California feels young and fresh, but the years of youth and freshness have accumulated, so that there’s now some serious history to the place. It’s even starting to have its own grande dame hotels, which is where our Hotel Gurus started when putting together their list of recommendations for historic hotels in California. The majority of the state’s grande dames are in San Francisco, a city that wears its earthquake-ridden past clearly on its sleeve, but here they also found some fabulous hotel conversations to add to the list of California’s historic hotels, including a number of converted army barracks, an apartment building in Nob Hill, and a whole warehouse down by Fisherman’s Wharf. The wine countries had some elegant conversions too, including a beautiful Arts and Crafts B&B. Along the coastline they uncovered Spanish Mission architecture, and charming old villas, and they even discovered historic oasis hotels in the rugged interior. So, if you like your accommodation to be able to tell many tales, then this is the place for you!
Sausalito (California)
Formerly the residence of the U.S Army Officers, spacious contemporary rooms have views of the green hillside or San Francisco's skyline. Spa and pool for relaxation and the Murray Circle restaurant offers a taster menu for those who want to try it all. Loads of activities and a great location.
San Francisco (Presidio Park)
Red-brick hotel and former officer's quarters, the only accommodation in the beautiful Presidio National Park close to the Golden Gate Bridge. The sleek, spacious rooms are stylishly furnished, the top floors have spectacular views. The Park offers many nature trails and other outdoor activities.
Napa
A waterfront location in the heart of downtown Napa, granting walkabout access to the bustling neighbourhood. The inn provides live entertainment, spa treatments, fine dining, and wine tasting. Old-fashioned decor and charm, and a variety of rooms featuring stunning river views. Michelin rated.
Ojai
A stunning 5* resort. Offers a relaxing retreat overlooking the mountainous surroundings. Beautiful, modern rooms feature a chic and elegant decor, many with private patios. Luxurious pools and gardens. A variety of activities including tennis, hiking, art classes and cocktail making.
Riverside (California)
A breathtaking castle-like hotel. It features majestic, Spanish Mission-style architecture. The traditional grandeur blends with a modern luxury and style. Outdoor dining is magical, set amongst lush, hanging gardens. It has contemporary, smart rooms, and is located near Riverside's key attractions.
San Francisco (Financial District)
A lavish hotel with classically designed architecture. An elitist, rich and stylish look. Gorgeous and smart guest-rooms feature 11-foot high ceilings, marble bathrooms, opulent bedding. Glass domed indoor pool, various dining options and bars. Ideal for spending your city break in true 5* luxury.
Santa Rosa (California)
A historic and charming hotel. Full of antique and traditional furnishings with a variety of both modern and old-fashioned rooms. Located on historic Railroad Square, it is surrounded by unique shops and restaurants. Ideal for exploring the local Sonoma county.
San Diego (Coronado)
A meticulously restored 1906 Lodge, on the historic Coronado Island. The decor is understated, elegant and modern. This boutique hotel is ideally located for exploring the vibrant Island and is walking distance from all the sites and beaches, yet secluded enough for a romantic getaway.
San Diego (La Jolla)
Old world charm resting in manicured gardens overlooking the expansive Pacific Ocean. Rooms & suites are naturally light and exude comfort. Coastal dining at The Med, European cuisine at the Café la Rue is reason enough to stay. Spa and pool could mean you never want to leave. Idyllic!
Santa Monica (Santa Monica)
This stylish hotel is located on the oceanfront in Santa Monica, California. Airy guestrooms create a luxury Mediterranean feel with white linens against oyster accents and dark wood furniture. Meanwhile, the suites feel homely with eclectic objets d'art. Head to the chic Terrazza for nightly music.
California (Furnace Creek, Death Valley National Park)
Located in one of the most inhospitable places on the planet, The Inn at Death Valley is anything but. Sustainably run, nestled in a vivid oasis, this luxury hotel boasts a state-of-the-art spa and sauna, a range of restaurants, and family friendly rooms and villas in unforgettable surroundings.
San Francisco (Nob Hill)
This hotel is a real landmark. It has seen the likes of Tony Bennet sing in the Venetian Room - and it still has that same old-world grandeur. Enjoying spectacular views of the bay (especially good from the suites' terraces) and boasting a design that combines tradition and modern elegance.
San Francisco (Fisherman's Wharf)
Stylish accommodation in a prime location near Fisherman's Wharf. The chic rooms have a distinctly nautical feel and the bathrooms are stocked with luxury Lather® products. The lively restaurant and bar have a laid back feel. Offered at excellent rates, this is a great city base.
San Francisco (Fort Mason)
A luxury all-suite hotel offering a landmark setting on San Francisco's bay. Accommodation ranges from one to three bed suites all designed with stylish minimalism and most with superb bay views. There is no restaurant as such but in-suite fine-dining is a real luxury. A very fine stay.
Berkeley (California)
A fabulous family-friendly resort in Berkeley, with incredible views overlooking the San Franciso Bay. Spacious and chic rooms with indulgent bathrooms. Relax and heal in the spa or on a lounger poolside. Fantastic dining options with creative cocktails and fresh local dishes. A has-it-all stay.
Calistoga
A unique historic building - the region's only stone built French Second Empire house. The exterior's grand feel continues inside with spacious rooms packed with antiques. Added luxuries include an elegant pool, salt room, sauna, and billiards table. An idyllic spot to simply unwind.
San Francisco (Presidio Park)
Originally a barracks, turned boutique hotel, offering an unbeatable location beside Golden Gate Bridge and surrounded by Presidio Park. Interiors are elegant and contemporary with high ceilings, sash windows, and clean lines. Expect bagels and baked goods for breakfast. An idyllic stay.
Carmel Valley (California)
A country estate built by a banking family in 1929 turned exclusive inn. 11 rooms and cottages have been inspired and named after Cartier, Taittinger and Wedgewood and are traditionally and elegantly styled. Enjoy the formal gardens, pool, equestrian centre, restaurant and beautiful location.
San Francisco (Nob Hill)
A historic and grand hotel located at the crest of celebrated Nob Hill. Rooms and suites are elegant and classically modern with beige tones and fantastic views of the city. Enjoy sunset cocktails and nightcaps at the 19th-floor bar, relax and indulge in a setting synonymous with San Francisco.
No spam. Only sweet updates about the latest hotel openings and the best places to stay.