The Hotel Guru
California
The 14 Best Eco Hotels in California

The 14 Best Eco Hotels in California

California is arguably ahead of the curve when it comes to eco-conscious stays. Several high-end hotels and even some smaller inns and guesthouses have taken serious efforts to reduce their carbon footprints and waste. Our hotel experts have compiled a collection of the best eco-hotels in California to make choosing your next sustainable getaway a quick and simple choice. Whether you are in search of a spa hotel, a rural hideaway, a coastal break, or a family-friendly destination — there is something for most occasions here. So why not browse through our collection to start planning your next escape?

For luxury

Canyon Ranch Woodside is an all-inclusive luxury wellness retreat. Rooms are spacious and contemporary with private balconies and soaking tubs. The hotel's tailored programmes promote rejuvenation, fitness and mindfulness while the property prides itself on its sustainability with efficient energy usage, water conservation, and a sustainable food program.

For a rural hideaway

Glen Oaks is a cluster of cabins tucked away in the Red Wood forests of the Big Sur. The decor perfectly marries modern features with rustic charm. You can self-cater or enjoy the locally sourced delights of The Big Sur Roadhouse Restaurant. Perfect eco-chic!

For a spa

Miracle Manor Boutique Hotel & Spa is a mountain-view desert retreat, set close to natural mineral springs with a focus on well-being, while the building uses reclaimed and sustainable materials in its structure. Boasting an outdoor pool, a hot tub, a spa using alternative therapies and a yoga area — this is a rejuvenating stay.
Bardessono Hotel & Spa stands out for two things: its spa and its eco-credentials. Geothermal systems heat the rooms and spa, whilst solar panels provide almost all of the hotel’s energy. Spacious bathrooms are designed as private spas, the restaurant favours organic ingredients, and the pool is divine. The luxury villas come with private outdoor pools. A relaxing stay for both your (eco) conscience and your body.
Ventana Inn and Spa is an adult-only boutique hideaway and spa with spectacular sunset views and Japanese hot baths all set amid 243 acres. Rustic chic rooms and suites vary from offering fireplaces to hot tubs. With several green initiatives including wholesale recycling and complimentary water bottles, this is a spoiling stay.
Two Bunch Palms is set on 77 lush acres in Palm Springs. This adults-only hotel is the first carbon-neutral resort, and the oldest mineral hot springs spa, in the USA. With luxurious suites and a wide range of wellness treatments, this is a luxurious stay.

For a beach break

Inn at Moonlight Beach is a one-of-a-kind property located close to the beach in Encinitas with an emphasis on spirituality; meditate or practise yoga in the water garden, urban farm or private ocean-facing balconies. Suites are luxuriously minimalist and have innovative sustainable technology. A chic conscious-free stay.
Stanford Inn by The Sea is an eco-boutique hotel overlooking the ocean in Mendocino. Run by a friendly and very welcoming couple, the healing yoga, indoor pool and spa treatments will rejuvenate, while large, wooden rooms with fireplaces are very comfortable. Vegan food is served alongside regional wines.
Terranea is set on 102 oceanfront acres just 30-minutes outside of LA. Light-filled rooms offer wonderful views, there are a host of on-site activities, and there are an impressive array of eco policies. A great option for a family getaway.

For foodies

Farmhouse Inn is an idyllic hotel in the heart of Russian River Valley in Sonoma wine country with a renowned Michelin-starred restaurant. The intimate rooms include fireplaces and spa baths. With a pool heated by solar panels and a spa and restaurant using local and organic ingredients often grown on site — this is an indulgent eco break.

For glamping

Treebones Resort is a collection of stylish yurts with wonderful ocean views. The restaurant serves dishes made using organic, locally sourced produce. A superb low-impact escape to nature.

For families

The Ranch at Laguna Beach is located in the beautiful Aliso and Wood Canyons and offers a variety of rooms, cottages and suites with private patios and luxury features. With endless activities and a whole host of sustainability programmes, this is an ideal eco-friendly family stay.

For a hip stay

H2Hotel is a hip eco-friendly hotel that uses organic materials and nature-inspired design to create a relaxing and welcoming environment. Bedrooms are clutter-free with bamboo floors and fresh cotton linens. With a wide range of activities, a pool, and a spa — this is perfect for the young and trendy.
Hotel Indigo San Diego is a contemporary city-centre hotel. Overlooking Petco Park baseball park in the central Gaslamp District, inviting boutique-style rooms have wooden floors and floor-to-ceiling windows. With LEED credentials, 24-hour dining options, and rooftop terrace — this is a hip eco stay.

Still not sure which to book?

Expand your search to include all of the best places to stay in California,
Refine your search to our Guru’s collection of the best places to stay in Los Angeles or the best places to stay in San Francisco or the best California hotels with private pools.
Alternatively, you could contact one of our friendly Gurus for personalised advice.
- Glen Oaks Big Sur 9 rooms from $175
  
  See more photos
  
  Secluded setting  -  For escaping.
  Great walks  -  Limekiln State Park has a whole host of beautiful walks.
  Back to Nature  -  Secluded cabins nestled on the edge of a redwood grove.
  Barefoot Luxury  -  For total relaxation.
  
  Glen Oaks are a cluster of cabins tucked away in the Red Wood forests of the Big Sur. The decor perfectly marries modern features with rustic charm. You can self cater or enjoy the locally sourced delights of The Big Sur Roadhouse Restaurant. Perfect eco-chic! See More
  
  Check Availability
- Miracle Manor Boutique Hotel & Spa Palm Springs (California) 8 rooms from $232
  
  See more photos
  
  Eco break  -  Appreciate furniture made from reclaimed materials, organic bedding, nontoxic cleaning products, solar lighting & recyled water
  Spa breaks  -  The property's focus on wellness aims to help guests return to balance and recover a natural state of well-being
  Yoga  -  Book a private yoga session. Rooms come equipped with yoga mats, blocks, meditation cards and scented candles
  Hideaway  -  Stay for a relaxing weekend to rest and recharge after attending the area's annual Coachella festival
  
  Mountain-view desert retreat with focus on well-being. Alternative boutique property located close to healing natural mineral hot springs. Hippy-chic rooms combine a fresh white palette with Native Indian prints and ethnic rugs. Enjoy outdoor pool, hot tub, Moroccan-style sun deck, spa & yoga area. See More
  
  Check Availability
- Inn at Moonlight Beach Encinitas 5 rooms from $285
  
  See more photos
  
  Eco break  -  Drink tea with home-grown and harvested herbs or a reiki massage in rooms with the most innovative sustainable technology
  Beach Life  -  Spend a day at the beach; there is excellent surfing, a beautiful white sand beach with volley-ball and equipment rental
  Back to Nature  -  The staff encourage you to get your hands dirty in the vegetable garden; all rooms include a garden basket with shears
  Eco  -  The hotel was the first in the world to be certified WELL Platinum by the International Well Building Institute
  
  One-of-a-kind property located close to the beach in Encinitas with an emphasis on spirituality and tranquillity. Meditate or practise yoga in the water garden, urban farm or private ocean-facing balconies. 5 suites are luxuriously minimalist. Food is locally sourced, organic and vegan on request. See More
  
  Check Availability
- Farmhouse Inn Forestville, California 18 rooms from $384
  
  See more photos
  
  Eco break  -  The pool is heated by solar panels, and the spa and restaurant use local and organic ingredients often grown onsite.
  Foodies  -  The Michelin-starred restaurant is a major draw for local and foreign foodies alike throughout the region.
  Restaurant  -  Steve Litke's Michelin-starred restaurant is spectacular. Book well in advance, as the eatery is renowned and popular.
  Spa  -  Uses produce from the hotel gardens, offering lavender body butter massages and ginger-honey rubs, for example.
  Recommended by  -  Mr & Mrs Smith
  
  Idyllic inn in the heart of Russian River Valley in Sonoma wine country with a renowned Michelin-starred restaurant. The intimate rooms include fireplaces and spa baths, and are tastefully furnished with contemporary items. The restaurant is spectacular, and the pool and gardens are picturesque. See More
  
  Check Availability
- Treebones Resort Big Sur 16 rooms from $300
  
  See more photos
  
  Great walks  -  Big Sur hike offers canyons, waterfalls, rocky beaches and historic sites.
  Local markets  -  Explore what Big Sur has to offer from local produce and arts and crafts.
  Kayaking  -  Sea Kayaking for 60 miles at Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary.
  Restrictions on children  -  Treebones only accepts children over 6 years
  Recommended by  -  CN Traveller
  
  Be at one with nature while gorging on oceanic views, glamping in stylish yurts and feasting on organic locally sourced produce for all meals. Put up your own tent or call a yurt a home, a fantastic spot for all the Big Sur offers. Environmentally conscious, a great treat. See More
  
  Check Availability
- Stanford Inn by the Sea Mendocino (California) 40 rooms from $310
  
  See more photos
  
  Great walks  -  Where there is a sea, there is a way. Be sure to catch sunset over the Pacific.
  Kayaking  -  Great way to explore the river and sea.
  Views  -  Great views from hotel
  Four poster beds  -  For romantics.
  
  This eco-boutique overlooks organic gardens and ocean blue. Run by a friendly and very welcoming couple. Healing yoga, indoor pool and spa treatments will rejuvenate, whilst large, wooden rooms with fireplaces are the perfect comfort. Vegan food is served and well matched with regional wines. See More
  
  Check Availability
- Bardessono Hotel and Spa Yountville 62 rooms from $516
  
  See more photos
  
  Wine tasting  -  Walking distance to a number of estates, vineyards and wineries. Complimentary wine tasting in hotel.
  Restaurant  -  Field to fort cuisine with most ingredients sourced from the property's own kitchen garden
  Private Hot Tub  -  Suites have spa baths in bathrooms
  Swimming Pool  -  Rooftop outdoor pool
  Recommended by  -  Tablet
  
  A hotel that proves you can have luxury as well as an eco-friendly ethos. Geothermal systems heat the rooms and spa, whilst solar panels provide almost all of the hotel’s energy. Spacious bathrooms are designed as private spas and the restaurant favours organic ingredients and weekly wine tasting. See More
  
  Check Availability
- Canyon Ranch Woodside Woodside, California 38 rooms from $1000
  
  See more photos
  
  Spa breaks  -  Experience spa treatments that combine ancient, traditional and modern therapies to restore balance and reenergize body and mind
  Eco break  -  The hotel prides itself in its sustainability with efficient energy usage, water conservation and a sustainable food program
  Wellbeing  -  The hotel specialises in wellness and tailored specific retreats, more than just a spa experience
  Massage  -  Enjoy a wide range of massages from facial, neck and body
  
  An all-inclusive luxury wellness retreat, set in the Santa Cruz forest above Silicon Valley. Rooms are spacious and contemporary with silk bed linens, private balconies and soaking tubs. The hotel's tailored programmes promote rejuvenation, fitness and mindfulness. Deliciously creative local food. See More
  
  Check Availability
- The Ranch at Laguna Beach Laguna Beach (California) 97 rooms from $399
  
  See more photos
  
  Active Holiday  -  The Ranch at Laguna Beach offers an array of activities to get you out and about enjoying the weather
  Families  -  With family suites available, and the beach nearby this is the ideal spot for a family getaway
  Fishing  -  If you fancy a peaceful afternoon then head off along the coast for a spot of fishing
  Restaurant  -  Harvest, the signature all-day restaurant, serves California coastal cuisine
  Recommended by  -  Michelin Travel, Mr & Mrs Smith, Tablet
  
  A hidden gem located in the beautiful Aliso Canyon, just moments from the ocean. Rooms, cottages and suites furnished in luxurious contemporary fashion with warm interiors & private patios; farm-to-table cuisine; boutique spa and biodynamic farm. A stunning spot, perfect for families! See More
  
  Check Availability
- Ventana Inn and Spa Big Sur 34 rooms from $500
  
  See more photos
  
  Spa  -  With Japanese baths and a plethora of treatments to choose from
  Views  -  Stunning views over Big Sur's Pacific coastline
  Seaside  -  Beautiful setting and easy access to the ocean.
  Great walks  -  Get involved in the morning hikes.
  Recommended by  -  Mr & Mrs Smith
  
  Adult-only boutique hideaway and spa with spectacular sunset views and Japanese hot baths set amid 243 acres. Rustic chic rooms & suites vary from offering fireplaces to hot tubs, mountain views to poolside. Fresh, locally sourced, sustainable produce is found at the restaurant. A romantic getaway. See More
  
  Check Availability
- H2Hotel Healdsburg (California) 36 rooms from $219
  
  See more photos
  
  Wine tasting  -  Situated in the heart of Northern Sonoma wine country
  Kayaking  -  The Russian River
  Swimming Pool  -  Indoor/outdoor
  Restaurant  -  Recommended.
  Recommended by  -  Mr & Mrs Smith, Tablet, I Escape
  
  Cool eco-friendly hotel that uses organic materials and nature inspired design to create a relaxing and welcoming environment. Bedrooms are clutter free with bamboo floors and fresh cotton linens. Relax at the hotel pool and bar or get out and explore the fantastic countryside and activities nearby. See More
  
  Check Availability
- Hotel Indigo San Diego San Diego (Gaslamp District) 210 rooms from $236
  
  See more photos
  
  Pet friendly  -  Pets are very welcome and — very unsually — their stay is not subject to any fee. There is also a relief area and tasty treats
  Business meetings  -  As well as spacious and modern event spaces & 24 hour business centre, the rooftop is often used for business meetings & dining
  Short break  -  The perfect place to stay if you're flying in for a baseball game at Petco Park; some rooms look over the stadium
  Local exploring  -  There's lots to do in the area whether you're a sport lover, nature enthusiast or into culture and the arts
  
  Contemporary and colourful city-centre hotel. Overlooking Petco Park baseball park in the central Gaslamp District, inviting boutique-style rooms have wooden floors, cosy mid-century furniture, floor-to-ceiling windows and great views. There's a gym, 24-hour dining options and rooftop terrace. See More
  
  Check Availability
- Two Bunch Palms Palm Springs (Desert Hot Springs) 65 rooms from $311
  
  See more photos
  
  Romantic Break  -  With beautifully appointed suites which induce a sense of peace and tranquility, book this hotel for a laid-back couples' stay
  Total relaxation  -  With yoga, a farm-to-table restaurant and a relaxed, adults-only atmosphere, this hotel is perfect for a slow, restful break
  Spa breaks  -  This hotel offers a range of wellness treatments, in addition to the sauna, pool and hot tub facilities
  Sights nearby  -  Take in spectacular views of Palm Springs and the Coachella Valley from the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway
  
  Set on 77 lush acres in Palm Springs, this adults-only hotel is the first carbon-neutral resort, and the oldest mineral hot springs spa, in the USA. Suites induce a sense of tranquillity with exposed stone walls, natural wood accents and indoor plants - an ideal place for rest and rejuvenation. See More
  
  Check Availability
- Terranea Los Angeles (California) 582 rooms from $287
  
  See more photos
  
  Local markets  -  Seaport Village is worth a visit if you are interested in seeing the daily fishermans catch.
  Hideaway  -  In 102 acres of oceanfront.
  Kids Club  -  Fully staffed.
  Outstanding location
  Recommended by  -  Tablet
  
  102 acres of oceanfront more Mediterranean in feel than South California. Stunning spot, activities for all and only 30 minutes away from LA. Rooms are light, spacious and capture the spectacular view. In-house restaurants and bars are inside or by the pool or ocean. Great retreat for all the family See More
  
  Check Availability