Courtesy: Booking.com
Stay at the best Malibu hotels including ritzy seaside inns, boutique hideaways and even a Japanese-style ryoken
Written by Danielle Torres
Contributors: Alex Floyd-Douglass, Camila Karalyte & Jennifer Banful
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Malibu: thehome of sun-kissed surfers, and a celeb or two. The gorgeous sunny city is known for itsserene beaches and a high-end dining scene,causing many Angelenos to make the trekup Pacific Coast Highway for a slice of coastal bliss and turning it into a weekend staycation.
While the surfer-clad beach town stretches for just 21 miles of coastline, you’ll find a small but mighty range of hotel options to satisfy your budget. From luxurious waterfront suites and rustic bungalows to boutique inns and even a Japanese-style ryokan, the best hotels in Malibu make a tempting case for an overnight stay. During your stay, be sure tocheck out the waves at some of L.A.’s best beaches, dine at oceanfront restaurants, hike to waterfalls, sip wine at local tasting rooms, and soak up all that “the ’Bu” has to offer. For the early risers, be sure to catch the morning surf for some of the best waves on the West Coast. We've also recently added a shiny new listing to the deck of best Malibu hotels, for its dreamy beachfront views. Here's to a happy vacay!
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Who makes the cut? While we might not stay in and review every hotel featured, we've based our list on our expert knowledge of the destination covered, editorial reviews, user reviews, hotel amenities, and in-depth research to find you the best stays. This article includes affiliate links. These links have no influence on our editorial content. For more information, see ouraffiliateguidelines.
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Best Malibu hotels
- Hotels
- Malibu
price 3 of 4
Located on the picturesque Carbon Beach, the waterfront Malibu Beach Inn features private beach access for exclusive use of hotel guests. Book a stay in one of 47 well-appointed rooms, all of which come with a private balcony and face the water in some fashion. Outdoor, high-end shopping and dining destination, Malibu Country Mart, is within a mile, and the Malibu Pier is right next door, where fabulous breaks provide some of the best longboard surfing in Southern California. The high-end getaway isn’tcheap, but that’s the price you pay for your own slice of paradise on one of L.A.’s most coveted stretches of beach.
Mood? Oceanfront views.
Location perks?The ocean is your doorstep. #winning
Budget range? Pricey as heck.
- Hotels
- Boutique hotels
- Malibu
price 3 of 4
A former roadside motel turned stylish, beachy retreat, the Surfrider has the best—and most exclusive—rooftop in Malibu. The beachy, uncluttered and refined rooms are fit for a magazine spread without ever feeling too precious. This is aspace equipped to handle the water and sand you’ll track in from across the street, with a comfy bed you’ll sink into after a day in the sun. While the street noise won’t creep much into your room, it may keep you off your private balcony, but no matter:Most of your time on property is likely to be spent on the hotel’s rooftop terrace anyway, which serves breakfast, lunch and dinner exclusively for hotel guests. Make sure to take advantage of the surfboards on loan, as well as hybrid Minis to cruise about town.
Mood? Surfers paradise.
Location perks?Directly across from Cali's Surfrider Beach – enjoy the complimentary surfboards.
Budget range? On the more expensive side.
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- Hotels
- Malibu
price 3 of 4
Hotel June Malibuis a contemporary spot on the Pacific Coast Highway. Originally constructed in 1947, the rooms at the hotel have fresh, beachy decor and minimal (but curated) furnishings which providea laid-back energy that is far removed from the busy road outside. In fact, it’s a world away—the hotel has a surfer-esque, no-frills vibe and is muchmoreaffordable than other Malibu boutiques.
Mood? Malibu retreat.
Location perks?The perfect balance of secluded relaxation and easy access to nearby beaches.
Budget range? Mid to high end.
- Hotels
- Santa Monica Mountains
price 3 of 4
Hidden in the Santa Monica Mountains, the rustic yet elegant hotel rests on longtime, family-owned property, Calamigos Ranch. The dreamy location—often used as aprime California wedding destination—is home to 70 private cottages, bungalows and estate rooms. During your stay, head to the property'strendy outdoor restaurant, Malibu Cafe, go wine tasting in the vineyards, surf the waves at the nearby beach, or horseback ride through the surrounding mountains.It has the makings of a dream vacation.
Mood? Ranch livin'.
Location perks?You can't go wrong on a 200-acre ranch, right?
Budget range? A wide range of options.
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- Hotels
- Boutique hotels
- Malibu
price 4 of 4
Inspired by the traditional Japanese ryokan (inn), the oceanfront Nobu Ryokan Malibu offers 16 intimate, luxurious rooms complete with teak soaking tubs, indoor and outdoor fireplaces, beachfront decks and stunning, minimalist design. The tranquil retreat is located onthe exclusive Carbon Beach—and for sushi fans, it’s just steps away from the high-end Japanese restaurant Nobu Malibu. But luxury amenities and well-appointed rooms come at a pretty price. There is a two-night minimum stay with rates starting at a jaw-dropping $2,000 per night.
Mood? A taste of Japan.
Location perks?Wake up to the ocean and bask in your truly unique Malibu accommodation.
Budget range? Spennnnny.
- Hotels
- Boutique hotels
- Malibu
price 2 of 4
Sure, there are frillier spots and it’s located right next to buzzy PCH, but if you’re looking for lodging that’s just a short walk from the ocean, the M Malibu is a fine choice. Located near plenty of restaurants, shops, beaches and dining options (including a takeout menu from the nearby Nicolas Eatery), the M Malibu (renovated in 2016 along with a more recent refresh) offers minimal, retro-style rooms with free Wi-Fi and parking, air conditioning, beach towels and balconies with partial ocean views.
Mood? Cheap and cheerful.
Location perks?Malibu Pier is just over a 10-minute walk away. Easy.
Budget range? Super affordable.
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7.Malibu Private Beach Apartments
It's really all about the view in Malibu, which is what makes these private beach apartments such an ideal location. Directly on Malibu Beach, you can feel the fresh breeze and smell the salt sea from the balcony. Inside, you'll find humbly decorated interiors with a classic beachy vibe and lots of sweet little homely touches.
Mood?Race you to the beach?
Location perks?While all the apartments feature a garden and a terrace, some offer unobstructed sea views of the ocean, so you'll defo want to call shotgun on one of those.
Budget range? On the higher end of the bargain, but come on, you're right on the beach.
Discover more of L.A.’s coastal retreats
- Things to do
With miles of pictureque coastline from Malibu to the South Bay, the best beaches in L.A. are aplenty for outdoor enthusiasts, surfers, families, sun worshippers and beach bunnies. From Venice and Santa Monica to Manhattan Beach and Playa Vista, here are the best beaches in L.A.to sunbathe, surf and play.
Been there, done that? Think again, my friend.
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