Hotel Californian is the new kid on the once-run-down block that is the lower end of State St. Spearheading the area's rehabilitation, it would be worth staying here just for the prime location (next to the beach, Stearns Wharf and the Funk Zone) but its appeal goes way beyond geography. A winning architectural mix of Spanish Colonial and North African Moorish styles set a glamorous tone.
The hotel's original history was brief. It opened to much fanfare in 1925 and was an instant hit with both visitors and locals, until just a few short weeks later the powerful earthquake that leveled most of the city struck and forced the permanent closure of the damaged Californian. Nearly a century later it's open again, and behind the original facade it's as glorious as ever.
Spread across three buildings, the spacious rooms come in four color schemes (orange, green, yellow and purple) and most have balconies along with attractive design features such as latticework and arched windows. Amenities include a spa and rooftop pool, three restaurants (open to nonguests) and boutique shopping.
