Top Coastal Hotels to Experience on Your Next Seaside Escape

When viewers first laid eyes on Diane Keaton's idyllic home in the classic film 'Something's Gotta Give,' a timeless design aesthetic was born. The serene neutral tones, airy kitchen, and of course, the stunning beachfront location made this home almost a character in the film, rivaling Keaton and Jack Nicholson.

Fast forward 20 years, and the coastal design trend — championed by director Nancy Meyers, known for her luxurious yet comfortable home settings in films like 'The Parent Trap' and 'The Holiday' — continues to inspire countless fans.

Today, millennials and Gen Z are eager to embrace the coastal grandmother lifestyle: crisp white linens, sleek lines, and mid-century modern furnishings that create a perfect harmony of elegance and comfort.

If a full home makeover isn't in the cards, don't worry. We've rounded up the best coastal hotels that capture those Nancy Meyers-inspired vibes. These spots allow you to live your luxe beachside dreams — and perhaps gather a few ideas for your next home renovation project.

West Coast

Shore House at The Del, Curio Collection by Hilton — San Diego

Opened in 2022, Shore House at The Del is a more intimate counterpart to the iconic Victorian beachfront retreat, Hotel del Coronado, which dates back to the 1880s.

The lobby's stunning open-concept design effortlessly transitions between rooms, with the standout feature being the Shore House Bistro. It perfectly captures the Nancy Meyers aesthetic, complete with soft neutral hues, ocean-facing views, and nautical-themed artwork.

Rates at Shore House at The Del begin at $633 or 236,000 Hilton Honors points per night.

Hotel Oceana, LXR Hotels & Resorts — Santa Monica, California

Just steps from the lively Santa Monica Beach, walking through the double doors of Hotel Oceana feels like stepping into a serene escape, offering a refreshing change from the surrounding bustle.

We adore the natural color scheme, and the courtyard pool area where you can relax in a spacious, modern beach chair large enough for the whole family. The real gem, however, is the four-poster beds with balcony swings offering breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean. What's not to love?

Room rates at Hotel Oceana start at $761 or 105,000 Hilton Honors points per night.

The Heritage House Resort & Spa — Little River, California

Check into the Heritage House in Northern California for a coastal retreat that's not right on the beach, but offers stunning cliffside views of the Pacific and easy access to scenic hiking trails.

Nestled near multiple state parks and Mendocino National Forest, this 37-acre property flawlessly combines rustic charm with midcentury modern elegance.

There’s no better way to begin your day than sipping coffee from an Adirondack chair with sweeping views of the rugged Pacific Coast cliffs. Plus, with over 10 award-winning wineries just a 45-minute drive away, it’s the perfect getaway.

Rates at The Heritage House Resort & Spa start at $234 per night.

Hotel Theodore — Seattle

If you love open-concept coastal living with a touch of 1920s art deco style, Hotel Theodore is the perfect match for you.

Distressed leather sofas and black iron accents feel even cozier when bathed in natural light streaming from the lobby skylight. The rooms feature vintage-inspired details with deep, natural tones paired with crisp white accents.

Rates at Hotel Theodore start at $276 per night.

The Lodge at St. Edward Park — Kenmore, Washington

For a coastal getaway tucked in nature, head to this Pacific Northwest retreat in Kenmore, Washington. Nestled in the serene 326-acre St. Edward State Park, it's the perfect place for those seeking a blend of tranquility and proximity to the water.

The Lodge at St. Edward Park offers 84 rooms and suites, each embodying luxurious coastal design with a moodier atmosphere, offering a contrast to the usual bright whites and blues found in traditional beachfront properties.

Rates at The Lodge at St. Edward Park start at $299 per night.

East Coast

Hotel Viking — Newport, Rhode Island

Experience luxury like an Astor or a Vanderbilt at Hotel Viking, a historic Newport, Rhode Island, hotel established in 1926.

Located on Newport's prestigious Bellevue Avenue, surrounded by Gilded Age mansions, Hotel Viking offers a range of accommodations, from charming guest rooms to a spacious two-bedroom suite. Rooms come with clawfoot tubs, a fireplace, and Egyptian cotton linens that even the most refined coastal grandmas would love.

Over the years, Hotel Viking has welcomed notable guests such as jazz legend Ella Fitzgerald and President John F. Kennedy.

Rates at Hotel Viking start at $257 per night.

Cliff House - Ogunquit, Maine

This luxury, family-friendly resort on the waterfront in Ogunquit, Maine, offers an upscale twist on the classic summer camp experience.

Cliff House embodies coastal living at its finest, with its breathtaking cliffside setting, light-filled guest rooms accented with stylish pops of color, and seafood-focused menus in its restaurants.

Rates at Cliff House start at $489 per night.

Blue — Inn on the Beach — Newbury, Massachusetts

For some coastal grandmothers (or those who channel their inner coastal grandmother), winter beach trips are a must. There's a special charm in the peacefulness, and perhaps it’s just us, but there’s nothing quite as luxurious as enjoying a glass of red wine by the fire, with a captivating view and a good book in hand.

This charming property offers everything from cozy cottages (one even welcomes your dog) to inviting guest rooms and spacious suites with ocean views in the main building, just across the street. True to its name, the color scheme blends pops of blue with fresh seaside whites.

And, of course, we love it here in the warmer months as well!

Rates at Blue — Inn on the Beach start at $389 per night.

Chatham Bars Inn — Chatham, Massachusetts

Sometimes, you just want to feel glamorous, and there's no better spot for that than Chatham Bars Inn, a luxurious retreat nestled along the Atlantic coast of Cape Cod.

The rooms come at a premium — typically ranging from the high $300s to about $1,000 per night during peak season (with some rates soaring up to $2,000) — but the service and ambiance make it all worthwhile.

The spa offers a tranquil adults-only pool, a serene Japanese Zen garden for outdoor treatments in private cabanas, and a variety of wellness-focused amenities such as a sauna and steam room. For a more immersive experience, guests can book spa suites that include private saunas and steam showers.

Other options for accommodation include ocean-view suites, rooms, and cottages that offer scenic views of the Atlantic or lush gardens. Even in the offseason, one of the highlights is enjoying classic New England cuisine at the Veranda restaurant, with lobster rolls that are made even better with a stunning ocean view.

Rates at Chatham Bars Inn start at $480 per night.

Hotel Bethany Beach — Bethany Beach, Delaware

Not everyone wants to splurge on a high-end hotel for their coastal retreat, and luckily, they don't have to.

The rooms at Hotel Bethany Beach offer a soothing coastal ambiance, with family suites featuring two queen-size beds and two twin beds—perfect for a beach vacation with the whole family. Additional homey touches include complimentary breakfast, afternoon refreshments, and a warm welcome with fresh cookies and cocktails.

Guests who book directly through the hotel’s reservation system also enjoy the benefit of a seasonal beach concierge, proving that stylish coastal living can be affordable.

Rates at Hotel Bethany Beach start at $153 per night.