Twenty miles north of Santa Barbara, situated on 300 acres of canyon wilderness, El Capitan Canyon offers a camping, or "glamping," experience with enough modern conveniences to satisfy travelers who would rather just semi-rough it. Guests stay in cabins, tents, or yurts; only cabins have en-suite bathrooms. All accommodations have electricity and wooden floors. El Capitan Canyon provides the fun and adventure of camping but with many of the comforts of a hotel.
Twenty miles north of Santa Barbara, situated on 300 acres of canyon wilderness, El Capitan Canyon offers a camping, or "glamping," experience with enough modern conveniences to satisfy travelers who would rather just semi-rough it. Guests stay in cabins, tents, or yurts; only cabins have en-suite bathrooms. All accommodations have electricity and wooden floors. El Capitan Canyon provides the fun and adventure of camping but with many of the comforts of a hotel.
Part of the hip and upscale Andaz chain, this hotel is a decidedly modern option amid Napa's often rustic-luxe inns and resorts. With a great downtown location, it offers 141 rooms and suites. Amenities such as balconies, deep soaking tubs, and seating areas are dependent on the room type, but all rooms include sleek decor and freebies like snacks and Wi-Fi; standard rooms are small. Overall, this hotel is a lovely option, complete with a farm-to-table restaurant and access to a nearby gym, but those seeking a spa or spacious rooms may consider rates at a neighboring property.
Part of the hip and upscale Andaz chain, this hotel is a decidedly modern option amid Napa's often rustic-luxe inns and resorts. With a great downtown location, it offers 141 rooms and suites. Amenities such as balconies, deep soaking tubs, and seating areas are dependent on the room type, but all rooms include sleek decor and freebies like snacks and Wi-Fi; standard rooms are small. Overall, this hotel is a lovely option, complete with a farm-to-table restaurant and access to a nearby gym, but those seeking a spa or spacious rooms may consider rates at a neighboring property.
The Freehand Los Angeles is as hip as its downtown Los Angeles location. The historic Commercial Exchange Building was transformed into an Instagram-friendly hotel aimed directly at millennial tourists. Features focus on fun and mingling, everywhere from the scenic rooftop pool to the ground floor communal workspace and bar with happy hour deals. Weekend DJ sets up the party factor, but the hotel still offers a good night's sleep. The 226 rooms are divided into typical King, Studio, and Suite categories, and it also offers Shared Rooms for four, six, or eight people -- and ensuite bathrooms. Finely curated decor prominently features local artists and textiles. One major downside? A daily facility fee. For a hip hotel on Sunset Boulevard, check rates at The Jeremy West Hollywood.
The Freehand Los Angeles is as hip as its downtown Los Angeles location. The historic Commercial Exchange Building was transformed into an Instagram-friendly hotel aimed directly at millennial tourists. Features focus on fun and mingling, everywhere from the scenic rooftop pool to the ground floor communal workspace and bar with happy hour deals. Weekend DJ sets up the party factor, but the hotel still offers a good night's sleep. The 226 rooms are divided into typical King, Studio, and Suite categories, and it also offers Shared Rooms for four, six, or eight people -- and ensuite bathrooms. Finely curated decor prominently features local artists and textiles. One major downside? A daily facility fee. For a hip hotel on Sunset Boulevard, check rates at The Jeremy West Hollywood.
It's best known for its sexy bar and pool scenes, but Viceroy Santa Monica boasts substance as well: friendly service, an environmental conscience, and a restaurant using locally sourced ingredients. Many of the 162 well-sized rooms and suites have ocean views, and all have sleek Hollywood Regency style and amenities like flat-screen TVs/DVD players and 24-hour room service. The Viceroy isn't particularly kid-friendly (you'll more likely find aspiring models sipping cocktails by the pool than tykes doing cannonballs), so families may prefer Loews Santa Monica Beach Hotel for its "Loews Loves Kids" program.
It's best known for its sexy bar and pool scenes, but Viceroy Santa Monica boasts substance as well: friendly service, an environmental conscience, and a restaurant using locally sourced ingredients. Many of the 162 well-sized rooms and suites have ocean views, and all have sleek Hollywood Regency style and amenities like flat-screen TVs/DVD players and 24-hour room service. The Viceroy isn't particularly kid-friendly (you'll more likely find aspiring models sipping cocktails by the pool than tykes doing cannonballs), so families may prefer Loews Santa Monica Beach Hotel for its "Loews Loves Kids" program.
Carmel Valley Ranch is a 500-acre property offering modern luxury in a rustic, bucolic setting, with tall oak trees, organic gardens, and rolling vineyards. Rooms are decorated in soft tones and feature flat-screen TVs, iPod docks, and Keurig coffeemakers. Enormous, immaculate bathrooms with soaking tubs and separate walk-in showers provide space to relax, along with small private decks and travertine fireplaces. The ranch's many features include two outdoor pools -- the River Ranch Pool, featuring a splash zone for kids, and the Lodge Pool -- as well as an 18-hole golf course designed by Pete Dye. There are seven fire pits perfect for nightly fireside s'mores, and endless activities -- tai chi or beekeeping, anyone? -- that can keep both couples and families entertained. And everywhere, amazing views abound.
Carmel Valley Ranch is a 500-acre property offering modern luxury in a rustic, bucolic setting, with tall oak trees, organic gardens, and rolling vineyards. Rooms are decorated in soft tones and feature flat-screen TVs, iPod docks, and Keurig coffeemakers. Enormous, immaculate bathrooms with soaking tubs and separate walk-in showers provide space to relax, along with small private decks and travertine fireplaces. The ranch's many features include two outdoor pools -- the River Ranch Pool, featuring a splash zone for kids, and the Lodge Pool -- as well as an 18-hole golf course designed by Pete Dye. There are seven fire pits perfect for nightly fireside s'mores, and endless activities -- tai chi or beekeeping, anyone? -- that can keep both couples and families entertained. And everywhere, amazing views abound.
Huntley Santa Monica Beach is a design-conscious upper-middle-range hotel with gorgeous views of Santa Monica Beach everywhere from the rooftop restaurant to most of the guest rooms to the exterior glass elevator. The hotel underwent a massive refresh in 2017, and the result is interiors that are artistic and contemporary. Each of the 204 rooms comes with a tablet, 60-inch flat-screen TV, and Nespresso machine. Up on the 18th floor, The Penthouse Restaurant delivers gourmet cuisine and hopping weekend DJ sets. The hotel's location offers faster access to shopping at 3rd Street Promenade than it does to the beach. The biggest downsides? No pool and a daily hotel amenity fee to cover bikes and Wi-Fi. For something with fast beach access and slightly lower rates, check out the JW Marriot Santa Monica Le Merigot.
Huntley Santa Monica Beach is a design-conscious upper-middle-range hotel with gorgeous views of Santa Monica Beach everywhere from the rooftop restaurant to most of the guest rooms to the exterior glass elevator. The hotel underwent a massive refresh in 2017, and the result is interiors that are artistic and contemporary. Each of the 204 rooms comes with a tablet, 60-inch flat-screen TV, and Nespresso machine. Up on the 18th floor, The Penthouse Restaurant delivers gourmet cuisine and hopping weekend DJ sets. The hotel's location offers faster access to shopping at 3rd Street Promenade than it does to the beach. The biggest downsides? No pool and a daily hotel amenity fee to cover bikes and Wi-Fi. For something with fast beach access and slightly lower rates, check out the JW Marriot Santa Monica Le Merigot.
Ideal for couples looking for a romantic getaway in Napa Valley, the Senza Hotel is a luxurious retreat surrounded by wineries. The 41 rooms are modern and sophisticated with many amenities including free Wi-Fi, fireplaces, and balconies.The grounds have luscious trees and greenery plus water fountains and large sculptures. The SENZA Spa uses locally sourced products and the outdoor pool has covered cabanas. Free continental breakfast is offered featuring Bouchon Bakery pastries and bread.
Ideal for couples looking for a romantic getaway in Napa Valley, the Senza Hotel is a luxurious retreat surrounded by wineries. The 41 rooms are modern and sophisticated with many amenities including free Wi-Fi, fireplaces, and balconies.The grounds have luscious trees and greenery plus water fountains and large sculptures. The SENZA Spa uses locally sourced products and the outdoor pool has covered cabanas. Free continental breakfast is offered featuring Bouchon Bakery pastries and bread.
Mid-range Taormina is located in a historic but slightly sketchy downtown location that’s close to restaurants, cafes, museums, and the National Botanical Garden. The hotel's common areas and 87 spacious rooms were renovated in 2015 with a fresh, neutral look, and are equipped with comfy beds, flat-screen TVs, mini-fridges, and big bathrooms. Guests enjoy the centrality of this place, the pleasant and clean rooms, and the lively modern sports bar, simple casino, and charming Italian restaurant, Il Gatopardo. Free valet parking, free hot breakfast, and free Wi-Fi are nice perks. There’s plenty to eat, see and do nearby, though this area is a haven for prostitution which can make its way into the hotel. Travelers seeking a pool and fitness center could try the Park Inn by Radisson San Jose, Costa Rica.
Mid-range Taormina is located in a historic but slightly sketchy downtown location that’s close to restaurants, cafes, museums, and the National Botanical Garden. The hotel's common areas and 87 spacious rooms were renovated in 2015 with a fresh, neutral look, and are equipped with comfy beds, flat-screen TVs, mini-fridges, and big bathrooms. Guests enjoy the centrality of this place, the pleasant and clean rooms, and the lively modern sports bar, simple casino, and charming Italian restaurant, Il Gatopardo. Free valet parking, free hot breakfast, and free Wi-Fi are nice perks. There’s plenty to eat, see and do nearby, though this area is a haven for prostitution which can make its way into the hotel. Travelers seeking a pool and fitness center could try the Park Inn by Radisson San Jose, Costa Rica.
Luxurious (though small) rooms, an excellent spa, and a devoted staff make this five-acre, 302-room property one of the best hotels in Santa Monica. The Fairmont is not as intimate as the Oceana, and it lacks the direct beachfront of Casa Del Mar. But with beautiful grounds and a laid-back, private vibe, it's an excellent choice nonetheless.
Luxurious (though small) rooms, an excellent spa, and a devoted staff make this five-acre, 302-room property one of the best hotels in Santa Monica. The Fairmont is not as intimate as the Oceana, and it lacks the direct beachfront of Casa Del Mar. But with beautiful grounds and a laid-back, private vibe, it's an excellent choice nonetheless.
Club Intrawest - Palm Desert is an upscale, gated condominium resort nestled at the base of the San Jacinto Mountains, near a mall and a few restaurants. The time-share property is adjacent to the Desert Willow Golf Resort and near several other courses, making it suited to golfers, but non-golfers can still appreciate its quiet desert mountain views, gorgeously manicured grounds, picturesque walking trails, and abundant activities, including basketball, tennis, bicycling, yoga, and hiking. The extensive amenities even include a movie theater, but there is no restaurant, though each of the large apartment-style rentals has its own full kitchen. There are four different pool areas with hot tubs, including an adult-only pool. Travelers might also want to consider the nearby (and more affordable) Westin Desert Willow Villas, which is also a time-share property with one- and two-bedroom villas.
Club Intrawest - Palm Desert is an upscale, gated condominium resort nestled at the base of the San Jacinto Mountains, near a mall and a few restaurants. The time-share property is adjacent to the Desert Willow Golf Resort and near several other courses, making it suited to golfers, but non-golfers can still appreciate its quiet desert mountain views, gorgeously manicured grounds, picturesque walking trails, and abundant activities, including basketball, tennis, bicycling, yoga, and hiking. The extensive amenities even include a movie theater, but there is no restaurant, though each of the large apartment-style rentals has its own full kitchen. There are four different pool areas with hot tubs, including an adult-only pool. Travelers might also want to consider the nearby (and more affordable) Westin Desert Willow Villas, which is also a time-share property with one- and two-bedroom villas.