GreenXC Picks: The Best California Hotels
Take a look at these incredible and unique places, which we consider to be the best hotels in California, for your next Californian vacation.
The Strawberry Creek Inn
For a tranquil getaway, consider visiting the Strawberry Creek in in Idyllwild, one of the 18 Great Towns of Southern California. The area boasts an abundance of outdoor activities such as hiking, kayaking and winter sports, and visitors have an opportunity to go wine tasting.
The bed and breakfast itself is a labor of love of two passionate innkeepers. Their inn never disappoints when it comes to a renowned gourmet breakfast (that uses organic or local ingredients, including eggs fresh from the grounds) or a restful stay at the Strawberry Creek Inn. Each of the nine rooms is individually decorated, and many include working fireplaces and access to scenic views.
The Madonna Inn
The Madonna Inn in San Louis Obispo is a long-time landmark of central California. Originally constructed as 12-room motor inn on US Route 101, the Inn grew rapidly to cater to people traveling through California. Now, the Madonna Inn has 110 rooms that are each uniquely beautifully decorated, from glitzy to refined, to cater to a variety of tastes. Rooms include ‘Yosemite Rock’ that features a rock façade, ‘Traveler’s Yacht’, and ‘Swiss Chalet’, all named appropriately to invoke the ambiance of the rooms. The Madonna Inn also boasts a European pool, a spa, an expo center, a bakery, and banquet halls that service special events and weddings.
InterContinental San Francisco
The InterContinental San Francisco
For an urban splash of luxury and relaxation, check into the InterContinental San Francisco. Not only is the building one of the city’s landmarks, but it is has attained a LEED Gold rating by the U.S. Green Building Council. It is the largest LEED Gold recipient of existing buildings in California. Additionally, guests receive $50 of Zipcar driving credit on a Toyota Prius to facilitate exploring the city in an eco-friendly way.
The hotel includes a Michelin star restaurant, a bar, and an incredibly rejuvenating spa that offers a range of healing therapies. And of course, guests get to experience InterContinental quality service and rooms.
The Dream Inn, Santa Cruz
The Dream Inn is an upscale retro chic choice for a Californian beach vacation. Each room offers breezy views of the beautiful Monterey Bay from private patios. Visitors overwhelmingly leave positive reviews of this hotel, and find the staff friendly and the hotel immaculate. The beach access and salt water pool are also appreciated. A visitor may consider eating at Aquarius, the Inn’s restaurant, which offers the day’s fresh catch of sustainable local seafood that can be paired with local wines. The Inn washes their linens with green products and is family-friendly: the little ones are likely to enjoy the children’s wading pool.
From the Inn, take a walking food tour, learn to surf on Cowell Beach, experience the region’s wine tasting, and visit museums or marine wildlife centers.