California is America's most populous and diverse state, stretching 1,300 kilometers along the Pacific Coast from the Oregon border to Mexico. It encompasses everything from sun-drenched beaches and towering redwood forests to the dramatic Sierra Nevada mountains and the arid Mojave Desert.
Accommodation overview
Hotels by budget
Find accommodation that fits your travel budget.
Budget-friendly (under $50/night)
HI San Francisco Fisherman's Wharf Hostel
Housed in a National Historic Landmark building within Fort Mason, this hostel offers dormitory and private rooms with stunning bay views at budget prices. The prime waterfront location in the Golden Gate National Recreation Area is unmatched for the price.
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A lively social hostel in the Gaslamp Quarter offering dormitory and private rooms, free breakfast, and organized activities including city tours and beach trips. The rooftop terrace and regular social events make it easy to meet other travelers.
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Located one block from the beach in Santa Monica, this popular hostel offers dormitory beds and private rooms at a price point that puts you steps from the Pacific. Free Wi-Fi and a communal kitchen make it practical, while beach access makes it desirable.
Check rates on Booking.comMotel 6 San Francisco - Oakland
A clean, no-frills budget motel in Oakland offering easy access to San Francisco via BART. Basic but comfortable rooms with free Wi-Fi. The most affordable option for exploring the Bay Area on a tight budget.
Check rates on Booking.comCurry Village (Housekeeping Camp)
The most affordable in-park accommodation in Yosemite, Curry Village offers canvas tent cabins in a wooded setting at the base of the valley. Shared bathhouses and a cafeteria-style dining option makes this an accessible way to sleep inside the park.
Check rates on Booking.comThe Inn at Venice Beach
A charming, affordable boutique inn a short walk from Venice Beach. Colorful decor, free parking, and a continental breakfast make this a standout budget option in a neighborhood where accommodation can be expensive.
Check rates on Booking.comSan Diego Backpackers Hostel
Located in Little Italy, one of San Diego's most vibrant neighborhoods, this small friendly hostel offers dormitory and private rooms with a welcoming communal atmosphere. Walking distance to the waterfront, Balboa Park trolley, and exceptional restaurants.
Check rates on Booking.comMid-range ($50-150/night)
Hotel Nikko San Francisco
A polished Union Square hotel with spacious rooms, an indoor pool, and excellent service at reasonable prices for San Francisco. The lobby features an impressive koi pond and Japanese aesthetic. Central location makes exploring the city easy.
Check rates on Booking.comKimpton Angler's Hotel
A stylish boutique hotel on South Beach in Santa Monica, the Angler's offers coastal California vibes with ocean-view rooms, a rooftop terrace, and a seafood-forward restaurant. Walking distance to the pier and beach.
Check rates on Booking.comThe Westin Gaslamp Quarter San Diego
Located in the heart of San Diego's vibrant Gaslamp Quarter, this full-service Westin offers comfortable rooms, a rooftop pool, and easy access to the city's best restaurants, bars, and attractions including Petco Park and the Convention Center.
Check rates on Booking.comMonterey Plaza Hotel & Spa
Perched over Monterey Bay on Cannery Row, this elegant hotel features rooms with direct bay views and the sound of waves. The SCHOONERS Coastal Kitchen restaurant offers fresh seafood with water views, and the spa provides ocean-side treatments.
Check rates on Booking.comThe Landing Resort and Spa
Sitting on the south shore of Lake Tahoe, The Landing offers mountain-view rooms, a lakefront spa, and year-round outdoor activities. Ski packages in winter and kayaking in summer make this a versatile destination for outdoor enthusiasts.
Check rates on Booking.comHotel Zephyr Fisherman's Wharf
A playful nautical-themed hotel on the Fisherman's Wharf waterfront in San Francisco. Colorful shipping container art installations, bay views, a fire pit courtyard, and games area make this a fun and comfortable base for exploring the city.
Check rates on Booking.comKimpton Everly Hotel Hollywood
A stylish boutique hotel in Hollywood offering rooftop pool views of the Hollywood Hills and Griffith Observatory. Modern, well-appointed rooms and a hip bar make this a great base for exploring Hollywood and West Hollywood.
Check rates on Booking.comYosemite Valley Lodge
The most centrally located hotel in Yosemite Valley, situated next to Yosemite Falls. Comfortable motel-style rooms in a natural setting, with easy access to the valley's main trails and the free shuttle system. Restaurant on site serves hearty meals after long hiking days.
Check rates on Booking.comLuxury ($150+/night)
The Ahwahnee
A National Historic Landmark inside Yosemite Valley, The Ahwahnee is one of America's great grand lodges. Built in 1927, its massive granite walls, floor-to-ceiling windows, and Native American art create an atmosphere of rustic elegance. Dining room views of Glacier Point are unforgettable.
Check rates on Booking.comFairmont San Francisco
Crowning Nob Hill since 1907, this grande dame of San Francisco hotels offers palatial rooms, sweeping bay views, and legendary service. The Laurel Court Restaurant and the famous Tonga Room tropical bar are among the city's best dining experiences.
Check rates on Booking.comRosewood Miramar Beach
Spread across 5.5 acres of Montecito beachfront, Rosewood Miramar is Santa Barbara's most glamorous resort. Ocean-view bungalows and suites open onto manicured lawns leading directly to the beach. The Malibu Farm restaurant and two pools complete the California dream.
Check rates on Booking.comPost Ranch Inn
Perched on cliffs 1,200 feet above the Pacific in Big Sur, Post Ranch Inn is one of California's most romantic hideaways. The 40 tree houses and cliff houses are designed to disturb the environment minimally, with ocean or mountain views from every room. No children under 18.
Check rates on Booking.comBeverly Wilshire Hotel
Located at the corner of Wilshire Boulevard and Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills, this iconic hotel was the filming location for Pretty Woman. The hotel combines Italian Renaissance architecture with modern luxury and impeccable service in one of LA's most prestigious addresses.
Check rates on Booking.comHotel del Coronado
An iconic Victorian beachfront resort on Coronado Island near San Diego, Hotel del Coronado opened in 1888 and has hosted presidents, royalty, and Hollywood stars. Its distinctive red-roofed turrets, white clapboard siding, and direct Pacific beach access make it California's most recognizable resort.
Check rates on Booking.comChateau Marmont
Hollywood's most celebrated and mysterious hotel, Chateau Marmont has been a celebrity retreat since 1929. This Gothic castle-inspired property on the Sunset Strip offers bungalows, cottages, and suites with old Hollywood charm, a secluded garden, and a bar scene that attracts LA's creative elite.
Check rates on Booking.comBest neighborhoods to stay
Choose your base based on your interests and travel style.
City Center
The heart of California with easy access to main attractions, restaurants, and transportation.
Best for: First-time visitors, short stays
Old Town
Traditional architecture and local character. Walking distance to historical sites and authentic dining.
Best for: Culture enthusiasts, photographers
Our top picks
Handpicked recommendations for every type of traveler.
The Ahwahnee
A National Historic Landmark inside Yosemite Valley, The Ahwahnee is one of America's great grand lodges. Built in 1927, its massive granite walls, floor-to-ceiling windows, and Native American art create an atmosphere of rustic elegance. Dining room views of Glacier Point are unforgettable.
Check rates on Booking.comFairmont San Francisco
Crowning Nob Hill since 1907, this grande dame of San Francisco hotels offers palatial rooms, sweeping bay views, and legendary service. The Laurel Court Restaurant and the famous Tonga Room tropical bar are among the city's best dining experiences.
Check rates on Booking.comRosewood Miramar Beach
Spread across 5.5 acres of Montecito beachfront, Rosewood Miramar is Santa Barbara's most glamorous resort. Ocean-view bungalows and suites open onto manicured lawns leading directly to the beach. The Malibu Farm restaurant and two pools complete the California dream.
Check rates on Booking.comPost Ranch Inn
Perched on cliffs 1,200 feet above the Pacific in Big Sur, Post Ranch Inn is one of California's most romantic hideaways. The 40 tree houses and cliff houses are designed to disturb the environment minimally, with ocean or mountain views from every room. No children under 18.
Check rates on Booking.comBeverly Wilshire Hotel
Located at the corner of Wilshire Boulevard and Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills, this iconic hotel was the filming location for Pretty Woman. The hotel combines Italian Renaissance architecture with modern luxury and impeccable service in one of LA's most prestigious addresses.
Check rates on Booking.comHotel del Coronado
An iconic Victorian beachfront resort on Coronado Island near San Diego, Hotel del Coronado opened in 1888 and has hosted presidents, royalty, and Hollywood stars. Its distinctive red-roofed turrets, white clapboard siding, and direct Pacific beach access make it California's most recognizable resort.
Check rates on Booking.comBooking tips
Get the best deals and avoid common mistakes.
Book Yosemite Valley accommodation (Ahwahnee, Yosemite Valley Lodge, Curry Village) through travelyosemite.com 6-12 months ahead for peak summer — these sell out immediately
San Francisco hotel rates are significantly lower on Sunday-Thursday nights; weekends and major convention weeks are notably more expensive
Los Angeles hotel prices vary enormously by neighborhood — Santa Monica commands a 30-50% premium over comparable Hollywood hotels
Airbnb and VRBO can offer significant savings in California, especially for families or groups sharing a house in wine country or beach towns
Consider staying one town inland from major beach destinations — rates in Cambria vs Carmel, or Camarillo vs Santa Barbara can be 40-60% lower
Many California hotel rates include mandatory 'resort fees' of $25-50/night that don't appear in base pricing — always check for these before booking
The hotel check-in age requirement in California is typically 18-21 — verify before booking if travelers are under 21
Parking in San Francisco and Los Angeles hotels is typically $45-75/night — consider this when comparing prices to hotels accessible by public transit
Many California wineries and ranches offer boutique accommodation packages combining lodging with private tastings at rates competitive with urban hotels
October-November is excellent for booking — summer crowds are gone, weather is still warm, and hotel rates drop 20-40% from peak summer pricing
Alternative accommodations
Beyond traditional hotels, consider these options.
Guesthouses
Family-run guesthouses offer authentic local experiences and often include home-cooked meals. Great for cultural immersion.
Serviced apartments
Ideal for longer stays or families. Kitchen facilities help save money and provide flexibility.
Hostels
Budget-friendly option for solo travelers. Dorms and private rooms available with social common areas.