Best Luxury Hotels in California

Previously named the best hotel in Los Angeles by readers of Travel + Leisure, this is the only hotel in the region to have received an AAA Five Diamond and Forbes Five Star accolade every year since 1993. Offering an enhanced level of flexibility, check-in (and out) can be arranged at any time of the day or night as part of the brand’s Peninsula Time experience. Accommodating 195 rooms, suites and villas, it’s nestled in lush tropical gardens, with an additional rooftop garden home to a pool and dining area. The Peninsula is on Santa Monica Boulevard (an address made famous by Sheryl Crow’s song All I Wanna Do), which is a short walk to Rodeo Drive.

Located in St Helena, a stroll away from shops and restaurants, this Hyatt hotel is linked via a wooden footbridge to the prestige Beringer Vineyards. Book a room on one of the upper floors to take advantage of the best views over the winery and a suite, if you want a space the size of an entire apartment (with an expansive terrace). The gym has Peleton bikes, or you can use one of the hotel’s Trek bikes to get outdoors and there’s a small outdoor pool, set into a sleek terrace. Acacia House is Alila’s restaurant and it’s open to the public. Order small plates like burrata and tuna tartare, with mains including diver scallops with smoked pork belly, local McFarland’s spring trout and California burger.

Displaying a slightly bohemian, artistic flair, the Parker Palm Springs takes on Morrocan, maritime, pop art and retro American influences in its styling. The design plays beautifully with colour in the spaces and bedrooms are filled with unique, eclectic collectables. Guests can find nooks and crannies among the two swimming pools (one for families) croquet lawns, bocce courts, fruit trees and herb gardens; lie in a hammock, play ping-pong, play tennis, sip on boozy fresh lemonade and dine in the two restaurants. Those arriving at the wellness centre – The Palm Springs Yacht Club – are furnished with white cotton terry robes, flip flops and a thimble of cucumber-infused vodka.

Housed in a range of what were originally farm structures, Carneros rocks a kind of sustainably-minded agricultural chic. The spa carries this theme, with earthy natural ingredients, as does its lounge-style restaurant, The Farm. An infinity pool provides a wonderful spot to soak in the countryside (it’s adults-only, so you can enjoy some peace and quiet – there’s another pool for families). Choose to stay in one of 86 cottages on-site, all with their own gardens, patios and decks with gas heaters and outdoor showers.

Found in the Montecito area of the city, this is a five-star hotel situated right on the beach — a rarity in Santa Barbara. Guests can arrive in the Rosewood’s chauffeur-driven open-top Rolls Royce — it has a personal touch, as indeed does the entire experience of staying here. The hotel looks more like a lavish New England home than a hotel and the service adds to this vibe. Both adults-only groups and families are catered for, with pools for each. There are outdoor hot tubs, a kids club, beach butlers, ball courts, shuffleboard games, two boutiques (including Gwyneth Paltrow’s goop) and a Sense Spa using local ingredients. Dining options include the popular Malibu Farm.

A $20 million renovation in 2020 transformed this turn of the twentieth-century Spanish Colonial Revival-style property into a modern, luxury retreat. Listed on the U.S. National Register of Historic Places, it was once the Hayes family home and a point of architectural interest. Inside there are 214 guest rooms decorated using mid-blue and deep brown hues, offset by crisp white linen and pops of vibrant burnt orange colour. The Palm & Ember restaurant has 170 covers, with a diverse menu and an award-winning Champagne Brunch. Small plates and cocktails are available in the more casual surroundings of the adjacent bar.

Conveniently located just a short walk from Union Square, the Ferry Building and Fisherman’s wharf, the second Four Seasons hotel in San Francisco is a sky high urban retreat. With unparalleled panoramic views from the 11 floors of the 48-storey landmark building the hotel offers guests a choice of contemporary designed rooms and suites; from a deluxe city view room to a golden gate view corner suite. With a 24-hour fitness and business centre this hotel is as equally suited to business guests as it is leisure. The hotel eagerly anticipates its new concept signature restaurant and bar (due to open 2022) and meanwhile an all-day In-Room dining service is the convenient choice for great food for those who don’t wish to venture far. The expert concierge team is always on hand to tailor the best experiences for guests to fully immerse themselves in the incredible things to do in this culturally diverse and vibrant city.

In possession of a salubrious address, this hotel is found right across the road from Rodeo Drive. At the centre of the property, is the hotel’s Mediterranean-styled heated pool and dining terrace, providing an opportunity to quaff cocktails and soak up some rays from your own comfy cabana. Michelin-starred cuisine is on-site, in the form of CUT, a seafood and steakhouse restaurant (also by acclaimed restauranteur Wolfgang Puck). Or watch the world go by from the front of the building, with a chic and healthy lunch at THE Blvd. Pets are made very welcome if you want to bring them along, with bowls and baskets provided.

The rooms at the Four Seasons Hotel envelop you in the beauty and charm of the San Franciscan Bay Area, with a palette of blue, grey and white bringing to mind the fog over the sparkling ocean. The Four Seasons Hotel is truly a sensuous oasis in the middle of busy San Francisco. Treat yourself to classic cocktails with a twist at the MKT Restaurant-Bar or take an exhilarating class in the superbly equipped fitness centre.

A brand that needs no introduction, The 123 bedroomed Ritz-Carlton offers a British touch. This family-friendly property stands on the edge of the city’s downtown district. An in-house WP24 Restaurant by Wolfgang Puck serves fancy Chinese cuisine – and is one of the places to be seen in the local area. Or dine in one of its alternative cafes, eateries and bars. Take a dip in The Ritz-Carlton’s rooftop cabana-lined pool, or the outdoor hot tub, while soaking in the panoramic views of LA’s skyline. The spa is one of the largest in town and it has a state of the art fitness centre.

You’ll feel like you’ve stepped back into another era when you enter the Ritz Carlton, still oozing the charm and ambience of past days with the luscious decor and the striking 1909 architecture. With a cable car stop right outside the entrance, you’ll have no trouble getting around the city with the Ritz as your base. The Ritz Carlton San Francisco is a top spot for weddings, celebrations and other functions with the Terrace Courtyard offering an exquisite setting and backdrop for photos. Home to L’Occitane Spa, refreshing massages, body and face treatments are available and rustic Californian-style food is served up at Parallel 37.

Towering above the neighbouring properties with its 12 floors, the Waldorf Astoria cuts a striking presence on Beverly Hill’s Wilshire Boulevard. As you may expect, this means it has the most breathtaking views around. Seek out its rooftop deck offering 360 degrees vistas – it has a hot tub, bar, a saltwater pool and a restaurant. Each of the 170 rooms has a private terrace and smart technology providing an extra wow factor. The hotel was designed by Pierre-Yves Rochon featuring an epic three-story lobby. Guests are treated to the hotel’s Rolls Royce chauffeur service within the local area and can book divine treatments at in-house La Prairie Spa.