20 of The Best Hotels in Southern California (2025)

Southern California: SoCal: so cool! Cool all the way from super colourful, vibrant San Diego, to graceful Santa Barbara, with its wineries and Spanish-style architecture. And everything in between, from the spectacular natural sights, to the incredible man-made ones. You’re really spoilt for choice when it comes to choosing hotels in Southern California, what with the many Art Deco treasures of Los Angeles; achingly hip beach-side haunts in Malibu, Venice Beach and Santa Monica; lodges with views over the incredible landscapes of Death Valley, the Colorado and Mojave Deserts, and the Joshua Tree National Park; and quirky charmers in unique cities like San Diego and Santa Barbara.

For a city break

• A suite-only hideaway in West Hollywood, Petit Ermitage channels bohemian glamour with curated antiques, bold artwork and intimate, candlelit lounges. The rooftop is the star: a saltwater pool, hummingbird garden, open-air restaurant and sweeping L.A. views create a dreamy perch for city-break downtime between shopping and gallery hopping.
• Housed above an historic recording studio, Gold-Diggers feels like a creative clubhouse—think velvet textures, crisp white walls, statement lighting and cinematic bathrooms. Its compact set of rooms, suites and apartments keeps things personal, while Melrose Avenue’s restaurants and nightlife sit right outside, perfect for an energetic urban escape.

For a beach break

• Calamigos Guest Ranch & Beach Club- Earthy timber, metal accents and designer pieces give each room—from airy cottages to roomy bungalows—a warm, lived-in character. Expect private patios, inviting lounge areas, a spa, gym, hot tubs, pool and polished dining spaces. A stylish Malibu escape with plenty of breathing room.
• Steps from the sand, Kimpton Shorebreak Resort is a surf-ready hangout that channels sunny energy through bright tones, casual furnishings and social spaces overlooking the ocean. Fire pits, ping-pong tables and a lively bar set the mood, while bike and board rentals make it easy to spend all day by the waves.
• Tower 23's crisp glass, concrete and wood frame a minimalist hideout right at Pacific Beach’s edge. Rooms feel airy and pared-back, with striking ocean views front and centre. Downstairs, the buzzy bar and its standout steak-and-seafood restaurant make this modern beachfront perch a true San Diego favourite.

For an escape

• Westlake Village Inn feels like its own little hideaway, set among 17 acres of lawns, lakes and tucked-away courtyards. Spacious rooms and suites feature fireplaces, balconies and calm garden views. With three distinct restaurants, two pools and plenty of space to unwind, it’s an easy all-day escape.

For couples

• Perched above Shaw’s Cove, Hotel Joaquin is an intimate hideaway offering 22 uniquely styled rooms with clean Scandinavian lines, crisp whites, blond-wood accents and curated artwork. Couples can unwind in the cosy lounge stocked with modern comforts or lounge by the chic pool framed by palms and Pacific breezes.
• L'Auberge del Mar- Set beside the ocean, this coastal escape features bright, airy rooms with nautical touches and spacious terraces. Couples can enjoy shoreline dining at the resort’s standout restaurant, relax in a cabana by the palm-lined pool or retreat to a spa inspired by restorative seawater therapies.
• The Chateau at Lake La Quinta is an adults-only lakeside hideout, offering 25 generously sized rooms with custom furnishings, fireplaces and private patios perfect for quiet evenings. With serene desert scenery and calm waters just steps away, it’s an intimate setting for couples seeking privacy, warm light and uninterrupted relaxation.

For a chic stay

• A 20-room hideaway perched over the Pacific, The Surfrider pairs sun-washed timber, canvas textures and airy, coastal tones with a guests-only rooftop serving standout cocktails and Baja-leaning dishes. Steps from Malibu Pier, it channels an easy, barefoot rhythm while still feeling impeccably designed and effortlessly cool.
• La Serena Villas' eighteen private villas form an intimate retreat framed by Sonoran Desert peaks. Expect four-poster beds, outdoor tubs and secluded patios, plus a Mediterranean restaurant set around flickering fire pits. The spa is excellent, and the palm-lined pool creates a romantic, resort-style escape in one of Palm Springs’ most stylish districts.

For families

• Inn at Playa del Rey- Sun-washed interiors, coastal-cool fabrics and vintage touches give this waterfront hideaway a relaxed New England vibe. Families love the roomy suites, hearty gourmet breakfasts and evening wine hour. With wetlands on one side and Marina life on the other, it’s a peaceful base moments from great local dining.
• Mosaic Hotel is an intimate Beverly Hills retreat that feels like a stylish private residence, with sculptural monochrome furnishings, cushioned patios and a cabana-lined heated pool. Its American restaurant keeps days easy, while Rodeo Drive sits just around the corner. Spacious family suites make it a smart, comfort-first choice for exploring Los Angeles.
• Crisp white-and-blue rooms, breezy bathrooms and surf-inspired details give Newport Beach Hotel an effortless beach-town spirit. Families can opt for roomy suites or full private apartments, while some spaces feature balconies overlooking the water. With an onsite restaurant and prime access to the boardwalk, it’s made for sun-soaked days together.

For outdoorsy folk

• Steps from Joshua Tree National Park, Pioneertown Motel is a 19-room hideout that channels frontier spirit with timber-lined rooms, iron accents and porches dotted with barrel cacti. Once a stopover for Western film crews, it still feels cinematic—quiet, weather-worn and perfect for stargazers, hikers and anyone craving true desert solitude.
• Set across 21 leafy acres, Inn at Rancho Santa Fe offers cottages and rooms with warm textiles, tiled fireplaces and wide terraces overlooking the gardens. Guests can unwind in the saltwater pool, spa or tennis courts, then dine at its standout restaurant. Nearby trails, surf spots, riding stables and Torrey Pines keep outdoorsy travellers busy.

For the spa

• Tucked behind palm-lined pathways, Colony Palms Hotel boasts a Moroccan-inspired spa featuring heated treatment rooms, aromatic oils, and signature massages that reflect desert traditions. Guests can unwind in the hot tub or by the serene pool, while rooms showcase colourful rugs and handcrafted details, all set against dramatic San Jacinto Mountain sunsets.

For great value

• Tucked between three wineries, The Inn at Europa Village is an intimate ten-room retreat exuding Mediterranean charm with Italian and French touches. Antique-filled rooms feature wood panelling, vineyard views, and some with private hot tubs. Perfect for romantics seeking a serene, character-filled escape in a sun-drenched wine country setting, at very reasonable rates.
• Surfhouse is a breezy beachfront spot offering eight contemporary rooms with wooden floors, crisp white walls, and surf-inspired art. Guests can grab complimentary bikes or rinse off in outdoor hot showers. A casual, sun-soaked base with nearby dining options makes it ideal for active beachgoers. An affordable base.
• Set in a renovated Colonial Revival house near Santa Monica Beach, Channel Road Inn is a 15-room inn that impresses with large, light-filled windows and classic decor. Guests enjoy afternoon wine, tea, and snacks, creating a warm, inviting atmosphere. Perfect for those who appreciate charm, comfort, and a quiet, residential location, without the hefty price-tag.

Still not sure?

• Browse through our recommendations for all the best place to stay in California,
• Refine your search to see the best hotels in Los Angeles, Malibu or Santa Monica,
• Explore the Joshua Tree National Park or the best hotels in Death Valley,
• Or, contact one of our friendly Gurus for personalised advice.