Top 11 Unique Hotels In Southern California - Updated 2024

Anne Marielle
Anne Marielle 
Updated
| 4 min read

Southern California is a dream destination for beach lovers. It is home to the famed beach town of Malibu, Laguna Beach, and Huntington Beach in Orange County. When you’re not venturing out on the awesome hiking and trekking spots in Southern California, you may want to visit the famous Los Angeles County Museum of Art, take a photo by the Hollywood sign, and visit Disneyland. If you are into shopping, you can head to Beverly Hills and explore some luxury stores on Rodeo Drive. Offering plenty of attractions to visitors, this region has lots of accommodation options that can ensure guests a comfortable stay. Some of the popular options among tourists are the beach resorts in Southern California. But if you are looking to enjoy a one-of-a-kind vacation experience, check out the top unique hotels in Southern California.

We handpicked these listings carefully, considering (wherever possible) Superhost status, 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 April 12, 2024.

1. Palihotel Westwood Village (from USD 290)

You can bet on a one-of-a-kind stay at Palihotel Westwood Village, a historic boutique hotel that showcases a design that blends the mid-century and contemporary art. Its 55 rooms are stylish lodgings appointed with a mini-fridge, 43-inch HDTV, and minibar with gourmet snacks. The options range from queen to king and double rooms so as to appeal to the different types of travelers. Free Wi-Fi is also available to cater to browsing and research needs.

While the hotel rooms are warm and inviting, you’ll likely want to visit the local attractions to experience the Southern California lifestyle. The nearby destinations include Hammer Museum, Westfield Century City, University Of California Los Angeles, and Pauley Pavilion.

Stayed at this property?

Palihotel Westwood Village

Wifi Available

Address: 1044 Tiverton Avenue
40.24 km (25.0 mi) from Aquarium of the Pacific

Parking Pets allowed 24-HOUR FRONT DESK Garden Non-smoking rooms Laundry Dry cleaning Family rooms

2. JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort & Spa, Palm Desert (from USD 669)

You’ll surely have the time of your life in JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort & Spa. With its two championship golf courses, a complex of five pools, grass and clay courts, state-of-the-art fitness center, and spa, you can enjoy a comfortable stay. It boasts luxuriously furnished rooms with marble bathrooms and large TVs for entertainment. The on-site Rockwood Grill offers authentic Californian cuisine, so you need not go far for delicious meals. There is a bar for a quick nightcap after a fun day outdoors.

Stayed at this property?

JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort & Spa

Wifi Available Wheelchair accessible Visual Aid: Braille

Address: 74-855 Country Club Drive
169.73 km (105.5 mi) from Aquarium of the Pacific

Parking Restaurant Room service Meeting/banquet facilities Bar 24-HOUR FRONT DESK Tennis court Sauna

3. The Surfrider Malibu (from USD 549)

Some of The Surfrider Malibu’s guest rooms offer a breathtaking view of the sea or mountains. Each room is furnished with a private bathroom with essentials for freshening up after a fun-filled day. You can enjoy delicious food and refreshing cocktails at the exclusive guest-only roof deck bar and restaurant overlooking the Pacific Ocean and Malibu Pier. You can also enjoy the complimentary surfboards and stand-up paddleboards for your water excursions. Also, Los Angeles International Airport is situated 27.4 km (17 mi) away from the property.

Stayed at this property?

The Surfrider Malibu

Wifi Available Wheelchair accessible

Address: 23033 Pacific Coast Highway
53.92 km (33.5 mi) from Aquarium of the Pacific

Parking Restaurant Room service Bar Terrace Non-smoking rooms Laundry Dry cleaning

4. The Westin Desert Willow Villas, Palm Desert (from USD 186)

Every villa in The Westin Desert Willow Villas features a seating area, a dining area, a kitchenette, a flat-screen TV, and a washing machine for your laundry needs. While you are here, you can take advantage of the outdoor pool, play basketball, go horseback riding, and even go on a hike to further explore the area. The property also has a restaurant and bar that serves grilled food in a casual setting. There are several shopping centers near the property.

Stayed at this property?

The Westin Desert Willow Villas, Palm Desert

Wifi Available Wheelchair accessible

Address: 75 Willow Ridge
168.59 km (104.8 mi) from Aquarium of the Pacific

Parking Restaurant Bar 24-HOUR FRONT DESK Sauna Fitness centre Golf course (within 3 km) Non-smoking rooms

California Tour Guide

Stephanie Eley

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... Read more

Tours by Stephanie

5. Hotel Maya - a DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel, Long Beach (from USD 219)

Located in Long Beach, California, Hotel Maya is an accommodation that’s situated right in front of the water. It has spacious guest rooms with large flat-screen TVs, coffee makers, and aromatherapy bath amenities. You can take advantage of the outdoor pool, hot tub, fitness center, and business center during your stay. For a wonderful dining experience, you can enjoy the delicious Mexican and Latin American dishes served at Fuego Restaurant. If you want to explore, Hotel Maya is near Aquarium of the Pacific and Battleship USS Iowa Museum.

Stayed at this property?

Hotel Maya - a DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel

Wifi Available Wheelchair accessible

Address: 700 Queensway Drive
563 meters (0.4 ft) from Aquarium of the Pacific

Parking Restaurant Pets allowed Room service Meeting/banquet facilities Bar 24-HOUR FRONT DESK Fitness centre

6. Pendry San Diego (from USD 1045)

Pendry San Diego has amazing amenities meant for every guest’s relaxation and comfort. The five-star property boasts an outdoor swimming pool, a hot tub, a fitness center, free WiFi, and a 24-hour front desk for convenience. In the morning, you can enjoy an a la carte or American breakfast to help you kickstart your day. Car hire services are available, so you can easily explore some of the top attractions in the area. For entertainment, you can enjoy playing darts while you are here.

Stayed at this property?

Pendry San Diego

Wifi Available Wheelchair accessible

Address: 550 J Street
151.69 km (94.3 mi) from Aquarium of the Pacific

Parking Restaurant Pets allowed Room service Meeting/banquet facilities Bar 24-HOUR FRONT DESK Sauna

7. Hard Rock Hotel San Diego (from USD 407)

Hard Rock Hotel San Diego is a modern and music-centered hotel situated within San Diego’s Gaslamp Quarter. You can even borrow a free guitar and receive free music downloads that can serve as a soundtrack for your stay. Guests can enjoy a restful sleep in the property’s contemporary rooms equipped with a large flat-screen TV, free WiFi, and bathrooms with full-length mirrors and rain-style showers. Enjoy a drink by the rooftop pool while admiring the views of the surroundings. For classic American cuisine, you can count on Maryjane’s to serve delicious meals you can surely enjoy.

Stayed at this property?

Hard Rock Hotel San Diego

Wifi Available Wheelchair accessible

Address: 207 5th Avenue
151.83 km (94.4 mi) from Aquarium of the Pacific

Parking Restaurant Room service Meeting/banquet facilities Bar 24-HOUR FRONT DESK Fitness centre Non-smoking rooms

8. The Ritz-Carlton Bacara, Santa Barbara (from USD 909)

You’ll fall in love with the views The Ritz-Carlton Bacara, Santa Barbara offers. All of the rooms are fabulously furnished and have private patios with breathtaking views. You’ll be able to enjoy authentic Californian dishes at The Bistro, signature cocktails at O Bar + Kitchen, and seafood and steak at Angel Oak. If you want to stay active, the five-star property offers an on-site fitness center, tennis courts, and hiking trails. For some relaxation, you can head to the spa, which is one of the largest spas on the West Coast.

Stayed at this property?

The Ritz-Carlton Bacara, Santa Barbara

Wifi Available Wheelchair accessible

Address: 8301 Holllister Avenue
175.41 km (109.0 mi) from Aquarium of the Pacific

Parking Restaurant Pets allowed Room service Meeting/banquet facilities Bar 24-HOUR FRONT DESK Tennis court

9. Santa Monica Proper Hotel, a Member of Design Hotels, Los Angeles (from USD 549)

Santa Monica Proper Hotel is Santa Monica’s first new luxury lifestyle hotel in over a decade. It has fused the character of a 1928 landmark building with contemporary design. The hotel’s rooms have amenities such as fresh linens, luxurious comforters and pillows, custom bathrobes, and bathroom essentials. It has three on-site dining options for your convenience. You can also enjoy a refreshing swim in the rooftop pool and a relaxing yoga session on the terrace.

Stayed at this property?

Santa Monica Proper Hotel, a Member of Design Hotels

Wifi Available Wheelchair accessible Visual Aid: Braille Visual Aid: Tactile

Address: 700 Wilshire Boulevard
39.87 km (24.8 mi) from Aquarium of the Pacific

Parking Restaurant Pets allowed Room service Meeting/banquet facilities Bar 24-HOUR FRONT DESK Tennis court

10. Beverly Wilshire, A Four Seasons Hotel, Beverly Hills (from USD 995)

Beverly Wilshire is situated 19 km (12 mi) from the Los Angeles International Airport. It boasts a Mediterranean-style pool and hot tub with private cabanas as well as fully furnished rooms for a comfortable stay. You can enjoy massages, facials, and organic treatments at the spa or keep active by working out at the well-equipped fitness center with state-of-the-art equipment. The hotel also has various restaurants, including CUT by Wolfgang Puck, which offers succulent steaks and rare wines. The property is situated near Hollywood, Santa Monica, and Venice Beach.

Stayed at this property?

Beverly Wilshire, A Four Seasons Hotel

Wifi Available Wheelchair accessible

Address: 9500 Wilshire Boulevard
38.78 km (24.1 mi) from Aquarium of the Pacific

Parking Restaurant Pets allowed Room service Meeting/banquet facilities Bar 24-HOUR FRONT DESK Fitness centre

11. Millennium Biltmore Los Angeles (from USD 148)

Located in downtown Los Angeles, Millennium Biltmore is a luxurious hotel with guest rooms decorated in rich, warm colors. Each room has a satellite TV, a work desk, a coffee maker, and a marble bathroom. For your dining needs, there is an on-site restaurant that serves Italian cuisine. Gallery Bar and Cognac Room offers live entertainment on Friday and Saturday nights. You can enjoy a refreshing swim in the Roman-style indoor pool, relax in the hot tub, or work out at the gym during your stay.

Stayed at this property?

The Biltmore Los Angeles

Wifi Available Wheelchair accessible

Address: 506 South Grand Avenue
32.45 km (20.2 mi) from Aquarium of the Pacific

Parking Meeting/banquet facilities Bar 24-HOUR FRONT DESK Fitness centre Non-smoking rooms Laundry Dry cleaning

Southern California is more than just breathtaking beach views

Southern California will leave you in awe, offering stunning beaches, historic destinations, and plenty of outdoor opportunities. These unique places to stay in Southern California add to the long list of reasons why you should visit this lovely region. See you at one of these distinct hotels!

Any must-sees we missed? Tell us about them in the comments section or write a post here to help out fellow travelers!
Disclosure: Trip101 selects the listings in our articles independently. Some of the listings in this article contain affiliate links.

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Anne Marielle is a writer from Marilao, Bulacan, although her college years saw her spending the majority of her time in Manila. In her leisure hours, she indulges in her favorite pastimes,...Read more

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