The 15 Finest Luxury Hotels in California

With its endless sunny days, legendary surf spots, snow-capped mountains, majestic redwoods, and stunning desert vistas, it’s easy to see why California is the most popular state in the U.S., expecting around 278.3 million visitors in 2023. Given the variety of experiences available, selecting the right hotel or resort is a vital aspect of your travel planning.

As part of our Hotels We Love series, we’ve curated a list of 15 of California’s premier luxury hotels that highlight the state’s diverse landscapes and vibrant city atmospheres. Whether you’re drawn to bustling urban centers, crave mountain adventures, savor exquisite wine and food pairings, or long for a refreshing swim in the Pacific, there’s a perfect hotel here for you.

Here are our selections for the 15 top hotels in California, presented in no particular order.

1. SingleThread

Culinary enthusiasts are drawn to the legendary SingleThread, a three Michelin-starred restaurant and inn nestled in Sonoma’s Dry Creek Valley, part of the renowned Relais & Château hotel collection. The inn features five beautifully appointed suites within a two-story building that farmer-chef duo Katina and Kyle Connaughton, alongside CEO Tony Greenberg, transformed from the remnants of the old Healdsburg post office. The property reflects a Japanese aesthetic, highlighted by vases and dishes crafted by eighth-generation master potters from Japan and delicate origami-inspired paper lanterns.

The accommodations showcase 14-foot ceilings, designed in serene gray tones with hardwood flooring. They include heated bathroom floors, California-made Botnia skincare products, and onigiri welcome treats. Additionally, guests can enjoy locally crafted beverages, such as limited-edition Pliny the Elder beer and SingleThread wines. An exclusive feature is the option to reserve an in-room donabe hot pot dinner, possibly featuring wagyu shabu shabu or seafood nabe. Guests also benefit from guaranteed reservations at the restaurant, avoiding the usual lengthy wait list. Be sure to explore SingleThread’s 24-acre regenerative farm, located just four miles away, which cultivates a variety of produce, from Italian summer squash to purple Thai basil. Starting at $1,400

2. Farmhouse Inn

Nestled on 10 acres of shaded land in a serene part of Sonoma County, Farmhouse Inn boasts a rich history, having previously served as a horse farm, bathhouse, and the first gay resort in the Russian River Valley. Currently, this luxury hotel is run by the Foley Family, in collaboration with sibling founders Joe and Catherine Bartolomei, whose family has deep roots in the wine-producing region spanning five generations. Farmhouse Inn features 25 distinct rooms, suites, and cottages, each uniquely designed with elegant white-washed decor. Amenities include fireplaces, private patios, spacious bathtubs, and steam showers stocked with local artisanal soaps and scrubs. The farmhouse-chic style extends to the Wellness Barn spa, offering body treatments with local ingredients and holistic therapies aimed at restoring balance, along with private yoga sessions and workshops.

Food and drink are central to the hospitality experience here. Guests are welcomed with wine upon arrival, and gourmet s’mores kits are provided by the firepit every evening. Chef Craig Wilmer heads the Farmhouse Restaurant, known for its prix fixe menus featuring dishes like line-caught albacore. The poolside Farmstand offers casual, locally sourced fare, including fried chicken sandwiches and burrata. For culinary enthusiasts, the hotel’s Volvos are available to explore nearby top-tier restaurants and wineries, many of which offer exclusive private tastings in collaboration with Farmhouse Inn. Starting at $561

3. Stanly Ranch, Auberge Resorts Collection

In April 2022, Stanly Ranch opened its doors on 712 acres in Carneros. This resort, part of the Auberge Resorts Collection, features 133 independent cottages and suites. Most accommodations include sliding glass doors that open to a private patio with daybeds, perfect for relaxing afternoons. Wellness enthusiasts rave about the resort’s Halehouse Spa.

Expert staff are available to tailor experiences focusing on hydration, nourishment, sleep, and movement. Typically, these plans include a massage using locally grown herbs. The circuit program (featuring a cold plunge, tepidarium, and saunas) employs contrast techniques to enhance physical performance and promote health. A movement studio offers HIIT classes, outdoor activities, physical therapy, and more. The spa pool boasts stunning views of San Pablo Bay. Starting at $1,090

4. Carneros Resort and Spa

Nestled at the southern tip of Napa Valley, Carneros Resort and Spa comprises 100 standalone cottages scattered across 28 acres. The ambiance is both cozy and stylish, featuring high ceilings, wood-burning fireplaces, and spacious verandas with private yards perfect for enjoying sunsets while sipping Napa Valley wine. For more room, consider booking a two-bedroom residence with a full kitchen and dining area.

This resort is family-friendly, offering a children’s pool alongside an adults-only one, and kid-approved dining at Boon Fly Café, located in a charming red barn with a solid menu for younger guests. In 2022, the property introduced the fun Camp Carneros program for kids, featuring a “backyard campout” experience complete with a child-sized tent, sleeping bag, lanterns, faux campfire, and a s’mores kit, all set up in the backyard of their accommodations. Starting at $1,200

5. Ritz-Carlton, Lake Tahoe

Located mid-mountain with ski-in/out access to Northstar California Resort (formerly known as Mount Pluto), the 170-room Ritz-Carlton, Lake Tahoe emphasizes convenience. Epic Season Pass holders enjoy direct access to Northstar’s expansive 3,170 skiable acres, featuring eight terrain parks and 100 trails.

The Ritz-Carlton provides opportunities for ski and snowboarding lessons (ask for Adrienne), along with snowshoeing, snowmobiling, sledding, tubing, and cross-country skiing right outside the resort. After a day on the slopes, guests can cozy up by one of the hotel’s many stone fireplaces—each guest room includes at least one, and they’re also found throughout the restaurants and lounges. Flaskology (inquire with Yvonne) offers guests a chance to refine their cocktail-making skills with an hour-long class led by an in-house mixologist at Manzanita restaurant.

The 17,000-square-foot slope-side spa emphasizes the harmony of water and woods. The Ritz’s winter spa treatment, Journey Through the Forest, features a full body exfoliation, a private soaking tub, and a restorative massage. Starting at $1,114

6. Fairmont San Francisco

Designed by California architect Julia Morgan, known for creating Hearst Castle, Fairmont San Francisco opened in 1907 at the summit of Nob Hill to great acclaim. The hotel is rich in history: it was the first hotel in the U.S. to employ a concierge and served as a filming location for Alfred Hitchcock’s Vertigo. In 1962, Tony Bennett famously debuted “I Left My Heart in San Francisco” here. The Tonga Room & Hurricane Bar, known for its Polynesian flair and Mai Tais, is a local legend. In 1926, the hotel introduced a 6,000-square-foot penthouse suite with a two-story library, welcoming illustrious guests like John F. Kennedy and Mick Jagger; this suite now commands $18,000 per night.

The hotel has adapted over the years, adding amenities such as a health club and honeybee hives, while remaining a popular hub in the heart of San Francisco, complete with stunning views of the city and bay. The historic structure and modern tower house a total of 606 guest rooms and suites, recently updated with soothing gray and brown tones; for the best vistas, request a Golden Gate suite. Starting at $382

7. Cavallo Point Lodge

Located just north of the Golden Gate Bridge in the historic quarters of senior U.S. Army officers, scenic Cavallo Point Lodge is enveloped by a portion of the 75,000 acres of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area. The luxury resort, certified LEED Gold, offers 142 accommodations in either the charming colonial revival buildings with spacious verandas or newer lodgings featuring floor-to-ceiling windows that overlook San Francisco Bay. Modern interiors blend wood and leather furnishings with cozy gas fireplaces.

Outdoor activities include paddleboarding and surfing in the bay, along with hiking and private yacht excursions. Guests can also explore the area using one of the hotel’s complimentary vintage electric bicycles. On-site offerings include the Cooking School, a state-of-the-art facility providing hands-on classes focused on local and sustainable ingredients. The 11,000-square-foot Healing Arts Center & Spa features a heated outdoor meditation pool and healing sessions with a shaman. Debuting in fall 2022, the New American–Mediterranean restaurant Sula highlights regional ingredients in dishes like Dungeness crab pappardelle and Niman Ranch beef filet. Cavallo’s Mercantile is a must-visit for its selection of Bay Area crafts, jewelry, and clothing, along with wine and cheese tastings, and an adjoining art gallery showcasing rotating exhibits by local artists, including photographer David Liittschwager. Starting at $735

8. Post Ranch Inn

For over 30 years, Post Ranch Inn has been a beloved escape perched 1,200 feet above the Pacific Ocean, attracting those who believe that true well-being begins in a space that respects and harmonizes with nature. Designed by Big Sur architect Mickey Muennig, the resort features 40 guest rooms powered by solar energy, crafted from recycled wood, and seamlessly integrated into the Santa Lucia Mountains. Expansive windows provide stunning views of either the ocean or the mountains. Wellness is woven into every aspect of the experience, whether through reflexology treatments, shamanic healing sessions, a sleep program guided by a doctor, or private hikes and meditation in nearby ancient forests. Starting at $1,825

9. Inn at Mattei’s Tavern, Auberge Resorts Collection

Inaugurated in February 2023, the Inn at Mattei’s Tavern, Auberge Resorts Collection occupies a former stagecoach stop and tavern right in the heart of Los Olivos. Designed by AvroKO, this resort features 67 guest rooms and cottages with a chic modern farmhouse aesthetic. Among the 6.5 acres, four historic cottages from the 1910s remain, while the newer accommodations are built to harmonize with the area’s architectural style, showcasing wooden barns and white facades. Guests can indulge in Nespresso machines, Felt + Fat mugs, St. George Spirits gin, cozy kilim-covered window seats, and private patios or decks in their rooms.

Since its inception in 1886, Mattei’s has been a bustling hub for both locals and travelers. Although the structure and grounds have undergone extensive renovations and expansions, the atmosphere remains inviting. Today, executive chef Rhoda Magbitang leads the culinary team, crafting hearty yet refined dishes inspired by local ranch cuisine, featuring an array of wood-fired fish and meats. The vegetable offerings are equally tempting, including crispy cauliflower with tahini and dukkah, alongside hickory-smoked Okinawan sweet potatoes served with black garlic and yuzu aioli. From $767

10. Beverly Hills Hotel

When the iconic Beverly Hills Hotel opened its doors in 1912, Beverly Hills was merely a suburb of Los Angeles. The hotel initially served as a lodging option for prospective land buyers in the area. However, as Beverly Hills flourished, the hotel—affectionately known as the Pink Palace—became a beloved haunt for Hollywood figures, from Golden Age legends like Charlie Chaplin and Marilyn Monroe to contemporary stars such as the Kardashians, Saweetie, and Mark Wahlberg. Today, the hotel is managed by the luxury hospitality group Dorchester Collection, and the famous cursive sign, designed by architect Paul Revere Williams, one of the few Black architects in L.A. at the time, still welcomes guests upon arrival.

The hotel boasts 210 guest rooms within the main building and 23 bungalows, all set on 12 beautifully landscaped acres. The rooms feature midcentury modern designs, some of the most comfortable hotel beds available, and luxurious marble bathrooms. Notable is the one-bedroom Rat Pack suite in the Crescent Wing, a favorite of Frank Sinatra, complete with a full bar, grand piano, and a private patio. Each bungalow is distinct: some celebrate former famous guests, like the Marilyn Monroe bungalow, adorned with pink accents, and the Howard Hughes bungalow, inspired by aviation, showcasing dark woods and forest greens.

The Beverly Hills Hotel offers an urban resort experience with its 19,000-square-foot spa, a famous pool area adorned in Barbie-like pink, a lively bar, and three dining options. The Cabana Cafe by the pool is perfect for soaking up the California sun (don't miss the popular McCarthy chopped salad), while the Polo Lounge is favored by Hollywood executives. The Fountain Coffee Room, renowned for its pies, cakes, and breakfast offerings, is where Geffen Records famously signed Guns N’ Roses. From $955

11. Oceana Santa Monica, LXR Hotels & Resorts

Known for its iconic pier and vibrant beaches, Santa Monica attracts 8 million visitors each year, creating a bustling summer atmosphere. However, the Oceana Santa Monica offers a tranquil escape. Nestled in the upscale Wilshire Montana neighborhood, the hotel faces serene Palisades Park, filled with fig and palm trees, adjacent to the Pacific Ocean. As you enter the lobby, you’ll feel removed from the lively pier crowds.

Formerly the Oceana Beach Club Hotel, the property reopened in 2019 after being acquired by Hilton’s upscale LXR brand and undergoing a $25 million renovation. The hotel features 70 apartment-style suites, most of which boast ocean views, arranged around a heart-shaped pool. Each suite includes a separate living area and bedroom, luxurious Loro Piana bedding, spacious bathrooms, and walk-in closets. Two-bedroom suites also come with en suite kitchens and balconies. The design by Anna Busta of Busta Studio showcases moody blue sofas and elegant gold and wood accents.

Santa Monica’s thriving culinary scene sets a high standard, and Oceana Santa Monica’s Sandpiper rises to the occasion. The seafood-centric menu features dishes like chilled prawns with summer melons, pan-roasted sheepshead fish accompanied by littleneck clams, and vibrant chopped salads. Enjoy your meal with a signature cocktail, such as the Stan Laurel—named after the famed actor from Laurel and Hardy, who once resided at the Oceana—crafted from Empress gin, Cointreau, lavender syrup, and lemon juice. From $950

12. L’Horizon

At the historic L’Horizon, rising early to witness the sunrise painting the San Jacinto Mountains pink is a must. This upscale three-acre resort features low-profile bungalows, originally designed in 1952 and later rejuvenated by the talented designer Steve Hermann. The light-filled Fireplace Junior Suite Bungalow, once favored by Marilyn Monroe, is particularly beloved by couples, offering a private outdoor shower, a wood-burning copper fireplace, luxurious Frette robes, and L’Horizon-branded eye masks.

The on-site restaurant, SO•PA, is equally captivating, boasting a linear firepit and fountain outside, complemented by glimmering modern metallic chandeliers indoors. Its New American menu delights—don't miss the honey mussels with an Infinity Paloma cocktail. The chef can also craft a personalized tasting menu based on the freshest seasonal produce and specific dietary needs with prior notice. Tip: Indulge in the remarkable deep-tissue massage at the indoor-outdoor spa, or enjoy complimentary back and foot massages on the poolside sunbeds, no special occasion needed. From $700

13. Montage Laguna Beach

With breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean, expansive golden beaches, and manicured lawns, Montage Laguna Beach epitomizes the essence of luxurious California hospitality. This flagship property of the Montage luxury hotel group sprawls across 30 oceanfront acres in Laguna Beach, an artist haven since the early 1900s. Following a 2019 renovation, the 260 ocean-facing rooms and suites showcase crown moldings, inviting seating areas, and spacious balconies that highlight the stunning views. Thoughtfully curated in-room amenities include plush bathrobes from the Madison Collection, Matouk throw blankets, and natural fiber baby mattresses from Bloom Coco Mat. The spa offers organic-focused treatments, including the California Wildflower Massage. Dining options abound with four restaurants, including the bluff-side Mosaic Bar and Grille, known for its fresh seafood and an ocean-view lounge that features live piano music alongside cocktails.

For those eager to explore the local art scene, there are 165 art galleries within a five-mile radius of the hotel. Consult the resort staff for recommendations on must-visit galleries during your stay, or plan your visit to coincide with the city's monthly First Thursdays Art Walks for gallery events and complimentary admission to the Laguna Art Museum. From $1,037

14. Waldorf Astoria Monarch Beach

Perched on a 150-foot cliff along the radiant Orange County coast, Waldorf Astoria Monarch Beach recently completed a $30 million renovation in 2022, enhancing all 400 guest rooms and suites, including updated firepits for the 77 Fireside Terrace Rooms. The resort features hacienda-style Spanish colonial architecture and charming aquamarine striped pool umbrellas, creating a quintessential Southern California ambiance. Guest rooms are designed with sandy and blue tones inspired by the coastal environment.

Guests can wander through the 175 acres of the property, dotted with pools and palm trees, explore on e-bikes, or unwind in whirlpool hot tubs with infinity edges. Golf enthusiasts are drawn to the resort's 18-hole course designed by Robert Trent Jones, Jr., while wellness lovers can participate in over 40 weekly spa classes, including kickboxing and beach yoga. Dining options abound, with Bourbon Steak Orange County featuring chef Michael Mina's take on classic American steakhouse fare, such as filet mignon, steak tartare, and black truffle mac and cheese. The resort's highlight is the exclusive Monarch Bay Beach Club, accessible by tram, where staff serve refreshments to guests lounging in Adirondack chairs by firepits, their toes in the sand. Families can enjoy a full day at the club with activities like stand-up paddleboarding or surfing lessons, as well as games like cornhole and giant Jenga. From $810

15. Alila Marea Beach Resort

Located 25 miles north of San Diego, Encinitas welcomes a new retreat: the Alila Marea Beach Resort. In partnership with sustainable-tourism consultant Earth Check, the resort aims to achieve zero waste in landfills within the next five years. Initiatives include eliminating single-use plastic water bottles and composting food and paper waste. Four EV charging stations are available for guests, and electric bikes can be borrowed for exploring Cardiff-by-the-Sea, a nearby surf-friendly beach community. The 130 guest rooms offer views of the Pacific Ocean or lagoon, with some featuring patio firepits. The resort employs a smart LED lighting system that automatically turns off lights in unused areas, potentially reducing energy consumption by 80 percent. From $927

Contributors to this story include Julia Cosgrove, Alexandra Cheney, Matt Villano, Mae Hamilton, and Michelle Baran.