Hipmunk Hotels: Luxury Hotel Destinations in Napa Valley, Glendale and more

As many of you know, Corey and I have been traveling the world for nearly nine months in Southeast Asia, and our go-to places to stay are always affordable and on-budget. But recently, we got a taste of luxury when my mom gifted Corey and me with an executive room at a 5-star hotel in Singapore for my birthday.


For the entire weekend, we wined and dined without a worry or care in the world. At the end of the weekend, we promised ourselves that we would “treat” ourselves to experiences like this more often during our travels, whether that’s in the States or abroad. There’s no greater feeling than being pampered while you’re visiting a new city.


And since we plan to visit California when we return to the U.S., there’s no time like the present to do some research! With that in mind, here are a few recommendations for luxury hotel destinations in cities across California.

Glendale: Loews Hollywood Hotel

Though less expensive options exist in Glendale for luxury, I cannot get enough of the Loews Hotel experience. I’m spoiled by the few staycations I had at the Atlanta hotel, and so I would wholeheartedly recommend this one, too. One of the many treats of a luxury hotel is the ability to take advantage of its amenities. Exhale Spa is one of the many treats that you’ll find in Loews Hollywood Hotel, because you can engage in sweat-inducing group fitness classes and indulge in spa treatments all under the same roof.

Marina Del Rey: The Ritz-Carlton

Image by Fuller Travels via Trover.com

The Ritz-Carlton has always had the reputation of white-glove service, and it’s regal in its own right. What makes this hotel unique is not the access to multiple hotspots and beaches or its prime location on the marina; it’s all in the small details that they offer that make The Ritz-Carlton different. Special touches like housekeeping twice a day with a turn down service, on-demand movies, terry cloth robes and private balconies for each room will make you want to stay in the hotel all day long. Alternatively, you can explore other luxury hotels in Marina Del Rey.

Napa Valley: Auberge Du Soleil

The Auberge Du Soleil is on my dream list of places to stay when I visit Napa Valley again. Its proximity to V. Sattui (one of my favorite wineries), its Michelin-star restaurant focusing on Mediterranean cuisine and the 7,000 square-foot spa that focuses on holistic treatments for wellness all draw me to this place. I’m sure if I stay here on my next vacation, I may never leave Napa Valley.

Carlsbad: Park Hyatt Aviara Resort

Image by Katie Dillon via Trover.com

If you’re seeking a true vacation destination where you can unwind, look no further than the Park Hyatt Aviara Resort in Carlsbad, California. There are many dining options featuring various cuisines from across the world, but you don’t have to venture outside to enjoy your food because there’s 24-hour in-room dining. You can stay active by playing tennis and golf on their property or take off to enjoy activities like hot-air ballooning or wine tasting. And, if you’re traveling with kids, the resort offers plentiful distractions for them to partake in like their kids’ academy, DVD library and babysitting services.

Sacramento: Inn and Spa at Parkside

The Inn and Spa at Parkside offers luxury bed and breakfast accommodations (you can certainly find other options for Sacramento hotels on Hipmunk’s website), and it’s definitely not a place to miss if you’re traveling to Sacramento. There’s a concierge service that will offer recommendations on what to see and do in the area, spa services that include massages and facials and a daily social hour in the evenings. With complimentary breakfast in the morning and a charming atmosphere, the Inn and Spa at Parkside will be hard to pass up.
Where do you like to get away and get pampered?