Best Luxury 5 Star Hotels in California

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.

Voted the number one resort in the United States by Condé Nast Traveler magazine, Pelican Hill has welcomed the likes of Kate Beckinsale. 332 bungalows and two, three and four-bedroom Tuscan-style villas (the latter provide access to a Villa Clubhouse) are set within over 500 acres of manicured grounds, boasting rattan furniture, wood-beam ceilings, deep soaking marble baths and limestone fireplaces. Guests can sun themselves on private cabanas beside the Roman-inspired Coliseum Pool, where 1.1 million hand-cut glass mosaic tiles glow beneath the waters. All of this is surrounded by serene and protected green space.

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.

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.

Palm trees stand sentinel at the end of the pool, with neatly arranged plush sun loungers and angular parasols in front of a mountainous backdrop creating an aesthetic that wouldn’t be out of place in – not so far away – Los Angeles. There are another six pools at Solage – one for kids and five geothermal pools in the spa. Rooms here have a calming, minimal feel and botanical toiletries, while some have outdoor patios with sofas, fire pits and hot tubs. Farm-fresh fine cuisine is served in the restaurant, with snacks and drinks available on the terrace during the day.

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.

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.

Opened in 2009, this 62 room boutique hotel and spa are set on a five-acre site in Yountville. The brand is committed to sustainability with reusable materials, including salvaged wood, found throughout the property. Bardessono Hotel may be eco-friendly, but it’s nevertheless extremely luxurious. The rooms teem with natural light thanks to large picture windows, fountains bubble outside and art adorns the walls. It has a heated rooftop pool with a hot tub and gym, yoga classes and complimentary bike hire for those who wish to get active. Guests seeking the VIP treatment can book a steam spa suite with champagne soaking tubs and massage tables. Many rooms offer 100% Egyptian cotton linens, gas fireplaces, REN toiletries and iPads for use during the stay.

This Forbes Five-Star and AAA Five-Diamond luxury resort has an enviable coastal location in a quiet neighbourhood, along with excellent amenities. There’s an 18-hole Arnold Palmer designed golf course, first-rate tennis courts, a spa with 20 treatment rooms, an adult-only pool and cabanas, waterslides for the kids, and a sociable programme of varied activities ideal for those travelling solo. The Park Hyatt Aviara is sizable – it has 327 spacious rooms and lots going on throughout the day and night. This makes it perfect for families – or single travellers – wanting plenty to do, both in and around the hotel’s perimeter.

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.

Located in the heart of Los Angeles’ vibrant arts and entertainment district, Conrad Los Angeles is a 305-key urban retreat blending refined luxury with creative energy. Designed by the legendary Frank Gehry with interiors by Tara Bernerd & Partners, the hotel is part of The Grand LA complex, steps from landmarks like the Walt Disney Concert Hall, MOCA, and The Broad. Rooms and suites offer expansive city views, curated art, pale oak floors, and luxurious Byredo amenities. Dining is led by Chef José Andrés with three distinctive venues: San Laurel, a Spanish-Californian fine dining experience; The Beaudry Room, a stylish cocktail lounge with terrace; and Airlight, a rooftop bar and poolside escape. The hotel also houses the 7,000 sq ft Conrad Spa Los Angeles, offering advanced treatments, wellness technologies, and a state-of-the-art fitness centre. Art, architecture, and gastronomy converge here, offering guests a sophisticated take on modern LA living.

Stars who’ve stayed here include Eva Longoria, Fearne Cotton, Julia Roberts, Christian Bale, Jennifer Aniston and Brangelina. Known as Hollywood’s Beach House, it was also used for scenes in the movie Something’s Gotta Give. Inside, there are artworks by the likes of Hockney, balconied bedrooms with four-poster beds and airy, barefoot luxury decor by one of the Obamas’ favourite designers. Outside, the pool faces directly onto the ocean, with a waterside cafe and bar. Guests can take private yoga classes, borrow bikes, book surf lessons, dine, sip cocktails in the Living Room and indulge at ONE spa.