These Stays Don’t Just Meet Expectations—They Dramatically and Dreamily Exceed Them

When it comes to travel, the Michelin Guide isn’t just about fine dining anymore—it’s about where you lay your head, too. Enter the Michelin Key, the global tastemaker’s newest stamp of approval for hotels that go above and beyond. From iconic hideaways in Beverly Hills to clifftop sanctuaries in Big Sur and desert-chic escapes in Palm Springs, these hotels aren’t just places to stay—they’re destinations in their own right. 

Whether you’re chasing serious wellness, five-star service or just a room with a view (and then some), these Michelin Key-awarded and Michelin-recognized hotels across the West will have you checking in—and never wanting to leave.

 

Hotels With 3 Michelin Keys

The hotels that define the height of hospitality—and then raise the bar again.

The Beverly Hills Hotel

Nicknamed “The Pink Palace,” this timeless LA icon has been charming the glitterati since Marilyn checked in and Sinatra held court at the Polo Lounge. A recent $100 million refresh only adds to its magic—think retro-glam rooms, luxe bungalows with private pools and garden paths quiet enough for a discreet escape. Whether you’re sunning poolside under striped umbrellas or noshing lemon pancakes at the hotel’s historic 1950s-style Fountain Coffee Room, this three Michelin-Key hotel is Hollywood royalty with staying power.

Location: Beverly Hills, CA

 

Post Ranch Inn

Perched 1,200 feet above the Pacific, Post Ranch Inn is Big Sur at its most ethereal. Modernist design blends into the redwood-studded cliffs, where Tree Houses rise on stilts and Ocean Rooms melt into the horizon. With no TVs or distractions, the focus is pure serenity, all enhanced by an infinity-edge spa, locally sourced cuisine at Sierra Mar and the kind of stargazing that rewires your perspective.

Location: Big Sur, CA

 

Hotel Bel-Air

Hidden behind a stone bridge in the hills of Bel Air, this 18-acre rose-hued escape has long been Hollywood’s secret garden. Swans glide across the pond, fireplaces crackle with avocado wood and bougainvillea line the pathways to bungalow suites that feel more like private villas. Add lemon pancakes, discreet service and a spa scented with gardenia, and it’s no wonder stars still check in to disappear.

Location: Bel Air, CA

 

Meadowood Napa Valley

Set among St. Helena’s wooded hills, Meadowood is a wine-country sanctuary where elegant cottages and cozy suites come with fireplaces, soaking tubs and next-level privacy. Beyond the rooms of this hotel with three Michelin Keys, you’ll discover an all-suite spa, vineyard-inspired experiences and Forum, the new restaurant spotlighting hyper-seasonal ingredients. Meanwhile, The Wine Center is a must for curious sippers and serious collectors alike.

Location: St. Helena, CA

 

Canyon Ranch Tucson

A wellness trailblazer since the ‘70s, Canyon Ranch is still setting the standard. Located on 150 desert acres outside Tucson, this transformative resort with an impressive three Michelin Keys offers everything from fitness to functional medicine—all woven into a peaceful, restorative experience. Spa treatments, guided hikes and mindful cuisine are just the beginning of the journey at this Tucson resort.

Location: Tucson, AZ

 

Hotels With 2 Michelin Keys

Exceptional in every way — from architecture and atmosphere to cuisine and service.

Rosewood Miramar Beach

Set on a stretch of sand dubbed the “American Riviera,” this polished Montecito retreat mixes Art Deco glam with beachy ease. With rooms that open right onto the shore, two pools, a luxe spa and top-tier restaurants, the Rosewood isn’t just a beach hotel—it’s a beachfront fantasy.

Location: Montecito, CA

 

Chateau Marmont

Drama, decadence and whispered secrets—Chateau Marmont has them all. Modeled after a French château and steeped in Golden Age lore, this Sunset Strip hideout is where movie stars misbehave in total privacy. The rooms range from frothy Deco suites to moody bungalows, and the ghosts? Glamorous, naturally.

Location: West Hollywood, CA

 

Ambiente, A Landscape Hotel

In Sedona’s red-rock wonderland, Ambiente delivers an immersive desert escape. With floor-to-ceiling glass walls and rooftop stargazing decks, each standalone Atrium blends minimalist design with maximal views. Don’t miss Forty1, the on-site restaurant serving artful Verde Valley cuisine.

Location: Sedona, AZ

 

Bernardus Lodge & Spa

Tucked among the sun-drenched hills of Carmel Valley, Bernardus Lodge is a refined retreat for wine lovers, wellness seekers and anyone with a taste for the good life. With deep roots in Bernardus Winery, the on-site restaurant draws from its own gardens and vineyards—and backs it all up with a 15,000-bottle cellar. The 73-room resort feels intimate yet indulgent, where guests bounce between bocce games, vineyard strolls and alfresco spa treatments scented with lavender from the surrounding hills. 

Location: Carmel Valley, CA

 

The Battery

Housed in a historic Barbary Coast building, The Battery is part private social club, part ultra-stylish boutique hotel—and fully a world of its own. Book one of just 14 rooms, and you’ll unlock access to moody, art-filled lounges, a top-tier restaurant and four bars that exude old-world elegance. Phones are kept at bay, business chat is politely discouraged and the vibe leans more literary salon than tech startup. For those in the know, this is San Francisco at its most discreetly luxurious.

Location: San Francisco, CA

 

Cavallo Point Lodge

Just north of the Golden Gate Bridge, Cavallo Point blends historic charm with modern eco-luxury. Once officer housing at Fort Baker, the lodge offers both period-style rooms and contemporary hillside suites—all with postcard-worthy views of the San Francisco skyline. The spa specializes in holistic wellness, from acupuncture to integrative therapies, and the on-site cooking school celebrates local, seasonal ingredients through hands-on classes.

Location: Sausalito, CA

 

Montage Laguna Beach

Perched atop a dramatic bluff with uninterrupted ocean views, Montage is Laguna Beach’s crown jewel—a seaside retreat where luxury and laid-back California charm go hand in hand. The Craftsman-style architecture nods to the town’s artistic roots, while guest rooms feature private terraces, rich wood details and panoramic coastal vistas. The 20,000-square-foot spa is a destination in itself, and the three sparkling pools, gourmet dining lineup and a kid’s club round out the resort experience.

Location: Laguna Beach, CA

 

Hotels With 1 Michelin Key

Remarkable stays with style, service and standout character.

Mountain Shadows Resort Scottsdale

A midcentury classic reborn for a new era, Mountain Shadows brings sleek, modern design to the desert, with floor-to-ceiling glass and panoramic Camelback Mountain views. Twin 75-foot pools offer double the lounging space, and the Short Course—an 18-hole par-3—is perfect for a quick round under the Arizona sun. Hearth ’61, the on-site restaurant, is a culinary standout, serving seasonal New American fare with craft cocktails and mountain views.

Location: Paradise Valley, AZ

 

Pendry West Hollywood

Smack in the middle of Sunset Strip, Pendry West Hollywood is equal parts Hollywood playground and luxe urban oasis. Expect Wolfgang Puck dining, a slick rooftop pool, an intimate music venue and even a two-lane bowling alley—all wrapped in bold Art Deco-inspired design. Rooms are polished and plush, with sweeping city views, while the private club and spa bring the boutique hotel experience to the next level.

Location: West Hollywood, CA

 

Downtown LA Proper Hotel

Inside a 1920s Renaissance Revival building, Downtown LA Proper oozes Kelly Wearstler’s signature style. Think layered textures, bold colors, and effortless cool. Head to the rooftop restaurant and bar for panoramic DTLA views that are stunning both day and night. Downstairs, two James Beard Award-winning chefs serve modern Mexican-meets-Mediterranean dishes that are full of bold, exciting flavors. Bonus: suites with private indoor pools are a Proper flex.

Location: Downtown Los Angeles, CA

 

The Maybourne Beverly Hills

A West Coast counterpart to London’s luxury icons, The Maybourne brings eight floors of refined glamour to Beverly Hills. Expect breezy Art Deco interiors, world-class service and elevated amenities like a rooftop pool and an ultra-luxe spa. Dining is refined yet relaxed, with California-inspired cuisine served al fresco on The Terrace. Every detail feels polished (just like the guests checking in).

Location: Beverly Hills, CA

 

Pendry Newport Beach

Perfectly adjacent to Fashion Island, Pendry’s newest outpost blends elevated coastal design with resort-level amenities. Rooms are plush and airy with city-chic design elements, while the spa, fitness center and Baja-inspired Tree Shack Pool Bar & Grill bring laid-back luxury to every stay. SET, the signature steakhouse, is a destination in itself—and the private Elwood Club adds an exclusive edge to this polished Newport newcomer.

Location: Newport Beach, CA

 

Casa Del Mar

This 1920s Italianate villa turned beachfront hotel is pure old-world glamour, just steps from the Santa Monica sand. Marble bathrooms, plush bedding and fireplaces elevate the rooms, while Terrazza serves Mediterranean fare with sweeping ocean views. Relax by sipping champagne in the lobby’s indoor cabanas or unwinding at the SEA Wellness Spa. Casa Del Mar is luxury by the sea, with all the history to match.

Location: Santa Monica, CA

 

El Encanto, A Belmond Hotel, Santa Barbara

Tucked into the hills above Santa Barbara, El Encanto is the epitome of laid-back luxury. Whitewashed bungalows and Spanish-tile roofs give this spot a cozy, residential charm that feels both elegant and inviting. The spa and dining terrace are designed to highlight the dreamy setting with coastal views and peaceful vibes. It’s quiet and restorative, perfect for garden strolls, horizon views and relaxing moments throughout your stay. California coastal cuisine shines here, elevated by fresh herbs from the hotel’s own garden and milk from their dairy cow.

Location: Santa Barbara, CA

 

Holiday House Palm Springs

A playful, midcentury boutique hotel reimagined by designer Mark D. Sikes, Holiday House is equal parts chic and cheeky. Rooms are labeled Good, Better and Best, outfitted with custom textiles and original artwork (yes, that’s a real Hockney). Communal spaces are cozy and stylish, breakfast is complimentary and the pool scene is laid-back and lively. Its just the way Palm Springs was always meant to be.

Location: Palm Springs, CA

 

Sparrows Lodge

Tucked behind an unmarked gate, Sparrows Lodge feels like a stylish, grown-up summer camp. Think reclaimed wood furniture, red barn dinners and soaking tubs made from vintage horse troughs. There’s no TV and no pretension—just a peaceful desert vibe with fire pits, fresh air and rustic-luxe suites where time slows down.

Location: Palm Springs, CA

 

The Georgian

With its signature turquoise façade and oceanfront perch, The Georgian is a revived seaside landmark that brings back the glamour of Old Hollywood with a wink. Inside, bold colors and moody velvet textures meet vintage portraits and golden-era touches. Sirena, the hotel’s signature restaurant, brings coastal Italy to the California coast with elegant, ingredient-driven dishes by Chef David Almany. Don’t miss The Georgian Caviar Service, which features select Ossetra caviar served with sweet potato crisps and mascarpone scallion dip.

Location: Santa Monica, CA

 

More Michelin-Recognized Hotels

These hotels may not carry Michelin Keys (yet), but they still earned a well-deserved nod from the Michelin Guide—and for good reason.

Shade Hotel Manhattan Beach

Just three blocks from the sand and steps from the best of downtown Manhattan Beach, Shade blends beachside cool with modern luxury. The rooms are sleek, the lighting is chromatherapy-curated and soaking tubs fit two—making this a favorite for romantic getaways and staycations alike. With complimentary beach cruisers, an in-room spa menu and rooftop cocktails served on the Skydeck, Shade is where coastal ease meets cosmopolitan flair.

Location: Manhattan Beach, CA

 

Shade Hotel Redondo Beach

Set directly on the Redondo Beach marina, this upscale sister property delivers sunset views and oceanfront tranquility without losing an ounce of style. The vibe is relaxed yet elevated—think tranquil suites dressed in soft hues, private balconies with soaking tubs and a poolside rooftop bar perfect for sipping something chilled while the boats glide by. It’s a coastal retreat with big boutique energy, just minutes from LAX.

Location: Redondo Beach, CA

 

Colony Palms Hotel

Originally opened in 1936 by a reputed mobster, this Spanish Colonial gem has seen decades of glam—and its latest renovation is no exception. Rich with history and refreshed with bold, vintage-inspired design elements, the Colony Palms feels both retro and vibey. Luxe linens, marble bathrooms and a gorgeous saltwater pool make lounging an art form, while on-site Mediterranean-inspired The Colony Club keeps the Palm Springs magic flowing well past sundown.

Location: Palm Springs, CA

 

Mission Pacific Beach Resort

Occupying prime real estate in Oceanside, Mission Pacific feels like the future of SoCal beach travel. Rooms at this Michelin-recognized hotel channel breezy West Coast minimalism with ocean-facing balconies and curated art by the Oceanside Museum of Art. The rooftop pool and bar are a total scene (especially at golden hour), but the hotel’s crown jewel is Valle—the only Michelin-starred Mexican restaurant in SoCal. Bonus: the original “Top Gun” house is on property, and we recommend grabbing one of their famous fried-to-order HIGH-pies stuffed with fresh local fruit and dreamy mascarpone ice cream.

Location: Oceanside, CA

 

The Seabird Ocean Resort & Spa

Steps from its sister property, The Seabird offers a family-friendly, art-forward alternative with equal parts polish and play. Interiors feel like a contemporary beach house—crisp white walls, rattan textures and cheerful pops of yellow—and nearly every space is flooded with Pacific views. Enjoy laid-back fare at Piper, upscale cocktails at The Shore Room and a sea-view spa that invites you to exhale. For the best of both beach worlds, guests can hop next door to Mission Pacific’s rooftop for sunset drinks.

Location: Oceanside, CA

 

Lakehouse Resort

If you grew up fantasizing about lake summers, this San Marcos resort is your adult dream come true. Perched on the shores of Lake San Marcos, Lakehouse Resort swaps rustic cabins for sleek suites and dockside cocktails. The vibe is playful, with paddleboards, fire pits and two pools, but the details are luxe: think Frette robes, local art and private patios. Book the Adventure Suite for family hangs or the Hideaway Suite for balcony views and space to breathe.

Location: San Marcos, CA

 

Andaz San Diego

Downtown San Diego’s edgy, art-driven hotel still carries a touch of its risqué past (once known as The Ivy). Andaz is all about high design, city views and Gaslamp Quarter nightlife at your doorstep. Rooms are sharp and modern, with glass-walled showers and bold art, while the rooftop pool deck—with private cabanas and skyline views—is a total scene. With STK Steakhouse on the ground floor, DJs spinning upstairs and a new Campari-inspired speakeasy experience, this Michelin-recognized hotel is urban energy at its most intoxicating.

Location: Downtown San Diego, CA

 

Rancho Bernardo Inn

Just north of San Diego, this hidden resort has long been a local legend—and for good reason. The sprawling Spanish-style property includes a championship golf course, tennis courts, a top-tier spa and lush gardens that feel worlds away from the hustle and bustle. Rooms are charming and refined with wrought-iron balconies and fireplaces. Whether you’re here for a wedding, a wellness weekend or a round of golf, Rancho Bernardo Inn is as timeless as it is tranquil.

Location: Rancho Bernardo, CA