There’s a place in Southern California that has both stunningly blue water and picturesque scenery. Lake Arrowhead, found within the mountains of the San Bernardino National Forest, is known as ‘The Alps of California.’ With its crisp leaves in the fall and snow-covered trees in the winter, the lake offers recreational activities to do year-round.
Lake Arrowhead is one of the best-kept secrets on the west coast.
Evenings are a great time to go to dinner before heading back to your hotel or cabin after a fun day spent enjoying the lake.
We love that Lake Arrowhead reminds us of the Alps and looks nothing like we've seen before on the west coast. Would you like to take a trip to the lake?
Learn more information about lodging and dining on their website or Facebook page.
There are so many wonderful places to explore in this world, but there are some that are especially iconic- places that you’ve likely seen in movies, or simply heard about and always dreamed of visiting. Southern California is definitely such a place. For years, this region has been world-renowned for many reasons. It’s true: California’s Pacific Ocean is the place where you can experience some of the best surfing ever, enjoy beautiful weather, explore the mountains, see historical Hollywood filming locations in person, experience a legendary music scene, and so much more. Whether you’re planning to visit the Golden Coast from out of state, or you’re a local looking to further explore or have a staycation, these are some of the very best hotels in Southern California we could find.
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Best Unique Hotels to Stay in Southern California
If there’s any part of the U.S. that is especially unique, it’s SoCal. From the vast, historical, and diverse city of Los Angeles to the surrounding counties in this region, the opportunities for one-of-a-kind sights and experiences are endless. If you’re looking for a place to stay that isn’t so ordinary, we think that these two hotels are excellent options.
Address: 3649 Mission Inn Avenue, Riverside, CA 92501
Price $108/Nightly
Amenities: Pool, Fitness Center, Spa, Restaurant, Bar
Rating 4/5
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This incredible hotel is one of the most unique accommodations in California, and you’ll have an unforgettable experience if you stay here. The Spanish-inspired architecture of the Mission Inn defines the entire resort, which includes six restaurants, an outdoor pool, a chapel, and a cupcake shop. The guest rooms here are amazing, offering modern amenities in addition to stained-glass windows, vaulted ceilings, and private balconies. It’s very close to other nearby attractions, such as the Riverside Art Museum, but you could easily spend most of your time enjoying all that the hotel offers on-site.
Address: 100 Madonna Rd, San Luis Obispo, CA 93405
Price $278/Nightly
Amenities: Pool, Fitness Center, Spa, Restaurant, Bar, Horse Back Riding
Rating 4/5
Located in San Luis Obispo near Pismo Beach, the Madonna Inn is the perfect unique getaway for all ages. The whimsical theming will enchant you from the moment you check in at this cottage-inspired hotel, and you’ll love the restaurant and lounge, cafe, bakery, beautiful swimming pool, tennis courts, and various other on-site features. The guest rooms here are especially fun, with each room decorated in a kitschy style and offering unique amenities. The Madonna Inn is perfect for any occasion and is one of the most memorable experiences you can have in SoCal.
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Best Hotel Pools in Southern California
In Southern California’s Mediterranean climate, you can actually swim throughout most of the year! And in the winter, there are often days that are warm enough to take a dip in a heated pool. Many of the hotels in SoCal have awesome pools, but these two are particularly amazing.
Amenities: Pool, Fitness Center, Spa, Restaurant, Bar, Oceanfront, Pet Friendly
Rating 4.4/5
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In coastal Orange County, Montage Laguna Beach is a remarkable resort set on an oceanfront cliff. This hotel is a luxe experience, offering spa treatments, on-site fine dining options, a fine art collection, and stores. Guest rooms include modern amenities, while also featuring marble bathrooms and private balconies with incredible ocean views. The pool, however, is especially great. There are actually three pools, but one is an oceanfront mosaic pool with cabanas. Be sure to also check out the bungalows you can reserve on-site as well.
4. The London West Hollywood at Beverly Hills, West Hollywood
Address: 1020 N San Vicente Blvd, West Hollywood, CA 90069
Price $372/Nightly
Amenities: Pool, Fitness Center, Restaurant, Bar, Breakfast, Pet Friendly
Rating 4.6
If you’re visiting LA in the summer, a stay at The London West Hollywood at Beverly Hills will give you the quintessential experience. This hotel is very close to everything in Beverly Hills and Hollywood, so you’ll be near some great food, nightlife, and of course, all the touristy stuff. The guest rooms feature luxurious bathrooms with hand-cut tiles, and some rooms have incredible views where you can overlook the mountains and city. The heated rooftop pool offers even greater views and is right next to an upscale eatery that features a menu by Gordon Ramsey! The location and the vibes of this hotel pool are what make it stand out as one of the best in Southern California. And if you’re missing the beach, fear not; while this hotel isn’t within walking distance from the sand, you won’t be too far away from Santa Monica or Malibu by car. Plus it's one of the best luxury hotels in Southern California.
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Best Luxury Hotels in Southern California
There are many luxury hotels in Southern California that’ll have you feeling super fancy, and each one offers something special to make your stay even more magnificent. And with so much natural beauty to serve as a backdrop, some resorts seem absolutely paradisiacal. But we feel that these two hotels in particular offer an opulent experience that is distinct from other luxury resorts in SoCal and beyond.
5. Disney's Grand Californian Hotel & Spa, Anaheim
Amenities: Pool, Hot Tub, Spa, Nail Salon, Fitness Center, Restaurant
Rating 4/5
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Another thing Southern California is known for is its amusement parks- particularly, the Happiest Place on Earth! Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa is an amazing lodge-style resort that is both luxurious and family-friendly. You’ll immediately notice the impressive six-foot-story lobby, as well as the immaculate attention to detail as you explore the theming of the hotel. The Grand Californian offers three outdoor pools with a poolside restaurant, hot tub, and water slide as well as a spa and wellness center where you can book a massage or a nail appointment. There are various kinds of guest rooms to choose from when you book, as well as suites that offer more elegant features. There are several on-site restaurants, gift shops, family activities, and a private entrance into Disney’s California Adventure Park.
Address: 9641 Sunset Blvd, Beverly Hills, CA 90210
Price $1,195/Nightly
Amenities: Pool, Hot Tub, Spa, Fitness Center, Restaurant, Gift Shop
Rating 4.5/4
The Beverly Hills Hotel is both luxurious and iconic. Built in 1912, this historic stay is not only one of the most famous stays in California; it’s well-known throughout the entire country. Since its opening, this pastel pink hotel has seen many Hollywood legends, such as Marilyn Monroe, Elizabeth Taylor, John Lennon, and many others. Today (for a steep price), you can enjoy the hotel’s many incredible features, such as an elegant restaurant, a vintage soda fountain, an outdoor eatery, and a lovely pool area. It’s also closeby to the famed Rodeo Drive, as well as other worthwhile LA activities. Guest rooms are as glamorous as you’d imagine they’d be in this 91201 icon.
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Best Boutique Hotels in Southern California
You can totally have a California dream vacation without staying at a massive luxury resort. In fact, some of the boutique hotels in SoCal may offer something a little more special and off the beaten path. These two boutique hotels are sure to provide a very pleasant getaway that you’ll remember for years to come.
Amenities: Pool, Hot Tub, Fitness Center, Restaurant, Room Service
Rating 4.5/5
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Just ten miles North of beautiful Montecito, the Kimpton Canary Hotel is the perfect boutique hotel for a picture-perfect weekend in Santa Barbara. Guest rooms feature four-poster beds with Italian linens, and suites offer soaking tubs in addition to a comfortable sitting area. The hotel provides a rooftop pool and lounge, a restaurant, a fitness center, complimentary loaner bikes, and a wine hour in the evenings. You’ll also be close to Stearns Wharf, the Santa Barbara Zoo, and of course, the beach!
Address: 555 S Warm Sands Dr, Palm Springs, CA 92264
Price $144/Nightly
Amenities: Pool, Hot Tub, Breakfast, Pet Friendly
Rating 5/5
If you aren’t from Southern California, it may come as a surprise to learn that there are many different climate zones in the state. And when planning a SoCal vacation, chances are you're thinking of experiencing some of our beautiful beaches. But don’t forget: Southern California is also home to forests, mountains, and deserts! Les Cactus adults-only hotel is a great place to explore the desert golf course city of Palm Springs. Bohemium-themed rooms feature wicker furniture and comfortable, stylish amenities, and upgrades are available if you’re looking for a nicer bathroom. There’s an outdoor pool area with hammocks and fire pits, as well as a garden and hot tub area. Breakfast is available here, and pets are welcome! Beyond the hotel, you’ll love to explore the Palm Springs area- there’s great shopping, dining, golf clubs, and museums to experience.
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Best Beach Resorts in Southern California
With roughly 150 miles of unbelievably beautiful coastline, it makes sense that some of the best beachfront hotels in the U.S. can be found in Southern California. If you’re searching for a dreamlike resort to stay at while you enjoy the legendary West Coast, one of these four hotels might be just what you’re looking for.
Amenities: Pool, Hot Tub, Restaurants, Shopping, Pet Friendly, Fire Pits, Yoga, Beachfront, Live Music
Rating 3.55
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If you’re picturing a classic Californian beach vacation, the Hotel del Coronado (Curio Collection by Hilton) is unmatched. This charming, 65,000-square-foot Victorian property was built in 1888 and was actually designated as a National Historical Landmark in the 1970s. Today, guests can choose from a variety of guest rooms- all of which are light, airy, and modern while maintaining that archetypal beach resort feel. This beachfront resort has so much to experience, such as a spa with an infinity pool, two pools, a hot tub, multiple beachfront eateries, live music, shops, and yoga classes. You can even become a member of the hotel’s beach club, (The Club at The Del) if you want to continue to enjoy all that the hotel has to offer. And just five miles away, guests can continue to explore the wonderful city of San Diego.
Address: 100 Terranea Way, Rancho Palos Verdes, CA 90275
Price $540/Nightly
Amenities: Pool, Hot Tub, Restaurant, Bar, Golf, Beachfront
Rating 4/5
Closer to Long Beach, the beautiful Terranea Resort in Rancho Palos Verdes sits on roughly 100 acres of coastline. This Mediterranean-style resort is truly one of the nicest beachfront accommodations in Southern California and offers so much to do for guests of all ages. There’s a total of four pools, a golf course, yoga classes, eight restaurants, and an adults-only spa. All guest rooms include private balconies and ocean views, but you can upgrade to stay in a larger space with a fireplace and more living space. What makes this resort stand out overall, however, is its remarkable setting. It's among the best resorts in Southern California.
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11. Seabird Resort- A Destination by Hyatt, Oceanside
Amenities: Pool, Hot Tub, Sauna, Restaurant, Bar, Beachfront, Golf
Rating 4.5/5
Just before you hit San Diego, you’ll pass through the city of Oceanside: home of the largest wooden pier on the West Coast. The Seabird Resort is the best place to stay here, for many reasons: it’s right on the beach, offers incredible views throughout the property, and features a great restaurant, two bars, a luxe spa, and an oceanfront pool. The rooms are upscale but comfortable, with some providing ocean views and free-standing tubs. If you want a California beach vacation that’s a little more cost-effective, this resort definitely shouldn’t be overlooked. It's one of the best luxury resorts in Southern California. The Oceanside and Carlsbad area is a great location, and the hotel is right off the I-5, which is perfect if you decide to drive up to LA or down to San Diego.
Address: 6602 Old Pacific Coast Hwy, Ventura, CA 93001
Price $213/Nightly
Amenities: Pool, Beachfront, Restaurant, Beachfront
Rating 3.5/5
Last we have a modest, family-owned hotel that isn’t as upscale as others on this list but offers one of the dreamiest locations in all of Southern California. Sitting right off of the iconic 101 freeway, the Cliff House Inn on the Ocean in Ventura is the perfect place to escape and take in the wondrous beauty of the California Coast. The comfortable rooms have the basic amenities, the hotel offers a restaurant, as well as complimentary breakfast. The outdoor pool is steps away from a private beach, and behind the property are breathtaking coastal mountains that look as though they were taken straight from a postcard. While this hotel is no Four Seasons Hotel or the Ritz-Carlton, it’s located in an area of SoCal that’s truly a hidden gem. The beaches of Ventura and Carpinteria are so beautiful that it’s hard to believe, and when you visit, you’ll see that they offer some of the best waters for surfing and swimming. The laidback small towns here are also very enjoyable- be sure to check out this option for something a little different!
That concludes our list of the 12 best hotels in Southern California! Have you ever been to any of these resorts? Are there any hotels that you would add to this list? Let us know in the comments, and be sure to check out this list of things to see and do in SoCal when you visit.
Northern California has so many wonderful things to offer, including pristine beaches and a rugged coastline, beautiful lakes, wine country, spectacular National Parks, charming small towns, and bustling cities. Whatever you have in mind for your next getaway, we have found the best resorts and best hotels in Northern California. From unique and intimate boutique stays to incredible pools to world-class luxury accommodations, these highly-rated properties will take your vacation to a whole new level.
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Best Unique Hotels to Stay in Northern California
Looking for something a little out of the ordinary, a place to stay that doesn’t feel like any place you have been before? We have just what you need. Among the nicest hotels in Northern California are these properties, highly rated not only for the level of comfort and service they provide but for the details that set them apart from the crowd and provide a truly unique experience.
The Rose Hotel offers a unique combination of luxurious accommodations, exceptional service, and the charm of a country bed and breakfast. The elegant rooms and suites are individually decorated and feature custom robes and slippers, jetted tubs, organic bath products, scented candles, and a fresh rose on a wall sconce. The lobby exudes hospitality with a crackling fireplace, fresh flowers, and coffee, tea, and refreshments available around the clock. The hotel’s downtown location means upscale shops, cafes, salons, and more are within walking distance. The Rose Hotel also offers special packages to make your stay even more unforgettable.
Address: 3287 Mount Diablo Blvd, Lafayette, CA 94549
Price: $249/Night
Amenities: Pool, Sauna, Spa Service, Restaurant, Bar/Lounge, Fitness Center
Ratings: 9.2/10 Wonderful
Located near the center of the San Francisco Bay Area, the incredible Lafayette Park Hotel and Spa is a romantic escape that is anything but cookie-cutter. In fact, it feels more like a chateau in the French countryside than a California hotel. Guests are immersed in European charm and luxury with beautiful courtyards, rolling green hills, and grand oak trees. Unwind by the pristine pool, take a relaxing walk, or schedule a deep-tissue massage and feel any tension melt away. One of the best restaurants in the area, The Park Bistro and Bar, offers European-inspired farm-to-table cuisine, an outdoor terrace, Wine and Beer Maker Dinners, and room service. Lafayette Park is one of the best-rated hotels in Northern California, and it offers endless options to create your ideal vacation.
It may be hard to find a more unique stay than Seven Gables Inn on Monterey Bay. The historic inn was originally built in 1886 and encompasses seven Victorian-style houses on the waterfront in Monterey. The rooms are light, airy, and elegantly appointed, with some rooms offering fireplaces, sofas, and spectacular ocean views. This property is ideally located for enjoying all that Monterey has to offer, including the famous Cannery Row, Fisherman’s Wharf, the beautiful 17-Mile Drive, Monterey Bay Aquarium, and nearby Carmel-by-the-Sea. Up for a little more adventure? Within an hour’s drive along the coast, you can explore Big Sur and the coastal redwoods of Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park.
Best Hotel Pools in Northern California
There are many beautiful hotels in Northern California, but for some travelers, the perfect vacation means a truly amazing or unique pool. These hotels are each remarkable for several reasons but are especially notable for their epic pools.
Amenities: Outdoor Pools, Hot Tubs, Poolside Bar, Spa, 24-hour Fitness Center, Wine Tasting, Restaurants
Ratings: 9.0/10 Wonderful
Who says you can’t have it all? Carneros Resort and Spa is a luxurious retreat in Sonoma County with not one, but two outdoor pools with hot tubs - one for the whole family and one for adults only. Swim, float, or soak with expansive views of Napa Valley’s vineyard-covered rolling hills, or reserve a poolside cabana for the day. Between sessions at the pool, enjoy the tranquility of your own private cottage or residence. Cottages and homes feature premium bedding, private porches, gardens, sun decks, and fire pits, as well as in-room wine dispensers. The on-site spa at Carneros Resort offers massages, body treatments, hydrotherapy, and a steam room. This is one of the most relaxing luxury resorts in Northern California.
Amenities: Pool, Yoga Classes, Wifi, Bicycles, Spa
Ratings: 4.5/5 Excellent
Calistoga and, in fact, this resort have long been sought out for the healing qualities of natural thermal waters. The main Olympic-sized mineral pool at Indian Springs Calistoga was built in 1913. A poolside fireplace and lounge, umbrellas, floats, and pool noodles are available for guests of any age to enjoy. The adults-only pool is smaller and more intimate, a quiet retreat with beautiful landscaping and night lighting. The pools are open until midnight so guests can enjoy a long soak under the stars. The pools are kept at a temperature ranging from 92 to 102 degrees Fahrenheit, depending on the season, and are fed by natural underground springs that surface through four thermal geysers on the property. In addition to the swimming pools, guests can lounge around the tropical Buddha Pond.Of course, Indian Springs Calistoga has far more to offer than incredible mineral pools. Accommodations, which include bungalows, historic cottages, houses, and The Lodge with its adult-only rooms are situated throughout the 17-acre property and each offers a unique vibe and view. The full-service spa offers facial and body treatments as well as mud rooms, infrared saunas, and a Himalayan Salt Room, all of which add to the healing benefits of the pools.
Best Luxury Hotels in Northern California
If what you are looking for is not simply one of the best hotels in Northern California, but an unmatched level of luxury, these hotels provide an atmosphere, experience, and service unparalleled by other properties.
Address: 180 Rutherford Hill Rd, Rutherford, CA 94573
Price: $1,575/Night
Amenities: Pool, Poolside Bar, Restaurants, Spa, 24-Hour Health Club
Ratings: 9.6/10 Exceptional
Inspired by the South of France, Auberge du Soleil envelopes guests in luxury, tucked within a large olive grove in Napa Valley, reminiscent of the Mediterranean landscape of Tuscany. Everything about this resort is designed for relaxation in an atmosphere of elevated sophistication and elegance. Exceptionally comfortable rooms offer amenities like indoor or outdoor deep soaking tubs, fireplaces, private garden areas, outdoor showers, stunning views, turndown service, and Champagne service. Two heated pools are surrounded by lush greenery, comfortable lounges and cabanas, and a wooden boardwalk-style pool deck. The high-end spa offers facials, body treatments, Thai massages, and hydrotherapy together with stunning views. The luxury of Auberge du Soleil is an unforgettable experience.
Address: 9215 48688 Victoria Ln, Oakhurst, CA 93644
Price: $695/Night
Amenities: Seasonal Pool, Communal Living Room, Spa, Restaurant/Bar, Wifi
Ratings: 10/10 Exceptional
Chateau du Sureau is a 5-star luxury hotel that provides outstanding service and a romantic, fairytale-like ambiance. Four-poster beds with down comforters, fireplaces, high ceilings, jacuzzi tubs, and luxurious furnishings in individually decorated and furnished rooms whisk guests away to another world. Erna’s Elderberry House, with its intimate dining room and candelabra-style chandeliers, serves classic French cuisine for brunch and dinner. Indulge your senses in the spa with aromatherapy, hot stone massages, and body treatments. Stay close and relax in the onsite pool and gardens, or step out to enjoy a day at nearby Yosemite National Park, Fresno Flats Historical Park, or Bass Lake Recreation Area. This hotel is pet-friendly so even your fur-babies can enjoy a vacation at one of the best luxury hotels in Northern California.
Best Boutique Hotels in Northern California
While larger chain hotels can certainly provide consistency and a wonderful vacation experience, perhaps you prefer a smaller, one-of-a-kind hotel. If so, these hotels definitely belong on the list of the top hotels in Northern California, as they offer exceptional service and excellence in a more intimate, unique setting.
Eden Vale Inn is a luxurious seven-room bed and breakfast retreat with amazing amenities including private outdoor soaking tubs, in-room fireplaces, and special packages such as champagne and spa tub essentials to accompany your private tub. Each day starts with a complimentary, seasonal breakfast that celebrates locally-sourced ingredients. At Eden Vale Inn, priority is given to elegant details and guest accommodation, including catering to individual dietary and scheduling needs. Eden Vale is also the perfect venue for an intimate wedding with a gorgeous pavilion and an experienced on-site staff that can make your day everything you want it to be.
The Inn Above Tide in the charming fairytale-like town of Sausalito is an intimate waterfront retreat with stunning views of San Francisco. Every luxurious room or suite at The Inn Above Tide has a furnished deck with panoramic views of the bay, including the city skyline, Alcatraz, and Marin. In-room fireplaces, complimentary breakfast served in the Drawing Room or delivered to guests’ rooms, and a nightly wine and cheese reception add to the quiet luxury of the inn. The shops, restaurants, and galleries of the Sausalito village are practically next door, and the scenic wine country areas of Napa and Sonoma are just a short drive away.
Best Beach Resorts in Northern California
Northern California is known for its dramatic coastline and stunning, rugged beaches. Each of these extraordinary resort properties provides an unforgettable beach vacation and allows you to enjoy the California coast like never before.
The Inn at Spanish Bay is all about relaxation, surrounded by a Scottish-style golf course, pine forests, and the beautiful California coastline. Every room at the resort features stylish furnishings and a private fireplace, and most have private balconies or patios with a view of the Inn’s pristine surroundings. Explore a variety of award-winning dining options from Hawaiian-fusion to Italian cuisine, or visit the upscale yet cozy Stave Wine Cellar to enjoy local wines, craft beers, small bites, and charcuterie. Become a member of The Spanish Bay Club and gain access to even more amenities, such as the tennis pavilion, fitness center, 25-yard heated pool, whirlpool spa, and private events. Play a round of golf, take a walk at Pebble Beach, shop at the onsite retail arcade, or sit by one of the fire pits and listen as the Inn’s famous bagpiper play as the sun goes down.
Address: 1 Miramontes Point Rd, Half Moon Bay, CA 94019
Price: $869/Night
Amenities: Spa, Golf, Tennis, Fire Pits, Fitness Center, Restaurants, Business Center
Ratings: 9.0/10 Superb
Situated on a scenic bluff along the Pacific coast, roughly centered between San Jose and San Francisco, The Ritz-Carlton Half Moon Bay is one of the most stunning beachfront resorts in Northern California. This 5-star luxury resort marries a grand presence with outstanding service and meticulous attention to detail. Everything from the championship golf courses to the Ocean Lawn fire pits to The Conservatory and Navio restaurants - even the 24-hour fitness center - overlooks the Pacific Ocean. Local wines are served at the Club lounge. Rejuvenating spa treatments that follow the changing seasons are designed to relax and nurture. Guest rooms and suites feature luxury bedding, deep soaking tubs, and views ranging from the ocean to the mountains to the golf course. The Ritz-Carlton Half Moon Bay is truly "Luxury without limits." Needless to say, it's among the best resorts in Northern California.
Address: 4104 Lakeshore Blvd, South Lake Tahoe, CA 96150
Price: $349
Amenities: Pool, Hot Tub, Spa Services, On-Site Dining, Beach Towels, Wifi
Ratings: 9.0/10 Superb
Not every one of California’s beaches is on the ocean. The Landing Resort and Spa is a spectacular beachfront vacation of a different kind, situated on the southern shore of the sparkling blue Lake Tahoe. The resort offers a different, but equally wonderful, experience with each season. The resort specializes in a secluded, laid-back atmosphere with an attentive, friendly staff and fabulous amenities. Lakefront rooms and suites are diverse, featuring chic and lavish furnishings, and appointed with luxurious amenities such as stone fireplaces, heated toilet seats, pillow-top beds, and plush terry robes. Jimmy’s Restaurant serves wood-fired dishes freshly prepared with locally sourced ingredients and offers cozy private dining spaces, a spacious patio, and an onyx bar in Jimmy’s Lounge. It is a short walk to the renowned Heavenly Village where guests find a massive array of activities.
A stay at any of these highly-rated properties is unforgettable. Have you ever stayed in one of the best hotels in Northern California? Do you have a favorite luxury hotel in the state? We would love to hear about your experiences in the comments. Need a little more inspiration? Check out these 12 magnificent escapes in Northern California.
