Best Luxury Hotels in California

With just 23 one and two-bedroom suites, The Clement offers a more intimate experience, but with resort benefits; most notably a gorgeous rooftop deck with a lap pool (seductively underlit after dark), a hot tub, cabanas and an open fire, overlooking the downtown. It’s all been arranged with impeccable taste; there are paintings by the likes of Emil Lukas, Frette robes, Nespresso machines and organic ODE bath products. Guests have access to a cosy living room with a stone fireplace, a business centre and a fitness room — and don’t worry if you forget your sunscreen, it’s complimentary here.

Occupying 16 acres, this 2009 build (renovated in 2020), has a more resort feel, with sprawling grounds incorporating courtyard gardens, a chic pool terrace and low-rise accommodation. It has 121 bedrooms and a Forbes Five Star rating. Guest amenities include a Sense Spa, an Alex Chases Salon and meeting rooms including a glittering 2,800-square-foot ballroom. Madera is the hotel’s signature restaurant, with a wood-burning kitchen cooking up Bay Area favourites and private dining areas. Additionally, there’s The Library & Bar for cocktails and light bites and The Pool Bar & Grill for snacks, sandwiches and smoothies.

Walking distance to Stanford and the station, and a short ride from the airport, this eight-storey hotel offers California-cool bedrooms with Italian linens and balconies, proffering views over the Santa Cruz mountains. Its construction includes the local redwood, with nature-themed interiors and suitably mod cons such as an onsite media lab. Nobu of course is internationally renowned for its contemporary Japanese cuisine, incorporating subtle South American flavours. And here you can devour its signature dishes for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. It’s a boutique property with a more intimate feel, but guests can access the health club next door.