Top Boutique Hotels in California (2026)

Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, The Francis House is located in Calistoga. The property is close to several of Napa Valley’s most popular wineries, including Chateau Montelena Winery, 2.4 mi, Schramsberg Vineyards, 3 mi and Charles Krug, 7.5 mi. The air-conditioned rooms offer free WiFi, a safety deposit box, a writing desk, a flat-screen TV and an private bathroom with guest robes and free premium toiletries. Guests can relax at the outdoor swimming pool, the infrared sauna, the salt room or in the library. A garden and fire pit are also offered to guests. A seasonal American breakfast is available every morning at the inn. Castello di Amorosa is 2.5 mi from The Francis House, while Vincent Arroyo Winery is 1.3 mi from the property. Santa Rosa Airport and Sonoma County Airport are both within 18 mi of the property.

- "Amazing house, superbly well furnished and incredibly cosy and comfortable. The hosts, Dina and Richard are very attentive and welcoming, we had a wonderful stay." - "Robert went way beyond the “ call of duty” to make our stay excellent! Warm, friendly and engaged in the property he so proudly manages." - "I booked a stay for me and my best friend's birthday. It was wonderful. Highly recommend." - "I had an amazing stay at The Francis House! The property is absolutely beautiful and exudes European charm -it truly felt like a getaway to Europe without leaving the country. The service was exceptional from start to finish, and every corner of the house was spotless. Breakfast each morning was not only included, but also absolutely delicious -a perfect way to start the day. The attention to detail throughout the house really stood out, from the elegant decor to thoughtful touches like a Dyson blow dryer (wish I had known -I wouldn’t have packed mine!)"

Located in San Diego and with Wipeout Beach reachable within a 6-minute walk, Orli La Jolla has concierge services, non-smoking rooms, free bikes, free WiFi throughout the property and a shared lounge. The property is around a 7-minute walk from South Casa Beach, half a mile from Whispering Sands Beach and 7.8 miles from SeaWorld San Diego. Certain accommodations at the property have a balcony with a sea view. Complete with a private bathroom equipped with a shower and free toiletries, the rooms at the hotel have a flat-screen TV and air conditioning, and certain rooms come with a terrace. At Orli La Jolla rooms contain bed linen and towels. Torrey Pines State Reserve is 9 miles from the accommodation, while Sunset Cliffs is 10 miles from the property. The nearest airport is San Diego International, 11 miles from Orli La Jolla, and the property offers a paid airport shuttle service.

- "The property was spot on with everything important. The bed was comfortable, the linens were soft, the room smelled pleasant, the bathroom was well appointed, and the lighting perfect. Their grounds are lovely and close enough to the main shopping dining area via a quick stroll but not directly in the center so it feels quiet and private. The team was kind and helpful on entry and exit with plenty of suggestions should they be needed. We would stay again :) Thank you Orli team :)"

Located in Healdsburg, 12 miles from Luther Burbank Center for the Arts, The Ruse provides accommodations with a garden, free private parking, a shared lounge and a terrace. The property is around 21 miles from Safari West, 21 miles from Petrified Forest and 22 miles from Old Faithful Geyser of California. Providing free WiFi throughout the property, the non-smoking hotel features a hot tub. All rooms are equipped with air conditioning and a flat-screen TV, and some units at the hotel have a pool view. Guests at The Ruse can enjoy an à la carte or an American breakfast. You can play tennis at this 3-star hotel, and the area is popular for hiking and cycling. Robert Louis Stevenson State Park is 30 miles from the accommodation, while Healdsburg Plaza is one mile away. The nearest airport is Charles M. Schulz Sonoma County Airport, 8.7 miles from The Ruse.

- "What incredibly beautiful accommodations set in a most beautiful location! We enjoyed swimming in the heated pool and then relaxing in the jacuzzi. My husband and I loved the breakfast that was included with our stay - both the meal and dining room were superb. I thought the hotel would be very nice from the website photos but we were both so happy with our room, and we are looking forward to our next time staying at the Ruse." - "6 pickle ball courts, 2 bocce ball courts, and an 18-hole practice putting green, pool and hot tub. Excellent breakfast."

Well set in the center of Palm Springs, Jazz Hotel Palm Springs provides free WiFi throughout the property, a terrace and free private parking for guests who drive. The property is located 1.5 miles from Palm Springs Visitor Center, 1.9 miles from Palm Springs Convention Center and 2 miles from O'Donald Golf Course. Guests can enjoy pool views. Complete with a private bathroom equipped with a shower and free toiletries, all guest rooms at the hotel have a flat-screen TV and air conditioning, and some rooms will provide you with a patio. Guest rooms will provide guests with a closet and a coffee machine. Escena Golf Club is 3.2 miles from Jazz Hotel Palm Springs, while Palm Springs Aerial Tramway is 5.3 miles away. The nearest airport is Palm Springs International Airport, 1.2 miles from the accommodation.

- "Loved the proximity to all the exciting attractions in Palm Springs. Short 2 min drive to the heart of downtown, and walking distance to wonderful restaurant hot spots. The pool and jacuzzi area were well manicured and so relaxing to hang out in! I actually originally booked my stay for two nights but extended to 3 because I loved the vibe so much. The room was huge with everything I needed for comfortable stay included amazing bedsheets and modern bathroom."

Located in Desert Hot Springs, California, at the western edge of Joshua Tree National Park, this boutique hotel and spa features a hot spring soaking tub and pool with rejuvenating mineral water. A daily healthy breakfast is provided to guests. All guest rooms at this retreat offer free WiFi. A variety of specialty spa services are available to guests. Services include facials and deep tissue massages. Breakfast at Miracle Manor is all-organic, nondairy and features local coffee, assorted tea, local gluten-free granola, fruit, bread, and hard-boiled free-range eggs.

The Inn on Knowles Hill Bed & Breakfast Hotel has accommodations in Sonora. Featuring a garden, the 5-star hotel has air-conditioned rooms with free WiFi, each with a private bathroom. A sun terrace, an in-house snack bar and shared lounge are available. Each room is equipped with a closet and a flat-screen TV, and some accommodations at the hotel have a balcony. At The Inn on Knowles Hill Bed & Breakfast Hotel rooms are equipped with bed linen and towels. A Full English/Irish, American or vegetarian breakfast is served at the property. The nearest airport is Merced Municipal Airport, 60 miles from the accommodation.

- "Amazing place. Great room and veranda area. I even enjoyed the cats…and I hate cats! Breakfast was out of this world." - "The breakfast was amazing--elegant, special, delicious. It was the best breakfast I have ever had or could imagine." - "The breakfast was very special. The owner's stories about the history of the inn were very enjoyable. We have recommended the inn to friends" - "Venue, staff and the breakfast was off the chart!" - "Our whole experience was exceptional and exceeded our expectations. Our room, the breakfast, and the grounds ambience was superb."

Built in 1874, this Victorian bed and breakfast is surrounded by lush landscaped grounds and 3 blocks of city parks. It features gourmet breakfast and evening wine tastings. Guest rooms have free Wi-Fi. The individually styled rooms at the Simpson House Inn have a flat-screen cable TV and a DVD player. Boasting hardwood floors and Victorian décor, the rooms include a coffee maker and a work desk. Bathrobes, slippers and bath amenities are provided. Guests at the Inn Simpson House can enjoy breakfast cooked by a gourmet chef in their rooms or on the grounds. Afternoon refreshments and an appetizer buffet are also provided daily. Explore the area with the property’s bikes, which are free to use. This property is a 5-minute walk from historic downtown Santa Barbara, and is 5 blocks from Arlington Theatre. Santa Barbara Botanical Gardens is 2.3 miles away.

- "Lovely historic house." - "This is a very special luxury B&B. The inn is meticulously maintained. The grounds are filled with fountains and all types of vegetation. You are plied with treats throughout the day. The neighborhood is fantastic. The beds are very comfortable. And, it's quiet. Couldn't ask for more." - "Simpson House is literally one of the best Inn experiences you could ask for. The facilities are immaculate, the grounds are lush and the staff is super accommodating. And the food (included!) is outstanding. Can't say enough. And my wife and have been there many times. Never disappointed. A must see if you're in Sant Barbara! :)"

Located in Carmel, a few steps from Carmel Beach, Villa Mara Carmel provides accommodations with a garden, free private parking, a shared lounge and a terrace. Featuring a bar, the hotel is close to several noted attractions, around a 6-minute walk from Carmel River State Beach and around 0.8 miles from Carmel Mission. The property has a 24-hour front desk, a shuttle service, room service and free WiFi throughout the property. At the hotel, rooms come with a closet. Complete with a private bathroom equipped with a bidet and free toiletries, all guest rooms at Villa Mara Carmel have a flat-screen TV and air conditioning, and selected rooms will provide you with a balcony. At the accommodation all rooms come with bed linen and towels. Guests at Villa Mara Carmel will be able to enjoy activities in and around Carmel, like cycling. Point Lobos State Reserve is 3.7 miles from the hotel, while Presidio of Monterey Museum is 5.9 miles away. The nearest airport is Monterey Regional Airport, 7.5 miles from Villa Mara Carmel.

- "Cake every night when we got home! Terrific breakfast. Kind staff - went above and beyond to help us with dinner plans. Free bikes also huge perk!" - "Breakfast was incredible! Try the quiche we promise! Bring a bottle of something and enjoy it by the fire at night after a lovely day at the beach and I promise you’ll want your stay to never end." - "We loved the location, service, staff , heated bathroom floors, bidet, quint patio area, very quiet neighborhood. Staff was very accommodating and A++ service from the from desk, to the wait staff, maid service and night guard. Everyone was so warm and welcoming making us feel like we were at home. I could not recommend this place more for a romantic couple get away."

Shell Beach Inn is offering accommodations in Pismo Beach. The property is located 6.1 miles from Clark Center for the Performing Arts, 10 miles from Mission San Luis Obispo de Tolosa and 12 miles from California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo. There's a sun terrace and guests can use free WiFi and free private parking. At the hotel, each room has a closet. Complete with a private bathroom equipped with a shower and free toiletries, guest rooms at Shell Beach Inn have a flat-screen TV and air conditioning, and selected rooms have a patio. At the accommodation every room is equipped with bed linen and towels. Popular points of interest near Shell Beach Inn include Shelter Cove Beach, Margo Dodd Park Beach and Eldwayen Ocean Park Beach. The nearest airport is San Luis Obispo County Regional Airport, 9.3 miles from the hotel.

- "Location close to beach and restaurants" - "Arrived a little late (1900) & had to phone to obtain instructions to get key. We were in room 2 which had a parking space in front. We were kindly treated by a bottle of wine to help us celebrate our anniversary which was a lovely surprise! The shower was in a step over bath which had plenty of hot water. You could hear traffic noise from the nearby highway but it didn’t keep us awake. (Earplugs were provided) We walked to the bar down the road & had a steak sandwiches which were very good. ( Beware everywhere closes by 9pm) There is no breakfast provided but there was a 10% off voucher provided to a place down the road which was ok. Handy 7-11 nearby. Didn’t use the small on site pool."

Located less than a mile from the Palasades Bluff Walkway, this oceanfront resort features an infinity pool and hot tub. Rooms include a full kitchen and a private balcony. A flat-screen cable TV with a DVD player and free Wi-Fi are offered in each room at the Dolphin Bay Resort and Spa. A seating area with a sofa, laundry facilities, and an private bathroom with bathrobes and slippers are also included. A fire pit is also available at the property with three barbecues for guests to prepare their own cuisines. Complimentary beach chairs and beach towels are also included. Massage and spa services are available at The Spa located on site. Bicycles are available for hire at the resort and a concierge service is provided to assist guests with area attractions. Lido Restaurant, offering sweeping ocean views, is conveniently located at the hotel. The restaurant specializes in bringing local ingredients and local wine together for a unique dining experience. Hearst Castle is 1 hours’ drive from the hotel. San Luis Obispo is 10 minutes’ drive away.