From Luxury Los Angeles Landmarks to Historic Desert Hideaways, These Escapes Are as Legendary as They Come
California, a state steeped in glamor and legend, is home to a collection of iconic hotels, many of which celebrate historic landmark titles. These architectural gems have played host to star-studded moments, whispered secrets of Hollywood’s Golden Age and witnessed the evolution of the Golden State itself. From posh beachfront retreats to sprawling estates, these famous hotels in Southern California are more than just places to stay; they are living chapters in the state’s captivating story. Here are 10 of the best hotels in Southern California with legendary pasts that’ll take you back in time.
La Quinta Resort & Club
There’s a reason La Quinta Resort & Club has been known as the original desert hideaway since 1926. When Walter H. Morgan opened the hotel, it had 20 guest casitas across 1,400 acres and featured the first nine-hole golf course in the Coachella Valley. There was an open-air glass dining room and three courtyards that beckoned the Hollywood elite. Known to be an escape for Greta Garbo and Clark Gable in the late ‘20s and a writing paradise for Frank Capra in the ‘30s, this resort was the desert destination of its time and still is today. The resort transformed itself into a more contemporary resort in the ‘90s, with the addition of a spa and a 90-hole PGA golf course, and continues to keep up with the times. Today, the hotel carries on its legacy and serves as the perfect weekend getaway.
A true desert oasis, La Quinta Resort & Club lives on sprawling grounds, with lush green in view, mountains in the background and prime accommodations—all designed with its original Spanish feel. Choose from casitas with private patios and hot tubs, luxury suites with fireplaces and spa pool access or a villa with a home-away-from-home feel and a private kitchen. There are five championship golf courses, world-class tennis courts, an award-winning spa and a rejuvenating salon. When you need a dip, head to any of the 41 climate-controlled pools all around the resort, and then feed your hunger at the many dining options—from grab-and-go to casual and fine dining.
Location: La Quinta
The Beverly Hills Hotel
With an iconic zip code like 90210 and a no-joke red carpet entrance, The Beverly Hills Hotel truly does “greet you like a movie star.” Built in 1912, before the city itself was incorporated, the hotel is now a Beverly Hills landmark building. It was originally constructed near the Burton Green mansion, which attracted early-era movie stars to take up residence in the area. To this day, this hotel is not just a magnet for Hollywood locals, but it’s also within proximity to the business and entertainment centers of Los Angeles.
Painted pink to complement the sunset and walls lined with the original banana leaf wallpaper, The Beverly Hills Hotel, aka the Pink Palace, is known for its distinctive style—think palm trees and pink hues. Head to the Polo Lounge to see why this hideaway has been known as Tinseltown’s playground since the birth of Beverly Hills. And while you’re at it, splurge on a Legendary Bungalow—like the one Marilyn Monroe would pad around in—before heading to the pool to listen to some underwater music and lounge in a private cabana. Imagine attending a wedding here, where the Crystal Ballroom has met the likes of many famous brides and grooms—though it’ll take some digging to find out who, as the hotel honors the privacy of its guests. Fun fact: this iconic hotel is featured on the Eagles’ “Hotel California” album cover!
Location: Beverly Hills
11/12
Chateau Marmont
Located on Sunset Boulevard in West Hollywood, the forever-lush Chateau Marmont has resided on its hillside location since 1927. What began as a French-influenced apartment building, replete with a turret on top and endless Gothic details, has evolved into a hotel with 63 bedrooms, suites, cottages and bungalows. Secrets live inside the walls, and one glance at its Instagram reveals why: endless pictures of celebrities taken by vanguard photographers and glam media outlets like Vogue.
If the hotel looks familiar, there’s a good chance you’ve glimpsed it on the big screen. Chateau Marmont appears in many Academy Award-winning movies, like “La La Land” and “A Star Is Born,” as well as other titles dating back to the ‘50s. Imagine a peaceful respite within LA’s urban sprawl, and let this anomaly inspire you to book a weekend staycation. Secure a cottage, sip an aperitif in the lobby bar and book a reservation at the courtyard restaurant while you casually watch A-listers come and go.
Location: West Hollywood
Hotel del Coronado
If there’s one word to describe Hotel del Coronado, it’s timeless. Since 1888, this San Diego hotel, affectionately dubbed The Del, has been a proud host to celebrities, royalty and government officials. It was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1977 and will forever be a seaside icon. And if ghost stories are your thing, then rumors of paranormal activity abound here—one guest even described her initials being drawn in a steamy bathroom mirror.
And historian and author Christine Donovan says of the hotel’s pervasive ghost, “If you have to spend eternity somewhere, what better place than The Del.”
There’s more than history to justify a long weekend here—for starters, choose from poolside cabanas and beachfront rooms to private villas and cottages situated within a private enclave. Add the Ocean Club to your stay to gain access to exclusive concierge club-style dining, and stick around for an enchanting Coronado sunset. This Victorian-inspired resort is a place to make memories—whether it’s roasting marshmallows at a private beach bonfire, watching a surf event or simply lounging in the sublime atmosphere.
Location: Coronado
La Valencia Hotel
With panoramic views of the Pacific coastline and the mesmerizing La Jolla Cove, La Valencia Hotel is a Mediterranean-inspired landmark destination just outside the heart of San Diego. Soar like a seagull and get a bird’s-eye view of the property—a signature pink exterior and Spanish-tiled tower have marked this spot for more than 95 years. Also known as the Pink Lady, this hotel promises a coastal refuge in its classic and vintage rooms, luxurious villas and iconic suites. Sidle up for an afternoon cocktail at the grand lobby bar, then take a seat at the ocean-view restaurant before browsing the local art galleries and visiting nearby historic sites.
Did we mention a bar? First opened in 1949, The Whaling Bar recently made a comeback after a decade-long break, and it’s everything you want it to be—lean back in tufted emerald green booths and let the pendant mood lighting take you back in time. Designated a San Diego Historic Landmark in 1987, this hotel has been home to more than just the Hollywood elite, sharing its coastal hospitality with an assortment of guests, like President Woodrow Wilson, for almost 100 years.
Location: La Jolla
Montecito Inn
Before Hollywood, there was Santa Barbara—not many people know that it was home to California’s first major movie studio, Flying A Studios. Hundreds of silent movies were produced on this coastline in the early 1920s, so it’s no surprise that celebrities lived and luxuriated there. What Montecito Inn has that no other accommodation in the world has is its origin story: Charlie Chaplin gathered a group of like-minded investors to build this hotel in 1928.
These days, guests flock to the area to watch whales and sunsets, view art and theater, and shop and eat along nearby Coast Village Road. Though there’s history here, the hotel was renovated in the early aughts and is now brimming with Mediterranean design elements. Rooms are modern and elegant, made in a soothing color palette of creams, champagne, gold and French grey. The bathrooms feature marble imported from Italy—because Charlie wouldn’t have it any other way!
Location: Santa Barbara
Rancho Bernardo Inn
Tucked away in San Diego’s North County amid rolling hills, private estates and championship golf courses, Rancho Bernardo Inn has resided on 265 acres of verdant land since 1963. Imagine taking a room for $8 a night, indulging in an all-you-can-eat fish fry for $1.50 and marveling over color television with other guests—those were the good ol’ days at this posh inn.
Its original fine-dining restaurant, El Bizcocho, was beloved by locals and received a $2.5 million renovation in 2013, emerging with much acclaim as AVANT. Over the past 60 years, this inn has secured itself as an elite destination and host for marquee events, such as PGA and LPGA tournaments. With a Spanish revival aesthetic, this resort is an ideal respite from the city, complemented by sprawling grounds and endless amenities. Post up for a private getaway in a room with a view of the green or secure a sanctuary suite for your family. If you’re here to truly immerse yourself, consider becoming a Resort Club Member, which will give you golf, dining and spa benefits, as well as some special perks—think room discounts and member-only social events!
Location: San Diego
Madonna Inn
This spot is one of our favorite famous hotels in Southern California, known for its rich history and iconic charm. Situated halfway between Los Angeles and San Francisco, Madonna Inn is a fashion statement in its own league. Cottage core comes to mind on this 1,000-acre estate, where rock from the surrounding area was used in the construction of the inn in the early ‘50s. You can’t miss the hand-carved marble balustrade in the Gold Rush dining room or the wood carvings on the doors, beams and railings. Large etched glass windows were custom-made for the inn, now living on in the cafe.
Each of the 110 rooms is uniquely decorated—think rock rooms and fireplaces, waterfall showers and European fixtures throughout. There’s a heated pool and two jetted whirlpools on the terrace and signature hot pink athletic courts for tennis, basketball and pickleball. The eccentric stylings of Madonna Inn are the reason it is an icon on the Central Coast of California, and there’s no other way to truly feel its magnificence than to experience it firsthand.
Location: San Luis Obispo
Hotel Laguna
Established by artists and made famous by Hollywood, Hotel Laguna has been standing for more than 125 years. Well, at least it has stood the test of time. The original structure burned to the ground 60 days after construction and was rebuilt in 1888. It was then merged with another nearby hotel in the early 1900s and finally was demolished and rebuilt in 1928. Rumors of visits by Humphrey Bogart, Errol Flynn and John Barrymore are a part of the memory of this hotel. By a measure of time alone, this historic landmark has earned its nickname: The Grand Lady of the Orange County Coast.
While the hotel is currently being remodeled (again), you can enjoy a delicious meal any time of day at Larsen. You can also indulge in an ocean-view omakase experience at Fin Sushi & Sake. May as well apply for a membership at Laguna’s oldest social club while you’re at it—Laguna Beach Club is always accepting applications.
Location: Laguna Beach
10.3
The Mission Inn Hotel & Spa
Starting as a quaint adobe boarding house in 1876, The Mission Inn Hotel & Spa became a full-service hotel in the early 1900s. Frank Miller took it over in 1903 and expanded the space to accommodate over 200 guestrooms and an additional wing. With more demand came three more wings—and more space for Miller to adorn the inn with valuable items from around the world.
To this day, the inn houses the oldest bell in Christendom, which dates back to 1247. The storied history of this National Historic Landmark can be seen in the uniqueness of the accommodations—no two rooms are alike. Architectural elements like fireplaces, window seats and small reading nooks have been preserved to offer a glimpse into its rich past. Don’t miss the many dining options—six, to be exact—or a visit to the Tuscany-inspired spa. This hotel is a true icon, representing the best of Southern California’s luxury and history.
Location: Riverside
