I just returned from a visit with my parents in Santa Maria, California where I slept on a foam cushion on the floor for three days. It was a bit hard, but better than the soft, soft bed they offered me. I could have gone to a hotel, but the truth is, I’ve found only a few hotels that consistently offer firm beds. A chain that has never let me down to date is Hyatt Regency hotels, but I can’t think of any Hyatt’s in the area where they live. One place not far from Santa Maria has fantastic beds…but the rates are a bit high for a 3 night stay. Dolphin Bay Resort suites are luxury condos with granite countertops, living rooms, nice bath, full kitchen, ocean views, beach access, great restaurant on site, etc. Last year I looked at a suite there and couldn’t resist. I pulled out my checkbook and decided to give it a try, if only for a night. The bed was perfect, as was my stay. I really didn’t want to go home. It’s kind of hard to tell my parents I’m staying up the road in Pismo Beach at a luxury resort, paying anywhere from $299 upwards per night. So I toughed it out at their house and survived. Dolphin Bay is one of those places that you don’t forget. I’d go back in a heartbeat and may do so after the summer is over.
Perhaps you’ve driven by the famous pink hotel & resort in San Luis Obispo, visible from Interstate Highway 101. This well-traveled road formerly known as El Camino Real (The King’s Road), was built by the Catholic padres or fathers who established mission homes, each a day’s travel from the next, during the modern-day settlement of California beginning in the late 1700’s through the early 1800’s. Today the road built by missionaries aptly sports a hotel named “Madonna Inn”.
Although it’s history has been very modern, somewhat irreverent and even kitsch, travelers have flocked to the unique hotel by the thousands. And while it still retains its original funky appeal (opened in 1958), Madonna Inn has gone upscale with a 90-foot long European-style pool designed in a configuration that allows for 50-foot lap swimming, and includes a 30-foot beach-style entry. Spa treatment for couples, Pilates an Energy Room…. > more
Best Beach Hotels - Everyone comes out with an annual list. Our criteria are a bit different because we usually are working on the road, and even at the beach. We like clean rooms, firm beds, accessible beaches and nice decor. If you can get high speed Internet, all the better. The time will come when all the properties will be fully wired but when the smaller properties say they have free Wi-fi, don’t be so sure that it will work. Also, be prepared to pay extra for it at the hotels catering to the business crowd.
Best California Beach Hotels Overall (not selected in any specific order):
- Catamaran Resort Hotel in San Diego - Features extensive aviary, waterways, bay, beach and even a free party boat ride, often with live band and cocktail bar at night. Off season prices make this worth checking out.
- The Beach House at Half Moon Bay - Very laid back, yet a favorite for the likes of the corporate crowd such as Oracle, Yahoo and Google. Rooms are simple, yet offer some of the most serene beach views and direct gated access to a Surfer’s Beach. Located near Maverick’s where the Big Wave surfing contest is held featuring waves up to 50 feet high, this area captures the essence of surfing culture amidst fine cuisine, entertainment and shopping.
- Best Western Lighthouse Inn at Pacifica’s Rockaway Beach. The prices are usually quite reasonable at this hidden gem that was built almost into the water. In fact, you’ll often find sea spray in the parking garage. Sleeping to the sound of the ocean without the noise of cars is a real treat. It makes you feel very lucky and special.
- Surf and Sand in Laguna Beach - It may cost you a week’s salary to stay here (or the nearby Montage), but the views are stunning and the beach beckons at your door. Long the favorite of the romance crowd, there’s a restaurant on site with great views.
- Hyatt Regency Long Beach - Though somewhat urban, the hotel with ocean and city views is located next to the Aquarium of the Pacific and a short walk to the Pine Street clubs and restaurants. Many rooms offer views of the Queen Mary ship and harbor. We also like the Hyatt beds that are very firm. This is a great overnighter for clubbers, and for trips to Catalina Island.
- Loews Coronado Bay Resort on Coronado Island - While there are several great hotels with beaches on Coronado, we like Loews for its decor, amenities and slightly upscale approach to vacationing and corporate events. It costs a bit more, but is not as expensive as places such as Bacara in Santa Barbara, where valet parking is required. At Loews, there are boat rentals, gondola rides, bus service and Silver Strand beach all outside your door, plus views of the Coronado bay bridge.
- Embassy Suites at Mandalay Beach Resort Hotel in Oxnard - This is a vacation destination that includes beach on site, sand volleyball courts, free breakfast, cocktail reception and every room is a suite. It’s a great retreat for day trips to the Channel Islands that depart both Oxnard and Ventura.
- Hilton San Diego Resort on Mission Bay - While the rooms are fairly standard, there are some special wings with larger rooms and suites that are really nice. If you love the beach and being outside, this is a great choice. Joggers run on the paved path in front of the hotel near the beach all day long.
- Sea Ranch Lodge at The Sea Ranch on the Sonoma Coast - This intimate lodge enjoys stunning beaches, tall grasses, wildflowers and plenty of sunshine and rain. It’s a remote getaway, but very special.
- Bodega Bay Lodge and Spa in Bodega Bay - Offers access to beaches and bays with hikes through the woods, beautiful views and cozy rooms, most with fireplace and cormfortable, upscale decor. It’s one of those places the tempts you to pack your bags and move to.
- Dolphin Bay Resort in Pismo Beach’s Shell Beach. It’s a wow. Brand new hotel that was sold as time shares features beach and restaurant on site, beautiful suites and rooms, finest appointments and it feels like home. Simply awesome!