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Best Riverside Hotels in California

California’s riverside hotels offer a delightful mix of relaxation and scenic beauty. Imagine waking up to the sound of flowing water and enjoying serene views from your room.

From intimate retreats with spa facilities and outdoor pools to stylish lodges and unique glamping experiences, California's riverside hotels cater to a wide range of preferences. Whether you're looking for a tranquil escape or a base to explore nearby attractions, these hotels have something special to offer.

Top picks for a:

 

For a wider selection check out all our recommended hotels in California

Milliken Creek Inn

Napa (California)

This intimate adults-only inn is on the grassy banks of Napa River and the scenic Silverado Trail. The beautiful rooms boast stylish furnishings in white and greys, creating a sense of warmth and luxury. Fantastic gourmet breakfasts and a manicured riverside garden add to the idyllic setting.

  • Romantic Break - Adults-only, with romantic spa treatments and facilities and nearby vineyards for wine-tastings- perfect for a romantic break
  • Total relaxation - Unusual and luxury spa treatments on offer, beautiful gardens overlooking the Napa river, and peaceful surroundings.
  • Great walks - Explore the garden and beyond.
  • Spa
from £160 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees

Buckeye Tree Lodge

California

Charming riverside eco-lodge comprised of rooms, cabins & cottages close to Sequoia National Park. Light, airy accommodation blends fresh decor with wooden touches. Enjoy the outdoor swimming pool, shared grills and river views. The on-site wellness studio makes it perfect for hideaway retreats.

  • Families - The large Glacier cabin sleeps up to eight people making it a perfect family getaway with balconies, patio, BBQs and river views
  • Back to Nature - Escape into the wild and enjoy a landscape of granite boulders, giant trees, freshwater lakes, waterfalls & snowcapped mountains
  • Active Holiday - The location offers amazing activities year-round from rafting, climbing and snowshoeing to watersports, riding & wild swimming
  • Wellbeing - The impressive Canopy wellness centre houses a top of the range yoga studio and offers massages, meditation and guided walks
from £124 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees

Cedar Gables Inn

Napa (California)

B&B situated in an 1890s Arts & Craft mansion. Step back in time with a stay in the 9 rooms and suites that feel more like staying with a friend. Wooden antique furniture, paisley throws and floral wallpapers complete the traditional feel. There is no restaurant but plenty of options in the area.

  • Local exploring - Feel like you're returning home after a day of wine-tasting, hiking, shopping, hot-air balooning or playing golf nearby
  • Romantic Break - The suites all comes with tubs designed for two; there's a whirlpool bath and even a one-of-a-kind four-poster tub
  • Wine tasting - Take a tour on the Napa Valley Wine Train or book yourself on a tour to sample some of the region's 250+ wineries
  • Sights nearby - Old Faithful is a world-famous geyser. This natural wonder regularly shoots up thousands of gallons of boiling water
from £125 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees

Mine+Farm

Guerneville (California)

Rural B&B located in a 1906 farmhouse over 2.5 acres in the Sonoma Valley countryside. 9 homely rooms are split across the main building and carriage house. The river is across the road and the gardens boast fruit trees, California oaks and a flock of chickens. Enjoy a seasonally-inspired breakfast.

  • Wine tasting - Sonoma Wine Country is becoming increasingly well-known for its wines. Go wine-tasting or just explore the neighbouring vineyard
  • Local exploring - Perfectly located within wine country, but just 20 minutes from the coast and surrounded by beautiful landscapes to explore
  • Active Holiday - Hike amongst towering Redwoods, canoe, kayak, fish, bike and enjoy water sports on the Russian River
  • Great walks - Go for a pleasant walk in Redwood Memorial Gardens, just a 5 minute drive from the property
from £131 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees

Stahlecker House

Napa (California)

Owner-run inn situated on Napa Creek, a short drive from downtown Napa. Built-in the 1940s, this ranch-style property sits in 1 acre of garden, previously orchards. 5 romantic rooms and suites are beautifully decorated with four-poster beds and fireplaces. Meals are not offered so a car is required.

  • Local exploring - A great base to explore Napa town, but also the wider valley region and even San Francisco, which is less than an hours drive
  • Total relaxation - Unlike many Napa inns, the property has a large garden and idyllic lawn which is perfect for relaxing or playing lawn games
  • Wine tasting - Napa Valley has over 400 vineyards. Take a ride on the Napa Wine Train to maximise your time and visit as many as possible
  • Local markets - Oxbow Public Market has excellent local, organic and seasonal produce. A great place to buy gifts to take back home
from £165 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees

River Terrace Inn

Napa

A 144-room hotel in the very heart of Napa, yet with a wonderful riverside location. Contemporary and spacious rooms and suites are light-filled and many face the lake. There is a 24-hour gym, in-room massages and endless local activities. As well as a restaurant and bar, enjoy great outdoor dining.

  • Weddings - Romantic riverside weddings can host up to 300 guests. Enjoy the reception with firepits, mood lighting and Napa River views
  • Groups - A great option for larger groups travelling together as the location, style and accessibility will please almost everybody
  • Wine tasting - There are 250 wineries in the surrounding area. Book on a tour and wine-taste your way around this world-famous region
  • Romantic Break - Couples will love the Deluxe King Rooms with forest and river-facing balconies plus private hot tub
from £182 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees

AutoCamp Russian River

Guerneville (Guerneville)

It's camping, but of the upscale variety. A collection of beautifully styled tents and chic Airstream trailers. Trailers have impressively indulgent bathrooms and a simple white outfit. Tents have queen-sized beds and patios with firepits. A unique base to explore the wine country from.

  • Groups - With outdoor firepits encouraging evening get togethers, this is a great choice for groups
  • Back to Nature - Camping (but in serious comfort) at a site near a river in Sonoma County wine country
  • Great walks - Hike through the Armstrong Redwoods State Natural Reserve
  • Boutique
from £194 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees

River Belle Inn

Healdsburg (California)

Charming Victorian inn on the riverfront close to the centre of town. Elegant rooms and suites boast traditional style with antique furnishings, the best come with private balcony and river views. No restaurant, but you can expect farm-to-table breakfasts and daily Happy Hour. Fab wine country base.

  • Foodies - Healdsburg is renowned for its organic farm-to-table approach to dining experiences and is crammed with great eateries
  • Wine tasting - Healdsburg is a wine and culinary epicenter sitting at the juncture of 3 prime winegrowing regions
  • Local exploring - A chic little base, ideal for exploring Sonoma Country and the Napa Valley
  • Active Holiday - Try kayaking on the Russian River or cycling through Sonoma
from £225 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees

Stanford Inn by the Sea

Mendocino (California)

This eco-boutique overlooks organic gardens and ocean blue. Run by a friendly and very welcoming couple. Healing yoga, indoor pool and spa treatments will rejuvenate, whilst large, wooden rooms with fireplaces are the perfect comfort. Vegan food is served and well matched with regional wines.

  • Eco break - This eco break offers nutritionist specials with Nutritionist Sid Garza-Hillman.
  • Great walks - Where there is a sea, there is a way. Be sure to catch sunset over the Pacific.
  • Kayaking - Great way to explore the river and sea.
  • Spa
from £233 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees

The Lodge at the Presidio

San Francisco (Presidio Park)

Originally a barracks, turned boutique hotel, offering an unbeatable location beside Golden Gate Bridge and surrounded by Presidio Park. Interiors are elegant and contemporary with high ceilings, sash windows, and clean lines. Expect bagels and baked goods for breakfast. An idyllic stay.

  • Local exploring - The nearest stay to the Golden Gate Bridge, shuttles run into San Francisco, and there's 1,500 acres of woodland to explore
  • Families - A couple of the suites sleep up to four and children will love all the space surrounding the property
  • Boutique - The exterior is a historic red brick building but interiors are elegant and contemporary
  • Great walks - Get on your walking shoes and explore the trails that run through the woodlands
from £236 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees

Cavallo Point Lodge

Sausalito (California)

Formerly the residence of the U.S Army Officers, spacious contemporary rooms have views of the green hillside or San Francisco's skyline. Spa and pool for relaxation and the Murray Circle restaurant offers a taster menu for those who want to try it all. Loads of activities and a great location.

  • Cooking classes - Ask at reception and get into the kitchen with cooking classes for all.
  • Kayaking - Guided kayak tours under the Golden Gate Bridge.
  • Landmark - Golden Gate Bridge is a stones throw away.
  • Restaurant - Modern North Californian cuisine
from £300 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees

West Sonoma Inn & Spa

Guerneville (California)

Nestled in the heart of Sonoma wine country sits this charming inn. Simple, airy rooms blend modern comfort with rustic style. There's a rejuvenating spa, plus outside the heated pool, BBQ facilities, and terrace are surrounded by lush greenery and picturesque views. A tranquil and scenic escape.

  • Total relaxation - Relax and recharge at the spa with personalised treatments to soothe tension, improve circulation, and restore balance
  • Country Escape - Wander through nearby vineyards, embark on a scenic hike, or take a leisurely bike ride through the rolling hills
  • Wine tasting - Enjoy wine tasting in the Russian River Valley Appellation
  • Great walks - Hiking amidst the 2000-year-old, 250ft-tall trees at Armstrong Redwoods State Natural Reserve is an experience not to be missed
from £338 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees