San Diego
This 11-stories high 1910 hotel was built as the fancy-city counterpart to the Hotel del Coronado and has hosted everyone from Albert Einstein to Harry…
Must-see hotels in Southern California
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Santa Barbara
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…
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Santa Barbara
Triumphantly reborn in 2013, this 1908 icon of Santa Barbara style is a hilltop hideaway for travelers who demand the very best of everything. An infinity…
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Malibu & Pacific Palisades
This intimate, adult-oriented hacienda was recently given a four-star upgrade by Waldo Hernandez, celebrity designer who has done work for the likes of…
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Greater Palm Springs
This hotel, opened in 2017, is literally tops in town. Palm Springs' tallest building (seven stories, but still...) offers unparalleled views of the…
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Santa Barbara
Wonderfully friendly Greg and Jennifer make sure all guests feel at home at their boutique motel, close to East Beach and the zoo. Landscaped grounds…
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Los Angeles
This low-slung, sweet but not swanky resort feels much more intimate than its 71 units would suggest. Rooms have attractive rattan furnishings, comfy beds…
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Joshua Tree National Park
In an isolated, pin-drop-quiet spot, these two desert-chic suites are the ultimate romantic retreat. Each has a kitchenette and a private patio with…
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Joshua Tree National Park
Owned by Kate Pierson of the band B-52s, this desert camp has a coin-sized pool (May to October) and half-a-dozen artist-designed Airstream trailers to…
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Greater Palm Springs
Heed the call of the casbah at this drop-dead gorgeous hideaway where the scene is set for romance. Twelve exotically furnished rooms wrap around a pool…
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Santa Barbara
Ramp up the retro chic and bed down with vintage style in one of six shiny silver Airstream trailers parked next to a historic RV park near upper State St…
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Death Valley National Park
Staying at this artist-run three-room B&B feels much like bunking with good friends. Using recycled materials whenever possible, Carlo and David have…
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Santa Barbara
At this Spanish-style inn, casual elegance, first-rate service and a romantic central courtyard will have you feeling like the don of your own private…
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Death Valley National Park
Roll out of bed, pull back the curtains and count the colors of the desert at this 1927 Spanish Mission–style hotel that emerged from a major rejuvenation…
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Greater Palm Springs
Rusted steel, wood and concrete are the main design ingredients of this stylish lair where the bar doubles as reception. The 32 spacious, phone-less rooms…
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Greater Palm Springs
The intimate William F Cody–designed retreat that saw celebs such as Marilyn Monroe and Ronald Reagan lounging poolside has been rebooted as a sleek and…
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San Diego
The 235-room Solamar delivers hip style without breaking the bank. Rooms sport hodge-podge decor with eccentric lamps, patterned carpets, yoga mats and…
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Joshua Tree National Park
Camp in a knotty-pine cabin just like Gene Autry and Roy Rogers did in the 1940s at this soulful desert hideaway 4.5 miles north of Pioneertown. All have…
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Venice, Marina Del Rey & Playa del Rey
This old motor inn has been dressed up, colored and otherwise funkified in retro style. Think eye-popping oranges, yellows and greens, framed photos of…
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Los Angeles
Built in 1910 by the Banning brothers, who owned the island at the time, this classic craftsman has been converted into an inviting B&B. All 12 rooms are…
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Springhill Suites Oceanside Downtown
San Diego
This modern, six-story, ocean-view hotel is awash in summery yellows and sea blues in the lobby. Rooms have crisp lines and distressed-wood headboards,…
San Diego
Charming Crystal Pier consists of 29 breezy cottages from the 1930s built right on a wooden pier and flaunting dreamy ocean views from spacious decks. All…
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San Diego
Lego designers were let loose on this hotel, just outside Legoland's main gate, and boy is it fun. Thousands of Lego models (dragons to surfers) populate…
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Venice, Marina Del Rey & Playa del Rey
This intimate, low-slung, pension-style inn was built in 1908 and recently refurbished with beach-cottage cool. It's on a quiet street just off the beach…
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Venice, Marina Del Rey & Playa del Rey
This former apartment building offers tasty one-bedroom suites and studios right on the Boardwalk with a beachy, modern-minimalist aesthetic, hardwood…
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Santa Barbara
Whether you book an elegant room with a claw-foot bathtub or a sweet cottage with a fireplace, you'll be pampered at this Victorian-era estate ensconced…
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Spin & Margie's Desert Hide-a-Way
Joshua Tree National Park
This handsome hacienda-style inn is perfect for restoring calm after a long day on the road. The five boldly colored suites are an eccentric symphony of…
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Joshua Tree National Park
Bed down where yesteryear's silver-screen stars slept while filming at the 1946 Pioneertown Hollywood-Western movie set. New owners have upgraded the…
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Venice, Marina Del Rey & Playa del Rey
This 31-room beachfront property feels like home away from home. A cool wooden elevator takes you up to stylish studios and suites boasting wood floors,…
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Greater Palm Springs
Swing back to the '50s – pinkie raised and all – with free ‘Orbitinis’ during cocktail hour at this fabulously retro property, with high-end mid-Century…
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Greater Palm Springs
With Indonesian teak furnishings, this 10-suite gay male resort raises the bar for luxury with its pillow menu, flawless landscaping, two pools and a…
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San Diego
If you like your oceanfront stay with contemporary cool style, this modernist place has an awesome location, minimalist decor, lots of teals and mint…
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San Elijo State Beach Campground
San Diego
Great location overlooking the surf at the end of Birmingham Dr. Services include fire rings, laundry, showers, restrooms and a convenience store.
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Orange County
Say 'good night,' not 'good grief,' in a Snoopy-themed room at this nine-story, 320-room hotel bordering Knott's Berry Farm and its beloved Camp Snoopy…
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Malibu & Pacific Palisades
This recently modernized, 18-room motel offers a minimalist cool vibe with comfy beds draped in crisp linen, slate floors in the bathrooms, plus coffee…
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Santa Barbara
On a busy block downtown, this grand multistory hotel has a rooftop pool and sunset-watching perch for cocktails. Stylish accommodations show off four…
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San Diego
Now managed by Hilton, San Diego’s iconic hotel provides the essential Coronado experience: over a century of history, a pool, full-service spa, well…
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Venice, Marina Del Rey & Playa del Rey
Old Venice funky and old-sandal comfy, this place right on the Boardwalk scores big for bend-over-backwards staff. Take Betsy, the creaky 1913 elevator,…
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Death Valley National Park
The 83 rooms at this private resort have beds draped in quality linens and accented with cheerful Native American–patterned blankets. The small pool is…
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San Diego
Overshadowed by the neighboring Hotel Del, the Glorietta is built in and around the neoclassical 1908 Spreckels Mansion – 11 rooms in the mansion, 89 in…
