Luxury hotels, hotel suites and fine dining restaurants in California

Vacations in California 

The Golden State epitomizes not just the geographic west coast of the United States, but a mindset and relaxed approach to life in a place where you can ski in the morning and be on the beach by the afternoon.  

And what a state it is: geographically, ethnically, culturally and economically diverse, which means practically any style of vacation is possible. Featuring deserts, forests, mountains and natural splendor; verdant agriculture and world-renowned wine; cultural melting pots of big cities alongside charming small towns; beaches and ski runs: vacations in California literally do offer something for everybody. Add to that a reputation for a beautifully predictable Mediterranean climate (that covers much of the state), and our properties make travel to California an easy decision to make. 

Luxury hotels in California that express the best of the west coast 

We invite you to discover Relais & Châteaux in California – beautiful hotels with restaurants and incredible standalone fine dining restaurants, in locations that reflect all the diversity outlined above. Our hotels are found in protected national parks, wine-growing regions, the Pacific coast and cosmopolitan southern California. Our standalone fine dining restaurants in California occupy prime positions in Napa, downtown San Francisco, Santa Monica in Los Angeles and San Diego.  

From secluded hotels in the heart of California’s renowned wine country, set amid olive groves and overlooking vineyards, to grand residences in national parks, or the romantic intimacy of rugged coastal boltholes, our luxury hotels in California bring alive the variations of the state. 

No two of our properties are alike – they all reflect the history, architectural heritage and culture of their west coast geography. All Relais & Châteaux hotels in California are intimate properties on a human-scale, excited to welcome you personally. 

Fine dining restaurants in California – with everything sourced locally 

The accomplishments of our chefs and gastronomic restaurants in California are undoubtedly a further draw. Whether in our luxury hotels in California or standalone restaurants, expect profound culinary finesse wherever you are in the state. European-influenced, classically inspired cuisine; supremely creative cooking that celebrates the state’s own culinary heritage; all told through ingredients cultivated in California’s unrivalled terroir and produce. This single state is one of the world’s largest suppliers of food – so practically anything you can imagine is grown or sourced right on our chefs’ doorsteps. Their talents are recognized in the fact that so many of our fine dining restaurants are Michelin starred restaurants. 

The best hotels in California 

Our luxury hotels in California also celebrate the abundance of activities and experiences on offer in the state. Health and fitness are often front-of-mind for the Californian mindset, with purification rituals, yoga and forest bathing – all designed to nurture guests’ sense of well-being. Food features heavily even outside our restaurants – take vineyard tours and visit other local producers. 

Marvel at the epic, unspoiled countryside of Yosemite National Park or the Torrey Pines Natural Reserve, or take in some culture with outdoor sculpture gardens in Napa and San Diego. That’s even before contemplating taking to the surf or the other coastal attractions, including its wildlife – from whales and seals to abundant birdlife, even mountain lions. Chilling out on the beach, with your toes in the sand is, of course, perfectly acceptable. 

Eco Hotels in California that celebrate the countryside 

Running through all our luxury hotels in California is a shared outlook on life – not just a Californian mentality, but a world view: while our association is comprised of independently owned hotels and restaurants, what unites Relais & Châteaux California properties is a profound sense of hospitality, a passion for hosting guests and a celebration of local food, drink and culture – it’s an ethos we describe as l’art de vivre (the fine art of living). With each guest stay, we hope to win new hearts and minds that appreciate what is important to us. 

We are dedicated to preserving the beauty and uniqueness of each property and the community they are part of. That means each of our luxury hotels in California seeks to preserve their way of life and to perpetuate the most beautiful aspects of their surroundings – and to support the network of people that depend on it, from produce suppliers to artisans. In that way, they ensure that the abundant Californian agriculture, its pristine ecology and its cultural and economic heritage continue to thrive. In particular, we also seek to preserve the food and drink traditions that are an essential part of local culture, from fruit to cheese to wine.  

Relais & Châteaux in California 

These responsible values are led by our independent property owners, many of whom are the latest generation of family-owned businesses who are proud to play a role at the heart of their communities. As dedicated hoteliers and restaurateurs, they take pride in their warm welcome and attentive, personal service, ensuring that each guest stay is memorable and that repeat visitors are cherished – as if members of their own extended family.