This year’s World’s Best Awards survey closed on Mar. 2, just before widespread stay-at-home orders were implemented as a result of COVID-19. The results reflect our readers’ experiences before the pandemic, but we hope that this year’s honorees will inspire your trips to come—whenever they may be.
The Golden State is home to bays and canyons, surf beaches and redwood forests, ski mountains and deserts. All of that astounding geographic diversity is reflected in the best resort hotels in California. Browsing the list of the top properties is like taking an armchair tour of California’s most compelling locales: Kimpton the Rowan (No. 4) lies in the middle of Palm Springs’ Midcentury Modern glory; the Inn Above Tide (No. 7) sits on the edge of glittering San Francisco Bay; Rancho Valencia Resort & Spa (No. 2) is tucked among estates north of San Diego; and the Farmhouse Inn (No. 9) puts the Sonoma Valley’s rolling foothills front and center.
Every year for our World’s Best Awards survey, T+L invites its readers to share their opinions on the top hotels, resorts, cities, islands, cruise ships, spas, airlines, and more. Hotels were rated on their facilities, location, service, food, and overall value. Properties were classified as city or resort based on their locations and amenities.
4. Kimpton the Rowan Palm Springs, Palm Springs
