20 Best Boutique Hotels in California

From Palm Springs and Yosemite to Malibu and L.A., California is a vast and eclectic destination. And the hotel options mirror that, with a huge range of choice and all sorts of weird and wonderful styles to pick from. There’s a pretty big variation in what you find when a hotel refers to itself as ‘boutique’ as well. The term in Californian use is less discerning than in say Paris or London, with much larger, much less independent hotels calling themselves boutique too. So we’ve included properties in this list of the best boutique hotels in California which you might think are better categorised as restaurants with rooms, or small hotels, or design hotels, but we think this broader list is a better way to see some of the amazing accommodation options California has to offer without turning to our list of all the best places to stay in California.

Bijou Boutique

• Set in beautiful grounds, featuring vines, olives and citrus, the Duchamp Hotel is a romantic escape with just six boutique suites. Inside are fireplaces and spa showers, and outside there are private terraces, a heated pool and hot tub, and a fantastic selection of wines — because the Duchamp is in Healdsburg, in the heart of Sonoma wine country. There’s no restaurant onsite, but they offer breakfast and there are some wonderful restaurants within a short, romantic walk.

For romance

• Modelled on a French chateau, the Enchante Boutique Hotel in Palo Alto has just 19 luxurious rooms and suites, and a fabulous French/American bistro. This is a romantic pick, with mood-enhancing details like chandeliers, fireplaces, four-poster beds and stand-alone baths.

For Urban Chic

• The Battery is a very exclusive hotel sitting within a private members’ club in San Francisco’s Jackson Square. This building was once a sweet factory, and the designers have made use of the industrial background in their decor — think exposed red-brick walls, high ceilings, square pillars and metal. All accented with some nice custom and vintage pieces. And, as well as being in an exceptional location, you get access to the club’s facilities.
• In East Hollywood, just a skip and a hop from Melrose Avenue, Gold-Diggers is a classic boutique hotel, with just a handful of rooms with individually designed decor and detailing. In addition to the velvet sofas, cool art and antiques and gold taps, Gold-Diggers invites you to create a personalised soundtrack to your stay, which you can collate from vinyl and cassettes, as well as digital sources. Romance and Hollywood glamour on a budget.

For Rustic Chic Style

• An Inn 2 Remember is another small offering in the Sonoma wine region, this time chicly converted from a clapboard cottage. The gardens are lush, and the decor certainly plays on the cottage’s historic charms: think artfully mismatched antiques and textured neutrals. There are just seven rooms and suites.
• The Summerwood Inn is a warm, welcoming inn, overlooking the vineyards around Paso Robles, and its own beautiful gardens. There are just nine rooms and suites, all large and chic, with a monochromatic theme. Breakfast is excellent, and while there’s no restaurant, there are lots of excellent choices nearby. These’s also a lot to do in the area, whether you’re looking for relaxation, or adventure.

Best Beach Boutique Hotels

• Sitting by the fire pit on the terrace of The Surfrider you’re overlooking the ocean just along from Malibu Pier, and you’re right by the rooftop restaurant and cocktail bar. It’s a great place for watching the surfing, or for trying some surfing. There are just 20 rooms and suites, decorated in neutral colours and natural woods, with coffee table books and Scandi objets as accents.
• Just three minutes from the Pier, the Malibu Beach Inn is central and chic, yet surprisingly private feeling. The best thing about the 47 rooms and suites are arguably the floor to ceiling windows, but the understated decor is comfortable and pleasing, and the onsite spa, private beach and cool restaurant complete the Malibu experience. Works well for families too.
• Even though it’s just a short walk from Santa Barbara Beach, and it’s painted a gorgeous blue, the Hideaway Santa Barbara is quite a convincing hideaway. There are just nine B&B rooms, beautifully designed, with a nautical nod. All feature working fireplaces, marble bathrooms and plenty of light. This is the second home most of us would love!

For Boutique Style in the Desert

• Palm Springs has a 1960s glamour that permeates even the coolest contemporary hotels, but the Dive Hotel has really embraced the vibe, and created a super stylish retreat reminiscent of 60s St. Tropez — with enough rattan furniture and pool parasols to complete the package. There are just 11 rooms and suites, individually decorated, plus a palm-dotted garden, a pool and hot tubs, and fire pits. There’s no restaurant but there are many nearby.

For Foodies

• Single Thread is a three Michelin starred Japanese influenced restaurant in Healdsburg, a picturesque village in the heart of Sonoma wine country. As a slight aside from the eleven course tasting menu the restaurant is known for, which is all farm-to-fork and based on 72 micro-growing-seasons, Single Thread has five boutique guestrooms. The decor is slick and contemporary, and they all have gas fireplaces and huge marble bathrooms. The breakfast is bound to impress too.
• The Ballard Inn is an award-winning restaurant with 15 rooms, in sleepy, yet elegant Ballard, which is in the heart of California’s wine country. The rooms are housed in a Victorian-style villas and the decor is tasteful-not-showy, with value-adding features like working fireplaces and balconies. The gardens and verandah are a lovely place to taste local wines.
• The exteriors of the North Block Hotel make it look like it belongs in Tuscany, though its 20 rooms, suites and villas are in the heart of Yountville in the Napa Valley. Inside, the accommodation is spacious and simply decorated, with timeless styles and neutral colours. The onsite restaurant is excellent, and there are a couple of Michelin starred offerings nearby, along with winery cellars. The garden hides a heated pool, spa and hot tub. And they offer complimentary bike hire for the whole family.
• The Fess Parker Wine Country Inn in Los Olivos, another exceptional Californian wine centre, is by Hollywood star Fess Parker. There are just 19 rooms and suites, all spacious, but homely — think fireplaces, lamps, throws and an outdoor fire pit. There’s lots to do on site, including a heated pool and gym plus award winning vineyards and winery, and in the local area too. And they offer cooking classes.

For Families

• The Newport Beach Hotel is a chic choice for soaking up Newport’s vibrant beach scene, with 15 airy rooms overlooking the ocean. There’s a nautical feel, art, views, private balconies and terraces and an excellent seafood restaurant. The family suites are affordable, and there’s lots to do in the area.

Boutique Escapes

• Autocamp Yosemite is one of our Guru’s favourite glamping picks because there’s such an amazing range of semi-camping options, from safari-style tents to Airstream caravans and rustic cabins. And it’s all set up like a hotel, with a bar, lounge and pool, and they serve breakfast. And it’s only 45 minutes from the entrance to Yosemite National Park, surrounded by incredible landscape.
• The Bernardus Lodge & Spa is scenic and relaxing, and that rare combination of both romantic and family friendly. The space helps: there’s lots of it! And the views extend to vineyards, 28 acres of lavender, olive groves and the Santa Lucia Mountain Range beyond. The range of room sizes helps too, with everything from doubles to family suites and villas, and the rooms are spacious too. The restaurant is excellent and the wine list beggars belief.

For Great Value Style

• Considering its location in downtown L.A, and chic Film Noir-feeling decor, the Tuck Hotel offers some of the best value chic in California. There are just 14 rooms and suites, dressed in monochrome, with black walls, gauzy drapes and spotlights reminiscent of a Hollywood after party. And it’s close to the action after dark.
• The Napa Valley’s Senza Hotel, with its sweeping vineyard views and simple decor, is a great pick if you want to be in the very heart of California’s wine country. As well as being surrounded by vines, there are numerous cellars and wineries nearby, along with a host of restaurants — the hotel runs cooking classes too, and you’re close to theatres, shopping and beautiful national parks.
• You can probably guess from the name that the Gaige House + Ryokan has an impressive spa, heated pool and hot tub set up, and Eastern twist to the decor. But it’s also worth knowing that it’s Michelin recommended, and can be found in the pretty Sonoma Valley hamlet of Glen Ellen. It has 23 rooms and suites, is very welcoming of families, and runs a cooking school as well.

Still not sure where to book?

• You could browse by location, and consider the best places to stay in Los Angeles, the best places to stay in Palm Springs or the best places to stay in Malibu for example
• Or you could browse by themes, and look for the best California wine hotels, the best luxury hotels in California or the best beach hotels in California
• Or you could expand your search to include ALL the best places to stay in California!
• Alternatively, you could contact one of our friendly Gurus for personalised advice.

  • Single Thread Healdsburg 5 rooms from £741

    
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    Foodies  -  Dine at the three michelin star restaurant boasting an impressive 11 course tasting menu, made with the owner's farm produce

    Restaurant  -  The three-michelin star restaurant boasts an eleven-course tasting menu Kaiseki-style based on 72 micro-seasons

    Restrictions on children  -  Only children over the age of 12 are allowed to stay

    Restaurant with rooms  -  Two-michelin star restaurant with 5 guestrooms

    

    Recommended by  -  Relais & Chateaux

    A two-Michelin star Japanese organic restaurant with five guestrooms in the centre of town. Rooms are contemporary and slick with redwood beams, gas fireplaces and spacious marble bathrooms. Guests can indulge in an innovative breakfast and the incredible 11-course tasting menu. A foodies paradise. See More

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  • Hideaway Santa Barbara Santa Barbara (California) 9 rooms from £308

    
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    Local exploring  -  Despite feeling wonderful secluded, the excellent location means that all to see and do in Santa Barbara is on your doorstep

    City Style  -  The extensive renovation in 2019 means that suites and public areas feel fresh and chic, with the latest technology

    Sights nearby  -  Santa Barbara's Funk Zone is known for its vibrant art scene, galleries and cafes; walk just 6 blocks from the property

    Great walks  -  Stroll to the harbour to catch a scenic sunset

    

    Stylish B&B located walking distance from Santa Barbara's West Beach. 9 elegant rooms have been designed with impeccable taste; nautical hues, working fireplaces, spacious marble bathrooms and plenty of light. Home-made cookies are served daily, as well as breakfast in this home-away-from-home. See More

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  • Duchamp Hotel Healdsburg 6 rooms from £293

    
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    Weddings  -  With beautiful gardens and exclusive wedding packages, this hotel is the perfect spot for nuptials

    Local exploring  -  Explore Sonoma wine country either by car, bike or foot

    Adult Only

    Swimming Pool  -  Indoor/outdoor

    

    A boutique hotel in Healdsburg, a quaint village in Sonoma wine country. Six luxurious and modern suites feature private terraces, fireplaces and spa showers. Complete with a heated pool and jacuzzi and, of course, a superb collection of local wines; this is an indulgent and intimate stay. See More

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  • An Inn 2 Remember Sonoma 7 rooms from £243

    
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    Wine tasting  -  A stay includes a complimentary 'wine passport' to enjoy as much tasting and visiting of vineyards as it is possible to fit in

    Local exploring  -  Come here to explore Sonoma Valley wine region but also explore the area's interesting cultural and historical sites

    Sights nearby  -  Sonoma Barracks, Vallejo Home State Historical Monument, 19th century Mission San Francisco Solano and General M G Vallejo Home

    Local markets  -  There is an excellent weekly farmer's market selling locally sourced produce including wine

    

    Charming clapboard cottage surrounded by gardens. Interiors are the epitome of shabby chic; plenty of exposed brick, distressed wood, freshly cut flowers and artfully mismatched antique furniture. Low-key but stylish rooms are decorated with a muted colour palette. Boho-boutique couple's retreat. See More

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  • Summerwood Inn Paso Robles (California) 9 rooms from £234

    
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    Great walks  -  Roaming the countryside couldn't be more romantic than in this region.

    Views  -  Great views from hotel

    Full of character

    Boutique

    

    This modern boutique overlooks historical vineyards and beautifully manicured gardens. Renowned for its charm and hospitality; Large chic rooms are crisp black and white in decor with fireplaces and balconies. Breakfast is notably delicious, so be sure to rise in time. See More

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  • The Battery San Francisco (North Beach) 14 rooms from £449

    
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    City Style  -  With designer interiors and an unbeatable location beside the financial district, book this hotel for sleek San Francisco style

    Local exploring  -  This hotel is perfecty placed for local exploring, with the city's attractions within easy walking distance

    Spa breaks  -  The club is home to a hideaway urban spa, complete with a sauna, steam room and treatment rooms

    Restaurant  -  Recommended.

    

    Recommended by  -  Mr & Mrs Smith

    This exclusive hotel is nestled within a private members' club in San Francisco. Housed in a former sweet factory on Jackson Square, inside, guestrooms have exposed red brick walls styled with custom and vintage pieces by Fulk. Enjoy access to the club's first-class facilities during your stay. See More

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  • Fess Parker Wine Country Inn Solvang (California) 19 rooms from £362

    
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    Local exploring  -  The area has something for everyone; museums, scenic horse-riding, wine-tasting at award-winning wineries and hot air balloning

    Romantic Break  -  There is plenty to do on-property to merit not leaving all weekend. Wine, dine, spa and rest with your loved one

    Wine tasting  -  As well as tastings at in-house Fess Parker Winery, the property is surrounded by award-winning vineyards

    Sailing  -  Boat, kayak, fish and hike around Lake Cachuma and Nature Centre

    

    Set-up by Hollywood star Fess Parker, the property is set in Los Olivos, in the heart of California wine country. 19 rooms and suites are spacious and homely, with fireplaces and colourful decor. Stays include a wine tasting for two. A heated pool, gym and outdoor fire-pit make this a cosy option. See More

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  • North Block Hotel Yountville 20 rooms from £347

    
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    Foodies  -  Well situated for checking out the range of Michelin starred restaurants and excellent wine rooms on this side of Yountville

    Total relaxation  -  Utter bliss- spend lazy afternoons by the pool, unwind in the spa, or cosy up beside your in room fireplace

    Romantic  -  Good for couples.

    House party feel  -  Be prepared to meet people.

    

    Recommended by  -  Mr & Mrs Smith

    A casual Tuscan affair in the heart of Yountville. Simple and stylish, the interiors are timeless and offer a soothing background from which to soak up the joys of the Napa Valley. With a wonderful restaurant, a garden, a heated pool, as well as spa and hot tub they have all bases covered. See More

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  • Dive Hotel, Palm Springs Palm Springs 11 rooms from £343

    
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    Total relaxation  -  Spend heavenly days sunbathing under a desert sun, swimming, drinking cocktails and lounging on day beds in this idyllic oasis

    City Style  -  The place to stay to channel Mad Men meets Brigitte Bardot levels of glamour; there are even custom-made cocktail cabinets

    Opulent  -  Le Reve and the Paris Suite boasts Christian Lacroix wallpaper, ceiling mural, belle epoque bed and Parisien chandeliers

    Exclusive use  -  Rent out the whole property with a group of friends for a party weekend get-away filled with pool parties and sundowners

    

    Stylish boutique retreat modeled on 1960s St Tropez. The classic white-wash modernist bungalow is home to a palm-fringed garden with fire pits, day beds, hot tub and pool surrounded by cute parasols. All-white rooms feature retro rattan furniture and wood floors. French Riviera chic in the desert. See More

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  • The Surfrider Malibu (CA) 20 rooms from £332

    
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    Beach Life  -  The ultimate beach chic getaway- paired back luxury rooms offering views of the pacific and the best surfing beach in California

    Total relaxation  -  Relax, unwind and enjoy- rooftop cocktails by the firepit and listening to waves crashing on your private terrace

    Surfing  -  Take advantage of your location and hit the beach for some surf (beginners should ask reception for instructors)

    Sights nearby  -  Within a short walk of Malibu Pier, a great place to people watch and grab a bite

    

    Recommended by  -  Tablet

    An uber cool and laid back Malibu boutique. The perfect balance of simplicity and luxury is all in the fine details, scented candles, organic materials and private balconies with Pacific views. The rooftop restaurant is perfect and the staff are as friendly as you will find anywhere. Beach-chic! See More

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  • Enchante Boutique Hotel Palo Alto 19 rooms from £313

    
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    Romantic Break  -  After a romantic dinner enjoy inviting canopy beds with silky sheets, fluffy gowns, stand-alone tubs and cosy in-room fireplaces

    City Style  -  A little corner of France in Silicon Valley. Thoughtfully and authentically decorated to a high standard without feeling themed

    Sights nearby  -  The grand Winchester Mystery House is well-worth a visit, as is NASA Ames Research Center

    Restaurant  -  Champagne One Main is a bistro serving French/American cuisine

    

    Exquisite boutique hotel modelled on a French-style chateau. Luxe rooms perfectly combine traditional period interiors (chandeliers, fireplaces and antiques) with modern comforts and spoiling Carrera marble bathrooms. French/American bistro and fireside library. Fab for grown-up romantic getaways. See More

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  • Malibu Beach Inn Malibu 47 rooms from £243

    
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    Surfing  -  Visit legendary surf spots like Zuma and Surfrider beaches.

    Lively  -  Hip and happening.

    Views  -  Great views from hotel

    Designer  -  Uniquely designed interiors.

    

    A high-end Inn, three minutes from Malibu's iconic pier. Plush rooms with understated elegant furnishings. Full floor to ceiling windows and private balconies allow one to fully appreciate the spectacular ocean views. On-site spa, private beach and hip restaurant complete the Malibu experience. See More

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  • Ballard Inn Solvang (California) 15 rooms from £233

    
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    Country Escape  -  A great place for a weekend break of fine dining, wine-tasting, hiking and biking; all the while enjoying the natural landscape

    Foodies  -  Award-winning 'The Gathering Table' restaurant, run by chef and owner Budi Kazali, serves up delicious French / Asian cuisine

    Wine tasting  -  Visit excellent wineries in the Santa Ynez Valley wine region; Lincourt, Beckmen, Roblar, Rusack and Vincent wineries

    Restrictions on children  -  Children over 12 are welcome at the inn

    

    Award-winning restaurant with rooms situated in Ballard, a sleepy village in Californian wine country. Elegant and tastefully-decorated rooms are located within a traditional Victorian-style villa; many have balconies and fireplaces. There is a garden and gabled porch to enjoy relaxing afternoons. See More

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  • Senza Hotel Napa 41 rooms from £202

    
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    Outstanding location

    Great walks  -  Several local State Parks provide ample walking- Alston Park, Skyline Wilderness Park, Westwood Hills Park and many more.

    Cooking classes  -  Brush up on your culinary skills at Cooking with Julie - Napa and The Culinary Institute Academy - St. Helena

    Lively  -  Hip and happening.

    

    A trendy hotel in the famed Napa Valley Region. Each stylish room features original artworks and a private balcony over looking the local vineyards. Pamper yourself with in room massages, oversized tubs and Molton Brown bath products. Elegant, opulent and fun. See More

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  • Newport Beach Hotel Newport Beach (California) 15 rooms from £176

    
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    Birdwatching  -  The northern portion of Newport Bay comprises the pristine, 1,000-acre Upper Newport Bay Nature Preserve and Ecological Reserve.

    Sailing  -  Newport Harbor is one of the west coast’s largest recreational boat harbors, perfect for sailing, rowing and kayaking.

    Fishing  -  Chartered ocean fishing excursions allow participants to haul in sea bass, halibut, tuna and yellowtail.

    Surfing  -  With a range of beaches to choose from you won't be dissapointed.

    

    Ideal location for lapping up Newport's vibrant beach scene. The rooms are classic beach-chic with stylish features and a contemporary tone. Relax on your balcony overlooking the sea, hit the beach or soak up the lively nightlife. See More

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  • Gold-Diggers Los Angeles (East Hollywood) 11 rooms from £148

    
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    City Style  -  With boutique interiors inspired by music and a coveted East Hollywood location, book this hotel for chic LA style

    Romantic Break  -  The beautifully appointed suites at this hotel make an ideal pied-à-terre for a romantic couples' getaway

    Local exploring  -  With the best bars and clubs close by, book this hotel as a base for your Los Angeles exploring

    Sights nearby  -  See the internationally-renowned walk of fame, now comprising more than 2,600 stars embedded in the sidewalks along Hollywood

    

    Recommended by  -  Tablet

    This fantasy pad is tucked away in East Hollywood, a stone's throw from Melrose Avenue. Inspired by the area's love affair with music, guestrooms allow you to create a personalised collection from vinyl and cassettes. Contemporary art and chic, velvet upholstery seals the sense of Hollywood glamour. See More

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  • Gaige House + Ryokan Glen Ellen, California 23 rooms from £159

    
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    Cooking classes  -  Cooking and Wine Classes at Ramekins- dedicated to the home cook, from amateur to aficionado.

    Spa  -  On-site spa and wellness centre.

    Swimming Pool  -  Year round heated swimming pool.

    Views  -  Great views from hotel

    

    A Michelin recommended hotel tucked into the Sonoma Valley hamlet of Glen Ellen. The 23 elegant rooms have a clean contemporary vibe with an Oriental twist! Crisp white linens, eastern antiques and modern features. Prepare to be pampered with an on-site spa, heated pool and hot tub. Heaven! See More

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  • Tuck Hotel Los Angeles (Downtown) 14 rooms from £110

    
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    Close to nightlife  -  After-hours bars, restaurants and club abound in this part of town. The rooftop bar at The Standard is famous for good reason

    Local exploring  -  Downtown LA is known for its archictectural landmarks, the city's Arts District, cutting-edge restaurants and hip bars

    Sights nearby  -  Visit El Pueblo de Los Angeles, the city’s 1781 birthplace or nearby Walt Disney concert hall, designed by Frank Gehry

    Great walks  -  Wander through Chinatown and Little Tokyo. There are also guided art walks through the area

    

    Moody night-time vibes abound in this downtown haunt. Spacious monochrome rooms with raised beds and spot lighting scream Hollywood after-party; vintage telephones and Bauhaus-style leather couches add Film Noir touches. Will suit independent travellers and those looking for a good time after dark. See More

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  • Bernardus Lodge & Spa Carmel Valley 73 rooms from £293

    
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    Good wine list  -  Full range of Bernardus Wines

    Restaurant  -  Under the direction of renowned chef, Cal Stamenov

    Back to Nature  -  Amongst the oaks and pines of Carmel Valley.

    Tennis  -  Two courts within the grounds.

    

    Recommended by  -  Tablet

    Overlooked by the Santa Lucia Mountain Range and resting in 28 acres of lavender, vineyard and olive orchards, the property is one of the few romantic vineyard hotels that successfully caters to couples, groups of friends and families. Spacious rooms and spectacular outdoor dining. Great hideaway. See More

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  • AutoCamp Yosemite California 102 rooms from £233

    
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    Back to Nature  -  Set in picturesque landscapes just 45 minutes from the entrance to Yosemite National Park

    Romantic Break  -  Book an Airstream trailer for a cosy hideaway for two

    Great walks  -  Spend days hiking in Yosemite National Park

    Swimming Pool  -  Outdoor pool

    

    All the comforts of a luxury hotel, in the form of a campsite. A collection of tents, Airstream trailers and cabins just a short drive from the entrance to Yosemite National Park. Pick a trailer for spa-like bathrooms and mini kitchens. Complete with a pool and outdoor firepits. Camping perfection See More

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Written by Kat Parr Mackintosh

posted Wednesday, 16th November 2022