These Are the Most Expensive Hotels in California

California has long been a vacation hot spot or dream destination, with so much to see and do that planning a trip to the Golden State can seem overwhelming — especially when looking for lodging.

There are places to stay in California to fit every taste and budget but for those looking for on the higher end, here's a look at some of the most outrageous and expensive hotels in the state, sure to allow for an unforgettable experience.

There are always a few things to consider when looking at lodging expenses. Hotel prices are often subject to change. The prices here reflect what was quoted for two adults for one night. However, the costs can go up or down depending on the time of year. This is especially true during off-season and nonpeak weekdays. If you are looking for a better price at a luxury hotel, there are a couple of steps you can take. Try to book your trip in January and start your trip on Monday because these are nonpeak times when you can find a good deal, and sign up for email promotions through the hotel website.

The next factor to consider with hotel prices is the cost of living in that particular state. California is No. 4 in the United States on the Cost of Living index as of August 2024. It has an index of 134.5. This means it is 34.5 points above the national average cost of living, so it makes sense that many luxury hotels in California will have outrageous prices.

California is home to celebrities, stunning beaches, high-grade wine, and some of the tallest trees in the world. It also has one of the most diverse populations in the country, boasts some of the best schools and sports teams, and figures prominently in many of the pop culture moments we experience. (These are the 20 must-see destinations in California right now.)

The tourist attractions in California are numerous. These include:

• Golden Gate Bridge
• Yosemite National Park
• Disneyland Park
• Alcatraz Island
• Universal Studios Hollywood
• Santa Monica Pier
• The Getty
• San Diego Zoo
• Redwood National and State Parks
• Hollywood Sign
• Sequoia National Park

Price: $3,045

One of the most expensive hotels in California is in Montecito. San Ysidro Ranch offers guests a charming and luxurious setting to relax. It has 38 bungalow cottages scattered throughout the property. The cottages are meticulously and beautifully decorated with king-sized beds and fireplaces. There are also spas, rainflower showers, and more.

San Ysidro Ranch offers guests exceptional wine country packages, Balvenie taste testing, and daily activities like horseback riding and private yoga.

Guests can also enjoy the Salon and Spa while taking advantage of Swedish massage, facials, and manicures.

Guests can dine in style at one of the delicious restaurants, Stonehouse, Plow & Angel, Veranda, or even experience private dining.

While in Montecito, take a family trip to the Santa Barbara Zoo or Butterfly Beach. Guests may also love visiting Hot Springs Canyon Trailhead or the Santa Barbara Botanic Garden.

The Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History and the MOXI, the Wolf Museum of Exploration + Innovation, are enriching attractions for those who enjoy history and thought-provoking exhibits.

Price: $2,429

Alila Ventana Big Sur is another expensive hotel in Big Sur, CA. This hotel is an adults-only resort. The visual scenery is gorgeous; guests here can take in Big Sur's natural beauty.

Wood-burning fireplaces, decks, and private hot tubs bring luxury right to the guests.

One of the unique aspects of Alila Ventana Big Sur is that it is an adults-only resort. It offers a concierge, room service, and free parking. There is also a restaurant in the hotel, a pool, and a spa and fitness center. A Hyatt member rate also saves guests up to 10% on rooms.

While in Big Sur, guests can enjoy the gorgeous scenery by visiting several landmarks. These include:

• Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park
• Pfeiffer Beach
• Bixby Creek Bridge
• Garrapata State Park
• Andrew Molera State Park
• McWay Falls
• Partington Cove
• Point Sur State Historic Park
• Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park
• Carmel River State Beach
• Limekiln State Park

Big Sur has a gorgeous natural magnificence that is hard to miss. Guests will want to take in all the beauty and relish it.

Price: $2,350

Post Ranch Inn is also in Big Sur and is at the top of the list of most expensive hotels in California. While staying here, guests will get a gorgeous view of the coastline.

The Post Ranch Inn does not have alarm clocks or televisions in its rooms. This simple yet powerful setup allows guests to unplug and get away at their own pace.

Guests can participate in wellness activities, go to the spa, or relax in the pool that oversees the ocean.

The main goal of this hotel is to provide a retreat for guests who want to get away from the bustle of everyday life. Activities that help guests do just that include:

• Sound Journey Meditation
• Guided Art Walk
• Morning Yoga
• Guided Nature Walks
• Edible Garden Tour
• Forest Meditation

Post Ranch Inn allows guests to 'Dine in the Sky' at Sierra Mar, an excellent restaurant with award-winning wine.

Guests have a plethora of tourist attractions in Big Sur to choose from. Some of these attractions are:

• Carmel River State Beach
• Point Lobos
• Calla Lilly Valley
• Point Sur Lighthouse
• Count of the Monarch Butterflies
• Partington Cove
• McWay Falls
• Sand Dollar Beach
• Salmon Creek Falls

• Price: $1,795

Montecito is home to the Rosewood Miramar Beach, a luxurious hotel set on a gorgeous coastline and beach. Rosewood Miramar Beach is a Forbes Five-Star Hotel & Spa.

This hotel is also only 15 minutes from the Santa Barabara Municipal Airport, making travel more convenient.

This hotel offers guests fun family activities geared for the season. Summer activities include:

• Making Ice Cream
• Stars and S'mores
• Bubble Hour
• Movie Night
• Beachside Art Classes
• Beachside Tie Dye

Rosewood Miramar Beach has a Miramar club, a social club that gives guests personal concierge services, chances to participate in unique events, and the use of the spa and fitness facility.

This hotel is also pet friendly, allowing you to bring your furry friend. It even has a tailored pet menu!

More fun amenities include the family and adult pools, Lincoln house car, Bocce courts, hotel restaurants and bars, boutiques, and bicycle rentals. The amenities this hotel offers may make the extra expense worth it.

Montecito is home to many tourist attractions that will boost family vacations and romantic getaways. These tourist attractions include:

• Stearns Wharf
• Andree Clark Bird Refuge
• Shoreline Park
• Hot Springs Canyon Trailhead
• Shipwreck Playground
• Santa Barbara Bird Sanctuary
• Toro Canyon Park

• Price: $1,637

Auberge D Soleil is located in Rutherford. This gorgeous resort boasts luxury at its finest. It's no wonder – its inspiration was the south of France.

First came the delicious Napa Valley Restaurant. The restaurant was thriving in such a way that the idea to open the Inn came next.

The scenery is set against beautiful oak and olive trees, casting a dreamer's backdrop that can only be described as breathtaking.

Staying at Auberge D Soleil feels like stepping right into another world. The beautiful panorama and charming accommodations will make guests want to stay forever. Guests can swim in the relaxing pool or play a round of golf.

Visitors can enjoy a picnic for two, explore Napa Valley while biking, or indulge in delicious wine tasting.

There is an activity for all guest personalities, from yoga, sports, swimming, and the spa. Auberge D Soleil allows guests to unplug and escape life's stressors while reconnecting to the beauty around them. Visitors can also recharge and feel renewed with the calming activities guests can partake in.

Rutherford is in the midst of Napa Valley, meaning guests can't visit without experiencing exceptional wine tasting. It's no wonder many of Rutherford's tourist attractions include wineries. Some of them to try are:

• St. Supery Estate Vineyards & Winery
• Peju Winery
• Round Pond Estate Winery
• Sequoia Grove Winery
• Grgich Hills Estate
• Castello di Amorosa
• Pine Ridge Vineyards
• Jarvis Estate Winery
• Elizabeth Spencer Winery
• Hess Persson Estates

If you are looking for an activity that doesn't include a winery, Rutherford has those too:

• Hot Air Balloon Rides
• Walk Through Downtown Napa Valley
• Visit Napa River
• Go on the Napa Art Walk
• Visit Bothe-Napa Valley State Park
• Hike to the Top of Mt. Saint Helena

• Price: $1,196

Waldorf Astoria Beverly Hills is located in Beverly Hills. This gorgeous hotel gives guests a luxurious getaway to unwind and recharge. Also, it has incredible amenities that bring your stay to the next level.

The Waldorf Astoria Beverly Hills allows guests to enter luxury and pampering in indulging activities. These activities include:

• A Rooftop Pool
• La Prairie Spa
• Fitness Center
• Kevin B Salon
• A Social Gathering Amenity at The Rooftop by JG
• Fine Dining at Espelette Beverly Hills

These extraordinary indulgences bring luxury to a whole new level.

Waldorf Astoria Beverly Hills is in Beverly Hills, home to Hollywood. Guests who visit will enjoy going on Hollywood sightseeing tours or visiting Beverly Gardens Park. Beverly Hills is also home to many historical landmarks.

One of the most luxurious and gorgeous estates to visit would be the Greystone Mansion, which sits on the Greystone land, first owned by Edward Laurence Doheny. Edward was one of the first to find "gold" in the form of oil in Los Angeles. The series of events that unfolded afterward made him and his friend, Charles A. Canfield, large oil producers during this time. Fast forward to 1927, when Edward's son, now heir to an overabundance of wealth, started building this estate. Almost 100 years ago, the cost of building this mansion was over $3 million. This makes one wonder what is the net worth of this mansion today?

Another historical site to visit is the Spandena House. Pulling up to the historical landmark, the first image that will pop into your mind is a witch. Rightfully so, the Spandena House, named after the first owners, is nicknamed the witch's house. Although the history is not disturbing or sinister, this house is still fun to visit.

The architect was Harry Oliver. He was an art director in Hollywood. He designed this building to be part of Irvin Willat's film studio. It was built to be a storybook house with a garden, a moat pond, and a pointy roof. Fun fact, this building has been in a few movies, including "Clueless." (Here's a look at Napa Valley's 10 most expensive wines.)