Home to beachy San Diego and glamorous Los Angeles, California is the ultimate tourist destination. People around the world come to this state to witness the massive Hollywood Sign, Aquarium of the Pacific, and Yosemite Falls, to name a few. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to visit Napa Valley, Big Sur, and Lake Tahoe for a change of scenery. Aside from its tourist attractions, California is popular for its top-tier hotels. You can find a large variety of hotels across the state, but choosing among them can be difficult. How about staying in a famous hotel that has earned a good reputation over the years. Scroll down for the best famous hotels in California, USA.
We handpicked these listings carefully, considering (wherever possible) property's fame and popularity, recent guest reviews, location, accommodation type, prices, availability of dates, decor, and amenities. The image galleries get refreshed with the latest updates regularly. They were last updated on March 13, 2024.
1. Hotel Fairmont San Francisco (from USD 270)
This majestic hotel has a central location on Nob Hill. This hotel has been featured in a number of films and played host to well-known celebrities. It is also the place where Tony Bennett first sang “I Left My Heart in San Francisco.”
Every room here comes with lots of space, a pull-out minibar, and a high-tech desk with a built-in USB port and reading lights. Select rooms offer beautiful views of San Francisco’s attractions. Fairmont San Francisco’s Tonga Room & Hurricane Bar offers Polynesian-inspired meals and live entertainment. Meanwhile, Laurel Court Restaurant & Bar is the ideal place where you can grab some tea in the afternoon. Guests can also take advantage of the health club, which means a sauna and even wellness classes.
Fairmont San Francisco
Address: 950 Mason Street Atop Nob Hill
320.75 km (199.4 mi) from Madonna Inn
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2. InterContinental Los Angeles Downtown, an IHG Hotel (from USD 287)
Luxury pricing with added fees for amenities and dining.
Modern, clean, and spacious facilities with added security measures.
Convenient downtown location with breathtaking views, but surrounded by homeless population.
Delicious breakfast with a wide variety, but pricey dining options and limited complimentary offerings.
Intercontinental Los Angeles Downtown stuns visitors with its magnificent outdoor pool and its open-air bar, making it the perfect place for looking at magnificent views of the city. In fact, Spire 73 has been acknowledged as the tallest open-air bar in the Western Hemisphere. The hotel is also home to Dekkadance Restaurant, which features a farm-to-plate concept of serving, allowing guests to learn about their food from the chef.
Additionally, guests staying here can make use of the free Wi-Fi, fitness center, and meeting facilities. The hotel’s rooms, meanwhile, are all luxurious and feature wonderful views and top-class amenities.
InterContinental - Los Angeles Downtown, an IHG Hotel
Address: 900 Wilshire Boulevard
259.0 km (161.0 mi) from Madonna Inn
3. Shutters On The Beach, Santa Monica (from USD 895)
Offering an outdoor pool and a hot tub, this luxury hotel is the perfect destination for a summer vacation. With its amenities, services, and location on the beach, it has been called “Hollywood’s Beach House.” In fact, many celebrities have stayed here.
Aside from a fitness center, Shutters on the Beach has a spa that offers body treatments, massages, facial treatments, and manicures and pedicures. Its restaurant, bar, and lounge are all wonderful spots where guests can hang out and indulge in delicious drinks and food while looking at views of the ocean.
Shutters On The Beach
Address: 1 Pico Boulevard
243.96 km (151.6 mi) from Madonna Inn
4. Hyatt Regency San Francisco (from USD 299)
Reasonable pricing for a downtown location, but high parking fees
Well-equipped gym, spacious rooms, ocean views, and a classy interior
Great location near waterfront, ferry building, and Oracle Park, walking distance to Bart station, Chinatown, and North Beach
Limited dining options, overpriced food, and high buffet breakfast cost
This hotel provides the best possible view of San Francisco Bay. Some of its facilities include a 24-hour fitness center and a business center. The Eclipse restaurant and bar on site serve extremely delicious food and drinks. It also has modern and dark wood furnishings that add an aesthetic appeal to the room, which comes with an iPod docking station and a flat TV. What’s more, Union Square and Ferry Building are less than a 10-minute walk away.
Its biggest highlight is its atrium lobby. Aside from being featured in a number of films, it boasts a record for being the largest atrium lobby in the world.
Hyatt Regency San Francisco
Address: 5 Embarcadero Center
320.3 km (199.1 mi) from Madonna Inn
California Tour Guide
Stephanie Eley
I'm a graduate of ITMI, International Tour Management Institute and 17 years as a licensed Tour Director and Program Director. My expertise began in NYC and Washington, DC where I'm a licensed guide and has expanded to Europe, South America, Cuba and the Western / Southwestern National Parks of the US. I'd love to introduce you for a day or a week to Denver, Colorado and the 4 corners region of the US: Colorado, Utah, New Mexico and Arizona! Let's GO!! stepheley@gmail.com
Tours by Stephanie
5. Madonna Inn, San Luis Obispo (from USD 199)
This classy hotel is located in San Luis Obispos. Aside from a grand outdoor pool, it offers rooms with a flat-screen satellite TV, custom-made furniture, and a private bathroom with free toiletries. It is particularly famous for having themed rooms, each one offering a unique experience.
People also love to visit this hotel for its variety of dining options. It has a famous bakery that serves cake, cookies, and other pastries. Meanwhile, Madonna Inn Copper Cafe is the go-to place for those who want fresh coffee any time of the day. Alex Madonna’s Gold Rush Steak House serves tender steaks and fresh seafood for those who are craving something delicious and fulfilling. As for drinks, Silver Bar Cocktail Lounge is a great spot to unwind at the end of the day.
This hotel also features a gym and a tennis and basketball court, and guests can go hiking and biking within the area. Spa services are available, as well.
Madonna Inn
Address: 100 Madonna Road
45 meters (147.3 ft) from Madonna Inn
6. The Ritz-Carlton, Lake Tahoe, Truckee (from USD 999)
Located just a 15-minute drive from Kings Beach is this magnificent hotel. Aside from two grand outdoor pools, it offers a variety of dining options. Eat familiar dishes that come with a twist at Manzanita restaurant or get freshly brewed coffee at Café Blue. The Living Room, meanwhile, is the best spot for casual dining and drinks.
Every room at this hotel comes with a gas fireplace, a flat-screen TV, a seating area, and a marbled bathroom, and modern furniture makes the accommodations feel like home. The fitness center is open to all guests, while the spa room offers body scrubs, body wraps, and massages.
However, the highlight of this hotel is the activities it offers. This hotel is famous for its beautiful location that allows guests to participate in water sports, fly fishing, cross country skiing, hiking, and many more.
The Ritz-Carlton, Lake Tahoe
Address: 13031 Ritz-Carlton Highlands
447.39 km (278.0 mi) from Madonna Inn
7. Inn at the Pier, Pismo Beach (from USD 230)
Inn at the Pier is a superb boutique hotel offering an outdoor swimming pool and hot tub. A fitness center and a restaurant are also present within the premises of the property. What’s more, there is a 24-hour desk present for your convenience.
What makes this hotel stand out is its proximity to the pier and boardwalk of Pismo Beach. Plus, each room here comes with its own balcony, allowing guests to enjoy stunning beach views. Shelter Cove Beach is just 2.3 km (1.4 mi) away, while Pismo Beach Premium Outlets is 2.5 km (1.5 mi) away.
Inn at the Pier Pismo Beach, Curio Collection by Hilton
Address: 601 Cypress Street
14.55 km (9.1 mi) from Madonna Inn
8. Millennium Biltmore Los Angeles (from USD 225)
Situated in downtown Los Angeles, this hotel is popular for being a place of glamour and luxury in the 1920s and 30s. Aside from being featured in a number of films, this hotel became a venue for the Oscars.
Those who want to relax can head to its Roman-style indoor pool and hot tub. The on-site Smeraldi’s Restaurant serves authentic Italian food, perfect for satisfying your cravings. Guests can also enjoy live entertainment at Gallery Bar and Cognac Room on Friday and Saturday nights. For fitness lovers, a gym is also provided. What’s more, the Museum of Contemporary Art and Walt Disney Concert Hall can be reached on foot in less than 10 minutes.
The Biltmore Los Angeles
Address: 506 South Grand Avenue
259.5 km (161.3 mi) from Madonna Inn
9. The Beverly Hilton, Beverly Hills (from USD 407)
Reasonable pricing for a luxurious Beverly Hills hotel with additional parking fees
Beautiful pool area, spacious rooms, and convenient location for sightseeing
Superb location for easy access to Rodeo Drive and other attractions
Delicious dining experiences, with a buffet breakfast and rooftop restaurant
Often a venue for celebrity charity events and award shows, including the Golden Globe Awards, this lavish hotel also offers high-quality rooms and services. It even offers guests the opportunity to relax in the outdoor pool while watching a movie. What’s more, it has nicely furnished rooms with light interiors and amenities, such as a flat-screen TV, a DVD player, and a safe. Rooms also have a minibar, a coffee maker, and a workspace.
Other facilities on site include a gym that’s open 24 hours and a beauty salon. It also offers a number of dining options, including Circa 55, which has an old-world charm and pool views.
The Beverly Hilton
Address: 9876 Wilshire Boulevard
246.19 km (153.0 mi) from Madonna Inn
10. The Inn at Death Valley (from USD 479)
High pricing for food and amenities, justified by remote location and unique offerings.
Historic property with beautiful pool, gardens, and complimentary golf carts for transportation.
Perfect central location within Death Valley, offering easy access to main attractions.
Varied dining experiences with mixed reviews on quality and pricing, limited options due to remote location.
The Inn at Death Valley, in Death Valley National Park, offers the best accommodations for all types of visitors, including famous ones. In fact, many celebrities come here to unwind. It offers a beautiful outdoor pool, access to a golf course, and must-try restaurants and bars. Other amenities include a sauna and a fitness center. While you’re here, don’t forget to take advantage of the spa services. Its luxurious rooms are well-furnished and designed elegantly.
With all these amenities and services, you are sure to feel like a celebrity, as well.
The Inn at Death Valley
Address: HIGHWAY 190, DEATH VALLEY
368.73 km (229.2 mi) from Madonna Inn
Choose a grand hotel for a grand time
California offers a lot of activities, which means it is very important to choose the right hotel to ensure you have total comfort. The handpicked hotel listed above will surely give you a luxurious and one-of-a-kind experience with its many amenities, services, and interesting stories. Book one of the best famous hotels now to see for yourself what they have to offer.
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