Must-see hotels in Southern California

  • The US Grant Hotel of San Diego at night
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    US Grant Hotel

    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…

  • Hotel Californian

    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…

  • Belmondo El Encanto

    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…

  • Malibu Beach Inn

    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…

  • Rowan Palm Springs

    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…

  • Pacific Crest Hotel

    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…

  • Pavilion Hotel

    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…

  • Sacred Sands

    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…

  • Kate's Lazy Desert

    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…

  • El Morocco Inn & Spa

    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…

  • Santa Barbara Auto Camp

    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…

  • Villa Anita

    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…

  • Spanish Garden Inn

    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…

  • Inn at Death Valley

    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…

  • Arrive Hotel

    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…

  • L'Horizon

    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…

  • Kimpton Solamar

    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…

  • Rimrock Ranch Cabins

    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…

  • Hotel Erwin

    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…

  • Banning House Lodge

    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…

  • 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,…

  • Aerial View of the Crystal Pier in Pacific Beach on an Overcast Day San Diego California
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    Crystal Pier Hotel & Cottages

    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…

  • Legoland Hotel

    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…

  • Rose Hotel

    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…

  • Venice Suites

    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…

  • Simpson House Inn

    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…

  • 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…

  • Pioneertown Motel

    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…

  • Venice Breeze Suites

    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,…

  • Orbit In

    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…

  • Hacienda at Warm Sands

    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…

  • Tower 23

    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…

  • 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.

  • Knott’s Berry Farm Hotel

    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…

  • The M Malibu

    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…

  • Canary Hotel

    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…

  • Hotel del Coronado

    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…

  • Venice Beach Suites & Hotel

    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,…

  • Stovepipe Wells Village Hotel

    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…

  • Glorietta Bay Inn

    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…