The Best Luxury Hotels in Malibu

Hotels in Malibu are some of the most luxurious, exclusive places to stay in California. They are spread across 21 miles of coastline and nestled among stunning Malibu beaches, fantastic restaurants, and wonderful boutiques. Malibu is a small city with only a few hotels, so it’s not a huge tourist destination despite its charm and natural beauty. The city is a mere 30 miles from downtown Los Angeles, but it feels worlds away, and it has an air of exclusivity that has attracted the rich and famous for years. The coastal city is a convenient spot for those looking to spend a weekend in paradise. If you want a taste of elevated surf culture, our list of the best luxury hotels in Malibu will point you in the right direction.

The Best Luxury Hotels in Malibu

Nobu Ryokan Malibu

Many people are familiar with Japanese celebrity chef and restaurateur Nobu Matsuhisa. However, some are surprised to learn that the Nobu founder is also a master in hospitality. Matsuhisa partnered with actor Robert De Niro and film producer Meir Teper to bring Japanese-style hospitality to the beautiful coast of Malibu with Nobu Ryokan Malibu. Today, it is one of the best luxury hotels in Malibu and has become a hot spot for celebrities.

Nobu Ryokan is tucked between Carbon Beach, famous for its great surfing, and the Pacific Coast Highway. It is incredibly exclusive, offering just 16 rooms, which marry sophisticated, minimalist Japanese design with the cool, free-spirited aesthetic of California. It promises guests a tranquil stay, with wooden soaking tubs, fireplaces, and private decks in each room. The Beachfront Room is a great choice for those who enjoy waking up to the sound of crashing waves. The bathrooms are equipped with high-quality linen yukata (a light, traditional Japanese robe), bamboo towels, and Mauro Spina luxury bath amenities. For the ultimate relaxing day, book a treatment with Cure Spa, located right across the street. The hotel even provides transportation via house car. 

If the property’s lush green Japanese gardens inspire you to explore Malibu’s natural beauty, the Adamson House is just a 13-minute walk from the hotel. Visitors can admire historically rich architecture and saunter through a dreamlike garden. Another way to stay active is at the Malibu Racquet Club, just two miles from the hotel. As for dining, Nobu Malibu is adjacent to the hotel and offers world-renowned Japanese cuisine and cocktails. Hotel guests receive priority reservations, so they won’t miss out on the celeb-studded scene and superb dishes during their stay.

Calamigos Guest Ranch and Beach Club

Nestled in the Santa Monica Mountains in Malibu wine country, Calamigos Guest Ranch and Beach Club is a hidden gem in the Malibu hospitality scene. It offers several room options, including single and double bungalows, as well as premium private cottages. The interiors are bright and elegantly decorated with beautiful oak and marble accents. 

The Beach Club is a five-acre clubhouse just a 12-minute drive from the Guest Ranch. There, you’ll enjoy a relaxing day by the pool and activities such as paddle boarding and volleyball. Back at the resort, you can schedule other activities, such as guided hikes and horseback riding. After your excursion in nature, head to the Ranch Club, the resort’s on-site restaurant and lounge that serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner, along with a host of handcrafted cocktails. During your stay, treat yourself to one of Spa Calamigos’s special services, such as the Malibu Glow Facial and the Calamigos massage. 

Malibu Beach Inn

Malibu Beach Inn is the epitome of laid-back luxury. It has 47 elegant rooms, each complete with a private balcony and serene views of Carbon Beach. The one-bedroom Master Suite is spacious and decorated with the hotel’s signature custom oak furniture and blue-and-white coastal aesthetic. It also has floor-to-ceiling panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean and a fireplace, perfect for cozying up at night. 

While Malibu has countless fine-dining options, the hotel’s Carbon Beach Club Restaurant means you don’t have to go far to savor an alfresco meal. Enjoy its Mediterranean-inspired cuisine and award-winning wine list on the restaurant’s terrace overlooking the ocean. If you want, you can order room service and savor excellent dishes on your balcony or by the fire. 

Malibu Beach Inn also offers specials tailored specifically to your travels. Romantic Retreat is the hotel’s package designed specifically for anniversaries, birthdays, and other special occasions. In this offering, the hotel welcomes guests with chocolate-covered strawberries, chilled Champagne, and a romantic dinner on the restaurant’s oceanfront terrace. The hotel also partners with Cure Spa, where guests can book wellness treatments and massages. 

The Surfrider Malibu

If you’re looking for an authentic, Californian-cool hotel in Malibu, The Surfrider Malibu is the spot for you. The beach-house-inspired hotel has 20 rooms, each designed with an eye to surf culture. They feature bright interiors with white and beige linens and light oak accent chairs and tables. A standout is the Malibu Suite, offering panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean, Malibu Pier, and Santa Monica Bay. It has luxurious amenities such as a double-sized private outdoor terrace complete with a hammock and dining space.

The Roof Deck Bar and Restaurant is the guests-only dining option at the hotel. It offers a postcard-worthy view of First Point Malibu and the ocean from its perch on the hotel’s roof. The all-day menu has delectable dishes and cocktails that highlight locally sourced, sustainable, and organic ingredients. After catching some waves, enjoy an après-surf smoothie or one of its acclaimed salad bowls at the beach, on the rooftop, or in your room. There is also Malibu Hour, the bar’s happy hour from 4 to 5 pm, where guests can sip on a seasonal drink or mocktail and watch the sunset, depending on the time of year. 

Among the hotel’s unique offerings are the two picnic packages you can enjoy on the beach. There is a casual and a romantic basket option, both of which include a variety of treats and freshly bottled cocktails. Another perk is complimentary coffee delivered every morning to your room, providing you with the intimate feeling of staying at a friend’s beach house. 

Hotel June Malibu 

Hotel June Malibu is a collection of private, mid-century bungalows that reflect Malibu’s bohemian-chic aesthetic. These bungalows were once creative havens for famous writers, musicians, and artists on Point Dume. They have a cozy atmosphere and feature unique touches such as local art, vintage fixtures, and custom robes. If you’re traveling with a family, the Premier Bungalow King is a great choice — it has a king-size bed and two full-size bunk beds. It also has a spacious bathroom with a walk-in shower and Aesop bath amenities. 

In true Californian spirit, Hotel June encourages guests to stay active during their visit with complimentary access to Linus Bikes and surfboards, as well as virtual yoga, Pilates, and breathwork classes. It is also one of the only hotels in Malibu with a pool. After a dip in the water, indulge in pastries and salads from Gjusta Bakery in Venice. You can also order a charcuterie board for takeaway to arrange a picnic on the beach, just a short drive from the hotel.

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