On-site bar and eatery Del Rey
  • Oak and marble bar
  • Outdoor patio with a fire pit
  • Three pools and sprawling lawns
  • Dining room features tufted green vinyl booths

8. Santa Monica Proper Hotel

Address: 700 Wilshire Boulevard, Santa Monica, Los Angeles, CA 90401, United States
Location: Santa Monica, California

One of the best small luxury hotels in Santa Monica is the Santa Monica Proper Hotel, where you’ll be within walking distance of some of the best beaches in Southern California.

The best things about this hotel include the art-filled lobby lounge, the Surya Spa run by Ayurvedic guru Martha Soffer, the nearby boutique shopping, and the world-class farmers market. 

Amenities:

  • Rooftop pool deck
  • Restaurant
  • Bar and cabanas 
  • 24-hour gym

9. Hotel Marisol Cornoado

Address: 1017 Park Place, Coronado, San Diego, CA 92118, United States
Location: Coronado, California

Beach lovers, this one’s for you. The Hotel Marisol Coronado is just a few minutes walk from world-famous Coronado beaches, where you can soak up the sun, take a dip in the ocean, and enjoy the feeling of the sand between your toes. 

After enjoying the beach, you can return to your luxury room and take advantage of the flat-screen TVs, Casa Rovea Italian linens and in-room refrigerators. 

Amenities:

  • The Hotel Marisol offers loaner bikes
  • Beach chairs, and beach towels
  • Free Wi-Fi and air-conditioned
  • Breakfast selection of fresh pastries, fruit, yogurt, and coffee

10. North Block Hotel

Address: 6757 Washington Street, Yountville, CA 94599, United States 
Location: Yountville, California 

North Block Hotel is one of the best luxury boutique hotels in Napa Valley, a true mecca for foodies and wine connoisseurs. 

Upon arrival, you’ll receive a signature cocktail or a Napa wine from the bar cart. I’d recommend the wine, as you’re in wine country, after all. 

North Block Hotel is a great choice for a welcoming and luxurious stay in wine country. 

Amenities:

  • Pool and hot tub
  • Boutique shops and fireplace area
  • In-room espresso machines and delicious eateries
  • Yountville offers wine-tasting rooms
  • Spacious guest rooms with feather duvets
  • Free parking, including electric vehicle charging stations
  • A well-equipped fitness center with peloton and weights
  • Spa featuring treatments with locally-inspired ingredients

11. San Luis Creek Lodge

Address: 1941 Monterey Street, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401, United States
Location: San Luis Obispo, California 

In downtown San Luis Obispo, San Luis Creek Lodge is bohemian, sophisticated, and grounded.

At this hotel, you can enjoy influences from the California beach bum lifestyle and the sophisticated wine region.

The design of the hotel was made with the help of Nina Freudenberger, a well-known designer with Haus Interior and the author of a best-selling book on design.

San Luis Obispo is conveniently located halfway between San Francisco and Los Angeles, which makes it a great getaway that’s just a small road trip from one of these metropolises.

Amenities:

  • Pet-friendly
  • Gas fireplaces
  • Coffeemakers and minibars
  • Accessible and air-conditioned
  • Complimentary breakfast and parking
  • Upgraded rooms and designer toiletries

12. La Valencia Hotel

Address: 1132 Prospect Street, La Jolla, San Diego, CA 92037, United States
Location: La Jolla, California 

The La Valencia hotel is well-known on the West Coast for being a great boutique hotel because of its signature pink exterior and Spanish-tiled tower, making it a landmark on Prospect Street.

The hotel is an artistic marvel with hand-painted murals and unique art throughout the building. 

Amenities:

  • Relax on the beach
  • COOLA sun care products
  • Fresh-caught seafood in the Mediterranean room
  • Outdoor pool with access to food and beverage service

13. The Francis House

Address: 1403 Myrtle Street (Corner Spring Street) Calistoga, California 94515
Location: Calistoga, California 

The Francis House is one of the newest small luxury hotels in Napa Valley and has already established itself as one of the best.

The Francis House only has seven guest rooms, so you’ll experience the privacy and personalized service during your stay. 

Amenities:

  • Antique desks
  • Chandeliers
  • Heated toilets
  • Heated floors
  • Aesop bathroom
  • Pool and Bicycle rental
  • Customized leather headboards
  • Free breakfast, parking and Wi-Fi

14. Ventana Inn & Spa

Address: 48123 Highway One, Big Sur, CA 93920, United States
Location: Big Sur, California 

Ventana Inn & Spa has 59 secluded suites, each with private balconies, over 160 acres (65 hectares) on the Pacific coast.

Rooms here are available in a wide range of different formats including working fireplaces, forest views and hot tubs.

Amenities:

  • Guided walks
  • Gym and spa
  • Clothing-optional pool
  • Wine & cheese receptions
  • Yoga and tai chi classes
  • Farm-to-table restaurant and bar
  • Free breakfast, lunch and dinner  

15. Palihouse Santa Barbara

Address: 915 Garden Street, Santa Barbara, CA 93101, United States
Location: Santa Barbara, California 

Located in the historic Presidio neighbourhood in downtown Santa Barbara, the Pailhouse features 24 luxurious rooms and suites, a pool area, a garden cafe, and a cocktail bar.

Palihouse is also pet-friendly, so feel free to bring your furry friends. 

Amenities:

  • Room service
  • An in-house pantry
  • A fitness room with peloton bikes
  • Complimentary Wi-Fi
  • Complimentary Linus bikes
  • On-demand spa and massage services
  • Dry cleaning and laundry service
  • A curated neighbourhood guide

16. Avalon Hotel Beverly Hills

Address: 9400 West Olympic Boulevard, Beverly Hills, Los Angeles, CA 90212, United States
Location: Beverly Hills, California 

Avalon Hotel is an 84-room boutique hotel in the heart of Beverly Hills with a boomerang-shaped pool, a jewel box Viviane restaurant, and glamorous decor.

After a workout, you can hop on one of the Avalon x Sole bikes available to you to cycle around town. 

Amenities:

  • 24/7 gym
  • Peloton bikes
  • Water rowers
  • Ellipticals
  • Fitness trainers
  • Weight stations
  • Speed boxing
  • Medicine balls

17. Hotel Drisco Pacific Heights

Address: 2901 Pacific Avenue, Pacific Heights, San Francisco, CA 94115, United States
Location: San Francisco, California 

For an elevated San Francisco stay, look no further than Hotel Drisco. At this hotel, you can enjoy stunning Pacific Heights views and get away from the hustle and bustle of downtown.

There’s a daily morning chauffeur service to any destination within San Francisco, so if you need to get to the city centre, you can easily do so.

You can also borrow a helmet, lock, backpack, and water bottle. 

Amenities:

  • Business center
  • Breakfast buffet
  • Evening wine reception
  • Use of loaner bikes
  • Laundry service
  • 24-hour fitness center
  • Free Wi-Fi and parking
  • Accessible and air-conditioned

18. Casa Laguna Hotel & Spa

Address: 2510 South Coast Highway, Laguna Beach, CA 92651, United States
Location: Laguna Beach, California 

Laguna Beach has plenty of great hotels, but you won’t be able to beat the charm of Casa Laguna Hotel and Spa, located on the southern side of Laguna Beach on a hillside overlooking the ocean. 

At this location at the Casa Laguna Hotel & Spa, you’ll be only 1.6 kilometres (one mile) from the centre of town.

Amenities:

  • Cafes and restaurants
  • Boutique stores
  • Art galleries and studios
  • Free breakfast and Wi-Fi
  • Evening wine reception and parking
  • Heated outdoor pool and a spa with a hot tub
  • Accessible and air-conditioned

19. Lido House Hotel

Address: 3300 Newport Boulevard, Newport Beach, 92663, United States
Location: Newport Beach, California

If you want a boutique hotel near the Pacific Coast Highway, I recommend checking out Lido House at Newport Beach. The hotel’s architecture is a nod to Cape Cod’s aesthetic, but with elegance and sophistication.

It has 130 stylish rooms, including five private cottages designed by a local designer that gives the feel of a homey beach house. 

The onsite spa, Boost Spa, is well-renowned for creating botanically-oriented treatments that invigorate the mind and body. 

Amenities:

  • Gym and a spa
  • Convenience store
  • Outdoor pool and hot tub
  • Chic rooftop cocktail bar and a coffee shop
  • Modern restaurants specializing in seafood and raw food

20. Silver Lake Pool & Inn

Address: 4141 Santa Monica Boulevard, Hollywood, Los Angeles, CA 90029, United States
Location: Los Angeles, California

Silver Lake is one of the trendiest neighbourhoods in Los Angeles, and you can enjoy it from the comfort of the Silver Lake Pool & Inn.

The chic exterior features predominantly white walls, but plays with concrete and dark, sand-coloured tile, contributing to the summery vibe. 

The Marco Polo Trattoria and Bar offers freshly made food and drinks all day that you can sip on by the pool’s turquoise water.

Amenities:

  • Best poolside bars
  • Outdoor pool
  • Parking and breakfast
  • Italian restaurant/bar with a terrace

21. Le Parc at Melrose

Address: 733 North West Knoll Drive, West Hollywood, Los Angeles, CA 90069, United States
Location: Hollywood, California 

This unique boutique hotel embraces the local art community, exemplified by the large LOVE mural, designed by artist Scott Hile of Free Spirit Fine Art.

If you manage to leave the comfort of your room, you’re not too far from Rodeo Drive and Santa Monica Boulevard.

Amenities:

  • Skydeck
  • Private deck
  • Relax poolside
  • Sunset yoga session
  • Kitchenette and fireplace
  • Play tennis on the rooftop tennis court
  • Each suite features air-conditioned rooms

22. Bardessono Hotel and Spa

Address: 6526 Yount Street, Yountville, CA 94599, United States
Location: Yountville, California 

Many boutique hotels are beginning to embrace sustainability, and one of the most impressive ones is Bardessno Hotel and Spa in Napa Valley. 

Furthermore, the onsite garden provides ingredients for the drink garnishes, while the hotel staff uses electric vehicles to get from place to place.  

Amenities:

  • Rooftop pool
  • Hotel bicycles
  • Impressive gardens
  • 940 solar panels on the rooftop
  • Underground geothermal system for heating and cooling
  • Energy sensors that help decrease the hotel’s energy  

23. Hotel Joaquin

Address: 985 North Coast Highway, Laguna Beach, CA 92651, United States
Location: Laguna Beach, California

The petite boutique hotel above Shaw’s Cove is a great choice if you want a romantic getaway. Robert McKinley designed the hotel, and the decor is chic, playful, and Mediterranean-inspired.

The furniture is customized, the artwork is curated, and you’ll find one-of-a-kind vintage pieces throughout the property. 

Amenities:

  • Breakfast
  • Laundry service
  • Free Wi-Fi and parking
  • Outdoor pool and a bar
  • Accessible and air-conditioned
  • The restaurant has bohemian decor and a terrace

24. Petit Ermitage

Address: 8822 Cynthia Street, West Hollywood, Los Angeles, CA 90069, United States
Location: West Hollywood, California 

Petit Ermitage is in a convenient location for visiting all of West Hollywood’s most iconic attractions, but you still get a sense of privacy thanks to it being tucked away on a side street.

It’s Moroccan-influenced, dreamy, bohemian, covered with unique artwork and whimsical flourishes.

The rooftop pool is surrounded by striped cabanas with faux fur blankets where you can cuddle up and sip on yummy cocktails.

The hotel also has a hummingbird and butterfly sanctuary on site and a delicious Mediterranean restaurant.  

Amenities:

  • Paid breakfast
  • Heated saltwater pool
  • Garden and gym
  • Free Wi-Fi
  • Accessible and air-conditioned
  • Parking and movie nights on a deck with a fireplace

25. Chateau Marmont

Address: 8221 Sunset Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90046, United States
Location: Los Angeles, California 

Another conveniently-located Hollywood boutique hotel is the Chateau Marmont, a luxury destination many celebrities are known to frequent.

The restaurant and cocktail bar is a favorite of Keanu Reeves, while rocker Jim Morrison frequented this place. 

Amenities:

  • Valet parking
  • American restaurant with a garden terrace
  • Upscale cocktail bar serving small plates
  • Fitness room and a heated outdoor pool with a sunny patio

26. Post Ranch Inn

Address: 47900 CA-1, Big Sur, CA 93920, United States
Location: Big Sur, California 

If you’re a fan of glamping, then you’ll love this luxurious, rustic-chic retreat in the Big Sur nature.

If you go to this hotel, you’ll be inspired to enjoy the peace and nature, as there are no televisions or alarm clocks.

Don’t worry, you’ll have plenty to do even without a television, such as morning yoga and nature hikes. 

Amenities:

  • Fireplaces
  • Heated floors
  • Outdoor showers
  • Hot tubs
  • Private balconies
  • Minibars
  • Digital music players
  • Floor-to-ceiling windows where you can gaze out at the ocean or the mountains

27. L’Auberge Carmel

Address: Monte Verde & Seventh Avenue, P.O Box J, Carmel, CA 93921, United States
Location: Carmel-By-The-Sea, California

This white stucco building is a quintessential Carmel inn experience, with warm coloring and quirky charm with French windows and antique doorknobs.

With your reservation, you’ll enjoy the Aubergine Signature breakfast, including coffee, fresh-squeezed orange juice, fresh fruits, eggs made how you like them, and a house-made pastry. 

Amenities:

  • Walk-in shower
  • Flat-screen TV
  • Heated flooring
  • Hot breakfast
  • Restaurant with a wine cellar
  • Cooking classes can be arranged

28. Kenwood Inn & Spa

Address: 10400 Sonoma Highway, Kenwood, CA 95452, United States
Location: Kenwood, California 

You’ll think you’re in Tuscany at this beautiful inn in Sonoma County. 

The tranquil hideaway is surrounded by vineyards, orchards, and towering oak trees, and the grounds themselves are masterfully landscaped with greenery and flowers.

In the afternoons, guests get a wine and cheese hour as a savory pick-me-up. You’ll also get a glass of local wine to enjoy.  

Kenwood Inn & Spa ensures you don’t go hungry, as complimentary cookies are baked in-house upon arrival. 

Amenities:

  • Full breakfast
  • On-site pools and hot tub
  • Hotel fee covers parking
  • Italian restaurant and wine bar

29. Two Bunch Palms

Address: 67425 Two Bunch Palms Trail, Desert Hot Springs, CA 92240, United States
Location: Desert Hot Springs, California

This wellness-focused hotel is based in a lush and intimate oasis, renowned for its natural mineral springs.

You can combine restorative massages, facials, and wet treatments at the spa to start feeling your best.

Spa:

  • Lymphatic Drainage Massage
  • Abdominal Detox Wrap
  • Chakra Balancing Desert Abhyanga Massage

This is a zen-like retreat, so be prepared to keep your voices down. Guests are asked to speak in a whisper, and no kids are allowed. 

Amenities:

  • Delicious farm-to-table restaurant
  • Hot springs
  • Lakes
  • A walking labyrinth
  • The yoga dome
  • Tennis courts
  • A fitness center
  • Numerous hiking trails

30. The Lodge at Torrey Pines

Address: 11480 North Torrey Pines Road, La Jolla, San Diego, CA 92037, United States 
Location: La Jolla, California

If you’re looking for a luxury experience in La Jolla, the Lodge at Torrey Pines is one of the best boutique hotels in the state. 

The Egyptian cotton linens are so cozy you won’t want to get out of bed, and you’ll also get comfortable robes and slippers to use during your stay.

One of the main draws to this hotel is the legendary Torrey Pines golf course. If you book a golf package, you’ll be able to enjoy a round on this stunning course.

Amenities:

  • Upscale restaurant
  • Low-key grill/bar
  • Heated outdoor pool
  • Hot tub and spa
  • On-site golf course
  • 13,000 square feet of meeting space
  • Coffee and shoe shining
  • Same-day laundry service at this hotel

31. Nobu Ryokan Hotel

Address: 22752 E Pacific Coast Hwy, Malibu, CA 90265, United States
Location: Malibu, California 

This beachfront oasis features a Japanese-inspired design with upscale and modern amenities to ensure the utmost comfort during your stay.

One of the best things about this hotel is its intimacy, as there are only 16 rooms available.

Amenities:

  • Teak soaking tubs
  • Fireplaces
  • Private decks
  • Close to the beach
  • Upscale restaurant

32. Surfhouse

Address: 960 North Coast Highway 101, Encinitas, CA 92024, United States
Location: Encinitas, California 

This boutique hotel is a little less fancy than others on this list, but you’ll enjoy it just as much. The community-based hotel offers you surfboards and surfing gear so you can hit the waves.

The hotel is decorated with coastal colours to add to the overall ambience. Guests not only enjoy surfing, but they also have access to yoga, paddleboards, and cruiser bikes.

Amenities:

  • Beach access
  • Cabana and outdoor shower
  • Surf lessons and board rentals
  • Loaner bikes and parking are complimentary

Map: Best Luxury Hotels In California

Not found what you’re looking for? There are several other fantastic hotels and resorts in California for you to choose from.

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