For some, a hotel is simply a place to rest their head. But in California, unforgettable stays are destinations unto themselves. Now, with the introduction of Michelin Keys, travelers have a trusted guide to the Golden State’s collection of outstanding hotels. Just as Michelin Stars set the standard for outstanding restaurants, Michelin Keys celebrate the crème de la crème in global hospitality.
California collected a total of 84 keys across 57 hotels and resorts—the most of any other state in the country. To determine who receives a key, industry experts evaluate five key criteria: standout architecture and design, service quality, overall character, value for cost, and the hotel’s connection to its neighborhood or setting.
Only the most prestigious of lodgings can earn the coveted three keys, the highest honor Michelin can bestow on a hotel, and California has six of them. Here’s a breakdown of all six three-key hotels and what you need to know about these top-tier stays.
The Beverly Hills Hotel, Dorchester Collection
Movers and shakers have called this hotel their home away from home since its inception in 1912. Following a $100 million renovation, the “Pink Palace” in Beverly Hills continues to wow guests with its signature style, iconic stripes, and impeccable service. Spacious rooms feature balconies overlooking blooming gardens, Mission Revival architecture, or the renowned Hollywood pool.
For a once-in-a-lifetime experience, opt for the famous bungalows, where Marilyn Monroe lived for a time, and Elizabeth Taylor honeymooned for six of her eight marriages. Do your best impression of Frank Sinatra at the iconic Polo Lounge, a favorite of the Rat Pack. Retreat to the pool (it plays music underwater), decorated with vintage-inspired lounges and private cabanas equipped with flat screens, changing rooms, and seahorse topiaries.
Hotel Bel-Air, Dorchester Collection
When oil tycoon Alphonzo Bell bought 600 acres of land west of Los Angeles in 1922, he needed an equally magnificent estate to manage the posh neighborhood he had conjured into existence. That planning and building later became the now swoon-worthy Hotel Bel-Air. Inside the 12-acre property, guests enjoy residence-style rooms (several suites contain historic murals and carvings), art installations, a pâtisserie, and lush grounds complete with a real-life Swan Lake.
Say hello to Chloe, Hercules, Athena, and Odette—the lake’s feathered residents—before grabbing lunch alfresco at the onsite restaurant. Relax with a rejuvenating spa experience or a quick swim in the year-round, oval-shaped pool. Finish the evening at the moody lounge surrounded by live piano, a massive marble fireplace, and lots of dark leather.
Post Ranch Inn
This romantic getaway perched on the cliffs of Big Sur is considered one of the finest hotels in the world—and for good reason. Views are unbeatable, onsite activities are unique and extensive (from curated spa treatments to falconry), and rooms are practically extensions of the environment itself. The property’s circular floor plan in the Pacific Suite maximizes ocean views and flow while the triangular Tree Houses on stilts blend seamlessly into the surrounding redwood forest. Reserve a table at seafood restaurant Sierra Mar and indulge in selections from the Inn’s extraordinary collection of 3,200 bottles of rare wines.
SingleThread Inn
As the world’s only three-key hotel with a three-star restaurant, this intimate Healdsburg inn perfectly embodies the farm-to-fork vision of its husband-and-wife team chef Kyle and farm manager Katina Connaughton. The intimate setting allows for only five rooms on the grounds, but each suite is outfitted with thoughtful luxury touches—soaking tubs, premium coffee machines, and curated snacks. All stays include a full-service breakfast as equally impressive as their restaurant’s offerings and include unique items such as squash blossom omelets with black truffle or cedar-roasted salmon.
Guests staying two or more nights may reserve an in-room dining experience, the multicourse donabe dinner (a Japanese meal cooked in a traditional earthenware pot) is a signature offering. An Audi e-tron is available to guests, along with scenic drive itineraries through Dry Creek Valley, Lake Sonoma, and the Russian River Valley.
Auberge du Soleil, Auberge Resorts Collection
You may find yourself slipping into a French accent after a couple of nights at this tucked-away Napa Valley gem. Set on 33 acres in the tiny town of Rutherford, the property began as the dream of French restaurateur Claude Rouas and quickly grew into one of wine country’s very best resorts and spas. The 50 guestrooms and suites emphasize indoor-outdoor living with terraces overlooking heritage oak and olive groves. As the home to the valley’s first fine dining establishment, dinner here is a must. The Michelin-starred menu showcases California cuisine through Provence with a locally driven wine list.
Meadowood Napa Valley
At the heart of this Napa Valley institution is the Wine Center at Meadowood, a gathering place where wine aficionados and the vino-curious can come together for tastings, educational workshops, and culinary programs in St. Helena. In true Napa fashion, the resort’s newest restaurant, Forum, serves meals crafted from ingredients sourced directly from Meadowood Farm and other local purveyors. Accommodations consist of 36 spacious lodgings with California king beds and soaking tubs. Beyond your room, you’ll find forested hiking trails, a newly renovated fitness center, and an all-suite spa.
1 Key
Calistoga: Four Seasons Resort Napa Valley
Carmel: Villa Mara Carmel
Elk: Harbor House Inn
La Jolla: Orli La Jolla
San Diego: The LaFayette Hotel and Club
Los Angeles: Downtown L.A. Proper Hotel
Los Angeles: The Aster
Los Angeles: The Paramour Estate
Los Angeles: The Prospect Hollywood
Los Angeles Area: Le Petit Pali Brentwood
Los Angeles Area: Regent Santa Monica Beach
Napa: Stanly Ranch, Auberge Collection
Calistoga: The Francis House
Newport Beach: Pendry Newport Beach
Palm Springs: Dive Palm Springs
Palm Springs: Holiday House Palm Springs
Palm Springs: La Serena Villas
Palm Springs: Sparrows Lodge
Rutherford: Rancho Caymus Inn
San Francisco: 1 Hotel San Francisco
San Francisco: Hotel Drisco
San Luis Obispo: Hotel San Luis Obispo
San Luis Obispo: San Luis Creek Lodge
Santa Monica: Casa del Mar
Santa Monica: Fairmont Miramar Hotel & Bungalows
Santa Monica: Santa Monica Proper Hotel
Santa Monica: Shutters on the Beach
Santa Monica: The Georgian
Sea Ranch: The Sea Ranch Lodge
West Hollywood: Chamberlain West Hollywood
West Hollywood: Hotel 850 SVB
West Hollywood: Palihouse West Hollywood
West Hollywood: Soho House Holloway
West Hollywood: Sunset Tower Hotel
West Hollywood: The Charlie
2 Keys
Beverly Hills: L’Ermitage Beverly Hills
Beverly Hills: The Maybourne Beverly Hills
Beverly Hills: The Peninsula Beverly Hills
Big Sur: Ventana Big Sur, an Alila Resort
Carmel Valley: Bernardus Lodge & Spa
Guerneville: The Stavrand
Healdsburg: Montage Healdsburg
Healdsburg: The Madrona
Laguna Beach: Montage Laguna Beach
Montecito: Rosewood Miramar Beach
Napa: Milliken Creek Inn & Spa
San Francisco: Four Seasons Hotel San Francisco at Embarcadero
San Francisco: The Battery
Sausalito: Cavallo Point Lodge
West Hollywood: Chateau Marmont
Yountville: Bardessono
Yountville: North Block
3 Keys
Beverly Hills: The Beverly Hills Hotel, Dorchester Collection
Big Sur: Post Ranch Inn
Healdsburg: SingleThread Inn
Los Angeles: Hotel Bel-Air, Dorchester Collection
Rutherford: Auberge du Soleil, Auberge Collection
St. Helena: Meadowood Napa Valley