Best Hotels in Malibu

Malibu’s coastline is highlighted by palm trees, sandy beaches, and its seaside mountains. Malibu is the ultimate in coastal elegance, a quintessential California beach town. From its celebrity allure to Pepperdine college students mixing with everyday Angelenos hitting the beaches, Malibu is an eclectic melting pot. The area is also famous for its hiking trails, horseback riding, wineries, and the Getty Villa Museum’s beautiful art collection. Whether you’re looking for a peaceful beachfront hotel or a remote mountain resort, these are the best hotels in Malibu.

Beach Bum Bliss: Malibu Beach Inn

The iconic Malibu Beach Inn is perhaps the best known 5 star hotel here, situated along Carbon Beach, otherwise known as “Billionaires Beach”. Featuring just 47 rooms and suites, each seamlessly blends the indoor and outdoor boasting balconies throughout. These breathtaking Pacific views can be found on every floor, ensuring an ocean-drenched experience from sunrise to sunset.

The restaurant sources produce from the local farms, inviting guests to enjoy casual, sophisticated dishes, while the Cure Day Spa offers oceanfront rejuvenating massages and celebrity-worthy reiki treatments. While immersing yourself in the soothing sounds of the waves, you can enjoy the Mani Brothers’ revered art collection found all over the property. Featuring vibrant Donald Sultan poppies and Jasper John lithographs, it’s a unique find that contemplates the setting nicely.

Their dedicated staff can also plan excursions to explore Malibu’s high-end boutiques, hike scenic nearby trails, and so much more. The Malibu Beach Inn is also located just a short drive from Beverly Hills, Santa Monica, and LAX airport!

Digital Detox Delight: The Ranch Malibu

A working ranch that has been transformed into a remote wellness retreat, The Ranch is the perfect hideaway to detox at! Hidden away in the scenic Santa Monica Mountains, it’s unlike others on this list. This is where you’ll see CEOs and celebrities come to rest and detox – strengthening their bodies and restoring their minds.

Hosting just 25 guests per week, The Ranch promises an intimate, curated experience where no photos are allowed and privacy is paramount! The accommodations are modest with queen beds & neutral color palettes, but the design encourages digital detoxes & early bedtimes. There are no TVs in the rooms and you’ll be hard pressed to find cell service and Wi-Fi.

The Ranch’s plant-based & anti-inflammatory food is sourced onsite and from local farms. The staff take guests through yoga, meditations, and long hikes across mountain’s trails every day. The Ranch is committed to healthy living & mindfulness, even including a weekly cooking class to teach guests. So while not a traditional hotel, this transformative experience is worth every penny.

California Cool Calling: The Surfrider Malibu

The Surfrider Hotel is like a love letter to the laid-back charm and beach vibes of California’s coastal towns. Self-described as a “20 room Californian Beach House,” this 1950s-era motel along Pacific Coast Highway has been completely remodeled.

This chic coastal retreat’s lobby alone emulates a cozy California beach house living room. Mixing natural materials like limestone and white oak with custom-designed local artisan accent pieces, it all exudes barefoot luxury.

Guests can also borrow custom made surfboards, beach amenities, and enjoy a rooftop terrace offering complimentary mocktail hours. The hotel’s rooftop restaurant features locally sourced cuisine, and is only accessible to guests, providing exclusive & unrivaled beach views best seen at sunset. Across from Malibu Beach, the Surfrider Hotel is a warm and welcoming escape to enjoy all that Southern California has to offer.

Zen Sanctuary Unveiled: Nobu Ryokan Malibu

The 16-room Nobu Ryokan Malibu is the ultimate boutique escape. Its traditional Japanese Ryokan styling is seen everywhere: teak soaking tubs, fireplaces indoors & outdoors, and patios accented by artwork. It’s a seamless blending of Japanese minimalism with the California coastline’s elegant allure. This all sets the Nobu apart from every other hotel along Malibu’s beaches.

Each of the custom designed rooms is distinctive yet unified. Each features ensuite fireplaces, sweeping skylights, and private decks. Guests can also choose rooms with a tranquil garden setting, a beautiful ocean view, or being completely beachfront.

Situated on “Billionaire’s Beach,” the Nobu is the ultimate luxurious hideaway for indulging. From spa treatments, to Nobu’s renowned food, the Nobu Ryokan has solidified itself as one of the best hotels in Malibu.

Vintage Vibes Beckon: Hotel June Malibu

Offering a private mixture of mid-century bungalows on iconic Point Dume, the Hotel June Malibu modernizes a storied Hollywood past (Bob Dylan penned Blood on the Tracks here). This boutique hotel combines its easy beach access with a tranquil, peaceful atmosphere.

Each intimate bungalow exudes a laid-back charm, with local art and black-and-white photographs by original owner Wayne Wilcox. Nestled on four prime Pacific Coast Highway fronted acres, the property features a running stream, heated swimming pool and sundeck, hammocks, bikes & surfboards to borrow, and so much more.

Best of all: the Hotel June is dog-friendly! Offering a perfect blend of nostalgia and modern comfort, this is one of the best hotels in Malibu.

Nature’s Paradise Revealed: Calamigos Guest Ranch

Nestled amongst the Santa Monica Mountains, the Calamigos Guest Ranch and Beach Club is steeped in history and natural beauty. The name ‘Calamigos’ in fact originates from the local Chumash Indian language, meaning “come as my brother, come as my friend.” It’s this spirit of brotherhood & friendship that resonates throughout the property.

Established in 1937, Calamigos sits on 250 acres of private Malibu Wine Country land, plus an exclusive Beach Club. The ranch offers a serene escape for travelers seeking respite from the hustle-and-bustle of the city, and its venues also host many destination weddings. Old-growth native oak trees help to fuse posh minimalism and California ranch aesthetics.

Accommodations range from cottages to estate rooms that are all thoughtfully designed. Sustainability is key, as seen with outdoor rain showers, and integration with the surrounding nature, as seen in the property’s many private courtyards. The Malibu Cafe features a seasonally-driven menu, while you can also choose to be pampered at their on-site spa. And with service that’s both white-glove and low-key, Calamigos Guest Ranch is one of the best hotels in Malibu.

You can also receive exclusive free perks & benefits when you book your stay at these properties with me! Reach out to start planning.

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