This 200-room hotel overlooking San Francisco Bay provides a popular “front row seat” for events like Blue Angels, America’s Cup, Super Bowl 50 celebrations, and fireworks displays. Even the curb factor says “party” because Americano Restaurant & Bar spills out onto its own patio. For families or friends traveling together, the oversized Family Studio room is a plus. All rooms have a mini-fridge, blackout blinds, plush robes, in-room safe and coffee maker. Spa? Dog-friendly? Absolutely. *Readers’ Choice Best Group Getaway Hotel in San Francisco. Splurge on the Bathing Ritual on the rooftop of this Embarcadero hotel. It’s not everywhere one finds an outdoor lavender-scented bathtub sprinkled with rose petals. Slip into the water with a glass of sparkling to gaze at the sky while coddled within the confines of a bamboo surround. Step out on the terrace in a plush robe for fresh air, bridge and bay views. Following a soak, what better than a massage?

A hipster den, a mid-century modern gem in the desert — the Ace Hotel & Swim Club has been described in many similar terms since it opened in 2009. Formerly a Westward Ho with a Denny’s attached to it, this 179-room hotel is in a central location with plenty of restaurants and attractions like Joshua Tree, the Salton Sea, Salvation Mountain nearby. But with its onsite spa, restaurant and bar, two big pools — one of which has an old school bus that’s been converted into a DJ booth next to it — this is just as easily a place you never really have to leave.  Dog-friendly with a glamorous Sahara, bohemian-vibe, the rooms feels like being inside an air-conditioned luxury Sibley tent. But no two rooms are exactly alike. Some have a garden patio or a fireplace, others have record players, all have vintage furniture and original artwork created by local artists. A truly unique getaway. acehotel.com

Ideally situated for a quick ride into the city and easy access to Muir Woods and Stinson Beach, Acqua Hotel is perched on a spit of land just south of the town of Mill Valley and alongside Highway 101. Many rooms feature gas fireplaces but all are quiet — they face Pickleweed Inlet with views of migrating birds, kayakers and each day’s sunset over the Golden Gate National Recreation Area and nearby Mount Tamalpais. A complimentary American breakfast is included with every reservation and free mountain bike rentals are a bonus in the county where mountain biking was invented and is revered. Within steps of the hotel are two restaurants: Piatti for farm-to-table Italian and Robata Grill & Sushi.

Called Las Alcobas when it debuted in 2017, this unique property at the northern end of St. Helena’s Main Street includes a renovated 1907 farmhouse with restaurant and a half-dozen rooms plus a modern wing with spacious rooms with floor-to-ceiling glass windows to soak in the vineyard views. Most offer large balconies or decks with sofas and fire pits; some even come with outdoor soaking tubs. Bathrooms provide rain-forest showers and separate tubs.

The grandpère of gracious Napa hospitality began life as an acclaimed California-French restaurant in 1981. Cottages added in 1985 took advantage of its hilltop location in Rutherford — the heart of Wine Country — with dazzling vistas seemingly all the way to San Francisco. Lavish Mediterranean landscaping and olive groves on its 33 acres continue the South of France ambiance found in its recently redesigned 50 rooms and suites. Fountains and courtyards also create a tranquil oasis for the Auberge du Soleil Spa, reserved for guests of the resort, which also offers soaking pools and hammam steam rooms.

It’s kind of like camping, but you’ll sleep really comfortably! AutoCamp Russian River in Guerneville features a fleet of shiny silver Airstreams with a bedroom, kitchenette, and full bathroom. April through October, canvas, platform tents with a queen size bed, electric outlets, lights, and ice chest are also available. (Showers and bathrooms are available in the AutoCamp clubhouse.) All accommodations have their own patio area with fire pit.

It’s no wonder Hollywood stars, BottleRock Napa Valley performers and other luminaries gravitate to this paragon of eco-luxury in Yountville, close to the French Laundry, Bouchon and other premier dining destinations. The 62 rooms feature built-in massage tables, gas fireplaces, soaking tubs and private outdoor enclaves, while a rooftop pool and open-air fitness deck provide sweeping valley views. Lucy Restaurant & Bar celebrates “field to fork” California cuisine, sourced in part from the onsite gardens; guests can also dine poolside June through October.

Find the unexpected in an airport property. Value-packed in Burlingame, this hotel is located on the bay with water views, two miles from San Francisco International Airport. Free airport transportation, free parking, free continental breakfast, free Wi-Fi, and a fitness center. All rooms include a refrigerator, microwave, and coffee maker. There’s an old-world charm in the high ceiling lobby with dark wood touches and comfortable guest rooms traditionally furnished.

Tucked 25 miles south of San Francisco, population-12,000ish Half Moon Bay is named for the crescent shape of its coastline, and is world famous for its legendary — and lethal — big-wave surf spot, Mavericks. The bay’s visitors bureau likes to call the healing powers of its stunning coastline “vitamin sea.” That’s not lost on the leadership of the boutique operation that is the Beach House, which is laid out to seize views of the Pacific Ocean and the Santa Cruz Mountains from the separate living room and bedroom areas in each suite. Each space also has a balcony or patio, multiple flat panel TVs, fireplaces, refrigerator, microwave, oversized bathrooms, and custom-designed king beds with down pillows.

Opened during the Prohibition as the Sir Francis Drake, this completely renovated and renamed version debuted in June 2022 with a bright new design that nevertheless complements its storied heritage. Blackout shades and plush-top, gel-foam mattresses in the 418 rooms help bring sweet dreams in the midst of vibrant Union Square nightlife — including the Starlite Room, the latest incarnation of the late Harry Denton’s hotspot, due to open in early 2023.

Home to vineyards since 1879, this 105-acre “regeneratively farmed” ranch in rural Glen Ellen also includes olive and heirloom fruit orchards, produce gardens, chickens, sheep, donkeys, bee hives and a five-room inn. The light-filled guest rooms with queen beds combine Victorian and modern furnishings; some also offer a twin daybed. All have private entrances and outdoor porch seating for enjoying the complimentary, ranch-sourced breakfast.

“The Little Castle” earned this name because its esteemed architect, Julia Morgan, also designed the famous Hearst Castle on a mountaintop south of Big Sur. Opened in 1930, this elegant property — which is on the National Register of Historic Places — is all about its gracious presentation and urban location in downtown Berkeley. Thirty-eight rooms and suites total, some have views of the Golden Gate Bridge. Amenities include complimentary breakfast, overnight parking, bocce, a courtyard and a heated indoor pool. There’s on-site dining at Julia’s.

An 81-room sister property to the Executive Inn next door, this is Tripadvisor’s top rated hotel in Oakland. A hot buffet breakfast is available daily. There are spacious “city view” or “water view” rooms (to sleep a maximum of four), some with sofa seating areas and balconies, plus numerous accessible rooms. All have 42” LCD TVs with cable channels, a microwave, refrigerator, in-room safe, coffee and tea maker, blackout blinds, and free Wi-Fi. Facilities include a fitness center, on-site dining and coin laundry. Patrolled on-site parking is available at a nominal fee.

Within walking distance of downtown Napa’s culinary cornucopia, this Craftsman-style mansion was built in 1902 and faithfully restored nearly a century later by craftsman Scott Warren, who also created period-style furniture to match the original’s rich wood and stained glass interior. Its eight guest rooms offer king or queen beds, most with private patios, fireplaces and spa tubs. A short walk across a parking lot lies the Finch Guest House, which adds another four, similarly appointed guest rooms. Rates include individually plated breakfasts (served at 8:30am or 9:15 am), afternoon hors d’oeuvres with wine or tea, and freshly made cookies.

Blue Door Inns is made up of three separate Victorian mansions a few blocks apart, which between them offer 19 plush rooms, each with its own whimsical elegance. Privacy and communal spirit go hand in hand here; the rooms are set apart and most have separate entrances, but numerous common areas offer plenty of chances to hang out and meet fellow guests. All three inns are in the heart of the absurdly picturesque village, which is chock-a-block with eclectic boutiques, bookstores, cafes and restaurants. They’re also within walking distance of Mendocino Headlands, the open bluffs between the town and the sea criss-crossed with walking paths.

The Bodega Bay Lodge is one of North Coast’s top spa retreats, where every room is replete with plush furnishings, a fireplace, and a private balcony with sweeping views of the bay and bird-filled marshes. Guests have complimentary access to a fitness center and sauna, heated pool above the bay, and a full-service ocean view spa offering an array of massages and body/facial treatments. Even the lodge’s Duck Club Restaurant enjoys a reputation as Bodega Bay’s finest, with picture windows offering a romantic setting. And it’s only a few hour’s drive from San Francisco.

Entrepreneur Sam Brannan opened the Calistoga Hot Springs Hotel in 1862, taking advantage of the geothermal waters to turn rustic Calistoga into a resort destination. Some 150 years later, the family-run Anvaya Group bought the remaining cottage on site and thoroughly renovated it, adding sophisticated modern style to its Victorian detailing. The six rooms feature pillow-top beds with plush headboards and high-end linens, with antique prints, headphone jacks and USB ports above beadboard walls. Bathrooms offer heated tile floors and rainforest showers.

Gazing at the picture-perfect stone chapel with its red-tiled roof, you can’t help but to feel like you’ve been transported to the French countryside of Provence — with the lavender-kissed landscape, grapevine patchwork and pops of colorful bougainvillea in view. While the 200-acre Cal-a-Vie is nestled above San Diego in the sleepy rolling hills of Vista, its clientele jets in from around the globe as this destination spa is a magical portal to wellness. Guests can luxuriate for 3-, 4-, 5- or 7-night stays that include, 160+ fitness classes, mindfulness and mind/body sessions, hiking, world-class golf, lectures, soulful spa therapies and garden-fresh gourmet cuisine paired with estate’s own wine from the grapes grown onsite. With a 5-to-1 staff to guest ratio, elevated service and pampering abounds. After leaving the comforts of your private villa, your morning commences with stretching and movement whether you prefer an energetic hike or relaxing stroll through the gardens. Guests can curate their days with aqua circuits, personal trainers, CBD Himalayan coffee wraps, sound bowl meditations, trapeze yoga, pickleball, jewelry making, nutrition classes, meditative strolls in the stone labyrinth and stargazing with a professional astronomer in the new observatory. The owners, Francophiles originally from New Orleans, have filled the estate with inimitable antiques and even offer an onsite shop for take home treasures they have collected from around the globe. Their commitment to Old World aesthetics and authentic architecture is also reflected in the 400-year old Chapel, imported from Dijon, France, and painstakingly rebuilt piece by piece on property, which now serves as the meditation center. Rotating themed weeks fill the calendar like Mom & Teens, Staying Youthful While Aging, and Mental Fitness: Mindset Matters — truly something for everyone.

Bright and colorful rooms at Calistoga Motor Lodge are inspired by retro camper vans and ooze smile-inducing nostalgia. A trio of geothermal mineral pools flank the onsite spa, and live music is a regular occurrence at onsite restaurant Fleetwood. Downtown Calistoga is about a half-mile away.

The suites sit within several surfboard lengths of one of the area’s most popular beaches. Little Capitola also enjoys an outsized number of restaurants, bars, shops and walkable wanders — don’t miss the canal-side trails that head inland from the village. This recently redone destination occupies a central spot within Capitola, featuring ocean views best soaked up from balconies or a rooftop terrace with 360-degree vistas and a cozy fireplace. All but one of the custom-designed suites offer full kitchens.

This feels like a home away from home in the Wine Country, thanks to free-standing cottages and vacation homes with private fenced yards and gardens dotting the 28-acre vineyard resort. The recently renovated lodgings offer contemporary chic decor, plus cozy luxuries like fireplaces and heated bathroom floors, good for taking the chill off on cool evenings or mornings in the Carneros district. Outdoor showers and two pools will hep you cool off on sunny days. Dining is always first-rate, with new culinary gardens surrounding the indoor-outdoor restaurant and market. Exclusive to in-house guests, the Spa at Carneros provides exquisite treatments inspired by the Wine Country. The 3,000-square-foot fitness center, next to the heated lap and family pool, offers many complimentary yoga and other fitness classes, including a walk/run through the vineyards. Private instruction is also available. Dining is always first-rate, with lots of open-air seating and family-friendly options, too.

From its perch above the Sausalito waterfront, Casa Madrona Hotel & Spa gazes down with patrician elegance, the tall windows taking in the whole of San Francisco Bay. The hotel started life as a Victorian mansion built in 1885, and even with numerous additions it maintains that crooked-pinky feeling. A 2002 addition houses 31 more modern rooms, many of them with private balconies. Tucked amongst the extensive gardens are casitas designed for the utmost privacy. Seaweed wraps and salt scrubs are among the sought-after spa treatments; once you’re suitably relaxed, enjoy a custom cocktail on the roof deck, considered among the best in the North Bay. *Readers’ Choice Best Luxury Hotel in the North Bay

The Casa Palmero is a small, ultra-luxury resort on the first tee of the Pebble Beach Golf Links. And yes, it’s very expensive. Fashioned after a European villa with every modern comfort and a staff to anticipate your every wish, it has 24 cottages and suites with amenities that include wood-burning fireplaces and soaking tubs that open to the main room. The Spa at Pebble Beach is right next door, offering “Post-Golf Therapy,” couples massage, and even acupuncture.

Look around Cavallo Point today and you’d be forgiven for likening the extensive horseshoe-shaped compound to one of the Adirondack resorts renowned for Dirty Dancing-style revelry. But in fact this enclave of isolation directly underneath the Golden Gate Bridge was once Fort Baker, a military installation dating back to 1902. One of the best spas in the Bay Area is the beautiful Healing Arts Center & Spa at Cavallo Point Lodge, situated in the serene park-like setting opened its doors in the summer of 2008 to much national acclaim and anticipation after nearly a decade in the making. The lodge also offers an interesting mix of classes and activities, from cooking school to sunrise yoga sessions. Their Signature Massage, and blend of several massage techniques, is 90 minutes of bliss. Rooms in the historic officers’ quarters are reminiscent of a Greek revival mansion, with wide front porches and turn-of-the-century woodwork, while rooms in the new wings feature radiant heat floors and plate-glass windows, some with stellar views of the Golden Gate Bridge. Dogs living their best lives frolic on the property’s expansive front lawn and are arguably just as pampered as two-legged guests.

“The White Castle on the Hill” is set on 22 acres of landscaped grounds, an elegant landmark since 1915, and just moments from the Oakland side of the Bay Bridge. In addition to superior accommodation in its 276 rooms and suites (many with views of San Francisco Bay), plus chef-led dining at Limewood Restaurant, hotel guests enjoy member privileges and facilities: tennis, swimming, fitness classes and spa treatments. Three outdoor heated pools include a children’s activity pool plus a whirlpool. Valet parking.

Few group destinations marry nature and the visitor experience so smoothly. Versatile options for stays include the lodge, cabins, tents and even RV camping. Broad windows, ample patios and slick technology empower meetings. Kid-friendly activities are a strong suit. Adventure Associates partners on team-building adventures. An organic garden fuels Cascade Restaurant & Bar, while Pine Tent and the General Store provide more locally sown epicurean options.

Eleven cottages set on a high bluff overlooking the Pacific Ocean are set in a semi-circle around a green garden and lawn, a tranquil setting with sounds of waves crashing into the rocks below. Ranging in size from studio that sleeps six to a two-story home with a separate, upstairs bedroom, the cottages all have a full kitchen, gas fireplace and sun deck with ocean and garden views. Ask for the Caspar Cottage if your vacation dream includes a wish for a private hot tub or the Little River House — it’s got canopied beds that close like curtains for canoodling like royalty.

Catching a flight? Save even more using the free airport shuttle to and from Oakland International Airport, just one mile away. Extras for guests also include free Wi-Fi, in-room coffee and tea, mini-fridge and microwave, cable TV, coin-operated laundry and a fitness center. The front desk can provide car rental, safe deposit box, a baby crib/play yard, a barber, nail services and more. Multiple accessible rooms.

Turn into the (first-come, first-served) parking lot just off El Camino Real and find a 136-room independent property. It’s an oasis with a heated outdoor pool, garden and a terrace for a picnic under the oak trees. Rooms have a microwave, refrigerator, coffee maker, hairdryer, robes, free Wi-Fi. Two miles from Stanford Stadium, three miles from Stanford Clinic/Hospital, and a 10-minute drive to Shoreline Amphitheater, all your needs can be met here.

Dating back to 1905, there’s a long list of reasons this charming riverfront property has been attracting visitors for more than a century. 52 cabins dot the 15 acre property in Guerneville. Along with river access, redwood trees and long stretches of green grass, there’s an apple orchard believed to be around 120 years old.

Perched above the sweep of Dillon Beach in the northern reaches of Marin County, Dillon Beach Resort is built to maximize views of the Pacific Ocean while providing guests on a group getaway a homey feel. To think of Dillon Beach Resort’s rental homes as Airstreams without the wheels gives prospective “renters” a sense of the cool design and thoughtful features that went into this coastal community. Though they are not sheathed in aluminum, rental homes maximize natural light and ocean views but provide privacy between units. Each unit has a kitchen and a private deck, accessible only from each home. In some homes, the bedroom is downstairs for single-story living while others have an upstairs bedroom for additional privacy.

Founded in 1952 by wellness experts “Doc” and Edy Wilkinson, this Calistoga icon recently emerged from a top to bottom renovation. All 50 guestrooms got a refresh, new open-air restaurant, House of Better opened its doors, and the space surrounding the property’s three geothermal mineral pools got gussied up with photo-worthy murals. Thanks to a long list of upgrades, the spa is barely recognizable, but the recipe for the mud bath treatments launched nearly three-quarters of a century ago, thankfully has not changed.

The glowing neon art deco sign and location off busy Hwy. 29 in St. Helena don’t deter the loyal guests of this often sold-out budget inn, who often nab a room by calling 72 hours before they want to stay (when free cancellations end). The dark carpets and homey furniture are a bit of a throwback, but many rooms also feature crisp white linens, vineyard-themed painted headboards and modern baths with marble vanities, as well as small patios. The garden-filled grounds hold a heated pool, Jacuzzi and sauna.

With just 27 rooms, this boutique hotel and companion restaurant provide an intimate oasis on Sonoma Plaza. The rustic-industrial chic rooms, featuring terrazzo tile floors and wrought-iron bed, overlook the pool, patio with fig trees or the historic town square; all offer plush bed linens and comfy robes, and many have plantation shutters and French doors leading to a private balcony or terrace. El Dorado shares its name and address with El Dorado Kitchen, whose executive chef Armando Navarro lists Daniel Boulud and Le Bernardin in New York as well as Napa Valley’s Auberge du Soleil, and Redd among his culinary credits. His Sonoma-sourced menus are available daily for breakfast, lunch, and dinner daily, with brunch on weekends.

From summer 2021, el Prado Hotel is a makeover of the former Garden Court Hotel in its enviable location just off University Avenue within easy walking distance from Caltrain. Mediterranean-inspired, set around a central courtyard, the property keeps the theme going with Spanish tapas and craft cocktails served in the upstairs lobby lounge. Spacious, well-appointed rooms with French doors let out onto views of tree-lined downtown streets or the interior courtyard.

It’s hard to imagine a more idyllic and romantic coastal retreat than the Elk Cove Inn. Situated on 1.5 acres of quiet and secluded oceanside property about 15 miles south of Mendocino, the 15-room inn offers a variety of romantic cottages and luxury suites. But you’ll be spending most of your time luxuriating at the inn’s European-style day spa, which offers an array of therapeutic treatments such as their “Couples Renewal,” where you and your lover “renew and reconnect” with a 1-hour massage together, then enjoy a private aromatherapy steam shower and sauna.

Just steps from Marin County Civic Center, Embassy Suites San Rafael is within easy walking distance of the Sunday and Thursday Farmers’ Markets, events at the Marin Center and the Sonoma-Marin Area Rapid Transit train system. Large corner suites feature a large living area and separate bedroom and a three-room suite accommodates larger groups with two separate bedrooms.

On the sunny side of the bay at Oakland’s waterfront Embarcadero Cove. An outdoor pool and spa with chaise lounges overlook the water’s edge; inside the hotel, there’s a 24-hour fitness center. Rooms have free Wi-Fi, hair dryers, refrigerator, microwave, a safe, and complimentary toiletries. Bathrooms have walk-in, glass-enclosed showers (top two floors) or bathtub/shower combination (ground floor). The Lounge serves complimentary breakfast. On-site parking is available at a nominal fee.

This Euro-chic resort invites guests to relax and rejuvenate in their Forbes Five-Star elegant spa spa where you can enjoy a gentleman’s facial, aromatic body wrap, or hydrotherapy and then lounge by the adults-only pool savoring a healthy spa lunch.

Friends and family traveling together can comfortably spread out in the Fairmont Heritage Place Ghirardelli Square’s spacious one-, two- and three-bedroom suites and residences, all with ensuite bathrooms, full kitchens and in-suite washers and dryers. Many of the accommodations at the pet-friendly hotel feature fireplaces and share the original brick wall from the neighboring Ghirardelli Chocolate factory as well. With Ghirardelli Square at your doorstep, there’s no shortage of restaurants, bars and shops located just steps away.

Atop the crest of Nob Hill, this is quintessential, pedigree San Francisco. Flags of the world adorn the classical entrance, limos navigate the driveway, and cable cars crawl by. On the front lawn, a larger-than-life statue of Tony Bennett greets passersby, a tribute to the city’s anthem, “I Left My Heart in San Francisco,” first performed here in 1961. Take afternoon tea with honey harvested from the beehives on the hotel’s rooftop garden and don’t miss the legendary Tonga Room & Hurricane Bar.

Named for California’s northernmost mission of the 21 founded by Franciscan monks from Spain, which lies 2.5 miles south, this grande dame of Wine Country hotels was built in 1927 on the site of an earlier hot springs resort. In more recent years, it’s been renowned for its 40,000-square-foot, European-style Willow Stream Spa, including 30 treatment rooms, three mineral water baths, Watsu pool and a custom “rain tunnel.” Spa users have exclusive access to the outdoor geothermal pool, whose source spring contains 27 different minerals. Explore the gorgeous surroundings on a free, docent-led hike at 9 am Friday through Sunday.

A little more than 20 years ago siblings Catherine and Joe Bartolomei purchased a late 1800s vintage farmhouse. Today, it’s a luxe Russian River Valley property that’s become a regular on annual lists of top hotels in the world. Lounge by the pool, treat yourself to a massage at the spa, or unwind in the jetted tubs and steam showers that are standard in all 25 rooms. Make a reservation for dinner at the sought-after Farmhouse Inn restaurant; produce and livestock comes from the Bartolomei family ranch. It will be difficult, but try to save room for S’mores by the pool before calling it a night.

Centrally located in Sonoma’s most populated city, Santa Rosa, the historic Flamingo Resort has been a beloved landmark for decades thanks to the iconic 65-foot twirling flamingo in front. A favorite destination for the swanky Hollywood set in the ’60s, and a popular conference center in recent years, the entire 10-acre property has had a major renovation to bring it back to its well-deserved glory. Shaped like a wheel, the property has 156 guest rooms, 14 suites, two on-site eateries, and a centrally-located expansive heated pool. 

North County San Diego’s coolest holistic haven, tucked away in the coastal surf town of Leucadia, radiates as a spiritual vortex with exceptional therapists in a boho-chic setting. Think Balinese Bales (bungalows) and koi ponds with gurgling waterfalls, lounge-y daybeds and airy bright yoga rooms, and cottages with acupuncturists, naturopaths, energy healers and an aromatic apothecary. Their new Hammam Bathing Ritual is a perfect antidote to stress as you lie on the heated marble slab enjoying a body wash with Turkish olive soap, followed by a papaya and bamboo exfoliation to stimulate the lymph system. After a warm water rinse, a hydrating mineral mask is applied from head to toe. Cocooned, you’ll melt into a meditative state while receiving foot reflexology, scalp tension release and a facial massage with lovely Eminence stonecrop oil. After a final rinse you’ll float out the door altered and energetically ready for a tarot or spirit reading. Four Moons also rolls out the mats for Thai massage where a practitioner stretches the body and walks gently on the back, or you can opt for a prenatal or lymphatic drainage body work. After, soak in the outdoor seawater tub then further detox in the infrared sauna. Get your glow on with the famed Blood Moon PRP (Vampire) facial that uses your own blood plasma or try “Notox” facial rejuvenation with the acupuncturist’s adept placement of needles and massage. Four Moons is naturally on trend with the NAD IV Therapy that supplies the body with the energy it needs to heal on a cellular level and is said to promote longevity. Marvelously, you can get your healing drip while relaxing during an organic facial. Wellness gatherings also include naturopath doctor talks, group acupuncture, sound bathing rituals, full moon circles, and more. High vibration healers and the best therapists flock to this female co-founded and locally owned spiritual center as it’s the best kept secret in town.

Find well-appointed accommodation in East Palo Alto right off Highway 101, just 2.5 miles from the campus of Stanford University. True to the reputation of the brand, standards are high, conveniences are modern, design is sophisticated, tech touches are personalized in 200 sunny rooms and suites with floor-to-ceiling windows. Craft cocktails and dinner are served at Quattro, the Italian-inspired in-house restaurant and lounge with an adjoining outdoor terrace.

Located on the Silverado Trail, just a few minutes from downtown Calistoga, the long-awaited Four Seasons property is the only Napa Valley resort located within a working winery. All 85 guestrooms and suites boast a vineyard view, some feature vines within arm’s reach. Along with Spa Talisa and a 24/7 fitness center, there are two pools, and two onsite restaurants.

Rising above Market Street at Fourth Street, the hotel’s spacious guest rooms are comfortable, distinctive sanctuaries with five-star benefits: overnight shoe shine, one-hour pressing, 24-hour laundry and dry cleaning service, complimentary Wi-Fi and an in-room safe large enough for a laptop. On the fifth floor, the MKT lounge and restaurant serves California-inspired cuisine and has 180-degree city views. Never miss a workout while on the road. With complimentary access for hotel guests and under the same roof as the hotel on Market Street, the Equinox Sports Club is one of the city’s best. The basketball court, full-service spa, unlimited fitness classes, and veranda terrace are favorites. The junior Olympic-sized lap pool answers the question of “where?” for even the most avid swimmers looking for a place to go.

This sophisticated yet relaxing hotel facing Healdsburg Plaza helped put both the town and the town square on the map as a Wine Country destination when it opened in 2001. Newly renovated, its 56 rooms offer subtle reflections of the rustic surroundings with salvaged wood dressers and bed frames and original cloud paintings among the modern, neutral-toned furnishings. Oversized bathrooms and balconies with country and city views also add to the sense of spaciousness. Dining at Charlie Palmer’s Dry Creek Kitchen draws patrons from miles around, as does the first-rate spa.

Steeped in history and a favorite since 1911, the property’s attractive Art Deco bones remain evident after a top-to-bottom refurbishment. The lobby “living room” has a two-story tall ceiling, where small groups gather around a handsome fireplace. Adjacent, the French-inspired Gaspar Brasserie is a duplex space for dining and intimate cocktails upstairs. This central location is where the Financial District meets Union Square, for maximum walkability.

Behind the bejeweled golden doors, a holistic sanctuary like no other awaits. Fashioned after a Kyoto country inn, here you’ll find bamboo forests, koi ponds, finely raked sand gardens and museum-quality Japanese art. But this Zen sanctuary goes beyond being a pampering spa, as for many a visit here means a life-altering experience, a perfect chance to rejuvenate and reset one’s path. Remarkably much of the clientele (60%) are repeat customers willing to dole out $11,000 for a wellness week. So what’s the secret golden elixir? The Golden Door offers a perfect blend of mind/body/spirit experiences: meditative silent hikes, mountaintop Tai Chi in the morning sun, shaman rituals, reiki, yoga and sound healings in the treetop studio, Soul Vision board making and more. When it’s time to move and sweat you can try TRX or find your rhythm in a Broadway show tunes dance class with a Hollywood choreographer. Each night a fan is placed on your pillow with the following day’s bespoke experiences, curated just for you whether it’s an Ayurvedic massage, Watsu water therapy, a rosemary-infused herbal wrap or a fencing class. Look for Chef Greg Frey in the biodynamic gardens pulling produce or tending his bee hives. His California fresh cuisine favors hyper local sourcing with orchards and organic gardens on property and chicken coops for fresh morning eggs. You’ll sip the famed potassium broth and crave the ginger honey tea long after you’ve returned home. Newly added is the Golden Flight, a private airline service to and from the Door featuring a wellness kit, personalized meals, guided meditation and in-flight stretch videos to set the tone for your stay. If you are seeking shelter from the daily noise and chaos of life, this idyllic refuge is the perfect place to quiet the mind and dig deep.

Forget minimalism. Graduate Hotels go for maximum impact and a hyper-local approach, always in tune with the nearest center of higher learning — in this case, UC Berkeley, a less than a five-minute walk. Formerly Hotel Durant, the 144-room property housed in a historic building was newly branded in 2017. This hotel doesn’t take itself too seriously. A lobby mobile is made from books, the walls are decorated with yearbook photos and shower curtains are dictionary-themed. A gastropub inside the hotel is Henry’s Public House, named for the university’s founder, Henry Durant.

You’ll be greeted with a hearty cardinal welcome at Graduate Palo Alto. Located in the thick of downtown Palo Alto, just blocks from Stanford University, the property is one of nearly three dozen Graduate Hotels located in college cities across the U.S. and U.K. From photos of famous alumni on guestroom keycards to school chants embroidered on throw pillows, there are nods to Stanford traditions at every turn. Formerly known as Hotel President, the Spanish-Colonial building dates back to 1929; though the property went through an extensive renovation before opening as Graduate Palo Alto in 2023, many fabulous details, like the hotel’s original elevator remain.

It’s a two-minute walk from 12th St. Oakland City Center BART station to this affordable downtown hotel with free Wi-Fi, free hot breakfast, and a fitness center. Complete with flat screen HDTV, a mini-fridge and microwave in all rooms, among the 121 comfortable guest rooms, there are hearing and mobility accessible guest rooms also equipped with a roll-in shower.

Set into the hills midway between Calistoga and Clear Lake, Harbin Hot Springs is a health spa inspired in equal measure by European and Native American hot spring traditions and Japanese onsen. Watsu, a type of water massage inspired by shiatsu, was started here and the many thermal pools are used for aquatic healing modalities — if that’s your jam. Warm, hot and cold plunge pools are just the beginning — Harbin has six additional pools at varying temperatures for relaxing, sweating, socializing, swimming and experiencing Watsu or other water-bound body work. Significantly impacted by fire in 2015, Harbin Hot Springs is an on-going work in progress. Many former structures have been rebuilt and spaces reimagined to be a more integral part the natural world. The Dancing Bear Café ably stands in for a full-service restaurant and the Yoga Room remains a sacred space. Hiking trails have been restored and new trails have emerged.

A $10 million makeover in 2018 continues to show well in this historic building on the Embarcadero. A spacious lobby lounge has sofas around a fireplace and private glass-walled meeting cubicles. An appealing blue, cream, and charcoal color palette carries on into contemporary guest rooms, on the small side, some with bay views. Fans of sushi and saké know Ozumo, adjacent to Harbor Court. There’s a pet-friendly policy and charitable partnership with a local senior dog rescue organization.

Set in the charming thick of things in downtown Healdsburg, this modern, eco-friendly hotel with 39 rooms is loaded with thoughtful touches at every turn. All rooms have balconies or patios with views of the mountains, interior courtyard, or Creekside Deck. Works created by California artists are displayed in guestrooms as well as public spaces including halls and the main stairwell. Green elements and amenities include LED lighting, a solar thermal water heating system, electric car charging stations, and a rainwater harvesting system. The property earned the prestigious LEED Gold Certification from the U.S. Green Building Council in 2019.

In the heart of St. Helena, choose from 81 rooms and suites spread across five “neighborhoods” on eight acres. Some offer views of Whitehall Lane’s Leonardini Family Vineyards and the Mayacamas Mountains, while others overlook tranquil gardens, fountains and courtyards — many have fireplaces and some have private hot tubs on their patio. The lush grounds with 320 California redwood trees also include two secluded heated pools and hot tubs. 

Another well-priced property for wooing in the Wine Country, this is right on the trendy main square of Healdsburg. The 12 guest rooms in this 1901 building offer high ceilings and tall windows, and some sport balconies, exposed brick walls and/or period details like claw-foot tubs and crown molding, creating a sense of spaciousness and intimacy at the same time. As a member of the Four Sisters Inns collection, rates include a chef-made breakfast for two, delivered to your room, as well as a “mini-picnic” bag of wine, cheese and homemade cookies.

This former farmhouse is set in a sweep of 37 acres perched at the cliff’s edge overlooking the Pacific Ocean. Panoramic views from every room offer an opportunity to watch whales migrating and abalone divers searching for treasure off the resort’s own beach. Rooms are set into blocks behind the resort’s main rooms, all with individual entrances and rainfall showers and some with fireplaces (gas or wood-burning) and kitchens.  Enjoy a drink and a meal at the onsite 5200 Restaurant & Lounge. The bar’s comfy chairs face the sea and the French-accented American menu features locally-sourced seafood and many foraged foods. Martinis, such as a Lemon Gin Collision, are modern riffs on classic cocktails and suit the updated hotel’s time-honored spirit. There’s a full slate of spa services and yoga on the Deerfield Meadow or get your sweat on in the fitness room or on one of the many onsite hiking trails. Heritage House Resort and Spa offers Tesla and generic electric vehicle charging for all resort guests. You may even spot a couple saying “I do” at the oceanfront gazebo.

Looking for value with a view? Look no further. This waterfront hotel in Emeryville is at the foot of the Bay Bridge overlooking San Francisco Bay. Some guest rooms are “bay view;” others looking toward Mount Diablo are called “mountain view.” Guest rooms have free Wi-Fi, a desk, a 42” flat screen HDTV,  microwave, Keurig coffee maker and a mini-fridge. Some rooms sleep four. There’s a fitness center and a casual restaurant.

Who wants to go to the beach? This property is four miles from Alameda Beach, a 2.5-mile sandy (manmade) expanse that’s safe for swimming and wading. It’s also conveniently located to Oracle Arena and Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum. Back at the hotel, there’s a 24-hour front desk. Amenities include a free daily hot breakfast, a laundry, free Wi-Fi, 42-inch flatscreen TV with HBO. In-room microwaves, refrigerators and coffeemakers are available for those who want to enjoy coffee in peace or tuck into tasty leftovers.

To stay like a local takes on true authenticity at this historic Edwardian property in residential Pacific Heights, a.k.a. Billionaire’s Row. Old-fashioned tasseled keys and a gracious curved stairway speak to the elegance and hospitality of bygone days. Known for sophistication, meticulous attention to detail, and personal service, the complimentary breakfast and evening wine and cheese reception are welcome benefits. Forty-eight rooms including 16 suites. Small fitness center, no on-site restaurant.

Inspired by the Beat Generation — think eclectic, creative, rebellious design, plus book-lined walls and typewriters. Located in downtown San Francisco, a few blocks from Union Square, Nob Hill and the Theatre District, this Urban Retreat by the Viceroy is a haven for creative thinkers and doers. Come to relax and be inspired. And if you choose to venture out into the unknown, their concierge is equipped to give you personalized, under-the-radar recommendations to make your trip to San Francisco truly memorable.

Some of the 57 guest rooms have waterfront views at the Hotel Griffon on the Embarcadero. Contemporary rooms are stylish in muted tones of chocolate and taupe. High walkability scores for the Ferry Building, Financial District, and offices of many tech giants. A dozen excellent restaurants are neighbors and the well-loved Perry’s is adjacent to the lobby, also with outdoor seating.

This sophisticated yet relaxing hotel facing Healdsburg Plaza helped put both the town and the town square on the map as a Wine Country destination when it opened in 2001. Newly renovated, its 56 rooms offer subtle reflections of the rustic surroundings with salvaged wood dressers and bed frames and original cloud paintings among the modern, neutral-toned furnishings. Oversized bathrooms and balconies with country and city views also add to the sense of spaciousness. Dining at Charlie Palmer’s Dry Creek Kitchen draws patrons from miles around, as does the first-rate spa.

Authenticity is drawn from San Francisco’s Japantown where the Hotel Kabuki greets guests with minimalist style surrounding an interior Zen garden. Tall picture windows allow natural light throughout the living room, a.k.a. common areas. A cool lobby bar overlooking the garden serves Japanese whisky, saké, and beer. The hotel’s new Thai restaurant, Nari, earned top-notch national awards among America’s best in 2020.

Just a block away from Healdsburg’s town square, but brimming with French charm, this elegant 16-room inn opened in 2005 with 16 individually appointed rooms, featuring 17th and 18th century antiques, four-poster beds with custom linens, sitting areas with gas fireplaces and handsome writing desks. Complimentary continental breakfast and afternoon wine and cheese bracket a day’s foray into Wine Country; valet parking is also included.

Find the feeling of a sun-splashed Mediterranean villa in the foothills of the Santa Cruz Mountains. Los Gatos has a small town charm and easy access to hiking, biking, and wine tasting. In the courtyard of this Tuscan-inspired 72-room hotel, there’s live music on evening weekends for guests’ entertainment. Popular for weddings and corporate retreats, benefits include an outdoor pool and jacuzzi, a spa, complimentary access to a fitness center across the street, meeting rooms and facilities for small groups.

Built in 1910, The Marker Hotel has long been a San Francisco treasure. The recently reimagined and renovated lobby and event spaces were created to blend the property’s storied past with the future, creating a pitch perfect harmony. Offering over 12,000 square feet of event space, with up to 9 breakout rooms, The Marker Hotel is the perfect setting for corporate events and social gatherings for 10-300 attendees. With 20-foot ceilings and the natural light of oversized windows, The Bellevue Ballroom easily transforms from meetings that mean business to the social gathering of the year. The hotel’s team of experienced professionals is both flexible and creative, and brings your event to life.

Just off Union Square, a jewel box of a live entertainment supper club is one of the things that makes this hotel an especially attractive destination for a romantic weekend. Intimate and sophisticated, Feinstein’s at the Nikko features top name visiting performers managed in partnership with multi-platinum artist Michael Feinstein. The Japanese-inspired Imperial Club guest rooms have views of San Francisco and elevated amenities like luxurious Subarashi Ame rain showers.

While the Hotel Petaluma has undergone extensive renovations over the years since it was established in 1923 to bring it up to modern standards of style and comfort, the historic boutique hotel thankfully retains all the casual elegance and architectural character of a bygone era. That care and attention to detail is especially evident in the beautifully appointed lobby, with its grand fireplace, tile floors, potted palms and velvet-covered couches. Clean and classic rooms offer everything you need for a good night’s sleep, and an onsite wine tasting room and oyster bar complete the experience.

When it comes to Berkeley, this property is all about old world style — with modern touches, naturally — and a central, highly walkable location. No two guest rooms are alike but they all have complimentary Wi-Fi, flat screen HDTVs, in-room safes and more conveniences. Also convenient, the University of California Berkeley campus is two blocks away and the Downtown Berkeley BART station is just across the street. *Readers’ Choice Best Luxury Hotel in the East Bay

The lights of San Francisco, the breeze of the bay, sipping champagne with the one you love. If this sounds like the romantic getaway you want, Hotel Spero is the hidden gem you need. Steps from Union Square and the Theatre District, relax in fully renovated guest rooms, City View Suites or the exclusive Serenity Suites that feature a shower made for two. In the morning, indulge in a mimosa flight and avocado toast at Jasper’s Corner Tap & Kitchen.

Just off State Route 82, this family-owned and -operated hotel provides a free shuttle to and from downtown Mountain View, less than one mile away. There are also three, timed complimentary morning shuttles to many Silicon Valley companies within five miles, including Google. Delivering more value: free high speed Wi-Fi and a complimentary hot buffet breakfast with cheese omelets and bacon/sausage waffles, pancakes, and fresh fruit.

The vibe is old world Spain at the only hotel in San Jose’s preferred location, Santana Row. Surrounded by shops and restaurants, this upscale hotel is just a bit bigger than “boutique,” at 215 guest rooms and 17 suites. In addition to the rooftop pool, hot tub, and fitness center, there’s an on-site restaurant, a swanky full service bar, and outdoor service on the covered patio adorned with strings of lights in the evening. Free Wi-Fi.

If a roof terrace with fire pits plus a baseball game sounds like a romantic urban stay, this hotel across the street from Oracle Park, home of the San Francisco Giants, is a home run. Consider spending a romantic evening under the stars drinking Champagne served with caviar in a cozy, intimate rooftop cabana. Retire to a park view suite or a courtyard room with a private terrace. The gym is open 24/7.

Four-poster beds, oversized sunken spa tubs, fieldstone fireplaces — the plush yet airy rooms at Hotel Yountville tick all the boxes for a romantic getaway. But you don’t have to be paired up to enjoy the hotel’s easy access to downtown Yountville’s fine dining and shops, not to mention the myriad of wineries. Its spa, exclusive to guests, and Heritage Oak restaurant are also destinations in their own right.

Step in and look up at a one-of-a-kind chandelier made from glasses. Recycled and upcycled art installations are in the hip DNA at Hotel Zetta. The lobby lounge is called Salvage & Rescue and the playroom is inspired by startup culture. Just off Market Street in the heart of SoMa, this 121-room Viceroy Hotel is known as home of the Cavalier for British-inspired classics at breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Those in the know head for Marianne’s, an intimate club and salon for cocktails by candlelight.

Get style, cleanliness and comfort combined with old world charm and value in this hotel that’s five miles from Googleplex, the Mountain View company headquarters, and eight miles to Mineta San Jose International Airport. Amenities include free Wi-Fi, newspaper, fitness center, business center, in-room facilities include fridge, microwave, safe and flat screen TV. Guests give high marks for the friendly front desk staff, generous hot breakfasts (with omelettes made to order), hot chocolate in the rooms, and plenty of free parking.

The guest rooms and suites are particularly spacious, decorated in pleasing taupes and warm wood finishes, and provide a cozy corner with a sofa sleeper to better accommodate families or to simply spread out and relax. Hyatt Grand Beds™ are known for comfort and rooms all feature granite countertops, a media/workstation, 49” flat-screen TV, single serve coffee maker, mini-fridge and more. Large windows give views of the San Francisco Bay and the Bay Bridge.

Business trip? Five minutes from San Francisco International Airport and convenient to Silicon Valley as well, the value in this 789-room property adds up nicely. Pet-friendly, a heated pool and whirlpool, free Wi-Fi, fitness center, business center, concierge, and conference facilities. As a Hyatt benefit, members enjoy extra value in a continental breakfast, snacks, hors d’oeuvres and a private fitness facility at the 9th floor Regency Club with runway views.

This 253-room sanctuary near the shops and restaurants of Santa Rosa’s Railroad Square includes six spacious suites with separate living areas ideal for gatherings and 40,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor event space. You’ll also find room to relax on the 8-acre ground with lush gardens, when not out visiting area wineries or exploring a network of bike trails on one of the hotel’s beach cruisers. Renovated, expanded and rebranded in 2018, the hotel has a casually elegant, rustic-chic vibe. 

Four thermal geysers attracted entrepreneur Sam Brannan to create a mineral baths resort on this hilly 17-acre retreat in 1861. Now adults can stay in the 24 thoroughly renovated and tastefully updated rooms of the historic lodge, while another 75 “view rooms,” cottages, bungalows and houses accommodate all ages. Many come just for the Olympic-sized mineral water pool, others for spa treatments using the resort’s mud of volcanic ash. Walking trails wind through rose and lavender gardens and groves of palm and olive trees.

You don’t have to spend a fortune to find a romantic oasis in Sonoma. Just a block off the town of Sonoma’s historic plaza, this member of the Four Sisters Inns boutique hotel brand offers gas fireplaces in its 27 rooms, with 19 in the modern main building and eight in the neighboring, renovated Vintners Cottage. While amenities like private patios and jetted tubs and the palette vary among the rooms with a queen, king or two queen beds, all benefit from the daily hot breakfast and wine and cheese “mini picnic” in a brown bag, with fresh-made cookies also tucked inside.

There’s plenty of space for everyone. This historic boutique hotel (yes, there’s a fireplace and a front porch with rocking chairs) is a former military officers’ barracks. Inside San Francisco’s largest green space, which also happens to be a National Park, there’s peace and quiet, nature hikes, and superb views. Hotel guests are in the city yet in the forest and steps from the golf course. Make it a group getaway, hanging out with friends and family around the cozy fire-pit beneath the cypress pines and eucalyptus grove.

High atop Nob Hill, Top of the Mark is the dining destination and cocktail lounge (boasting 100 different variations of a Martini on the menu) with wrap-around views to the Golden Gate Bridge and beyond. Come for sunset or Sunday Champagne Brunch. The hotel’s guest room décor speaks to a classic style with an emphasis on comfort with modern touches such as free Wi-Fi,  an in-room mini-fridge and Keurig coffee maker.

Some properties earn the nickname “suits and suits,” and this is one such place. An indoor swimming pool for laps and a hot tub are built-in benefits for hotel guests, primarily a business-oriented crowd for the proximity to the Moscone Center that’s within a five-minute walk. There’s a selection of treatments, from Ayurvedic and Swedish massage to body wraps, scrubs, manicures, pedicures, and waxing.

Glen Ellen is a sylvan bend in the road in the heart of Sonoma Valley, which celebrates the legacy of former resident and author Jack London at Jack London State Historic Park and at the vintage Jack London Saloon on the grounds of this quaint, 22-room lodge on Sonoma Creek. Rooms have hardwood floors, carved headboards and antique furnishings; outside a leafy courtyard awaits with pool, spa and views of the hilly Valley of the Moon.

When getting the group together for a football game at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, this Curio Collection by Hilton in Cupertino fits the bill. The location has a few more plusses for a fun group getaway — the Winchester Mystery House and the dining and entertainment of San Jose’s Santana Row are just five miles away. There’s free parking, a fitness center, free Wi-Fi and a pet-friendly policy.

A member of the Four Sisters boutique hotel group, this Mediterranean-style hideaway in Sonoma’s rural Valley of the Moon gives guests a significant discount on treatments at the Spa at Kenwood Inn, which focuses on personalized therapies. The hotel also abounds with tranquil enclaves for rejuvenating forest bathing, with huge oaks, vineyards and orchards surrounding the 2.5-acre grounds, including three garden courtyards, two pools, and a hot tub. The 29 rooms in vine-covered brick or stone buildings all offer private outdoor entrances, gas fireplaces, feather beds; some include jetted tubs and private balconies or terraces.

Locals and visitors alike flock to this chic hotel’s sun-drenched lobby with 1970s-inspired lounge furniture for a cocktail with friends. Rooms, many with views of the bay, are designed for rest and rejuvenation after a day spent exploring the city’s many nearby attractions, with a relaxing color scheme, luxurious robes, Frette linens and soft lighting. Perks abound at the pet-friendly hotel, including in-room yoga mats and record players, complimentary bikes and kids’ scooters, a nightly “wine hour,” retro board games and even a local scavenger hunt highlighting the hotel’s favorite secret spots in San Francisco.

When the group getaway is a bachelorette party, this is the place. Indulge in a European chateau feeling of exclusivity. Thirty miles east of San Francisco, the property has been rated AAA Four Diamond for 25 consecutive years. Features include a full-service spa and a heated outdoor swimming pool. An outdoor fireplace adds sophistication to the getaway and the Park Bistro & Bar is a magnet for groups. There’s parking, free Wi-Fi, a fitness center and room service. 

This Mission Bay newcomer, which opened in 2022 and is the neighborhood’s first hotel, has quickly become a go-to for sports fans heading into San Francisco to catch a Giants or Warriors game. Its proximity to the city’s sports venues aside, however, LUMA Hotel’s many other perks add to the appeal, including 299 spotless rooms and suites; electric car-charging stations; sweeping bay and downtown views; and valet parking. The chic design features several large-scale art installations as well from notable local artists including Jim Campbell. 

This art-driven, 64-room compound near downtown Sonoma completed a $25 million transformation in 2019, turning a somewhat dated boutique inn into a stylish luxury getaway with destination-worthy dining. The six-acre resort, abloom with rose gardens and other lush landscaping, includes a seamless mix of renovated historic buildings and more recent additions. Book a garden shower suite, set in a farmhouse-style cottage, to enjoy a private patio with discreetly shielded outdoor shower, or pick a premium suite to relax in residential proportions.

The oldest hotel in Napa Valley, thanks to its extensively renovated main building dating to 1873, this charming, light-filled 13-room hotel lies in the heart of walkable Yountville. It’s now part of Four Sisters Inns, an attractive and well-managed California boutique hotel brand that includes Yountville’s similarly intimate Lavender bed-and-breakfast hotel. A former carriage house and bakery complete the compound, whose gardens contain a discreetly placed hot tub and compact pool.

Take a step back in time to a grand historic home, a reminder of 19th century fortunes made in mining gold and silver. This is the city’s only high Victorian residence turned into a five-star hotel. Admire oil paintings hung on panelled walls, chandeliers, rich marble imported from Spain and Italy to complement modern offerings such as Wi-Fi and a gym.

Perhaps the group getaway is a family reunion? Kids stay free at this hotel that’s only a two block’s walk from the BART station in Walnut Creek, 20 miles from downtown San Francisco. And Fido can come too, since the hotel is pet-friendly. If a group hike is on the agenda, it’s 16 miles to Mt. Diablo. Back at the hotel, there’s a heated outdoor pool and a modern fitness center. 

The 322 rooms and suites of this resort on the rural outskirts of Napa overlook 9 acres of hillside vineyards with hiking trails, shared with sister resort Vista Collina next door. Premier guest rooms include sofa beds as well as king beds and outdoor dining furniture. Onsite dining options include Crush Lounge, a lively sports bar with a six-lane bowling alley — a Wine Country rarity — as well as Olive & Hay, an Italian-inspired, locally sourced restaurant with indoor-outdoor dining for all three meals.

The new kid on the block, opened in late 2020, is actually not on a block, encompassing instead 258 acres graced by groves of oak trees and vineyards. Floor-to-ceiling windows, hardwood floors, and stone and copper elements in the spacious 130 rooms and suites create a sense of connection to the rural environs, while the zero-edge resort pool, 11,500-square-foot spa, and three casual-chic restaurants and bars add worldly sophistication. Bocce ball, pickleball and archery are fun onsite activities for all ages.

When it debuted in 2003, the flagship property for Montage Hotels & Resorts set the brand’s retreat vibe with its 20,000-square-foot spa, three pools and all ocean-view rooms and suites. Two decades later, the recently renovated resort still leads the way with its comprehensive spa and wellness programming and a wealth of outdoor activities on its 30 oceanfront acres, four nearby beaches and nearby wilderness areas. Maximizing the ocean view with floor-to-ceiling windows, the spa complex holds 12 massage rooms, four facial treatment rooms, two hydrotherapy rooms and three specialty indoor/outdoor rooms ideal for a couples’ massage. It also includes an adults-only lap pool, well-appointed fitness room with weights and machines, a yoga studio and separate locker rooms for men and women. There guests can unwind in a relaxation room with fireplace, warm up in a steam room, sauna, or outdoor Jacuzzi, or for the non-faint of heart, dip into a cold plunge. To feel the vibe even more, book the California Wildflower Ritual, which begins with full-body, muscle-relaxing vibrational work, adds a massage with heated herbal poultices and concludes with an orange soufflé body wrap, a foot massage with scrub, and gentle vibrations on the feet.

One of the finest hotels in town, the Mediterranean-style Monterey Plaza Hotel & Spa is a pleasure to behold, with public areas elegantly decorated with marble, Brazilian teak, and attractive artwork, while the guestroom décor is reminiscent of 19th-century Biedermeier, with Italian marble bathrooms and balconies overlooking the water (sea otters included in the view). But it’s the hotel’s 11,000-square-foot Vista Blue Spa with its outdoor sun deck, bay-view whirlpool tubs, customized spa packages, and gorgeous views of Monterey Bay that makes the stay here worth every penny.

Everything you need and nothing you don’t. If you don’t know Moxy, the Marriott sub-brand, you’ll want to know Moxy. Rooms are small but well thought out. This is one of the newer properties, near BART, the Fox and Paramount theaters, and more nightlife. In addition to its own in-house bar, there are plenty of amenities in the price tag: Free Wi-Fi, a flat screen TV / cable channels, a gym, and pet-friendly.

At the northern end of Yountville, this 55-room, Tuscan-style boutique inn provides a surprising array of complimentary amenities, including continental breakfast with Champagne, afternoon tea and cookies, and a wine tasting hour Thursday and Friday evenings. Hop on a free bike (first-come, first-served) to visit nearby tasting rooms and restaurants or work off a day’s indulgence in the compact but well-equipped fitness room. All rooms have private patios or balconies, and some have wood-burning fireplace; all have Nespresso machines and bathrooms with large walk-in showers and limestone floors.

Nick’s Cove has been serving seafood from a working pier for more than 80 years, since Yugoslavian immigrant Nick Kojich arrived in the Tomales Bay hamlet of Marshall and began offering crab and shrimp cocktails to passing motorists. As tourist traffic increased in the early 1930s, he added waterfront fishing shacks for weekenders. Today Nick’s Cove is arguably better than ever. In late 2022, for the first time in 15 years, all 12 rustic-chic cottages got a got outfitted with new furniture, bedding, towels, décor, paint/wallpaper, floors, and more. Don’t worry — the fresh look and feel still evokes the historic inn’s classic spirit and legacy.

This new Japanese-inspired hotel, bearing the same name as the iconic restaurant inside, is in the heart of downtown Palo Alto. The emphasis is on serenity and relaxation with a touch of high-tech. The smart TV measures 82 inches, Alexa awaits commands, sheer or blackout curtains operate at the touch of a finger, even the mattresses are branded Nobu. Appealing to the minimalists among us, the ryokan is a hotel-within-a-hotel on two floors of the 73-room property. *Readers’ Choice Best Luxury Hotel in the South Bay

Why miss a Netflix favorite when you’re on the road? This hotel’s widescreen TVs are the answer (and there’s HBO, too). Rooms have free Wi-Fi, coffee making facilities and views of San Francisco Bay or Downtown Oakland. There’s a restaurant, a gym, a business center, and a parking lot (fee applies) as well as car rental services. Walk to Jack London Square, theaters and the farmers market in no time. And practically fall out of bed onto the 12th Street Oakland City Center BART station; it’s right on the doorstep.

Set on a striking Glen Ellen hillside, family-owned Olea Hotel offers an idea location for exploring Sonoma Valley, while at the same time offering a number of amenities that make it okay to simply enjoy relaxing and staying put. Hang by the pool, curl up with a book by a firepit, or book a massage.

There’s no better way to explore the Point Reyes National Seashore than from Olema House, positioned as it is on the edge of the park itself. Behind the inn, a wide lawn slopes down to a tumbling brook, across which the parklands begin. Those more interested in local food and culture will be just as happy with the location, five minutes from the village of Point Reyes Station with its galleries, shops, bakeries, and the Cowgirl Creamery artisanal food hub. Every room faces onto the lawn, tall glass windows framing views over the creek to Inverness Ridge and Mt. Wittenberg beyond. All the rooms have radiant heat-warmed floors, a welcome addition on foggy nights. Onsite restaurant Due West and its artisanal market stay true to their setting in a 19th-century roadhouse, serving local cheeses, baked goods, and other picnic makings.

Born in 1973, Pajaro Dunes prides itself on providing a spectrum of lodging choices tucked in the rolling coastal sands four miles west of pastoral Watsonville, whether that’s vacation rentals, real estate or group services. Meetings can make the most of 6,500 square feet of space and 210 guest rooms all told. Its strategic location straddles the Monterey and Santa Cruz sides of the bay, and is 45 minutes from San Jose. Park-like settings feature decks, fireplaces and natural light.

The 26-room sister B&B to English-inspired White Swann Inn has a Francophile flavor. Sited between the two properties, Del Popolo restaurant provides Italian influence. Cozy and quaint with old world touches continues as evidenced by wine and cheese in the evening that are set out for guests by the parlor fireplace. Guest rooms have writing desks, floral wallpaper, wooden shutters, and iron chandeliers reflecting cozy and ambiance throughout. A tiny European-style elevator services all five floors, Wi-Fi is free.

Once a motor lodge, then a touring rock band pitstop magnet, now a timeless hip hotel, this property has had several incarnations since its 1950s beginnings. Quirky best describes the vibe. Forty-four rooms are laid out to surround the centerpiece, a heated outdoor pool maintained at 85 degrees with an eye-catching mosaic tiled design. Complimentary Wi-Fi, coffee and tea, and no resort fee. The neighborhood is borderline to both the Tenderloin and Civic Center.

Surrounded by Cabernet Sauvignon vines on a steep hillside in Yountville, this relatively unknown lux spot has just five rooms. Owned by the folks at neighboring Cliff Lede Vineyards, every suite offers a sweeping view of Napa Valley and includes a king-size bed, wood-burning fireplace, and balconies built for enjoying wine country sunsets. Bathrooms boast double vanities, heated floors, soaking tubs and both an indoor and outdoor shower. In addition to a pool and hot tub, Poetry Inn has a spa treatment room for massages and facials.

This seminal spa, opened in 1940, sits just over the border in Tecate, Mexico. You’ll find 86 casitas on 4,000 private acres of gardens, mountains and meadows, an oasis for hiking, fitness classes, healthy cooking classes and mind/body experiences.

This hacienda-style hideaway, a terracotta and tile paradise, is the ultimate place for a day spa experience with yoga and stretch classes in their open air pavilion, an outdoor hydrocircut, pool-side cabana lunches and divine treatments from Franco-luxe Biologique Rochere facials to citrus body polishes and EMSCULPT Neo, a noninvasive body shaping therapy.

Located along the Napa River a 15 minute or so walk from downtown Napa, the River Terrace Inn feels remote, while still being located close to sought after attractions like Oxbow Public Market and the Napa Valley Wine Train. The outdoor, riverfront terrace is loaded with chairs and firepits, making it a nice spot to unwind after a busy day exploring Napa Valley.

Roman Spa Hot Springs Resort offers guests thoughtful services and amenities in a peaceful setting with the Palisades Mountains as the backdrop. Amidst flower-filled patios, shady arbors, and a full service on site spa, relaxation is guaranteed. The resort offer an authentic geothermal experience with three pools, each with distinct temperatures to gradually heat and cool the body. Sixty charming guest rooms afford every comfort in a delightful setting.

Set between two golf courses on 16 acres in Menlo Park, this expansive property is as good as it gets in the South Bay and Peninsula. Dining is at Michelin-starred Madera; The Library & Bar is a sophisticated place to gather; Sense is the serene spa with garden and mountain views; Alex Chase is the in-house beauty salon. An outdoor heated pool and whirlpool surrounded by olive trees provides another oasis for guests.

When a “contemporary prime downtown location” is on the must-have list, this hotel tower delivers. Steps from SFMOMA, Yerba Buena Gardens, and Moscone Center and Union Square, the hotel suites with separate living rooms are the answer for traveling families. Groups like to gather at The View Lounge, an art deco-inspired space known to locals and visitors for its sweeping city skyline and bay views of San Francisco. Check out the 24-hour modern fitness center, too.

Artsy-cool, design-forward interiors by Kelly Wearstler ensure that every square inch makes a statement. Guest rooms are kitted out for the tech savvy and Wi-Fi is included, of course. Off the lobby, “pre-Modernist” Villon Restaurant & Bar serves California cuisine and cocktails. The crown jewel of San Francisco Proper Hotel is Charmaine’s, the swank lounge-y rooftop bar where cocktails and fire pits compete with views 120 feet above Market Street.

About 15 miles southeast of Palm Springs, the Sands Hotel & Spa in Indian Wells is an oasis with a Moroccan twist. The desert seems to eschew cookie-cutter hotels and this is no exception — each of the 46 guest rooms and three suites has its own original design. Award-winning interior designer Martyn Lawrence Bullard used a series of different color combinations, furniture, and custom textiles to create the spaces, making each feel refined yet warm. The Pink Cabana, the hotel’s restaurant, is open and has expanded outdoor dining to the Olive Grove. With Chef Jason Niederkorn at the helm, the Pink Cabana serves up Mediterranean cuisine with a Moroccan influence that’s garnered accolades from Condé Nast Traveler, LA Times and Forbes, amongst others. It doesn’t get much better than lounging on your private patio or under a mister by the palm flanked pool, sipping on mojitos and nodding off to smooth, daytime disco jams. sandshotelandspa.com

The location, central to Santa Cruz with views of the ocean from every room, proves hard to resist. The modern rooms, many with balconies, provide their own charm and swath of options, ranging from jacuzzi-appointed deluxe king spa rooms to cottage suites. Much of Santa Cruz awaits within walking distance, including shops, restaurants, the iconic Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk and Santa Cruz wharf. Location management works closely with visiting groups to customize according to their needs.

The owners of Napa Valley’s Hall Wines in St. Helena and Rutherford took over this former bed-and-breakfast just south of Yountville in 2006, gradually transforming it into one of the most sophisticated boutique hotels in Napa. Today its 43 rooms are spread over five buildings on two acres, featuring gas fireplaces, heated bathroom floors, Nespresso coffee makers and other luxurious amenities. Book the Senza Loft and adjacent Senza suite for a two-bedroom, three-bath spread with a sofa bed in the living room and a professional-grade kitchen.

Once a private estate, with so many things to do at Silverado Resort, choosing what to enjoy first might be the toughest part of your day. Along with two PGA championship golf courses, there are three pools, 10 tennis courts, a trio of bocce ball courts, spa, and fitness center. All 345 rooms offer condo-style accommodations and include a full kitchen.

A younger sibling of Auberge du Soleil, this sportier member of the Auberge Resorts Collection in Calistoga recently unveiled a $30 million redesign that includes a new poolside restaurant (adding to popular SolBar), newly built suites and the renovation of all guest rooms and public spaces. Hop on a resort bike to explore nearby vineyards and backroads with customized “sip and cycle” itineraries available. The 20,000-square-foot Spa Solage takes inspiration from the town’s tradition of therapies based on mineral hot springs.

Pulling up to the SCP Mendocino Inn and Farm wows the senses as this sprawling property, just three miles from town, sports an 1860s country manor, working farm and fifteen rolling acres of woodland, pastures, and organic gardens. Nestled between the redwoods of Van Damme State Park and the dramatic coast, this ocean-view farmstead features six buildings with 31 fabulous rooms, including the historic manor, a modern lodge, carriage house and a stand-alone cottage. This restorative oasis has a myriad of mediation spaces, a full spa, Peloton bikes, TRX equipment and trails that lead to the redwoods and coast. It’s a perfect place to rejuvenate and reconnect to with nature.

Is it a hotel with a spa, or is it a spa with hotel rooms? Either way, head for the treat of a heated, indoor infinity pool. The ultimate relaxation and renewal provided by sensory treatments and services at Remède Spa make this one of the city’s top-rated hotel spas. No basement workouts here: The 5,700-square-foot fitness center benefits from natural light and city views. Check out the private yoga/pilates studio.

Beloved for its prime position right on Big River and close to downtown Mendocino, Stanford Inn is an integrated resort, with numerous programs to experience Mendocino offered onsite. Gardening and cooking classes, nature walks and tai chi, there’s even a creative play shop for adults to let their inner Stan Lee or Georgia O’Keeffe out. If you have to pick just one, why not try a ride in a locally handcrafted outrigger canoe? Known as Mendolea, they are perfectly suited for a ride up the never-developed Big River Estuary, a part of the Mendocino Headlands State Park. Rooms are gathered into two main buildings and most face organic gardens, an orchard, a barn and pasture with horses, donkeys and llamas, and a boathouse with dock. Five King rooms can be combined to form suites and feature pine walls with redwood accents and wood-burning fireplaces. Two large suites, both in stand-alone cottages, feature a kitchen nook, dining area and separate bedroom and river views. All rooms enjoy complimentary breakfast and onsite Ravens Restaurant is so well-regarded for its conscientious sourcing and personalized attention, reservations are recommended at the same time as you book your room.

Stanford games, corporate retreats, family reunions, and wedding parties are a few of the group getaways that make their way to this family-owned five-star property. Imagine classic architecture, fountains in secluded brick courtyards, an outdoor pool surrounded by cozy wicker furniture beside warming fire pits for evenings outdoors. Head for the 24-hour fitness center or borrow a bicycle. Pop into downtown Palo Alto or join the team in Menlo Park; they’re both on the doorstep.

The third and newest Auberge Resorts Collection property in Napa Valley, Stanly Ranch offers 135 rooms in single-story cottage-like, structures. (Some are freestanding, while others share a common wall.) All accommodations have a cozy patio with fire pit. Located on more than 700 acres south of downtown Napa, Stanly Ranch is the type of property that makes lingering easy, thanks to three pools, (including a family pool) a hilltop spa, and trio of onsite restaurants.

Downtown Mendocino is the region’s hub of hospitality and Sweetwater Inn & Spa is in the midst of it all. Within easy walking distance are restaurants, coffee shops, yoga studios and access to the Mendocino Trail which runs along the coast. The sunny yellow Victorian hosts three upstairs rooms. Individual “towers” — the Redwood Tower initially functioned as a water tower — are unique and homey. Sears Tower has a sunken living room, Redwood Tower’s deck has 360º views of Mendocino and Sweetwater Tower has a shared downstairs bath and spa area. Along with the wide array of romantic lodgings to choose from — private fireplace cottages, historical water tower suites, ocean view luxury suites — the inn also houses a hot tub & sauna spa called Sweetwater Gardens, which offers private saunas and hot tub soaks by the hour, as well as Swedish and deep-tissue massage therapy. The massage staff is the finest on the Mendocino coast. The Sweetwater is also one of the most pet-friendly lodgings on the North Coast.Truly, this is a one-of-a-kind inn.

An intimate landmark property in the heart of Union Square, the emphasis is on discreet, impeccable service. Book a spacious, quiet suite — the windows are double paned — and dine in with city views. Or reserve a private booth in the hotel’s Michelin-starred restaurant, Campton Place. Known for innovative Californian/Indian-inspired cuisine and a sommelier to guide guests through the outstanding wine list, the charming room even provides custom cushions for ladies’ handbags.

Originally built in 1963, this once rundown roadside motel in downtown Santa Rosa received a top-to bottom re-do in 2017, restoring its charm and nostalgia. Rooms at The Astro are furnished with fun mid-century modern pieces sourced from across the country by the property’s owners. If you find a piece you can’t imagine living without, you can buy it and take it home.

A “well-kept secret” sounds cliché, but The Battery in historic Jackson Square certainly qualifies as a private club. This invitation-only membership club is sought after by San Franciscans and has just 14 spacious suites decorated by Ken Fulk. The accommodation has exposed brick walls, period features, vintage furnishings, and original artwork. Courtyard rooms overlook the club’s garden, others have knock out views of the Transamerica Pyramid landmark. Best of all, resident membership is bestowed upon hotel guests for the duration of their stay.

Don’t lift a finger: Newly opened in mid-2020, The Clement bills itself as “all-inclusive.” That means each of the 23 guest rooms comes with breakfast, lunch, and dinner, snacks, 24-hour guest pantry, wine, beer and cocktails, room service, Wi-Fi… and more. Also included: Take in views of the Santa Cruz Mountains from a cabana or a fire pit situated around the rooftop swimming pool and whirlpool. Enjoy access to the exercise gym and a 12-person boardroom. Ten-minute walk from Stanford University campus.