Best Luxury Hotels in California

The glamorous vibes of California attract the rich and famous, not least as this state is home to the international capital of movie-making, Hollywood, Los Angeles. The state manages to be simultaneously laid-back and perfectly polished, depending on where you choose to go. Come here to walk the steps of celebrities, get the Baywatch beach experience, enjoy a near-perfect climate, observe the latest trends in wellness, lifestyle, food and fashion, or to road trip the epic California coastline. Here are the hotels we recommend for your next west coast adventures.

California, Rutherford

Auberge du Soleil

Hotel
(5 stars)
At a glance
Rooms 50 Luxurious Accommodations, including Private Two-bedroom Maisons with Expansive Terraces
Amenities Michelin-Starred Dining, Casual Bistro & Bar, Full-service Spa with Soaking Pools & Hammam Steam Rooms, 24-hour Fitness Centre, Heated Outdoor Pool, Tennis Courts, & Exclusive Access to a Mercedes-benz Drive Program
More Set in the Picturesque Napa Valley, offering an Adults-Only Retreat with Panoramic Vineyard views

First imagined by the French restauranteur Claude Claude Rouas in the 1980s, this was the valley’s original fine-dining destination. Here hotel guests get a taste of Provence, surrounded by US wine country. There are 50 bedrooms at the property ranging from private Maisons to classic rooms. But of course, it’s the culinary offer that is the highlight at Auberge du Soleil. Three and four-course set menus are offered alongside five and six-course tasting menus – these are sensory experiences that excite the pallet. Meals are accompanied by French-inspired cocktails, bubbles from the tableside champagne cart and of course the extensive wine list. There’s also a bistro and bar for a more relaxed approach to mealtime, with stunning sunset views at the end of the day. Auberge du Soleil has been in receipt of a Michelin star for 14 consecutive years.

California, Calistoga

Four Seasons Resort and Residences Napa Valley

Hotel
(5 stars)
At a glance
Rooms 85 Luxurious Accommodations, Including a Three-bedroom Villa with a Private Pool
Amenities Features a Michelin-Starred Restaurant, Spa with Holistic Treatments, Two Outdoor Pools, & a Fitness Centre
More Located in Calistoga Amidst Picturesque Vineyards in Napa Valley

Surrounded by hundreds of acres of vineyards and a backdrop of forests and mountains, the Four Seasons Resort and Residences offers a supreme location. It’s set on a highly esteemed vineyard in Calistoga and is brand new for November 2021. The resort has 85 bedrooms and suites and a stone spa sanctuary with the option of alfresco treatments using local mud. The dining offer includes Truss, with its signature farm-to-table dishes, a Californian-Mexican open-air eatery and a wine tasting room. There are two outdoor pools one of which is adults only and a programme of activities for younger guests, making it ideal for families wishing to relax together.

BOOK YOUR STAY
Four Seasons Resort and Residences Napa Valley

California, San Francisco, Union Square

Four Seasons Hotel San Francisco

Hotel
(5 stars)
At a glance
Rooms 277 Luxurious Rooms & Suites
Amenities Complimentary Access to Equinox Sports Club Featuring a Spa, Fitness Facilities & Dining at Mkt Restaurant & Bar
More Centrally Located near Union Square & Moscone Centre

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.

BOOK YOUR STAY
Four Seasons Hotel San Francisco

California, San Francisco, Nob Hill

The Ritz-Carlton, San Francisco

Hotel
(5 stars)
At a glance
Rooms 336 Guest Rooms & 60 Suites Including a Presidential Suite with a City-View Balcony & a Suite Offering Panoramic Bay Views
Amenities Breakfast Restaurant, Lounge Offering Californian Cuisine & Craft Cocktails, Club Lounge
More Located in the Nob Hill Area Near Chinatown Fisherman's Wharf & Union Square

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.

BOOK YOUR STAY
The Ritz-Carlton, San Francisco

California, San Francisco, Union Square

Taj Campton Place

Hotel
(4 stars)
At a glance
Rooms 110 Rooms & Suites including Deluxe Rooms & one-bedroom Suites
Amenities Features Michelin-Starred Campton Place Restaurant, Campton Place Bar & Bistro, 24-hour Rooftop Fitness Terrace & Pet-Friendly Accommodations
More Located in San Francisco's Union Square, within walking distance of the Financial District & Premier Shopping & Dining Venues

Taj Campton Place offers luxury stays in the middle of San Francisco, with an unbeatable location at Union Square. Dining at the Michelin-starred Campton Place Restaurant is an incomparable experience and one not to be missed, where you csn taste Californian-Indian fine dining fusion. The spacious rooms and suites leave nothing to be desired offering stunning urban views and ultimate comfort – every need will be taken care of, from in-room Nespresso machines to large bathrooms with limestone baths and the softest bed linen and towels.

California, San Francisco, Union Square

Axiom Hotel

Hotel
(4 stars)
At a glance
Rooms 152 Guest Rooms & Suites with Modern Amenities & Contemporary Decor
Amenities the Hotel Features the Turn Cafefor Casual Dining, a 24/7 Core Fitness centre, Pet-Friendly Accommodations, & High-tech Facilities including Fiber Optic Wi-fi & Smart Tvs
More Located at the Nexus of San Francisco's Historic Union Square & innovative Soma District, Steps Away from the Powell Street Cable Car Turnaround

The Axiom Hotel aims to be a fusion of classic San Franciscan architecture and style with the latest technology, connecting culture and history with the tech age. The guest rooms are minimalist and functional but also comfortable with all the tech solutions you could ever need from smart TVs to Ipad docking stations and free fibre optic Wifi connections. Have drinks in the Lobby Lounge or grab an artisan sandwich, organic coffee or juice at the Turn Cafe with views over the famous Powell cable car turnaround.

California, San Francisco, Union Square

Hotel Zetta San Francisco

Hotel
(4 stars)
At a glance
Rooms 116 Rooms & Suites with Modern Decor & Custom Furnishings
Amenities Dining at the Cavalier Brasserie & S&r Lounge, 24-hour Fitness centre with Peloton Bikes, Pet-Friendly Services Available
More Located in San Francisco's Soma Neighbourhood near Arts, Culture, Shopping & Entertainment

Located in the SoMa neighbourhood, the Hotel Zetta is perfectly situated in central San Francisco. This sleekly sophisticated modern hotel is the ideal place to stay while you take in the city. Whether you’re travelling for business or pleasure, Hotel Zetta will not fail to impress with its unique blend of an elegant historic exterior and a sharp interior design showing off the best of cutting-edge art and design elements. Dine on British staples at The Cavalier brassiere, like fish and chips created from local seasonal produce, play giant Jenga in the Playroom or visit the Burke Williams spa nearby. There are even video games consoles and board games available on request so that you can wind down and relax however you like best.

BOOK YOUR STAY
Hotel Zetta San Francisco

California, San Francisco, Pacific Heights

Hotel Drisco

Hotel
(5 stars)
At a glance
Rooms 44 Guest Rooms including 16 Suites
Amenities Complimentary Gourmet Continental Breakfast Evening Wine Reception 24-hour Room Service Fitness centre & Complimentary Chauffeur Service
More Located atop San Francisco's Pacific Heights Neighbourhood offering Elegant Surroundings with views over the Marina Towards Alcatraz & the Golden Gate

Hotel Drisco, a sophisticated Edwardian building dating back to 1903, will impress you with its excellent service, luxury fittings and little perks like free bicycles to use during your stay. Guests have a distinctly San Franciscan experience here, staying in the friendly Pacific Heights neighbourhood nestled in the hilltops, a short step away from the bustle of the city centre. You’ll be able to help yourself to delicious local delicacies like currant scones with lemon curd, smoked salmon and brie and local hand-made granola from the breakfast buffet and the daily evening wine reception is not to be missed.

California, San Francisco, South Beach

Hotel VIA

Hotel
(4 stars)
At a glance
Rooms 159 Rooms & Suites
Amenities Facilities Include a Rooftop Lounge with Panoramic Views, Lobby Bar, 24-Hour Fitness Centre & Complimentary Wi-Fi
More Located in San Francisco's South Beach Neighbourhood Opposite Oracle Park

This chic boutique hotel in South Beach, San Francisco will wow you with the personalised services and packages it provides. You can relax and enjoy your vacation without needing to do any planning or stressing about a single detail. From the San Francisco Giants Experience to champagne and caviar under the stars in the Celebration package, there’s something for everyone. Take in the eye-catching art in the City Room as you breakfast, make use of the high-speed technology throughout the hotel and in each room or use the state-of-the-art Fitness Centre, all whilst knowing that Hotel VIA has ensured that everything from the construction to the laundry is carried out in an environmentally friendly manner.

California, San Francisco, Nob Hill

Fairmont San Francisco

Hotel
(5 stars)
At a glance
Rooms 606 Luxurious Guest Rooms & 62 Elegant Suites with City & Bay Views
Amenities Laurel Court Restaurant & Bar, & the Historic Tonga Room & Hurricane Bar
More Located atop Nob Hill, offering Panoramic views of the city

The iconic Fairmont San Francisco is renowned as one of the most luxurious hotels around, offering incomparable customer service. You can dine at any of its three restaurants, offering a variety of cuisine from California-inspired dishes at the Laurel Court Restaurant to Polynesian fusion in the Tonga Room and European cafe culture at Caffe Cento. The Fairmont’s location offers spectacular views over San Francisco and with the cable car lines just a few steps away, there’s easy access to Union Square, Fisherman’s Wharf, Chinatown and other famous tourist attractions. You’ll be able to explore the bustling vibrant city and then retire to the peace and serenity of your hotel. Check out the One-of-a-Kind Suites if you’re really wanting to push the boat out and indulge yourself – and why not?!

BOOK YOUR STAY
Fairmont San Francisco

California, San Francisco, Nob Hill

InterContinental Mark Hopkins

Hotel
(4 stars)
At a glance
Rooms 550 Guest Rooms including 14 Suites with Modern Furnishings & Floor-To-Ceiling Windows
Amenities Michelin-Starred Restaurant Luce, Bar 888 Specializing in Grappa, a 10-room Spa, indoor Heated Lap Pool, Fully Equipped Fitness centre, Pet-Friendly Policies & Club intercontinental with Exclusive Lounge Access
More Located in the Soma District Adjacent to the Moscone Convention Centre & within walking distance to Union Square & Chinatown

This historic hotel boasts impressive period architecture and one of the best views over the city from its vantage point in the classy Nob Hill neighbourhood. Whilst the InterContinental preserves the luxurious atmosphere and stunning decor dating back to the 1920s, it’s recently undergone a multi-million dollar modernisation and restoration to ensure you have the most comfortable stay. In easy reach of all the top sightseeing destinations, you’ll be able to visit the sights and relax in the beautifully appointed rooms and suites. Head to the rooftop lounge and restaurant, Top of the Mark, to watch the sunset over the Golden Gate Bridge and the Bay Area while you sip cocktails and taste the delectable cuisine.

BOOK YOUR STAY
InterContinental Mark Hopkins

California, San Francisco, Financial District

Four Seasons San Francisco at Embarcadero

Hotel
(5 stars)
At a glance
Rooms 155 Accommodations including 28 Suites Located on the Top 11 Floors of a 48-story Building offering Panoramic Views of San Francisco Bay & the City Skyline
Amenities Orafo Restaurant Presents a California-Italian-inspired Menu & a 24-hour Fitness Centre
More Centrally Situated at 222 Sansome Street in San Francisco's Financial District Steps Away from Union Square & the Ferry Building

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.

BOOK YOUR STAY
Four Seasons San Francisco at Embarcadero




Sign up for our newsletter for inspiration, exclusive previews & luxury tips