Top 10 Resorts in California, United States

April 18, 2023 Cedrick Jardin

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. Shore Hotel

1515 Ocean Ave, Santa Monica, CA 90401-2118
Excellent
66%
Good
21%
Satisfactory
7%
Poor
3%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 4468 reviews

Shore Hotel

Set across Highway 1 from the beach, this contemporary hotel is opposite the Santa Monica Pier and 0.4 miles from 3rd Street Promenade's shops and restaurants. The modern rooms offer free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, and private patios or balconies (some with ocean views). Suites with ocean, city or garden views add living areas and pull-out sofas. Amenities include a 24-hour gym, and a heated outdoor pool and hot tub. There's also a casual restaurant serving Mexican dishes.

Wonderful Stay!

Reviewed By DerbyshireMousie

We arrived at The Shore after a brief stay in San Fran, the reception staff were all so efficient and friendly, we dropped our bags and shortly received a text to say our room was ready, the porter was super friendly and our room (405) was perfect, great view of the pier, and the ocean! The room and bathroom was immaculately clean and stayed that way throughout our stay, we were there for 6 nights. The room staff were also so friendly always had a “hello” whenever they saw us. The pool was lovely and warm and the hot tub/spa like a hot bath, again kept so clean. Towels provided and also sun cream which I’ve never seen before. We didn’t eat at the hotel so can’t comment on that. If we return to Santa Monica I would definitely stay at this hotel. I will also recommend using the metro very cheap and easy to use, you can get about quickly - the open top bus was good and informative, but on a revisit I would use the metro to go to specific areas.

2. Bahia Resort Hotel

998 West Mission Bay Drive, San Diego, CA 92109 1 (858) 264-0131
Excellent
62%
Good
21%
Satisfactory
9%
Poor
4%
Terrible
4%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 5988 reviews

Bahia Resort Hotel

The Bahia Resort Hotel is a welcoming waterfront property located on a 14-acre picturesque peninsula in San Diego’s scenic Mission Bay. Featuring spectacular views of the Pacific Ocean and lush tropical gardens as well as friendly service and comfortable accommodations, Bahia Resort Hotel is the ideal destination for an authentic Southern California beach getaway. Impressive accommodations are key at the Bahia; guests may choose between our deluxe studios and suites, each with its own balcony or patio and a full range of amenities. Further room options include kitchenettes, direct access to the beach and views of the sparkling bay and our expansive tropical gardens. At Bahia Resort Hotel we ensure you receive all the comforts and amenities needed to enjoy your vacation. Staying at the Bahia grants guests easy access to an array of dining options, including our signature restaurant Café Bahia, which offer international cuisine served amid this indoor-outdoor tropical paradise.

Customer service

Reviewed By chrisburns1981

Called in to the resort and spoke with Shakira. She was absolutely pleasant! This day in age when customer service seems to be non existent, she was full of impeccable customer service from the very first hello! She was so willing and happy to help me find the perfect room for the perfect price! I haven’t visited the property yet but if they are anything like what I received when I called in to book, it’ll be a fabulous time!

3. Manchester Grand Hyatt San Diego

1 Market Place, San Diego, CA 92101-7714
Excellent
60%
Good
25%
Satisfactory
9%
Poor
4%
Terrible
3%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 11671 reviews

Manchester Grand Hyatt San Diego

Discover the beauty of San Diego when you stay on the waterfront in the heart of downtown at Manchester Grand Hyatt San Diego. This iconic hotel features 1,628 guestrooms and 320,000 square feet of event space with stunning Pacific Ocean and city views. The central location, just 3 miles from San Diego International Airport and steps from some of the city’s top attractions including the Gaslamp Quarter, puts the very best of San Diego at your doorstep. Two rooftop pools, a 24-hour Fitness Center, 8 onsite dining options including the 40th floor Top of the Hyatt and waterfront Sally’s Fish House & Bar, complimentary WiFi and more combine to make this waterfront escape a destination unlike any other.

Good Customer Service

Reviewed By glennberry2022

Employees are friendly and helpful. Front desk was very polite. Even the cleaning service was very friendly. Perfect location. Beautiful view from the hotel. Many shops and places to eat close to the hotel. Small park close to the hotel.

4. SeaCrest OceanFront Hotel

2241 Price St., Pismo Beach, CA 93449
Excellent
63%
Good
25%
Satisfactory
7%
Poor
3%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 3401 reviews

SeaCrest OceanFront Hotel

Make the SeaCrest your home base from which you explore the area's many vineyard harvest festivals, and of course, gorgeous beaches. Then retreat to our 5-acre oceanfront bluff with unique beach access and enjoy the most beautiful sunsets that California has to offer. The hotel boasts stylish retro-modern guestrooms, high quality and super friendly customer service, free Wi-Fi in every room, and a complimentary continental breakfast.

Great Place

Reviewed By 4lopezanthony

Wonderful place to stay. Glad we found it. I will def go back. First time for us. Love the restaraunt out front. Beach access in the back. Love the fire pits around the property. Love that its close to any activities.

5. San Diego Mission Bay Resort

1775 East Mission Bay Drive, San Diego, CA 92109 1 (844) 912-0975
Excellent
59%
Good
13%
Satisfactory
10%
Poor
9%
Terrible
10%
Overall Ratings

4 based on 858 reviews

San Diego Mission Bay Resort

The Mission Bay Resort in San Diego offers a variety of options for the entire family to enjoy - from spa treatments and tennis to wake-boarding, sailing and splashing around the pool. Enjoy dive-in movies by the pool and making s'mores by the fire pits around the bay as you wrap up the perfect day. This San Diego resort is conveniently located one mile from San Diego SeaWorld and offers 5-star service. From championship tennis courts to waterfront fine dining, wherever your inspiration comes from, San Diego Mission Bay Resort is your destination and your retreat.

Wedding

Reviewed By delucalj89

Could not have been more satisfied hosting our wedding at SD Mission Bay. The all inclusive nature and added benefits were 100% worth the price. We enjoyed everything so much we ended up staying two extra nights (unplanned!) and never left the resort. Truly amazing experience.

6. Capri Laguna On The Beach

1441 S Coast Hwy, Laguna Beach, CA 92651-3158
Excellent
70%
Good
18%
Satisfactory
6%
Poor
3%
Terrible
3%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 1192 reviews

Capri Laguna On The Beach

Whether it's a relaxing romantic getaway, an activity-packed family vacation, a quiet solitary retreat, or a quick trip filled with shopping, food and fun with friends, the Capri Laguna on the Beach is the perfect Southern California getaway. Nestled in the quaint seaside town of Laguna Beach, located midway between Los Angeles and San Diego, the oceanfront Capri Laguna on the Beach Inn is situated directly on the sand of the Pacific Ocean with its picturesque sunsets and world-renown coastline.

Wonderful place for girlfriend getaway

Reviewed By gene30

The Capri Laguna was perfect for our girlfriend birthday celebration! I cannot say enough about the location-our room overlooked the beach and was breathtaking. It was wonderful falling asleep every night to the sound of the waves. It was within walking distance to downtown Laguna Beach, which was very convenient. And all the staff was very friendly and helpful. I can’t say enough about staying there and we’re talking about making it a tradition to return every year to celebrate our birthdays there.

7. Cambria Pines Lodge

2905 Burton Dr., Cambria, CA 93428
Excellent
63%
Good
23%
Satisfactory
8%
Poor
3%
Terrible
3%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 8297 reviews

Cambria Pines Lodge

Nestled amid the magical landscape of Cambria, California, Cambria Pines Lodge provides a tranquil coastal getaway in a picturesque setting only minutes from Moonstone Beach and the Fiscalini Ranch Preserve. Encompassing a breathtaking 25 acres of stunning gardens and Monterey pine forest, our boutique hotel features spacious, pet-friendly rooms and suites, beautifully appointed in a rustic style and featuring a thoughtful assortment of contemporary amenities.

Home away from home

Reviewed By JBGuillet

We had a really nice stay. The property is well kept and the staff was friendly. It's central to wine tasting and other central coast activities. The dinner in their restaurant was good, although my filet was a bit overcooked for my taste. They replaced it without a fuss. Service was excellent and the location can't be beat.

8. Monterey Plaza Hotel & Spa

400 Cannery Row, Monterey, CA 93940-7501 1 (833) 768-6972
Excellent
76%
Good
15%
Satisfactory
5%
Poor
3%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 7773 reviews

Monterey Plaza Hotel & Spa

Monterey Plaza Hotel & Spa is located in California overlooking Monterey Bay and highest rated in Cannery Row.

Otters, whales, bikes

Reviewed By stepknees

Stunning views from so many spots at this hotel, including our partial ocean-view room, from which we saw otters frolicking in the kelp beds (bring binoculars!) and humpback whales breaching and spouting in the bay. We were pleasantly surprised by the free bikes available. I'd expected either a fleet of beat-up cast-offs (which I've experienced at other hotels) or a one-hour time limit. Instead, they sent us across the street to pick up great-condition cruiser bikes with locks and handlebar bags, and we just had to get the bikes back by close of business (8pm). We rode north to Lovers Point and then south to the Dennis the Menace playground. Good meals Schooner's for dinner and breakfast, and a super easy walk to the aquarium.

9. Catamaran Resort Hotel and Spa

3999 Mission Boulevard, San Diego, CA 92109-6959 1 (858) 779-2281
Excellent
66%
Good
20%
Satisfactory
8%
Poor
4%
Terrible
3%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 6285 reviews

Catamaran Resort Hotel and Spa

The Catamaran Resort Hotel and Spa is a paradisiacal destinationon the shores of Mission Bay and mere steps from San Diego’s famous Pacific Beach. Featuring lush tropical gardens and a private beach, this Polynesian-themed hotel offers 310 guest rooms, studios or suites, each with a private balcony or patio. On-site amenities include signature restaurant Oceana Coastal Kitchen, featuring a surf and turf menu and a patio lined with tiki torches, fire pit tables and lush palms, and the Catamaran Spa, the only beachfront spa in San Diego. Additional activities include bicycle and water-sport rentals and the beach towns of Mission Beach and Pacific Beach, featuring a beachside boardwalk, Crystal Pier and a variety of cafés and boutiques. The Catamaran is conveniently located within 10 miles of major attractions including SeaWorld,the San Diego Zoo and the San Diego International Airport.

Memorial Day Weekend

Reviewed By T8694UKjessicas

Joanne assisted us at the front desk. Her level of hospitality cannot go unnoticed. She greeted us with a warm, welcoming smile. Provided us inside tips of things to do, Belmont Park is just minutes away. She made sure our room was located exactly where we had requested it with our reservation. She went above and beyond to ensure our stay would be a memorable weekend and it was! Their restaurant has a good vibe, not to mention their drinks were so delicious. Thumbs up to the tropical feel one experiences by staying at this beautiful resort! We live in San Diego and can say this was one of our best staycations ever!

10. Argonaut Hotel

495 Jefferson St, San Francisco, CA 94109-1314 1 (844) 537-1855
Excellent
64%
Good
26%
Satisfactory
6%
Poor
2%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 7392 reviews

Argonaut Hotel

Located in the heart of San Francisco's Fisherman's Wharf, Argonaut Hotel exudes the true essence of a boutique hotel. With a name like the Argonaut, it's impossible not to speak of this hotel in grand, almost legendary terms. Inspired by the Greek legend and Gold Rush-era adventurers, it's one of those rare places in San Francisco that truly merits a term like iconic. Located in the historic Haslett Warehouse, the Argonaut's home is a grand building built in 1907 of exposed brick, Douglas Fir beams and so much seaside character; you feel as though you can almost reach out and touch the colorful Barbary Coast past here.

My favorite hotel in San Francisco

Reviewed By rsa641

Friendly staff, fantastic location, charming interior, modern and comfortable rooms with comfortable beds and I love that they allow pets too! The restaurant "The Blue Mermaid" is really great, we had a large business lunch there with 9 people and the food and staff were fantastic, with reasonable prices. I also used the gym while I was there which was "just right" for my needs.

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