Best Joie de Vivre Hotels & Resorts in California

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.

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.

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.