5 Cool Hotels
Lodge at Marconi
18500 CA-1, Marshall, 415-663-9020 lodgeatmarconi.com
Marshall, CA, may be a miniscule mark on the map, but what it lacks in size, it makes up for in charm. The “unincorporated community” in Marin County also happens to be home to one of Northern California’s hippest coastal retreats. Perched atop forested hills overlooking Tomales Bay, the reimagined Lodge at Marconi (whose storied past is worth reading about) sits on 62 sprawling acres directly off Highway 1 and within beautiful Marconi State Historic Park. All 45 recently remodeled accommodations feature custom furnishings, organic materials, and ample woods and textiles, with a stylish ’70s vibe that’s equal parts retro and rad. Amenities include plush linens, pillow-top mattresses, on-site coffee, a grab-and-go market, and more. Though Wi-Fi is present, TVS are not; in lieu of digital distractions, the property provides outdoor diversions such as giant Jenga, basketball, bocce, croquet, Frisbees, fire pits, and more.
WHAT TO DO: Wander through the surrounding state park’s lush forests and serene pathways while marveling at the panoramic views of Tomales Bay and Point Reyes National Seashore; other on-site experiences include yoga, wine tasting, and live music. When hunger hits, savor some of our state’s freshest seafood (oysters included!) at Hog Island (hogislandoysters.com) and The Marshall Store (themarshallstore.com); or sign up for a West Marin Food & Farm Tour (foodandfarmtours.com), an intimate, behind-the-scenes excursion where you’ll meet local makers while experiencing the region’s culinary bounty.
LUMA Hotel
100 Channel Street, San Francisco, 415-266-9999, lumahotelsf.com
“The coldest winter I ever spent was a summer in San Francisco.” Mark Twain’s sentiments still hold true today, which makes a getaway to the city by the Bay even more attractive when we’re braving triple-digit heat here at home. But instead of staying in one of the touristy, been-there-done-that districts (I’m looking at you, Union Square and Fisherman’s Wharf), book a stay at LUMA Hotel instead. Sited smack-dab in the reimagined, walkable neighborhood of Mission Bay—steps from Oracle Park and the Chase Center—LUMA boasts a modern, forward-thinking approach to hospitality (including in-house robot, “Henry,” who delivers room service and other amenities; and Glow Fit, a state-of-the-art, 1,500-square-foot fitness center designed with pro athletes in mind)—all in contemporary environs and an ultra-urban setting. Each of the 299 guestrooms provide floor-to-ceiling windows with mechanized privacy shades and sweeping city views, plus ample creature comforts to make guests feel at home. On-site dining includes TWYNE (sustainably sourced, locally roasted coffee and fresh-baked pastries); rooftop bar and lounge Cavaña, featuring Latin American-inspired craft cocktails and flavor-packed tapas; and Trevino Wine Bar, whose ever-evolving menu often includes pours from passionate boutique winemakers.
WHAT TO DO: Discover a world of flavors at Spark Social SF (sparksocialsf.com)—a community gathering space filled with food trucks, a beer/wine/sangria garden, and plenty of room to roam. Whether you’re craving Argentinian empanadas, Mexican-Filipino fusion fare, or ice cream, you’ll find it all. Work off your meal with a round of mini golf at Stagecoach Greens (stagecoachgreens.com), whose custom-built course (and the city’s only outdoor one!) was designed to challenge and entertain players of all ages.
Margaritaville Resort Lake Tahoe
4130 Lake Tahoe Boulevard, South Lake Tahoe, 530-544-5400, margaritavilleresorts.com/margaritaville-resort-lake-tahoe
In a world-class destination like Lake Tahoe, accommodation options are abundant and often expensive. Luckily, your hunt for the perfect place ends here. Margaritaville Resort Lake Tahoe is not only within walking distance to Stateline and Heavenly Village, but the hotel itself—the only all-suite option in the entire Lake Tahoe basin—is light, bright, and worth every penny. Thanks to a $70 million property-wide revamp, each casual-luxe, spacious suite features stunning views of the lake or mountains with separate bedroom and living room spaces. Evoking a vibrant color palette (reminiscent of the sand, sea, and sky), plush furnishings, and thoughtful touches throughout, it’s well-suited for families or groups. Other on-site amenities include an indoor heated pool and hot tub (where, swimming aside, you can also enjoy movie nights, cocktails, light bites, and more); five unique dining establishments, from casual to classy (the seafood tower at JWB Prime Steak & Seafood is a must, as is the weekend breakfast buffet at Come Monday Café); weekly events (live music, happy hour, lawn games, and more); and a shiny new fitness center. A bit kitschy but mostly cool, good luck leaving this piece of Tahoe paradise; in Buffett’s words, you’ll certainly want to stay here all season.
WHAT TO DO: It wouldn’t be a trip to Tahoe without visiting North America’s largest alpine lake: the one encircled by majestic peaks whose deep blue water takes your breath away. For one of my favorite beaches, check out Nevada Beach (tahoepublicbeaches.org/beaches/nevada-beach), about three miles north of the resort. The half-mile wide, sandy shore is an ideal escape from the bustle of other, often busier beaches and the casino corridor, and is a primo place to paddle, picnic, or simply sit back, sunbathe, and people-watch.
West Cliff Inn
174 West Cliff Drive, Santa Cruz, 831-457-2200, westcliffinn.com
Intimate and inviting with a bluff-side location above Santa Cruz’s Cowell Beach, West Cliff Inn—part of the Four Sisters Inns collection—is a welcome respite that’s both elegant and easy on the eyes. Luckily, looks aren’t deceiving. Inside the lovingly restored, three-story Italianate Victorian, originally built in 1877, guests are treated to 10 high-ceilinged rooms (many featuring jetted spa tubs, gas fireplaces, king beds, and bay or boardwalk views) with architectural details that pay homage to the building’s rich history. But marble-clad bathrooms and pillow-top mattresses aside, it’s the amenities that make a stay here extra special. Wake up to a freshly made morning meal, borrow one of the complimentary bikes for a scenic stroll into town, and avail of the inn’s wine and cheese hour—all offered gratis to guests. This is down-home hospitality at its finest, folks.
WHAT TO DO: Secure one of the inn’s complimentary beach cruisers for a three-mile, oceanfront ride along West Cliff Drive. Watch for whales, otters, sea lions, and surfers while admiring the area’s natural beauty and breathing in the salty sea air; stop at the Santa Cruz Surfing Museum (cityofsantacruz.com/government/city-departments/parks-recreation/facilities/surfing-museum) to learn how the sport was brought to Santa Cruz by Hawaiian royalty; then grab a house-made snack at Steamer Lane Supply (steamerlanesc.com) and enjoy it en plein air at Lighthouse Field State Beach (parks.ca.gov/?page_id=550)
Monterey Plaza Hotel & Spa
400 Cannery Row, Monterey, 877-862-7552, montereyplazahotel.com
Luxurious, with an unbeatable oceanfront location, Monterey Plaza Hotel & Spa is a destination in and of itself. Be it business, a romantic weekend, or family vacation, the four-star hotel has everything you need—and then some. Get swept away in “The Terrace,” a kid-friendly space with a sundeck and two oversized hot tubs, or the adults-only rooftop spa deck; book a coastal-inspired treatment at the award-winning, Vista Blue Spa; or enjoy a carefully crafted tasting menu alongside sublime wine pairings at Coastal Kitchen. Striking setting and superlative hospitality aside, the elegantly appointed rooms (many with fireplaces, ocean views, and soaking tubs), nightly turn-down service, and abundance of amenities (complimentary beach cruisers and courtesy BMW X7 transportation, to name a few) also add to the inn’s appeal. When you do decide to depart, Monterey’s top attractions (Cannery Row, Monterey Bay Aquarium, and Old Fisherman’s Wharf) are mere minutes away, as is the 18-mile, super scenic Monterey Coastal Recreation Trail.
WHAT TO DO: If you’re a hop snob, then cheers to cooler coastal temps on a self-guided “beer tour” through the city’s vibrant streets. Start at Dust Bowl Brewing Co. (dustbowlbrewing.com/db_locations/tap-depot) for a cleverly named cold one inside the historic train depot and snack from their resident (and really good) food truck Wedo’s Tacos (wedostacos.com); next, venture to Fieldwork Brewing Company (fieldworkbrewing.com/monterey) and sip a fruity sour, hazy IPA, or non-alcoholic “supertonic” in their spacious beer garden; finally, enjoy scratch-made gastropub grub and a pint at Alvarado Street Brewery & Grill (asb.beer/pages/montereybrewpub), a casual yet classy establishment that’s been a part of Monterey since 2014.
by MEGAN WISKUS
Lodge at Marconi photos by Brian Ferry. LUMA Hotel photo by Dylan Patrick. LUMA Hotel lobby photo by Dylan Patrick. Other photos courtesy of their respective companies or organizations. Monterey Plaza Hotel & Spa lobby photo by Paul Dyer. West Cliff Inn exterior photos by Alina Tyulyu. Scenic Santa Cruz photo by Alina Tyulyu. Other photos courtesy of their respective companies or organizations.