Best Luxury Hotels in California

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.

This LEED Silver Certified European-style hotel has 188 guest rooms and suites spread across seven floors. Its meeting rooms, 24-hour fitness centre with Peloton bikes, clutter-free sleeping areas, sleek in-room workspaces and on-site parking make it popular with business travellers. Similarly, the ample alfresco socialising space, restaurant ‘kitchen’, swimming pool, outdoor fireplace, lounge seating, curated library and welcoming pet policy make it appealing to leisure visitors. Bedrooms are comfortable, practical, functional and elegant. This is one of 150 properties in Marriott’s AC portfolio and is found in the city’s downtown area across from the Sunnyvale Ponds.

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.

For a full-on beach (or boating) holiday, choose this 439 room resort on the Coronado Peninsula. It has its very own full-service 80-slip marina offering gondola rides, surf lessons and sunset cruises. And there’s a beach shuttle – although it is just a five-minute walk along a private path from the resort to the sandy shores. This location does mean it’s a little further out from San Diego, but still within a 20-minute taxi ride. Pet and family-friendly, the hotel has a programme of events for kids, a teen lounge, three pools and a global fusion restaurant to keep all palates happy.

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 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.

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.

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.

With 172 rooms and suites, Hyatt Centric Downtown Sacramento captures the vibrancy of California’s capital with a playful design inspired by the city’s music history. Located just steps from Golden 1 Center and the Downtown Commons, the hotel is a stylish base for sports fans, concert-goers and business travellers. Interiors mix bold artwork, eclectic furnishings and musical references, creating a lively, contemporary atmosphere.

Dining is led by Dawson’s Steakhouse, where prime cuts meet Californian flavours, and the rooftop lounge serves cocktails with city views. A modern fitness centre is available, while the location provides easy access to Sacramento’s nightlife, Old Town attractions and the riverfront. With its boutique feel and cultural references, the property reflects both the energy and the creativity of downtown life.