The 20 Best Luxury Hotels in California (2025)

Sun soaked California sparkles with style—from Hollywood’s glittering lights to the rugged drama of the Northern Coast and the indulgent charm of Napa’s wine country. Luxury hotels abound, whether you crave city glamour, chic beachfront escapes, desert decadence, or world-class dining and wine. We’ve handpicked top spots for families, spa lovers, and anyone seeking the ultimate indulgence. Whatever your vibe, there’s a perfect California luxury stay waiting for you.

For a special occasion

• The Beverly Hills Hotel- A Los Angeles legend, this hotel is instantly recognisable with its pink façade and towering grand pillars. Its rooms and suites offer refined comfort, while palm-lined gardens stretch across 12 lush acres. On-site fine dining, a classic pool, and elegant lounges make it a destination worth lingering at.
• Perched dramatically 1,200 feet above the Pacific, Post Ranch Inn offers jaw-dropping cliffside views from private decks and hot tubs. The award-winning restaurant and infinity pools complement the serene spa, yoga, and stargazing experiences. Secluded yet accessible to beaches and galleries, it’s a luxury retreat in harmony with nature.
• Step into Silver Lake’s Hollywood past at The Paramour Estate, a nine-suite mansion, where antique-filled rooms and bold interiors echo classic glamour. The pool courtyard with statues invites lounging in style, while nearby eateries cover dining needs. Every corner feels cinematic, offering a chance to experience Hollywood luxury firsthand.

For a city break

• Occupying 12 floors in a downtown skyscraper, Four Seasons San Francisco delivers elegant, contemporary interiors with floor-to-ceiling windows and marble bathrooms. Guests enjoy the vast Equinox health club, a top-notch steak and seafood restaurant, and effortless access to hundreds of nearby dining options. Families are welcomed with thoughtful touches and services.
• The Battery- Housed in a converted sweet factory, this exclusive members’ hotel has just 14 individually designed rooms, each featuring vintage and custom furniture, curated art, and quirky details. Guests also enjoy the private club’s intimate spaces, from the cosy library to the vibrant lounge, creating a unique, private San Francisco retreat.
• A serene Mediterranean-style villa set on 18 acres of lush Bel-Air gardens, Hotel Bel-Air offers spacious, stylish suites favoured by celebrities seeking privacy. Wolfgang Puck’s European fusion restaurant, a tranquil outdoor pool, Turkish bath, and award-winning spa make it a refined, low-key escape while staying well-connected to LA’s highlights.
• Steps from the beach, Viceroy Santa Monica mixes monochrome colonial touches with bold, contemporary design. Its pool area impresses with cabanas and a cocktail bar, while the hotel bar and lounge buzz with nightlife. Modern interiors and beachside energy make it a chic spot for both daytime relaxation and evening entertainment.

For a beach resort

• Set on the Malibu Coast, Calamigos Guest Ranch & Beach Club offers a private beach club experience with boutique charm. Guests can stay in airy bungalows or cottages with patios and separate living spaces. Interiors feature crisp whites, warm wood floors, and designer accents across 56 rooms, suites, and bungalows for a relaxed yet refined retreat.
• A Santa Monica icon, Shutters on the Beach delivers laid-back luxury with a coastal edge. Nautical-inspired interiors, rattan furnishings, and ocean views define its 186 rooms and suites. Indulge at Ole Henriksen’s celebrated “The One” spa or savour gourmet dining at three on-site restaurants. A private beach completes the quintessential California experience.

For a romantic retreat

• L'Horizon Resort & Spa- Step into a 1950s Hollywood hideaway with airy, low-rise bungalows and floor-to-ceiling windows framing desert views. Interiors mix monochrome elegance with mid-century charm. Lounge by the infinity pool, savour inventive dishes at the on-site restaurant, or unwind at the luxe spa—perfect for a romantic getaway.
• Mansion on Sutter is a 12-room mansion that exudes old-world glamour with dark velvets, gilded accents, and antiques at every turn. Meticulous details—from ornate floors to a golden façade—set the scene. Enjoy morning coffee in the breakfast room, cocktails in the intimate bar, and a quiet gym for private indulgence in the heart of the city.

For a luxury escape

• Chateau du Sureau is a 19th-century chateau with hardwood floors, original fireplaces, and nine individually styled rooms, nestled in Yosemite’s countryside. Guests can wander European-inspired gardens, unwind at the spa, or curl up in the library. Spacious suites make it ideal for families seeking a refined, intimate retreat.
• Set in the Santa Cruz foothills, Rosewood CordeValle is an intimate golf resort offering 44 rooms and suites with expansive communal spaces. Three acclaimed restaurants, a top-tier wine selection, a championship golf course, and a pool make it perfect for leisure or sport. Families are welcome, ensuring both relaxation and activity.

For the spa

• In Yountville’s Napa heart, Bardessono Hotel and Spa’s 62 rooms are private spa retreats with geothermal heating and floor-to-ceiling windows. Solar-powered sustainability meets contemporary design, while the wine-centric focus dazzles: curated tastings, local vintages, and an exceptional list make this a haven for oenophiles seeking eco-luxury.
• Solage Calistoga delivers spa luxury in a relaxed, modern setting. Soak in hot tubs, unwind in saunas, or explore vineyards on complimentary bikes. Its restaurants cater to discerning foodies, while minimalistic decor lets nature shine. Spacious family suites ensure everyone enjoys the effortless mix of comfort, wellness, and Californian charm.

For a wine country stay

• Perched above St Helena’s olive groves, Auberge du Soleil feels like a cluster of luxury treehouses. Interiors mix rustic charm with refined comfort, while rooms and suites offer sweeping valley or pool views. Dining remains a standout, with a celebrated restaurant and a 15,000-bottle wine cellar.
• Kenwood Inn & Spa is a romantic hideaway with Spanish-inspired exteriors and Italian flair inside, featuring 29 individually styled rooms with designer bathrooms and cosy fireplaces. Stroll or cycle to nearby wineries, then unwind in the sunlit courtyard pool and spa—a serene base for savouring Sonoma’s wine country.
• Montage Healdsburg- Set across 258 vineyard acres, this contemporary Sonoma retreat maximises views with glass-filled rooms and clever angles. The spa and vineyard-overlooking pool elevate relaxation, while the French-inspired restaurant serves refined cuisine. Despite its 130 rooms, the design makes each feel private, immersed in the rolling wine country landscape.

For the whole family

• Located on Miramar Beach, Rosewood Miramar Beach's rooms and suites feature airy layouts, vast marble bathrooms, and private terraces overlooking the sand. Families enjoy a relaxed pool, while adults retreat to their own pool. Three inventive bars and the Malibu Farm restaurant deliver fresh, flavourful dining right steps from the ocean.
• Set above Santa Barbara, San Ysidro Ranch is an intimate hideaway featuring 41 cottages and suites with four-poster beds, outdoor rain showers, and private hot tubs. Rustic charm meets expansive grounds perfect for families. The restaurant serves produce from its own garden, making every meal a taste of the region’s best.

Still not sure?

• Browse through our recommendations for all the best places to stay in California,
• Refine your search to include the best luxury hotels in San Francisco or the best places to stay in Palm Springs,
• Check out our suggestions for where to stay in Los Angeles or the best hotels on the North California Coast,
• Or, contact one of our friendly Gurus for personalised advice.