33 Best Hotels in The Central Coast, California

Built in 1915 and following more than $100 million of extensive renovations a century later, this Santa Barbara icon lives on to thrill a new generation of guests with its relaxed-luxe bungalow rooms, lush gardens, and personalized service. The landmark-preserved, Mediterranean-style complex has hosted many luminaries over the years, including President Franklin D. Roosevelt and privacy-seeking stars from Hollywood's golden years. Rooms and suites come in two styles of bungalows—Craftsman and Mission—nestled among lush gardens, courtyards, and pathways.

This swank, 20-acre, Tuscan-style resort amid estate vineyards is also a private museum (nonguests are welcome to walk around) where owner Douglas Ayres displays hundreds of artworks and artifacts collected on his world travels, including things like ancient Indian river stones and statues, a massive cross section from a giant sequoia, and Russian and California impressionist paintings.

Equestrian themes surface throughout this intimate European-style boutique hotel a half block from the main square and near some of Paso's best restaurants. Each of the 16 spacious rooms is named after a famous racehorse (its history and picture hang on the wall) and includes custom European contemporary furnishings, king beds with exquisite linens and comforters, and original works of art. Most rooms have fireplaces and window seats; some have vaulted cedar ceilings. For more affordable motel-style rooms with similar ambience, check out sister property Stables Inn, a few blocks away on Spring Street, the town's main drag.

Just a block from the mission and steps from restaurants, shops, and night spots, this sleek, three-story hotel has custom-furnished rooms with light wood floors, high ceilings, and either a private balcony or terrace—often with a view of the garden courtyard and mountains. Amenities include two restaurants, three bars (including one on the roof), a full-service spa with eight treatment rooms, pool, and fitness room.

In the stagecoach days, Mattei's Tavern provided wayfarers with hearty meals and warm beds; in the early 2020s, new owners restored the 1886 building and four cottages (historic artifacts, paintings, and photos are on display everywhere) and added clapboard, cottage-style buildings with guest rooms sprinkled over the 6-acre property with winding paths and gardens amid old-growth palm and olive trees. Part of Auberge Resorts Collection, the inn offers an array of luxurious amenities. Nearly all the cozy, contemporary rooms have an indoor fireplace and private patio with fire pit or sun porch with a swing, and all hold vintage furnishings with brass accents and sumptuous bathrooms with walk-in showers; some have standalone bathtubs.

This outdoorsy, golf-oriented resort and spa is set on 220 beautifully landscaped, oak-studded acres, with hillside views in nearly all directions. Although the rooms and suites have been refreshed over time, all still reflect the Spanish-Colonial architecture of the original 1923 resort. If you're a history buff, ask for a room in the 100-year-old adobe Neff Building. In 2019, the resort opened The Farmhouse, a sprawling epicurean center that hosts numerous foodie events for guests of all ages.

A luxury resort with four restaurants and a 42,000-square-foot spa and fitness center with 36 treatment rooms, the Ritz-Carlton Bacara provides a gorgeous setting for relaxing retreats. The Spanish Colonial–style buildings and manicured gardens sprawl across 78 acres next to a rugged stretch of beach 15 miles north of downtown Santa Barbara. The rooms have views of the ocean, mountains, or gardens; all rooms have private balconies or patios and about half have fireplaces. Kids and adults alike can join in Jean-Michel Cousteau’s Ambassadors of the Environment program, which connects participants with natural wonders along the Gaviota Coast.

Sprawling across 16 lush acres on one of the area's most scenic and exclusive beaches, this luxury resort was built from scratch on the site of the former Miramar by the Sea hotel, where generations of fashionable SoCal residents vacationed for decades. The stunning design pays tribute to the hotel's history while providing ultraluxe modern amenities, including a full-service spa.

At this romantic hideaway on a historic property in the Montecito foothills—where John and Jackie Kennedy spent their honeymoon and Oprah sends her out-of-town visitors—guest cottages are scattered among groves of orange trees and flower beds. All have down comforters and fireplaces, most have private outdoor spas, and one has its own pool. Seventeen miles of hiking trails crisscross 500 acres of open space surrounding the property.

Easygoing hospitality, vineyard-view rooms, and elaborate breakfasts make this inn a mile west of U.S. 101 worth seeking out. Associated with SummerWood Winery, which specializes in Rhône and Bordeaux blends, the inn was completely remodeled in 2013 in a contemporary country French–inspired style. The overall effect is upscale but casual. All rooms have gas or electric fireplaces and balconies or decks with vineyard or garden views; some have vaulted ceilings.

Modeled after a village in early California's Mexican period—with a facade that replicates eight different casitas, including several famous historical homes in Mexico—Avila La Fonda surrounds you with rich jewel tones, fountains, and upscale comfort. Inside, stained-glass windows and tiled murals celebrate Mexican art and life in Avila Beach. Guests can choose from two types of rooms: a spa room with a huge tub near the king bed, or a great room with a gourmet kitchen and a queen bed.

This intimate hotel embraces Craftsman style in its wood-and-stone architecture and in custom furnishings such as faux-Tiffany lampshades. Rooms are decked out with fireplaces, flat-screen TVs, and down bedding. Most rooms have hot tubs, some on private creek-side balconies.

Accommodations at this 25-acre retreat up the hill from the East Village range from basic fireplace cabins to motel-style standard rooms to large fireplace suites and deluxe suites with spa tubs. The lodge is always busy, as its extensive gardens are popular with wedding parties; groups and conferences are big business; and bands play rock, folk, and jazz in the lounge every night.

A full-service hotel in the heart of downtown, this Kimpton property blends a casual, beach-getaway feel with contemporary California style. Spanish tiles, wood floors, and sea-grass color schemes create an exotic mood throughout. Homey touches in the light-filled rooms include wood-and-rattan four-poster beds, yoga mats, and canvas tote bags to take along while touring the town. The sixth-floor, guests-only rooftop lounge has a pool and stunning views.

Reasonable rates for the area, an oceanfront location, evening bonfires, and well-equipped rooms—some with wood-burning fireplaces and private patios—make this motel a great choice.

A 12-story hotel with an enviable location on the beach and next to a historic pier, the Crowne Plaza is within walking distance of downtown restaurants and nightlife. All rooms have balconies and ocean views of some sort—ask for a room on the west or north side to catch the sunsets. The hotel's restaurant and bar have ocean views, too. For a fabulous SoCal moment, grab a seat on the patio near the firepit if the weather's good.

On grass-covered bluffs overlooking Shell Beach, this luxury resort looks and feels like an exclusive community of villas; choose among sprawling one- or two-bedroom suites, each with a gourmet kitchen, laundry room with washer and dryer, and contemporary furnishings. Two-bedroom units include either a spa tub or fireplace; penthouse units have both. Rejuvenate at the on-site spa, lounge by the spacious heated pool, or stroll down a short path to the beach to gaze at the sea—this place was made for upscale escape and relaxation.

An on-site restaurant, spacious rooms, and a slew of amenities make this 17-acre property—which includes sister hotel Holiday Inn Express—a popular and practical choice for Channel Islands visitors. The hotel sits on the edge of the harbor, a few minutes' drive from the national park's visitor center and concessionaire boat launches. Each of the nautical-theme rooms has flat-screen TVs; most have private patios or balconies. For the best views, request a third-floor marina-facing balcony room. Activity courts include tennis, basketball, and volleyball.

From this restored 1887 Italianate Queen Anne downtown, you can walk to many restaurants and attractions; uniquely decorated rooms, each with private bath, are filled with antiques, and some rooms have stained-glass windows, fireplaces, and decks. Each evening, wine and hors d'oeuvres are served in the intimate dining room; there's also a lavish homemade breakfast when you rise.

A full-scale resort with seven buildings spread over 24 landscaped acres across from East Beach, this hotel was founded by the late TV actor Fess Parker, best known for playing Davy Crockett and Daniel Boone. Most rooms have private balconies and terraces, and suites have a wet bar, a spa tub, and a small refrigerator. The complex centers on a palm tree–lined plaza and includes the Spa del Mar, a spacious pool and hot tub, three tennis courts, two restaurants and a coffee shop, a nine-hole putting green, shuffleboard, bike rentals, and a rental-car outlet.

A favorite among Channel Islands visitors, this quiet, comfortable, lodge-inspired property sits right at the Ventura Harbor entrance. The guest quarters are spacious retreats with flat-screen TVs and puffy duvets. The south side of the hotel overlooks the marinas. For the best views, ask for an upperfloor harborside room or suite.

Artists own and operate these two bohemian-chic inns—the Blue Iguana, a cozy Southwestern-style hotel about 2 miles west of downtown, and the Emerald Iguana, which has art nouveau rooms, suites, and cottages in a secluded residential setting near downtown. The owners' works and those of other local artists decorate the rooms at both inns; some suites and cottages have kitchens.

Surrounded by eucalyptus trees, this inn abuts a heron rookery and Morro Bay State Park. The setting, on the edge of Morro Bay, is beautiful, though the birds can cause a din (and make a mess of parked cars). Many of the contemporary California–style rooms have fireplaces, private decks, and bay views.

A complex of five buildings on 3 landscaped acres across from East Beach, the Mar Monte, part of the Hyatt family of properties, is an appealing lodging option, where the historic main building (circa 1931) reflects old Santa Barbara—Spanish tiles, wrought-iron chandeliers, and vintage black-and-white photos. All rooms and baths have down comforters, flat-screen high-definition TVs, contemporary furnishings, and refrigerators; some deluxe and ocean-view rooms have private balconies or patios.

On the site of an old spa hotel of the same name, this inn has various buildings clustered around a lush, shaded garden with a pool. Each of the 18 Deluxe Spa rooms has a hot tub in its bathroom or on its balcony, and bears the name of a local winery that supplied the room's photography, artwork, and other special touches. The Piccolo at the Paso Robles Inn is a four-story luxury hotel with a rooftop bar adjacent to the historic property.

A cobblestone courtyard and country-French custom furnishings evoke a Provençal mood at this cheery inn. With extensive experience in luxury lodging, the owners are serious about the details: the individually themed rooms, sprinkled with lavender water, have L'Occitane bath products and homemade pillow chocolates. Rates include wine and appetizers at cocktail hour and a full homemade breakfast on the sun-filled patio or in the dining room.

At this cliff-top resort—the only inn and restaurant for miles around—glass walls in most rooms open to awesome ocean views. Though not especially luxurious, some rooms have spa tubs, kitchenettes, and fireplaces. The restaurant is a good place for well-made American fare (sandwiches, salads, pastas, and main courses) before or after the winding Highway 1 drive. Even if you're just passing by, stop to stretch your legs on the 14 acres of lush gardens above the sea.

This wellness resort's hot mineral springs bubble up into private outdoor tubs on an oak-and-sycamore-forest hillside. Whether or not you stay here, it's worth coming for a soak—even though the grounds are well within earshot of a busy road. Each room or suite has its own balcony with a hot tub with piped-in mineral water. Healthful California cuisine made from the bounty of local farms and the on-site chef's garden is served in the romantic Gardens of Avila restaurant ($$–$$$).