Route 1, Great Pacific Highway, Highway Number One…it doesn’t matter how people usually name it, this route is considered to be the most scenic road not only in California, but in the whole America. Just imagine: hundreds of kilometers of coastline, picturesque cliffs and beaches, luxurious mansions and small cottages, the wind blowing in your face, and you are driving cheap car rental from San Diego to San Francisco along a beautiful road. However, the pleasure will be incomplete without an atmospheric hotel on the way, where you can relax sipping a glass of Californian wine, look at the ocean and just have a good time. Thus, we have selected the most comfortable, unique and worthy hotels on this route especially for you…
Post Ranch Inn, Big Sur
(photo by andrea johnson)
Three hundred meters above the Pacific Ocean, right in the middle of the California coast, you’ll find one of the most picturesque hotels in the state called Post Ranch Inn. Made of glass and wood, it seems to be a continuation of the surrounding landscape. All rooms feature panoramic terraces overlooking the ocean or mountains. Luxurious interiors, elegant appearance, top location and care for the environment – this hotel is simply created in order to be on the pages of the best architectural and travel magazines. In addition, the hotel boasts of a free yoga class, holds culinary master classes, and has a swimming pool, which seems to hang over the ocean. Unique pedestrian routes through the territory and a first-class spa complex complement the facilities of Post Ranch Inn. Also, the hotel provides a giant GPS telescope that makes Californian stars even closer!
Hotel del Coronado, San Diego
Luxurious five-star Hotel Del Coronado is the key to an unforgettable vacation in San Diego. The hotel is located in a Victorian house built in 1888. The hotel combines a fabulous interior with advanced technologies. The outdoor swimming pool is surrounded by a terrace with umbrellas and deck chairs.
The refined suites of the hotel are ideal for a romantic weekend or honeymoon. The rooms have toiletries, a 46-inch TV, wireless internet access, a mini-fridge, and a coffee maker. Cots are available upon request.
(photo by Insu Nuzzi)
The hotel’s restaurant Del Coronado offers a wide selection of international dishes. Also, on the hotel’s territory you’ll find the Babcock & Story Bakery pastry shop, a poolside bar, a Sun Deck grill bar, a beach bar and a Boardwalk Cafe.
El Capitan Canyon, Santa Barbara
(photo by Dahai Z)
Imagine the romance of summer trips with a campfire and tents, then add the first-class comfort and unforgettable landscapes, you get the glamping! El Capitan Canyon is a private glamp hotel, lost in the oak forests near Santa Barbara. In total, there are 108 comfortable houses, each of which has its own terrace, cozy beds and deep bathrooms. In addition, the hotel has 26 safari-style tents on wooden platforms, which take guests only in the warm season. Slightly more than a kilometer away you’ll find El Capitan State Beach, which is an ideal spot for sunbathing, swimming or surfing. Also, you can enjoy hiking in the mountains, while not worrying about lunch – the freshest products for a picnic are available in the local gastronomy.
The Inn at Spanish Bay, Pebble Beach
(photo by maryannerem)
Being one of the most luxurious hotels on the Monterey Peninsula, the Inn at Spanish Bay is an outstanding combination of a world-standard golf resort and five-star hotel with unforgettable ocean views. The Spanish-style suites with marble bathrooms, fireplaces and patios look just amazingly. Hotel’s visitors are able to use three golf courses, including Pebble Beach Golf Links, where the US Open is being held for the fifth year in a row. But besides golf there is something to enjoy! It will be a nice idea to drive through one of the most picturesque sections of Route 1, visit Carmel-by-the-Sea village, as well as feed the gulls and brown pelicans. When you return to the hotel, admire the sunset view with a glass of wine accompanied by romantic music.
L’Auberge Carmel, Carmel-by-the-Sea
(photo by Nancy Brown)
This cozy house with patio is not at all like American-style lodging. It seems that it was brought there by an unknown force from somewhere in Belgium or Germany. However, L’Auberge Carmel is located in the center of the Great Pacific Road. A small boutique hotel was built in the 30s of the last century: it offers 20 bright and spacious rooms, as well as a small restaurant with its own winery. A little advice: almost all the rooms in the hotel are different, but the price is the same, so if you want to choose a certain room, it’s better to call or write at the hotel reception and ask to book it in advance.
The Madonna Inn, San Luis Obispo
(photo by John Carillo)
This is a perfect hotel for the fans of Barbie dolls! A purple color is the major feature of the Madonna Inn – it’s used almost everywhere. Also, you’ll be able to find there all kinds of interesting vintage gizmos from the 50s. Each room is individually decorated. For example, you can sleep in the atmosphere of a traditional English mansion (Country Gentleman, room №108), as well as in a room where the bed is just a cart for hay (room №132), or even in a real cave (room №137, Caveman). Please pick out the themed room you like to be booked strongly in advance.