California’s New Hotel Edit: The Best Places to Stay Across the Golden State in 2026

From Sonoma down to San Diego, a new wave of openings is raising the bar on what a hotel can be. California hotels are entering an era of boutique identity, a sense of purpose, and a guest experience that starts well before check-in. Aman is poised for a string of worldwide openings starting in 2026, including a Beverly Hills debut. Also on the horizon: Four Seasons Resort The Biltmore Santa Barbara and The Resort at Pelican Hill’s transition to a St. Regis Estate. Hospitality names like PUBLIC, SingleThread, Palisociety and Small Luxury Hotels are already expanding and reinventing, while legacy properties are being transformed entirely. Consider a stay at one of these new properties across the Golden State.