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
⭐️Star Rating: 5 📌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.
Facilities available at this luxury five-star resort include;
- Free breakfast
- Free parking
- Bar / lounge
- Free high-speed internet (Wi-Fi)
- A fitness centre with gym / workout room
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.
2. Dream Hollywood Hotel
⭐️Star Rating: 4 📌Location: Hollywood, Los Angeles, California
Dream Hollywood is the perfect place to enjoy the luxury of Hollywood glamour with style and comfort.
This four-star hotel boasts an extensive range of amenities and facilities including;
- 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
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.
3. Malibu Beach Inn
⭐️Star Rating: 4 📌Location: Malibu, California
The four-star Malibu Beach Inn is a seaside oasis situated on the shoreline of Billionaire’s Beach.
This hotel has a number of incredible facilities and amenities for guests to choose from including;
- Bar and lounge
- Rejuvenating spa treatments
- Mani Brother’s art collection displays
- New American restaurant with a terrace
While the rooms and suites here benefit from extra-large beds and digital entertainment centers.
4. Pendry San Diego
⭐️Star Rating: 5 📌Location: San Diego, California
This trendy boutique hotel is located in the Gaslamp Quarter of downtown San Diego and boasts an extensive range of luxury facilities and amenities including;
- Rooftop pool
- Fitness centre
- Spa
- 6 bars and restaurants
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.
5. The Pearl Hotel
⭐️Star Rating: 3 📌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.
Meanwhile, the amenities and facilities available to guests here include;
- Pool
- Bar / lounge
- Bicycle rental
- Outdoor furniture
- Electric vehicle charging station
- Free high-speed internet (Wi-Fi)
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.
6. The Guild Hotel
⭐️Star Rating: 4 📌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 hotel’s facilities include;
- Free Wi-Fi
- Smart TVs
- Contemporary local artwork
- Lounge and exercise room
The central location of this hotel makes travelling the distance to Little Italy, San Diego Zoo, or Seaport Village easy and convenient.
7. Villa Royale
⭐️Star Rating: 3 📌Location: Palm Springs, California
The historic Villa Royale is a great Palm Springs hotel for the glamorous and eclectic traveller.
Villa Royale guests receive preferred access to the following;
- 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
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.
8. Santa Monica Proper Hotel
⭐️Star Rating: 5 📌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.
If you want to swim or sunbathe without worrying about the sand, you can check out their luxury boutique hotels amenities like;
- Rooftop pool deck
- Restaurant
- Bar and cabanas
- 24-hour gym
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.
Book Santa Monica Proper Hotel
9. Hotel Marisol Cornoado
⭐️Star Rating: 3 📌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.
To help you enjoy your beach visit with many perks including;
- 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
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.
10. North Block Hotel
⭐️Star Rating: 4 📌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.
Some other highlights of North Block Hotel include:
- 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
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.
11. San Luis Creek Lodge
⭐️Star Rating: 3 📌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, so you can enjoy the incredible facilities including;
- Pet-friendly
- Gas fireplaces
- Coffeemakers and minibars
- Accessible and air-conditioned
- Complimentary breakfast and parking
- Upgraded rooms and designer toiletries
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.
12. La Valencia Hotel
⭐️Star Rating: 4 📌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.
During your visit, you are welcome to take advantage of the following complimentary services;
- Relax on the beach
- COOLA sun care products
- Fresh-caught seafood in the Mediterranean room
- Outdoor pool with access to food and beverage service
The hotel is an artistic marvel with hand-painted murals and unique art throughout the building.
13. The Francis House
⭐️Star Rating: 5 📌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 rooms are the ultimate luxury and and guests have free access to many popular amenities;
- Antique desks
- Chandeliers
- Heated toilets
- Heated floors
- Aesop bathroom
- Pool and Bicycle rental
- Customized leather headboards
- Free breakfast, parking and Wi-Fi
The Francis House only has seven guest rooms, so you’ll experience the privacy and personalized service during your stay.
14. Ventana Inn & Spa
⭐️Star Rating: 5 📌Location: Big Sur, California
Ventana Inn & Spa has 59 secluded suites, each with private balconies, over 160 acres (65 hectares) on the Pacific coast.
The hotel boasts an extensive activities programme including;
- 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
Rooms here are available in a wide range of different formats including working fireplaces, forest views and hot tubs.
15. Palihouse Santa Barbara
⭐️Star Rating: 4 📌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.
At Palihouse, you can also enjoy the following 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
Palihouse is also pet-friendly, so feel free to bring your furry friends.
16. Avalon Hotel Beverly Hills
⭐️Star Rating: 4 📌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.
The hotel is a great destination for wellness-focused guests, thanks to the following:
- 24/7 gym
- Peloton bikes
- Water rowers
- Ellipticals
- Fitness trainers
- Weight stations
- Speed boxing
- Medicine balls
After a workout, you can hop on one of the Avalon x Sole bikes available to you to cycle around town.
Book Avalon Hotel Beverly Hills
17. Hotel Drisco Pacific Heights
⭐️Star Rating: 4 📌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.
Complimentary perks include;
- 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
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.
Book Hotel Drisco Pacific Heights
18. Casa Laguna Hotel & Spa
⭐️Star Rating: 3 📌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.
The Casa Laguna Hotel & Spa features a variety of amenities and services;
- 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
At this location at the Casa Laguna Hotel & Spa, you’ll be only 1.6 kilometres (one mile) from the centre of town.
19. Lido House Hotel
⭐️Star Rating: 4 📌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.
Some other highlights of Lido House Hotel include;
- 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
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.
20. Silver Lake Pool & Inn
⭐️Star Rating: 4 📌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.
One of the highlights of this boutique hotel is listed below;
- Best poolside bars
- Outdoor pool
- Parking and breakfast
- Italian restaurant/bar with a terrace
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.
21. Le Parc at Melrose
⭐️Star Rating: 4 📌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.
Great city views and a variety of accommodations are available at this hotel, including;
- Skydeck
- Private deck
- Relax poolside
- Sunset yoga session
- Kitchenette and fireplace
- Play tennis on the rooftop tennis court
- Each suite features air-conditioned rooms
If you manage to leave the comfort of your room, you’re not too far from Rodeo Drive and Santa Monica Boulevard.
22. Bardessono Hotel and Spa
⭐️Star Rating: 5 📌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.
This hotel has an out-of-room system and 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
Furthermore, the onsite garden provides ingredients for the drink garnishes, while the hotel staff uses electric vehicles to get from place to place.
23. Hotel Joaquin
⭐️Star Rating: 4 📌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 hotel still offers a range of amenities and facilities for its guests, including:
- 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
The furniture is customized, the artwork is curated, and you’ll find one-of-a-kind vintage pieces throughout the property.
24. Petit Ermitage
⭐️Star Rating: 4 📌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. This hotel boasts an extensive range of facilities and amenities including;
- 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
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.
25. Chateau Marmont
⭐️Star Rating: 4 📌Location: Los Angeles, California
Another conveniently-located Hollywood boutique hotel is the Chateau Marmont, a luxury destination many celebrities are known to frequent.
The hotel’s facilities include;
- 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
The restaurant and cocktail bar is a favorite of Keanu Reeves, while rocker Jim Morrison frequented this place.
26. Post Ranch Inn
⭐️Star Rating: 5 📌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.
The co-sensitive rooms have the following 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
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.
27. L’Auberge Carmel
⭐️Star Rating: 4 📌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.
Visitors are welcome to use any of the available rooms and other amenities including;
- Walk-in shower
- Flat-screen TV
- Heated flooring
- Hot breakfast
- Restaurant with a wine cellar
- Cooking classes can be arranged
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.
28. Kenwood Inn & Spa
⭐️Star Rating: 4 📌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.
You’ll be able to use the services, such as;
- Full breakfast
- On-site pools and hot tub
- Hotel fee covers parking
- Italian restaurant and wine bar
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.
29. Two Bunch Palms
⭐️Star Rating: 4 📌Location: Desert Hot Springs, California
This wellness-focused hotel is based in a lush and intimate oasis, renowned for its natural mineral springs.
At this hotel, you’ll have access to the following benefits:
- Delicious farm-to-table restaurant
- Hot springs
- Lakes
- A walking labyrinth
- The yoga dome
- Tennis courts
- A fitness center
- Numerous hiking trails
You can combine restorative massages, facials, and wet treatments at the spa to start feeling your best. The spa also offers:
- 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.
30. The Lodge at Torrey Pines
⭐️Star Rating: 5 📌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.
You’ll get certain amenities free of charge, such as;
- 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
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.
Book The Lodge at Torrey Pines
31. Nobu Ryokan Hotel
⭐️Star Rating: 5 📌Location: Malibu, California
This beachfront oasis features a Japanese-inspired design with upscale and modern amenities to ensure the utmost comfort during your stay.
The price tag may be high, but with the cost of the stay, you’ll enjoy hotel amenities and facilities;
- Teak soaking tubs
- Fireplaces
- Private decks
- Close to the beach
- Upscale restaurant
One of the best things about this hotel is its intimacy, as there are only 16 rooms available.
32. Surfhouse
⭐️Star Rating: 3 📌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.
Facilities at the Surfhouse luxury boutique hotel include:
- Beach access
- Cabana and outdoor shower
- Surf lessons and board rentals
- Loaner bikes and parking are complimentary
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.
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