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!
While going through the photos today, I saw that I needed to update my web page photos of Carmel Valley Ranch. I’ve heard that they’re redesigning the golf course so I am not sure how it looks right now. Every year I try to visit Carmel and stay at this great resort out in Carmel Valley. In the fall, it’s especially nice when there’s a chill in the air and you light a fire in your room or suite’s fireplace. These Santa Ana winds and temperatures in the 80’s in L.A. have been way too hot to even think of turning on some heat, even though it’s almost November. If you’re looking for a really special getaway, Carmel Valley Ranch is one of my favorite California resorts. Tucked in the hills outside Carmel in Carmel Valley, deer and wild turkeys roam free in the wooded hills outside your room’s private patio deck. If anyone has been to Carmel Valley Ranch lately, how is the golf course coming along?
Welcome to our BeachCalifornia hotel reviews, suggestions and comments about your hotel stay. Since we sell hotel rooms and attraction tickets, we’re always checking out new places or gathering stories on destinations for BeachCalifornia.com. If you have some tips, getaway suggestions, or places you would like others to know about, here’s your chance to get it out.