25+ Coolest Hotels in California For A Unique Weekend Getaway

Location: Mendocino / Fort Bragg

The Inn at Newport Ranch is one of my favorite hotels in all of California. It's tucked right on the Mendocino coast and on the property of a working cattle farm. The ranch is this insanely cool house that guests have full access too, so you can cuddle up by the fire at night, have happy hour on the porch soaking up views, or hit the rooftop hot tub whenever you want. There's an onsite chef to cook you dinner, so you never have to leave if you don't want to.

There are also guesthouses and a spa. I spent a weekend here with my husband a while back and I adored wandering all the coastal bluff trails on the property. You simply MUST book an ATV tour which will take you through miles of redwoods behind the hotel. It's one of the coolest hotels in California for a romantic weekend. See my full review here.

Location: Olema

On your way to the Point Reyes National Seashore, you'll probably drive past the tiny town of Olema and not realize it. It's really just a couple of streets but it's absolutely worth a stay. The Olema House is high on my California bucket list for weekend getaways. The hotel is surrounded by nature and most rooms have private patios. The decor is boho meets rustic coastal chic, and just a quick drive away from the best parts of Point Reyes.

Location: Oakhurst

EKK how cool are these tiny cabins? My husband and I stayed here for 3 days while exploring Oakhurst and Yosemite this past fall. I've never seen cabins shaped like this before. Inside you'll find a bed, A/C and heat, a mini-fridge and outlets. But it's technically a glamping cabin, as the bathrooms are outside in a shared building. It's the perfect combination of camping and cabin life for anyone looking for a unique place to stay in California while exploring my favorite national park.

Location: Santa Monica

After staying at Palihotel Westwood, we're big fans of this hotel family and have their Santa Monica location on our bucket list for next time we're in Los Angeles. Just look at that moody decor!! SWOON! It's steps away from the beach and Santa Monica Pier. These rooms also have kitchens so you can totally be comfortable for long stays.

There are few unique hotels in Southern California under the Palihotel branch, so keep an eye out for more from them!

Location: Berkeley

At over a 100 years old, the Claremont Hotel in Berkley stands on the hillside overlooking all of East Bay and even has views of San Francisco! This historic hotel oozes old warm charm, had a massive pool, a cool lounge painted entirely blue, and even has its own ghost.

It's one of the most unique hotels in California due to the history and how well the Fairmont hotel has preserved that past while weaving in modern luxuries. Taking a weekend staycation from San Francisco was fabulous here! Read my full review here.

Location: Los Angeles

Looking for cool hotels in Los Angeles? I see influencers stay at the Line Hotel all the time. The inside is chic and minimal. Think concrete with subtle pops of color and large floor-to-ceiling windows. It has a pool and is located in the heart of Koreatown so it's steps away from tasty AF restaurants.

Location: Big Sur

The Treebones Resort took luxury California glamping to the extreme and we're here for it. You can book a stay in one of their yurts, many of which overlook the pacific ocean. Or, you can book a stay in their Birdnest, which is entirely made out of wood branches and looks exactly like a bird nests (a lot like the things you see in Bali!) But it's not rugged - there's a top-notch sushi restaurant on site for dinner and of course, it's within a short drive from all the best hikes Big Sur has to offer.

Location: Glen Ellen

Craving a trip to Japan? Head to the Gaige House in Sonoma County! This hotel has 23 zen rooms and large Asian-inspired spa. Most wine country hotels go for that "Tuscany" vibe so having something like this makes for extra special wine tasting trips. Make sure to book a massage here and set aside a day to just relax at this stunning hotel in between winery hopping.

Location: Calistoga

At the top of Napa Valley is the cute wine town of Calistoga that's known for mineral springs and mud baths, plus really really good wine. They have not one, not two but THREE pools to choose from for those hot summer Napa days. All the guest rooms are actually in private cottages with their own porch, so it feels extra luxe. I loved being about to just pop out and be outside in the gardens whenever I wanted, instead of wandering dark hotel hallways.

The Solage is a luxury hotel, but you can usually easily find great deals for around $350 a night on websites like HotelTonight or Hotels.com (that's what we did for our stay!)

Location: Carmel By The Sea

We had dinner here a few years ago and I totally fell in love with this property. Located on the outskirts of Carmel is this sprawling working ranch with sheep and everything! Every room has a fireplace, and many have private balconies with soaking tubs. Romantic AF and the best hotel in Carmel in my opinion.

Location: South Lake Tahoe

I just stayed at the Coachman Hotel and loved the decor (especially the lobby and dark paint in the rooms) and all the outdoor firepits. It's dog friendly and has a pool, so it's a cozy base no matter the season you're visiting Lake Tahoe!

But for real, it's such a vibe. See my full feature here.

Location: Quincy

Have you even been to a dude ranch? Greenhorn Ranch is one of my favorite destination hotels in California, I've never found anything like it before. Located in Plumas County near Quincy (About an hour north of Lake Tahoe) is this working horse ranch.

It's so crazy cool because guests get to go on horseback rides every single day! We spent two amazing days here riding hours around the mountains, getting farm-to-table meals prepared by the chefs, and sitting around a campfire at night with drinks. Kids will love this, sure, but it's also a cool experience for anyone looking for a special weekend adventure.

Location: San Luis Obpsibo

This is the best of the themed hotels in California. It's famous for the 200+ themed rooms that are all decorated differently. There's a glitter room, a stone room that looks like it was pulled from the Flinstones, a green room, a farm room. The list goes on. If you're on the hunt for quirky hotels, the Madonna Inn is your spot.

Location: Goleta

One of the top hipster hotels in California, The Kimpton Goodland makes you feel like you walked back in time to the summer of love but with a huge modern California twist. It's just outside Santa Barbara and it's our favorite hotel to make home base as we explore this colorful city. I love the airstream out front and the record players in the rooms.

But I especially love the bar, make sure to attend trivia night and don't forget to grab yourself free wine nightly (it's part of the Kimpton family hotel tradition - free happy hour nightly!) Read my full feature here

Location: Palm Springs

One of the most iconic hotels in California. To me, it felt like I was wandering around inside Alice In Wonderland. The hotel property takes up an entire block and is hidden behind tall hedges, so while inside you feel like you're in a private garden world. I loved all the pops of yellow in the decor -- this is where you can find the famous Palm Springs Lemonade Stand! See my full feature here.

Location: Forestville

UGG this hotel is so dang dreamy!!! Almost hidden in the forest is the Farmhouse, a luxury hotel that doesn't ooze pretentiousness. They merged the farmhouse welcoming vibes with luxury perks perfectly (like, you get welcome with bubbly and you can make your own bath soaking salts when you check-in, but there's also gardens and hotel cats to hang with.)

Rooms all have a fireplace and soaking tub, and turndown service include a cookie. You'll never want to leave this hotel, but when you do, it's a short drive from top Sonoma wineries. See my full feature here.

Location: Downtown Los Angeles

I'm always a sucker for pink decor (I do have a pink locker in my living room after all) and the hot pink pool chairs of the Freehand have always fought my eye. So does their outdoor bar set up - it feels tropical and almost like you're on vacation abroad, not smack in the middle of DTLA. It's a VERY Instagram-worthy property.

Location: Big Sur

Top of my bucket list for hotels to stay in California. I've gone camping here at the Ventana Campground but determined to stay in the hotel one day. My friends who have gone rave about the luxury rooms, the pool is apparently insanely cool and it's all-inclusive. Oh, and child free!! Sometimes you just need to go off the grid in a luxury spa hotel in beautiful Big Sur for a few days to reset.

Location: Guerneville

There are so many cool places to stay in Northern California and Guerneville is one of those hidden towns that only the locals seem to go to. The Boon Hotel And Spa is my favorite boutique hotel in town. The rooms all have fireplaces and mini-fridges to get cozy in at night. I loved soaking in the hot tub under the starry sky at night, and my husband got a massage here at the spa and adored it. Boon Hotel is a 5-minute drive to town for dinner and also a quick hop to the Armstrong Redwood Forest for hiking. See my full review here.

Location: Jenner

Perched on a cliff on the Sonoma Coast, Timber Cove Resort mixes rustic lodge with modern vibes *perfectly* I'm talking outdoor firepits overlooking the ocean, industrial-chic wood with pops of color, and big fireplaces for winter stays. If you love hiking, you'll love exploring the Sonoma Coast and Timber Cove is a great base (if you can leave it!)

Location: West Hollywood

This cool hotel has simply the best private balcony overlooking the city and one of the prettiest pools for sunset dips. This luxury hotel is steps away from the strip but you'll find it hard to leave (there is a spa, too!)

Location: Sausalito

UG, I wish I could move into Casa Madrona. On the hillside of Sausalito, this dreamy hotel overlooks the Bay. I loved slowly sipping wine and watching all the sailboats cruise by. It's steps from downtown and the best restaurants in the city, though you can always order room service and just never leave. It was hard for me to drag myself to dinner, I loved our stay at Casa Madrona so much!

Location: Palm Springs

There are a lot of cool hotels in Palm Springs but Rowan is another one on the top of my bucket list. As I mentioned above, we love Kimpton properties. I especially am eyeing that mountain view rooftop pool. Can't you see yourself lounging here all day?

Location: Downtown Los Angeles

Rooftop pool in DTLA? Yes please! When you're not having a craft cocktail at the bar, find yourself poolside next to cacti and the towering buildings of the city. Inside is covered with artwork and decorative titles, making it come to life.

Location: Coronado Island ( San Diego)

A haunted San Diego hotel that looks like it belongs on the East Coast? Yes please! Hotel del Coronado is one of the best destinations hotels in California in my opinion. Tucked on Coronado Island in San Deigo, this massive resort has EVERYTHING. Beach cabanas, restaurants, pools, bars and of course, a few ghosts. It has also played host to a ton of celebrities over the years.