California Cottages | Places to Stay in California

April 18, 2023 Marianna Hollaway

California is a fertile, peaceful place where you’ll find a near-equal balance of vineyards and deserts, beaches and mountains, hippies and traditionalists. Catch an epic wave in Big Sur or swirl a glass in Napa Valley. Be dazzled by the Joshua Tree night sky or just star-gaze in Hollywood. Swish down the slopes of a Tahoe ski resort, or cruise across the Golden Gate Bridge with the top down and the music blasting. Above all, don’t forget to soak up some Golden State sunshine.
Things to do in California

1. Surfhouse Boutique Hotel

960 N Coast Highway 101, Encinitas, CA 92024-2049
Excellent
89%
Good
6%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5 based on 93 reviews

Surfhouse Boutique Hotel

Surfhouse is a new boutique hotel featuring eight surf inspired rooms nestled in the heart of Encinitas, one of the top surf towns in the world. We are located just one block from the beach on Historic Highway 101. Live like a local and enjoy access to breathtaking cliffs and sandy beaches, popular local shops, award-winning restaurants and fun nightlife right outside your door.

Perfect Surf Trip with the Surfhouse!

Reviewed By christinahh8

My husband and I planned a trip to California to go longboard surfing. The Surfhouse in Encinitas was the perfect place to stay. We rented boards from Bing Surf Shop which was steps away from the Surfhouse. They handed us 2 beautiful boards and told us to come back if we wanted to try something else! This was our first surf trip to California, so we set up 2 days to go out with Nikki for the surf guiding. I can’t say enough great things about how easy he made everything. He picked us up, brought us to the perfect place to surf for the day and had us in the exact spot we needed to be. It was amazing. I needed a bit of extra help; he was there the whole time! The food in the area is all within walking distance. If you don’t have a car, you will have no problem getting great breakfast, lunch and dinner. The room had a beachy feel and was clean and comfortable. Our stay was great, we look forward to coming back!

2. Bide-A-Wee-Inn & Cottages

221 Asilomar Blvd, Pacific Grove, CA 93950-2005
Excellent
30%
Good
41%
Satisfactory
16%
Poor
7%
Terrible
7%
Overall Ratings

4 based on 274 reviews

Bide-A-Wee-Inn & Cottages

Quaint and Quiet Lodging in Pacific Grove, CaliforniaThe Bide-A-Wee Inn and Cottages is a quaint and quiet rustic inn on the tip of the Monterey Peninsula offering pet friendly lodging accommodations. Nestled in a beautifully wooded area on Asilomar Blvd., in Pacific Grove CA, the Bide-A-Wee is just a 3 minute walk from the Pacific Ocean, Point Pinos Lighthouse and the Pacific Grove Golf course. Enjoy miles of beautiful walk and bike paths, or experience the "17 Mile Drive", one of the most famous and magnificent stretches of road in the country, which showcases the spectacular Pacific shoreline and vast ocean view. Just minutes away are the world famous Monterey Bay Aquarium and Cannery Row, as well as the world famous Pebble Beach Golf Links.The Bide-A-Wee Inn & Cottages is just a 10 minute drive away from Carmel and all Monterey tourist attractions, and many of the finest restaurants and shops are just a 5 minute drive away.

A very peaceful stay!

Reviewed By Maria S

I stayed the last 3 nights of April in this charming small Inn. I must say I had a very peaceful stay. Let’s start at what really drives this place….location…location….location. It is less than a 5 minute walk to the beach. It has near by biking and walking trails. I was able to access the 17 mile drive with my bike within a short distance from the hotel. One of the nights I also walked to the Downtown area for dinner as it’s only a 1 mile walk. The Inn has a lot of charm. It is older, but well maintained. The grounds have several outdoor areas that you could sit and enjoy the natural beauty of the area. They have a fire pit which came in handy at night while gathering with other hotel guess. They have a continental breakfast in the mornings, but I never had anything as I’m not a breakfast person. I had a Queen 1 bedroom cottage room. At night I could hear the ocean which was very pleasant. The room was large with 2 night tables and a tv. It had a large Closet with some hangers as well. The bathroom had a shower/tub combo and sink with vanity that had a couple drawers. It is a good size for 1-2 people. The living room had a small desk with a lamp and a small sofa that could sit 2. There was a fireplace which is actually a heater and came in handy a couple of the cool nights. My room had a mini fridge and a full stove. The larger microwave was not working so they had a smaller one as well which was functional. It had the kitchen basics for two including utensils, toaster and plates. There was a small table with two chairs. Overall, I found the room to be very clean. I loved that it had wood floors (that was a very big plus). The furniture does has some ware , but nothing major. I would definitely stay in this Inn again. I know other people have stated that you could hear everything one room to next, but I did not hear anything or anyone except the ocean and I’m a light sleeper. My complements to the owner and staff for maintaining this charming Inn and for helping have a pleasant stay.

3. Carlin Country Cottages

1623 Lake St, Calistoga, CA 94515-1329
Excellent
39%
Good
29%
Satisfactory
11%
Poor
9%
Terrible
12%
Overall Ratings

3.5 based on 124 reviews

Carlin Country Cottages

Well kept secret

Reviewed By GophBadger

First time to Napa Valley for us! We traveled with our 2 twenty something kids- this place was so wonderful!! Clean, friendly staff, so accommodating!! Quiet, low key, in residential area but close enough to walk downtown for great shopping and restaurants! Calistoga was great!! Pool and hot tub area very clean, mineral spring water used! Rooms for all size groups, kitchens, tv, great wifi! Easy in, easy out for your car! Lots of great sitting areas outside, clean grilling areas too!!

4. Castle Wood Cottages

547 Main Street, Big Bear Lake, CA 92315
Excellent
67%
Good
19%
Satisfactory
1%
Poor
3%
Terrible
10%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 91 reviews

Castle Wood Cottages

Theme cottages, romance, castle, Gone With the Wind, Robin and Marion, Anthony and Cleopatra, Enchanted Forest, Treehouse, etc.

Can't Wait to Go Back!

Reviewed By ohforchristsake

This was a quirky, cozy, comfy, totally out of the box experience. Each cottage is done up in a different theme. We were in Indian Forest. There were four "trees" in our cottage, replete with squirrels. The Crystal Cave really looks like the walls and ceiling are made from rock. The Tree House is really a tree house. The Castle has a little stream running through it. There is a projector outside that puts "fireflies" into the pine trees after dark. Each cabin has a double sized jacuzzi tub (ours had a little "waterfall" that filled it. This is a couples only destination, so it was quiet when we were there. But be prepared. The place is not fancy. There is no room service, no ice machine, and the small cabins do not have closets. Open your minds, and enjoy something completely different.We certainly did.

5. Arden Acres Cottages

2421 Clay St, Sacramento, CA 95815-2648
Excellent
63%
Good
14%
Satisfactory
5%
Poor
5%
Terrible
14%
Overall Ratings

4 based on 87 reviews

Arden Acres Cottages

Room canceled so they can increase rate

Reviewed By thedemeter

I had booked by room exactly one week ago @ $99/night for next October (2020) for a music festival in Sacramento. Today, I received a call stating that they had to cancel my reservation because "they don't book that far in advance" and that I needed to cancel from my side through Hotels.com (since that's where I booked it) so I wouldn't get a cancellation fee. I knew this was fishy so I looked up the same dates I was going to stay there aaand... $1000/night for the exact same cottage I booked that was canceled! Normally, if my room gets canceled through Hotels.com, I receive a notice through Hotels.com. They want me to cancel, so it doesn't show up through Hotels.com that they canceled and then relisted the same cottage. I then called them back and the woman I spoke to said that the owner canceled the room and she gave me the owner's (Reed) phone number. I left a message and he called back stating that once again, they "don't book that far in advance", even though you can still book the weekend prior to and after the event at that $99/night price. I asked if he thought that was ethical to cancel a reservation and raise the rate. He replied by saying, "ethical to raise the price during a prime time?". Crook and coward.

6. Sleepy Forest Cottages

400 S Eureka, CA 92315
Excellent
62%
Good
27%
Satisfactory
8%
Poor
1%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 177 reviews

Sleepy Forest Cottages

Celebrating over 30 years in Big Bear, since 1/22/80. Our family pioneered the popular Jacuzzi Bath in front of the Fireplace in 1985, asking, "Romance, when was the last time?" The Pool Family invites you to stay in the nicest family lodges around. Sleepy Forest Cottages - the original Studios, Suites, Jacuzzi Rooms and Family Cabins, Cathy's Cottages - Our most romantic Jacuzzi Bath-Tub Honeymoon Suites, or our New Vacation Home Rentals - Walking distance from the ski slopes, on the lake, or backed-up to the woods, featuring Full-Size Spa's, pool tables, foosball tables, and more!

Cute getaway

Reviewed By c_hardcastle

Really cute little cottage with everything you needed. Loved everything about it except the bed!! Was like a two poster bed and pole was really close to window! Like any harsh movement would maybe go through window. ? you know what I mean!! Pretty outside area

7. Lighthouse Pointe Resort

22900 Shoreline Highway 1, Point Arena, CA 95468
Excellent
40%
Good
36%
Satisfactory
11%
Poor
2%
Terrible
11%
Overall Ratings

4 based on 45 reviews

Lighthouse Pointe Resort

Gross !

Reviewed By iluvstarb9

My husband and I have been coming here for years and the years are definitely showing in every unit we've stayed in. The living room rug is soooooo gross and every time I come I have to bring a sheet to cover the couch because it's so disgusting. I also bring my own pillowcases and towels because those never look clean to me either. The staff can be helpful but not particularly warm and inviting. Also the stove wasn't cleaned/cleaned well, the cabinets feel greasy and dirty to the touch so I try to avoid touching them. I had to clean the stovetop myself. Some of the dishes were greasy as well. Very nasty. I used a lot of Disinfecting wipes! The walls had big greasy looking smears on them in every room. I really love the location and the concept of the units but if they don't update the units and really clean up their act we won't be coming back. And this isn't the only location in this condition. It's so sad. I'm seriously considering selling my time share or just quitting it all together. I'm very very disappointed.

8. Mar Vista Farm + Cottages

35101 S Highway 1, Anchor Bay, CA 95445-9589
Excellent
92%
Good
4%
Satisfactory
1%
Poor
2%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

5 based on 126 reviews

Mar Vista Farm + Cottages

With 11 cottages and a small farm on nine acres along the “secret coast” of Mendocino County, just across Highway 1 from the Pacific Ocean, life slows down at Mar Vista Farm + Cottages. Here, guests connect with the land, themselves, and the ones they love—cooking with ingredients harvested steps away, wandering the trails, taking time to be present. Offering charming living spaces, expansive outdoor gathering areas, and a wealth of adventures within a short drive, it’s a restorative, reinvigorating experience.

Anniversary Celebration

Reviewed By goldenhobbs

We were celebrating our 20th and our friends their 7th. Couldn’t have picked a more perfect place. Idyllic, soothing to the mind and body. The cottages have everything you need to make a beautiful meal. Utilizing the bounty from their huge veggie garden was a treat. And fresh eggs delivered to your cottage every evening for your breakfast the next day. So delicious. There are goats and bunnies to visit and just walking the property brings such peace and joy. We had our own fire pit which was great after a long day exploring the beaches. Our cottage had a gas fireplace and our friends had a wood burning one. Our cottage was perched up the hill and we had a commanding view of the property as well as the ocean. Lastly, kudos to Cab and Deanna for being extremely wonderful hosts. We will be back!

9. Mendocino Seaside Cottage

10940 Lansing Street, Mendocino, CA 95460
Excellent
80%
Good
18%
Satisfactory
1%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5 based on 84 reviews

Mendocino Seaside Cottage

A small private getaway in the Village of Mendocino. One of the very best locations in the Village, away from the business district & traffic yet only a short stroll to the shops & restaurants. Two minutes from the bluff overlooking the beautiful Pacific Ocean. Ocean views, lighthouse views, fireplaces, Jacuzzi tubs for two, free internet, private decks, & wetbars. An alternative to the Bed & Breakfast choices in the Village.

Amazing stay and views

Reviewed By 984jessiej

My husband and I stayed in the honeymoon room for three nights and we loved it! The views are great- nothing like sipping coffee on your private deck and looking out at the ocean. The room itself was beautiful, comfortable and had everything you needed. Plus the big jetted tub and the complimentary bottle of champagne - it was a wonderful few days and we will definitely be back! Thanks for great getaway!

10. Manzanita Cottages

732 Manzanita Dr, Laguna Beach, CA 92651-1962
Excellent
76%
Good
15%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
1%
Terrible
5%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 123 reviews

Manzanita Cottages

These are four enchanting cottages nestled in a private, garden compound located within walking distance to the beach and the village of Laguna. The cottages capture the original charm of the original Laguna Art Colony. Guests particularly enjoy the quiet garden setting as well as the privacy of living in their own stand alone cottage. There is also a studio apartment located on the site.

Would stay again

Reviewed By X7503DJjenniferf

Cottage is very nice, great location, easy to walk to the beach, only a few blocks away but up hill on return. Only a few small things I wish the unit provided: basic kitchen salt/pepper, pam spray, sponge for cleaning dishes, kitchen towels, oven mit. Bathroom needs larger shampoo/conditioner containers. Checking out details should also be provided. Overall it was great, clean and quiet. Parking on the hill was weird but Saturday we parked in back parking lot.

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