Best Noble House Hotels & Resorts in California

Guests of this hotel in Fisherman's Wharf will feel as if they've just stepped aboard a cruise ship, even though the Argonaut Hotel sits firmly on solid ground. Guest rooms – which are decked out with nautical artifacts – offer spectacular views of San Francisco Bay. (Just note that these vistas don't come cheap, according to some travelers.) Meanwhile, common areas like the lobby and the in-house seafood restaurant, Blue Mermaid Restaurant, feature vibrant colors and fun, quirky furnishings. Visitors especially appreciate the excellent customer service and variety of amenities available, including a fitness center, spa and business center. Other guests, however, lamented the high price for parking. However, it's close proximity to the Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz and Lombard Street earn high marks among travelers.

The opulent Portofino Hotel & Marina has quite a following among Los Angeles travelers who like to dine well: BALEENkitchen restaurant is many guests' favorite part of the hotel thanks to its delicious contemporary American cuisine. The rooms don't disappoint, either, with flat-screen TVs, minibars, complimentary Internet access and balconies. And no matter which side of the hotel you end up on, you'll be able to see the water. However, travelers recommend requesting a room on a higher floor to avoid obstructed views. This Noble House property also has a pool and a collection of bikes available to borrow, and visitors can take advantage of the hotel's waterfront location with a day on the beach (or in a boat).

Hotel Zoe Fisherman's Wharf, which is part of the Noble House Hotels & Resorts family, is located near San Francisco's Fisherman's Wharf and offers 221 accommodations. All rooms come equipped with 50-inch flat-screen TVs, free Wi-Fi access, hand-held garment steamers and minifridges; decor is neutral with tan walls, white linens, light blue patterned carpets and black throw pillows. Outside the rooms, guests can take advantage of the meeting facilities or enjoy a meal in the on-site eatery, Pescatore, an Italian restaurant that specializes in seafood and traditional dishes. But if you're not craving Italian, you'll find plenty of restaurants in the surrounding neighborhood. While a few past guests had positive things to say about this property (they praised its location and were pleasantly surprised by the rooms), others were disappointed with poor service from the staff and erroneous charges after checkout.

For a relaxed, Polynesian atmosphere and access to one of California's only privately owned beaches, consider staying at Kona Kai Resort & Spa. This Noble House property on San Diego's Shelter Island boasts an array of amenities, including an outdoor swimming pool, a marina, a spa and a fitness center. Visitors can also rent bicycles and water sports equipment like paddleboards and kayaks. If you're traveling with kids, past guests recommended taking advantage of the resort's family-friendly amenities, which include "Dive-In Movies" at the pool, seasonal s'mores nights at the beach's fire pits and the Kids Korner craft and game room. (Note: Select activities and services are not covered by the daily $19 resort fee.) When you're hungry, grab a bite to eat at the poolside Tiki Bar or in Vessel Restaurant + Bar, the property's main restaurant. After filling up on locally sourced coastal fare, bed down in one of the resort's guest rooms or suites. Renovated in 2015, the resort's accommodations feature ocean hues (shades of blue and white), pattered carpets and wooden furniture, plus amenities like private balconies or patios, minifridges, flat-screen TVs, complimentary Wi-Fi access and glass-enclosed rain showers.

For a good night's rest in downtown Napa, recent travelers suggest the River Terrace Inn. Here, the plush, heavenly bedding lulls to sleep almost as fast as the quiet sounds of the rushing Napa River behind the property. Personal touches like the complimentary cruiser bikes and wine hours earn brownie points with travelers. And the hotel's location gives visitors easy walking access to the Napa Valley Wine Train and Oxbow Market. While visitors enjoyed visiting the valley and agree that the Inn is charming and cozy, and the staff very friendly, guests thought the breakfast was seriously lacking. A member of the Noble House hotel family, River Terrace Inn participates in the Stash Hotel Rewards program.