Best Luxury Hotels in California

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.

Stretching across two-and-a-half city blocks in downtown Palm Springs, Thompson Palm Springs brings modern elegance, artful expression, and culinary vibrance to the iconic Palm Canyon Drive. With 168 bungalow-style guestrooms, including 18 suites and private balconies, the hotel blends desert tranquillity with mid-century architecture and bold, curated interiors. A separate adults-only enclave, Upper Stories, is set to debut later this year, offering 42 premium rooms, private pool access, and exclusive lounge space.

Anchored by Lola Rose Grand Mezze, a Levantine-inspired rooftop restaurant led by Chef Quentin Garcia, the hotel also plans to introduce Bar Issi and a HALL Napa Valley Tasting Room in 2025. Cultural immersion continues with an on-site gallery of contemporary works curated by Shore Art Advisory, featuring installations by renowned Native American artists such as Jeffrey Gibson and Gerald Clarke. Guests can also enjoy a rooftop pool with San Jacinto views, a boutique fitness studio, and 20,000 sq ft of indoor and outdoor event space—all thoughtfully designed to reflect the spirit of Palm Springs.

The stylish Kodō Hotel is a serene sanctuary, located in the heart of the Los Angeles Downtown Arts District and perfectly contrasting its busy city surroundings. The hotel is housed in a more-than-100-year-old firehouse and its interior is inspired by Japanese essence and design. There is a collection of simplistic yet luxurious guest rooms offering every contemporary comfort and a private space to unwind and recharge. The hotel’s largest offering is the Superior King Plus Room, spread over 556sqft and providing guests with California king beds and amenities unique to each room. Guests are welcome to dine in Michelin-recommended Kodō Restaurant where bistro-style Japanese American cuisine is served. There is also a quiet tea garden within this sanctuary, Kodō Café. Guests will receive a complimentary welcome drink upon check in and the hotel’s convenient location allows for easy exploration throughout your stay.

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.