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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
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- 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
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- 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
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- 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
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- 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
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- 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
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- 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
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- 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
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- 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
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- 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
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- 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?