Which Marriott Bonvoy hotel or resort is the best in California, including Los Angeles, San Diego, and San Francisco, for location, beach, club lounge, and pool? We have outlined the best Marriott Bonvoy picks below.
Ritz-Carlton hotels are part of Marriott Bonvoy and are one of the most luxury Bonvoy brands. Hence our top choices in this listing skew towards the Ritz-Carlton brand. Marriott has merged with Starwood, so their hotel portfolio includes The Luxury Collection, St. Regis, Westin, W Hotels, EDITION, Sheraton, and the Four Points by Sheraton as well as Marriotts, JW Marriotts, Courtyard by Marriott, and more. Executive lounge access is a perk afforded to top-level Platinum Elite members at Marriott hotels and Starwood hotels, but even elite members must pay for lounge access at Ritz-Carlton hotels.
You can redeem points at all of the Marriott Bonvoy properties or pay for your booking and earn them, but remember to use our luxury travel concierge as we can offer you special benefits or deals at all these hotels, whilst enabling you to benefit from your status and collect your usual points. It costs nothing to ask us for a quote, and we will be able to help you squeeze some extra value from your stay.
1. The Ritz-Carlton Half Moon Bay
Perched atop a rugged oceanside bluff in Northern California, just 30 minutes from San Francisco and Silicon Valley, The Ritz-Carlton, Half Moon Bay delivers a 5-star, luxury resort experience unlike any other. In fact, if you imagine a castle-like hotel on a cliff-top on the edge of the ocean and looking down upon a perfect golden beach, you are probably picturing the Ritz-Carlton Half Moon Bay.
Designed to be both admired and experienced, the hotel sits in one of California’s most beautiful settings. It celebrates small details with outdoor fire pits surrounded by Adirondack chairs, a Club Lounge offering local wines and spa treatments driven by the seasons.
2. Ritz-Carlton, Marina del Rey
Ritz-Carlton, Marina del Rey is hands down the best airport hotel at LAX. It is actually around 5 minutes’ drive away. The Ritz-Carlton, Marina del Rey is a dreamy, sparkling oasis of waterfront boats and tropical foliage and yet it is superbly convenient for the airport. Currently, there isn’t a shuttle that runs between the LAX and the hotel, however, Uber will cost approximately $20 USD and a Taxi will cost approximately $25 USD. In fact, this hotel is not only the best LAX airport hotel but is also probably has one of the best hotel club lounges in Los Angeles.
This authentic Southern California retreat is located on one of the largest recreational marinas in the world. Immerse yourself in stunning coastal surroundings in one of their 304 waterfront guest rooms and suites, relax at Sisley Spa, farm-to-table dine at Cast & Plow or exercise on the tennis and basketball courts or in their gorgeous heated saltwater pool. Nearby, the Strand provides a scenic pathway for walking, running, and cycling, while the marina is a top destination for water activities.
Book a Club Level Guest Room and enjoy partial Marina and city views, personal “Juliet” balconies, expansive windows and doors for enhanced vistas and light, luxurious Asprey bath essentials and exclusive Club Lounge access.
Ritz-Carlton Club rooms are a great deal because of the access to the Club Lounge. Amenities including a dedicated team that assist with special requests and vacation plans. More importantly, complimentary small bite food and beverage presentations are offered throughout the day, more than enough to fill you up. Premium cocktails and wines are also available for purchase. Extra activities included for free are a cocktail demonstration from a mixologist highlighting local ingredients from the farmers market and a wine lesson from our Sommelier and learn about what pairs well with certain blends.
3. The Ritz-Carlton Bacara, Santa Barbara
The Ritz-Carlton Bacara, Santa Barbara embodies the charm, beauty, and energy of the Mediterranean atmosphere in the heart of Santa Barbara and is your best choice if you have an energetic family. It offers ocean-view accommodations, a wonderful beach, an indulgent spa, and dining that celebrates local ingredients.
Bacara is a typical large Ritz-Carlton resort with 358 rooms and suites. The location is stunning, on 87 seaside acres in Goleta, about 12 miles north of Santa Barbara proper, or a 10-15 min drive right down the 101 freeway. This means that little is walkable outside this resort.
Plus points include that The Ritz-Carlton Bacara is right on the ocean, and it’s an easy walk down to the beach. Due to California Coastal Commission regulations, the beach is ungroomed, with driftwood and unraked sand, which might be a shock. Still, the Bacara makes up for this with a luxurious Beach House which offers food as well as toilets and showers.
Bacara has two excellent restaurants. Angel Oak, the signature fine-dining restaurant, which is one of the top-rated restaurants in the Santa Barbara area and the casual and less impressive (and less expensive) Bistro.
4. The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel
Perched on a bluff overlooking the Pacific Ocean, The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel is a coastal paradise with a playful side. Winding ocean paths lead to Salt Creek Beach, which attracts surfers from around the world and offers a breathtaking background for the hotel’s indoor and outdoor event venues. Ties to the Laguna Beach community are expressed through local artwork, expert-led eco-adventures, and a display of artistic surfboards.
5. The Ritz-Carlton Rancho Mirage
The Ritz-Carlton, Rancho Mirage is set above Coachella Valley, The Ritz-Carlton, Rancho Mirage offers an elevated experience of a timeless destination. The modern design invites connections with the desert, from stunning valley views at The Edge Steakhouse to holistic spa rituals inspired by the land. At the same time, the storied past of Palm Springs complements the resort’s elegant luxury. Enjoy spacious accommodations, an exclusive Club Lounge, and more than 30,000 ft² of event space.
6. THE US GRANT, a Luxury Collection Hotel
This newly restyled presidential palace has recently undergone a $13 million USD refresh and now immerses you in an updated world of storied elegance and legendary style. Reigning as Downtown’s crown jewel since 1910 and built by the son of President Ulysses S. Grant, THE US GRANT, a Luxury Collection Hotel offers classic luxury at its very best in downtown San Diego.
The hotel’s 270 guest rooms, including 43 suites, are immaculately designed and promise sumptuous serenity where custom drip-painting headboards bestow an enriching “sleeping with art” experience.
Across the room, a sleek 49-inch LED flat-screen television provides in-room entertainment. Ample power outlets and wireless internet ensure seamless connectivity. Artistic accents include a standing mirror and marble top credenza set atop glen plaid patterned carpets.
Enlist the concierge’s expertise to curate an itinerary for shopping, arts, and entertainment in the surrounding downtown locale, and explore San Diego’s pristine beaches and bay.
Celebrated for culinary innovation, Grant Grill & Lounge highlights local ingredients with craft cocktails and seasonal cuisine.
7. Marriott Gaslamp Quarter
A more moderate hotel when compared to THE US GRANT, Marriott Gaslamp Quarter is located in the heart of downtown San Diego, but it is still one of your best choices in San Diego. It is an elegant and upscale hotel with boutique-style service and premier dining and nightlife. If you want a pool, opt for the Marriott Marquis below, with its large resort-style pool. The Gaslamp does not have a pool but feels like an intimate, boutique hotel with better rooms and service than almost any other Marriott in San Diego.
Many Marriott Bonvoy members consider this hotel to be the best Marriott In San Diego with its great location, nice F&B venues, decent lounge, and Ritz-Carlton style of customer service.
At 0.24 miles from the Convention Center it is also one of the best hotels near San Diego Convention Centre. The hotel is also very close to Petco, maybe a block from the gates, and some of its rooms look out over the park. It’s actually around three or four blocks from the Convention Center on the waterfront.
306 rooms and suites feature a collection of unique amenities, including in-room smart desks, Wi-Fi access, and more than 8,000 ft² of av-equipped function space to cater for everything from small meetings to corporate conferences.
Dining options at Marriott Gaslamp Quarter are unparalleled among San Diego hotels. Soleil K serves fresh, innovative cuisine, Latitude Lounge serves as a friendly local hangout, and altitude sky lounge offers custom cocktails and a panoramic 22nd-story view of the city skyline.
Marriott Gold & Platinum members and guests staying on the Concierge floors have access to the Club Lounge. Expect an excellent lounge in terms of food offerings and service. Breakfast consists of scrambled eggs, bacon, oatmeal, cut fruit, and the usual bread and dry cereals, much like any domestic Marriott lounge. The club lounge is, however, rather too small for the hotel and can get very busy. This club lounge is open for breakfast only on weekends.
8. The Ritz-Carlton Lake Tahoe
Guests of The Ritz-Carlton, Lake Tahoe will find endless summer activities at the luxury hotel’s Northstar California location and new, exclusive lakeside access at Lake Club. A slope-side spa, vibrant kid’s program, and Marshmology – the resort’s signature experience – offer a memorable connection to the picturesque mountain setting, while the resort’s Residential Suites provide the ideal accommodations for a Lake Tahoe vacation home rental.
9. The Ritz-Carlton San Francisco
Also in first place is the Ritz-Carlton San Francisco which is an excellent luxury hotel in San Francisco and one of the best earn and burn Marriott Bonvoy point hotels in the city. Ritz-Carlton Club Levels tend to be a step above the rest and pretty brilliant, with 5 rather than 3 food offerings in a day and more than enough to fill you up.
This Ritz-Carlton Club Lounge is elegant with a grey-navy color scheme and cream walls. It is very stylish and intimate and simply could not be compared to something like a Marriott MClub lounge. This Ritz-Carlton lounge is the real deal and offers true luxury. An intricate fireplace sits to one side of the room, and natural light streams in from the windows on the other side. The seating is around dining tables or on comfy sofas.
The view overlooks the San Francisco city skyline and the tranquil courtyard below. Continuous culinary offerings are provided throughout the day, as small dishes of beautifully designed and tasty food. There is a breakfast, a light lunch, evening hors d’oeuvres, desserts, and sweets, accompanied by a full-service Club Concierge. Additional unique offerings include evening hors d’oeuvres inspired by the cuisine of San Francisco’s extraordinary neighborhoods, plus a caviar tasting on Saturdays. You will not go hungry in this lounge, and you will no need to eat out. The food inside is exquisite and Ritz-Carlton hotels, as a general rule, tend to be a step above the rest.
Each evening in the Club Lounge, Executive Chef Luis Lujan presents hors d’oeuvres inspired by the diverse neighborhoods of San Francisco and the rich culinary regions of the Bay Area.
An additional nice touch here is a complimentary coffee that will be delivered to your room, upon request, for Club Level guests requesting a wake-up call.
10. Courtyard Anaheim Theme Park Entrance
For my number 10 spot, I have picked the best Marriott in California for children. It is not the most luxurious, but it has great family-friendly rooms and a cool water park. Courtyard Anaheim Theme Park Entrance is minutes from DISNEYLAND® Park, DISNEY CALIFORNIA ADVENTURE® Park and the DOWNTOWN DISNEY® District. Arrive in style at this Marriott Rewards Category 7 DISNEYLAND® Resort Good Neighbor Hotel and relax in spacious rooms with twin bunk beds, dinette-style seating, free Wi-Fi, and flat-panel Smart TVs.
The rooms have Kuerig machines, microwaves, mini-fridges, and Netflix and are stylish with stripy bedding and carpeting, wave designs on the walls, and mattresses that are comfortable. Large bathrooms have dual-sink lighted vanities, a bathtub (with shower), and an additional standalone shower, ideal for families. Parking is valet only and $24 USD per night, plus tax.
Savor Starbucks® coffee and breakfast in the mornings at The Bistro, the on-site restaurant, then return for lunch or in the evenings for dinner and cocktails. Grab snacks, drinks, beer, and wine at The Market and hotel gift shop. Make memories at Surfside Waterpark and finish your nights with views of the world-famous DISNEYLAND® Park fireworks from the outdoor terrace and fire pit.
It is worth mentioning that the waterpark here is excellent but is not a full-on waterpark. It is great but is basically a freeform hotel pool with a number of very cool waterslides. Great for the kids but not a complete water park, just to manage expectations. It remains the best non-Disney pool for kids.
This hotel is one of the more expensive non-Disney Marriott hotels in Anaheim. Rates start around $200 USD per night, which is close to the cost of the Disney hotels.
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