Which is the best Marriott Bonvoy beach hotel in California? We have already reviewed the best Marriott hotels in California. Now we focus specifically on the 11 best Marriott beachfront hotels.
All these hotels are either Marriott hotels or a subsidiary of Marriott. Remember to book any luxury hotels via our luxury travel concierge for extra free benefits. You also get all your usual Marriott Bonvoy points and perks when you book via our concierge.
1. Monterey Beach Hotel, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel
We are so excited about the Monterey Beach Hotel, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel, not least because we are major fans of Big Little Lies which made us fall in love with the dramatic Monterey coastline.
This hotel, a Marriott subsidiary, is set right on the beach and is pictured above. The setting has the wow factor that we’re all looking for a beach holiday on the Californian coastline.
This hotel will feature 192 stylish guestrooms and four exclusive suites. The hotel is conveniently located just off the majestic Highway 1. Immerse yourself in the modern, welcoming lobby adorned with floor-to-ceiling windows, offering iconic sunsets.
Step outdoors onto the Oceanfront decks, where new fireplaces provide a cozy ambiance in the fresh ocean air. Indulge in culinary delights at The Lantern Room, the top-floor restaurant boasting panoramic views of the Monterey Bay. This unique dining experience showcases local sea and land-to-table California flavors.
The hotel’s private beach sets the stage for nightly bonfires, perfect for guests to enjoy or for hosting intimate receptions and weddings, celebrating life’s precious moments.
2. The Ritz-Carlton, Half Moon Bay
We have not placed The Ritz-Carlton, Half Moon Bay in the number one position in this listing of the best Marriott beach hotels in California because the trail down to the beach is pretty steep (but gorgeous). So you can’t wear nice shoes or flip-flops down to the beach. You need to get your sneakers out to climb the cliff.
The part of California where you will find the Ritz-Carlton, Half Moon Bay, is much like North Cornwall in England. Stunning swathes of green grass carpet clifftops. Steep rock faces rise up from perfect coves that caress soft sand beaches. Pacific waves crash and bash this dramatic coastline, generating the most marvelous landscape that is often misted up with sparkling sea spray.
It doesn’t rain nearly as much in California as it does in Cornwall, and the clifftops around this Ritz-Carlton are far more manicured than the grassy hillocks you might find in cornish seaside villages like Bude, where the rabbits are the only mowers. But the ambiance of mystical sea spray and picturesque setting of these striking coastlines bear remarkable similarities.
At The Ritz-Carlton Half Moon Bay, which is one of the best Marriott hotels in California, guests can follow the California Coastal Trail, which passes right through the resort. They can savor the Northern California sunset on a beautiful evening. Sample fine wines from vintners along the coast, craft smores over an open fire on their private terrace, discover the nourishing benefits of pumpkin at the spa, or tee off on two championship golf courses that are as beautiful as they are well-designed.
The Ritz-Carlton, Half Moon Bay is one of the best Ritz-Carlton beach hotels in America. Holding court on a bluff overlooking the ocean and just 20 miles from San Francisco International Airport, this beach resort in San Francisco, California, celebrates its surroundings with an experience rooted in the elements of fire, relaxation, golf, and the discovery of fine wines.
3. The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel
The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel is built on a sand dunes next to the soft sandy shores of Salt Creek Beach. Located halfway between LA and San Diego along the coast, this Dana Point offers a beachfront setting and panoramic views of the Pacific.
Sprawling shoreline vistas create awe-inspiring memories from the moment you arrive. Dine on Southern California coastal cuisine, explore your surfside surroundings on an eco-adventure, or soothe with a spa escape at this Salt Creek Beach hotel. The California coast is calling.
4. The Ritz-Carlton Bacara, Santa Barbara
The Ritz-Carlton Bacara, Santa Barbara is a multitude of whitewashed buildings swarming up the side of a sandy hillock on the most perfect beach you can imagine.
Tucked onto 78 acres overlooking the Pacific, The Ritz-Carlton Bacara, Santa Barbara is a beachfront hotel that combines this coastal city’s appeal with the beauty of its natural surroundings. Here, you can escape to the tranquility of two beaches, three infinity-edge pools, and a 42,000 ft² spa. You can relax in spacious suites or indulge in the region’s abundance of locally sourced cuisine.
This Santa Barbara resort invites you to drink in coastal views from your balcony or relax inside with Mediterranean-inspired designs. The Ritz-Carlton Suite and Channel Island Suite feature kitchenettes and up to two bedrooms for longer stays or if you want to bring your family.
5. Pier South Resort, Autograph Collection by Marriott
Pier South Resort, Autograph Collection by Marriott, is a newly renovated beachfront resort in San Diego that is within walking distance from Imperial Beach Pier and short drives from attractions such as San Diego Zoo, Coronado Beach, and Petco Park.
This hotel sits right on the sand and offers a D’ames Spa, a fitness center, and SEA180° Coastal Tavern. It is the ideal place to take in the sunshine with walks on the beach and paddles in the surf.
Rooms here boast private balconies, complimentary Wi-Fi, and laid-back, classic SoCal vibes.
6. Le Merigot Santa Monica
Le Merigot Santa Monica is probably the closest hotel in Los Angeles to the beach. It describes itself as just steps from the sand, next to the beach and the famous Santa Monica Pier.
This luxury hotel possesses an air of serenity and is within walking distance of Santa Monica’s popular destination highlights, including world-class restaurants and the 3rd Street Promenade. Venture to neighboring Venice Beach, Malibu, and all the excitement in Los Angeles.
Settle into spacious, pet-friendly guest rooms and suites, many with a private balcony and ocean views. Make a splash in our outdoor pool, stay active in our well-equipped fitness center, or step onto the sand with available beach gear and bike cruisers.
Enjoy energizing breakfasts in the Dining Room and delicious California cuisine for lunch and dinner in our open-air lounge with ocean views.
7. Laguna Cliffs Marriott Resort & Spa
Laguna Cliffs Marriott Resort & Spa is an Orange County escape on top of Laguna Cliffs. This beach-chic hotel provides awe-inspiring views of the Pacific Ocean. The hotel is just a 5-minute walk from Doheny State Beach, near Dana Point Harbor and Laguna Beach.
Casually sophisticated guest rooms offer deluxe bedding and up-to-date in-room amenities; some have balconies to take in a sunrise or sunset. There are also restaurants and a full-service spa. OverVue Lounge is a great place to eat on the outdoor deck. Take advantage of the Californian sun and relish the coastal breeze in the pools.
8. Courtyard by Marriott Santa Monica
Courtyard by Marriott Santa Monica is located in downtown Santa Monica, just three blocks from the Santa Monica Pier and beach and just steps from the Santa Monica Place Mall.
This is the least luxurious Marriott hotel in our listing, but it has a fun Californian beach vibe, interesting design details, and artwork, and it has a 2nd-floor pool deck where you can soak up the sun.
Located in downtown Santa Monica just four blocks from the Santa Monica Pier and beach, the resort fee-free Courtyard Santa Monica features oversized guest rooms with wood plank floors, free Wi-Fi, and plush Marriott bedding.
Begin your morning with a workout in the 24-hour fitness center before heading to Waterman’s Cafe, the onsite restaurant, for a light bite and Starbucks coffee. Soak up the sun on the 2nd-floor pool deck or spend your days exploring the best of Southern California in the surrounding greater Los Angeles area. After a fun day at the Santa Monica Pier, catch the Expo train located just across from the hotel to Downtown Los Angeles, only 7 miles away.
9. VEA Newport Beach, A Marriott Resort & Spa
VEA Newport Beach, A Marriott Resort & Spa looks out upon palms that sway against a Pacific backdrop. Spacious suites, emergent food and drink, a lush spa enclave, and a spirited poolscape from dawn to dusk can all be enjoyed here.
This Fashion Island Hotel in Newport Beach is not far from the beach. The nearest public beach is Corona del Mar State Beach, which is walkable from this Marriot.
10. The Waterman
Located in the trendy Funk Zone neighborhood of oceanside downtown Santa Barbara is the chic Waterman hotel. The hotel is not on the beach but is within walking distance from the beach and steps from State Street, diverse restaurants, award-winning microbreweries, wine-tasting rooms, and shopping.
Explore historic Stearns Wharf and broad beaches like East Beach, West Beach, and the Marina. Jump on a beach cruiser to explore the area or relax by the outdoor pool. Feel like cooking. The kitchen is available for use with excellent appliances. Family and friends will love gathering in our library lounge or playing one of our many board and outdoor games.
11. The Ritz-Carlton, Marina del Rey
The Ritz-Carlton, Marina del Rey is close to LAX so if you feel like a splurge on an airport hotel, this is where you should splurge. But this hotel offers so much more than just a stop-off or layover.
This waterfront hotel has an outdoor pool with a sun-lounger terrace and views of the marina. It is located 2-miles from Venice Beach, so it is arguably just about walkable to the beach. The hotel is also elegantly situated on one of the largest recreational marinas in the world. Bottom line, this is a great waterfront hotel. It remains one of California’s best waterfront Marriott hotels, and you can walk to the beach, but it is not beachfront.
There are 304 guest rooms and suites which feature luxurious amenities complemented by the legendary service of The Ritz-Carlton. Many rooms have stunning waterfront views, and club rooms have access to one of the best club lounges in Los Angeles.
Cast & Plow restaurant offers locally sourced and farm-fresh ingredients paired with craft cocktails and a revered wine list. Unwind at the heated saltwater waterfront pool and whirlpool. Activities include tennis, paddleball, SUP paddleboards, bicycling, and skateboarding.
Located less than five miles from Los Angeles International Airport and close to Venice Beach, Malibu, and Santa Monica, visitors can easily access the most popular attractions in Southern California, including shopping, theatres, theme parks, studio tours, museums, and beaches. The hotel is also 20 minutes from the 53-acre Porsche Experience Center, which offers eight unique driving modules.
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Image(s) courtesy of Monterey Beach Hotel, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel.
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