Best Family Hotels in California

Situated in Newport Beach, California, about 50 miles southeast of Los Angeles, the Hyatt Regency Newport Beach completed a $15 million renovation in May 2013. Its location in southern California also puts it near Disneyland and the popular shopping complex, Fashion Island. The hotel features 407 rooms, each of which is appointed with a patio or balcony, an iPod docking station, a minifridge and a flat-screen TV. Outside the room, on-site pursuits abound thanks to the hotel's plentiful facilities, which include several pools, tennis courts, shuffleboard, and a golf course. In terms of eating and drinking, guests can enjoy coastal cuisine at SHOR American Seafood Grill or sit down for coffee or cocktails in the Lobby Lounge. Apart from the variety of activities and amenities, previous guests say they love this Hyatt property's staff. Visitors noted that the hotel's employees were friendly, well-trained and went out of their way to assist guests. And, if you participate in the brand's loyalty program, you can accrue and redeem points for choosing to stay at this hotel.

Overlooking several golf courses and the Pacific Ocean, The Resort at Pelican Hill earns praise for its relaxed ambiance and luxurious amenities, as does the impressive circular Coliseum Pool. Here, you'll have your choice of bungalow or villa accommodations – villas are more spacious with separate living quarters, making them a good choice for families. No matter which type of room you choose, you will be greeted with warm neutral tones, exposed wood-beam ceilings and Italian limestone fireplaces, not to mention views of the ocean or the fairways from private terraces. Families particularly enjoy The Resort at Pelican Hill thanks to its abundant outdoor activities for teens and the Camp Pelican program and clubhouse, which offers games for kids of all ages. Adults also have opportunities for fun on the spectacular golf course, at The Spa at Pelican Hill or at one of the on-site eateries. You can find this hotel just south of Balboa Island along Highway 1.

Sitting on 250 acres in quaint St. Helena, California, Meadowood Napa Valley resort automatically wins guests over with its serene landscape and isolation. The guest room decor embodies a rustic elegance, with cottage-like beamed ceilings, private terraces and, in most rooms, fireplaces. Although the cost of a stay here is admittedly steep, many travelers feel the exceptional service and on-site activities, such as croquet, tennis and golf, make the expense worthwhile. Guests will also find several pools and an extensive fitness center here. Meanwhile, those who splurged on a treatment at the on-site spa certainly didn't regret it, nor did they have second thoughts about repeat meals at The Restaurant. Should you stay at the Meadowood, you'll be close to the Castello di Amorosa Winery and Schramsberg Vineyards, both of which offer exceptional tours and tastings.

When booking a room at The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel, guests expect to receive superb service. And that's what they get. On top of that, they get a breathtaking ocean view and gorgeous grounds just northwest of Dana Point Marina. If you need any help reaching inner peace, the well-reviewed spa is happy to accommodate you. And this is no ordinary Ritz: In addition to the standard pool-tennis-fitness center combination, this property has access to several area golf courses and some excellent surfing waves. Plus, guests can explore the local environment with expert naturalists on eco-adventures organized by the hotel. As for dining, you can satiate your appetite at one of several on-site eateries. And when it comes time to call it a day, you won't be disappointed with the accommodations. Previous visitors love the serene pastel blue and cream decor in the guest rooms, as well as the private balconies and technology such as flat-screen TVs and internet access (included in the $50 daily resort fee). Plus, this hotel particpates in the Marriott Bonvoy program, so members can earn and use points by staying here.

Formerly a St. Regis property, guests can't stop raving about how beautiful the Monarch Beach Resort is. Overlooking the Pacific Ocean in Monarch Beach – about 60 miles southeast of Los Angeles – this resort caters to perfectionists. The grounds are well-manicured, the decor is both lavish, comfortable and up-to-date (accommodations were renovated in summer 2015), and the resort has a private beach. What more could you ask for? Well, you can also indulge at the handful of on-site eateries, swing a golf club in view of the Pacific Ocean or treat yourself to a decadent massage or sugar scrub at the Miraval Spa. Families love the wide range of activities for children, ranging from treasure hunts to the kids club to babysitting services. And previous visitors say the steep price is worthwhile and that the resort's staff deserves the highest praise.