Best Two Roads Hospitality Hotels in California

Impeccable service and beautiful grounds are what people expect at Ventana, and, according to recent travelers, guests get those luxuries with a whole lot more. Guests have opportunities to work up a sweat while hiking or taking an outdoor yoga class before cooling off at the spa or in one of two on-site pools (one of which is clothing-optional). Recent diners also rave about the delicious cuisine served at The Sur House, which features a menu composed of locally sourced ingredients prepared in creative ways and served alongside the restaurant's fine wine list. And, although the accommodations vary in size from approximately 414 to nearly 1,200 square feet, all of the rooms feature comfortable beds, artisan-curated minibars and private decks offering breathtaking views of Big Sur's scenery. Ventana Inn & Spa is located about 30 miles south of Monterey along Highway 1.

At the center of the Del Mar Village north of San Diego, L'Auberge Del Mar offers lavish comforts in a relaxed setting. Recent guests say that the friendly staff – particularly behind the front desk – were always eager to lend a hand. With plush beds and a light color palette, the rooms exude a quaint rather than ritzy atmosphere, according to visitors. The property also encourages visitors to take advantage of the treatments offered at Spa L'Auberge and the fresh seafood served at both KITCHEN 1540 and Coastline. But travelers say L'Auberge's best asset is its proximity to the beach – just a short downhill walk. And the hotel's location also places guests near boutique shops, golf courses and Del Mar Racing track. Though there are hefty resort and parking fees at this hotel, other amenities like a fitness center, business center and complimentary shuttle service make staying here worthwile. 

Guests gush over the gorgeous landscapes (spanning across 500 acres) that surround the Carmel Valley Ranch, not to mention the stunning golf course, the massive fitness center and the sensual Spa Aiyana. But back to the great outdoors: While here, don't miss the chance to roam the ranch's wide lavender fields to learn about beekeeping. Guests recommend eating at the Valley Kitchen for fresh, locally sourced dishes and outstanding customer service, or head to the River Ranch Café for a more casual vibe. And then there are the suites, where you can spread out in anywhere from 650 to 1,200 square feet of space, which all include 42-inch flat-screens with Blu-ray players, Travertine fireplaces and free wireless internet.

Sitting on the Embarcadero across from the Ferry Building Marketplace, this Joie de Vivre property caters to both business and leisure travelers looking to be at the center of it all without sacrificing watery views. Hotel Vitale's guest rooms come stocked with amenities like minifridges, Bose sound systems and LCD televisions. But what guests especially love is the soothing atmosphere in the accommodations, created by the rich blues and earthy, neutral tones. If this sea-like decor doesn't do the trick, seek a little extra relaxation at the on-site Spa Vitale, which offers a variety of relaxing treatments to help you unwind. After a long day of sightseeing or pampering, satiate your appetite with Italian fare at Americano Restaurant & Bar.

Surrounded by lush mountain areas, a golf course and a variety of outdoor amenities, the Resort at Squaw Creek provides the ultimate escape. Those looking to explore can enjoy ski-in/ski-out access to Squaw Valley Ski Resort, heated pools and a water slide, an ice-skating rink, and hiking and biking trails. (A resort fee covers most amenities.) While those looking to settle in can take advantage of the property’s elegant accommodations, featuring pillow-top beds, flat-screen TVs, minifridges and coffee makers. Suites add gas fireplaces, kitchenettes, and stereos. There are also penthouses, which features washer/dryers. An on-site hydroponic garden supplies the resort’s several eateries, including a fine-dining steakhouse, an Italian restaurant, a casual pub, a patisserie and a poolside bar. Additional amenities include a fitness center, a full-service spa, a children’s program, a shopping center and event space. Recent guests rave about the amenities and sweeping views, but a few of them note that the property's $25 resort fee is a bummer.

Occupying its own 44-acre island in Mission Bay, Paradise Point offers guests a wide variety of ways to pass the time. Not only is the island flanked by quiet beaches, the resort also boasts five pools (including one reserved just for adults), an 18-hole mini-golf course, a surf school, five tennis courts, a spa and a basketball court. Travelers appreciate the resort's sense of isolation, despite its busy location near SeaWorld and Mission Beach Park. While guests were thoroughly appreciative of the resort's address, accommodations get mixed reviews, with some saying rooms needed an update, or a good cleaning. Guests say to really sink your teeth into this resort experience, book a room with a private lanai. As for dining, Paradise Point houses four restaurants serving a variety of cuisines, from fresh seafood to pizza.

Located near Union Square in downtown San Francisco, The Marker oozes with style. The lobby area looks like a scene from a Renaissance painting, with arched doorways, towering columns, velvety furnishings and sweeping murals. The guest rooms, on the other hand, are colorful and whimsical, with striped walls and floral accents. The hotel provides contemporary amenities like LCD flat-screen TVs, iHome stereo systems and honor bars. Guests rave about the chic (albeit small) rooms, but they make sure to save some compliments for the friendly hotel staff and the tasty cuisine Italian served at Tratto. Visitors are also fond of the complimentary morning coffee and evening wine receptions hosted in the lobby. And those with four legged friends needn't leave them at home. The hotel not only has designated pet-friendly rooms but leaves water bowls scattered throughout the property in case your pup gets thirsty.

San Francisco's Galleria Park Hotel offers three accommodation styles with modern headboards, chrome light fixtures and neutral color palettes with bright artwork. Standard amenities include flat-screen TVs, honor bars, Illy espresso machines and desks with ergonomic chairs, while upgraded spaces feature skyline views and sofa beds. Plus, all room rates cover services like in-room Wi-Fi access and daily wine receptions. Past travelers had mixed feelings about this Joie de Vivre outpost's rooms (some described them as small, while others said they were reasonably sized given the location). Additionally, many prior guests appreciated the property's free amenities and rooftop garden, which has benches and a walking track. If you'd rather break a sweat indoors, the hotel houses a fitness center with cardio and weight-training equipment. Three event spaces and a 24-hour business center are also available on-site. When you've worked up an appetite, visit the adjacent Gaspar restaurant, which has a Parisian-inspired menu and two bars that serve Champagne and various cognac cocktails. Or, check out one of the Financial District's other eateries. Then, make your way to Union Square or Market Street, where the city's famous cable cars can be found.

Although it was built in 1931, Hotel De Anza doesn't seem to be showing its age, according to recent guests. The hotel's location in downtown San Jose puts guests close to many attractions including the SAP Center, home of the San Jose Sharks hockey team. Should you prefer a night in, you can enjoy a tasty Italian meal at the hotel's award-winning restaurant, La Pastaia. Previous visitors also recommend unwinding in the Hedley Club Lounge, which regularly hosts live jazz music. The rooms – which were renovated in 2015 – are on the small side (starting at 218 square feet), but well-equipped with complimentary wireless internet access, Illy coffee makers and iHome radios. The hotel also boasts a 24-hour fitness center. And if you're struck with late-night hunger pangs, simply head to the front desk for a complimentary "Midnight Snack Box," which includes a sandwich, chips and candy.

The Waterfront Hotel offers guests brightly appointed accommodations that feature deep, bold blues and nautical themes perfectly suited to its bayside setting. All rooms at this Joie de Vivre property come fully equipped with flat-screen TVs, free Wi-Fi access and sound-resistant windows, which help muffle the trains that occasionally run nearby. The hotel provides a complimentary wine and cheese hour on weekdays, and guests can enjoy northern Italian fare for breakfast, lunch and dinner at the in-house restaurant, Lungomare. More dining options are within walking distance along Jack London Square. Other on-site amenities include a heated pool and a fitness center. Self-parking is not available, but the property offers valet parking for a fee. Complimentary shuttles take guests to BART and downtown Oakland, California. Plus, with the San Francisco Bay Ferry and the Amtrak station both walkable from the hotel, and an endless array of attractions are available. Some recent visitors warn that the nearby trains can be noisy though.