The 6 Best Hotels in Malibu

Malibu Beach Inn

The iconic Malibu Beach Inn is perhaps the best known five-star hotel in Malibu beach, nestled along an exclusive strip of Carbon Beach (known as "Billionaires Beach”). This family-friendly property featuring just 47 rooms and suites each boasts balconies that allow the indoor and outdoor to seamlessly blend throughout the property. The restaurant, sourcing produce from the local favorite One Gun Ranch, invites guests to indulge in casually sophisticated fare, while the oceanfront Cure Day Spa offers rejuvenating bodywork and reiki treatments fit for the stars. With rooms that offer breathtaking views of the Pacific, whether you're on the third floor or any other, Malibu Beach Inn ensures an incredible experience from sunrise to sunset. Immerse yourself in the soothing sounds of the sea, complemented by the Mani Brothers' revered art collection adorning the property, featuring vibrant Donald Sultan poppies and Jasper John lithographs. Beyond luxurious accommodations, their dedicated reception team can plan excursions to explore Malibu's high-end boutiques, scenic hiking trails, and more. The Malibu Beach Inn is also located just a short drive from Santa Monica, Beverly Hills, and LAX! So whether you're seeking relaxation or adventure across LA, the Malibu Beach Inn offers a quintessential Southern California experience.

The Ranch Malibu

Once a working ranch that has been transformed into a wellness retreat, The Ranch is tucked away in the scenic Santa Monica Mountains. Unlike others on this list, this is where the elite come to unwind and recharge – strengthening their bodies and restoring their minds. Hosting just 25 guests per week, The Ranch ensures a personalized and intimate experience where privacy is paramount (no photos are allowed). The accommodations may be modest with queen beds and a neutral color palette, but they're designed to encourage early bedtimes and digital detoxing, with no TVs in the rooms and almost non-existent cell service and Wi-Fi. The Ranch’s food is plant-based and anti-inflammatory that is sourced from the onsite organic garden and local farms. The staff guide guests through daily yoga, meditations, and long hikes across mountain’s trails. The Ranch's commitment to mindfulness and healthy living even includes a weekly cooking class so guests can take this mentality home at the end of their stay. So while this isn’t a traditional hotel, this transformative experience is worth every penny.

The Surfrider Malibu

The Surfrider Hotel in Malibu feels like a love letter to California's beachy vibes and laid-back charm. Self-described as a “20 room Californian Beach House,” this 1950s-era motel along Pacific Coast Highway has been transformed into a chic coastal retreat. The lobby was designed to emulate a cozy California beach house living room to make guests feel at home. It exudes barefoot luxury, mixing natural materials like limestone, teak, and white oak, with custom-designed accent pieces from local artisans. The stylish accommodations are well appointed, but The Surfrider Suite stands out with its California King four-poster bed, ensuite kitchenette, and outdoor terrace boasting sunset-facing ocean views. Guests can also enjoy custom surfboards for borrowing, beach amenities, and a rooftop terrace offering complimentary mocktail hours. The hotel's rooftop restaurant is also only accessible to guests, and provides unrivaled beach & sunset views while indulging in locally sourced cuisine. Across from Malibu's famed surf break, the Surfrider Hotel Malibu is a warm and welcoming escape to enjoy all that Southern California has to offer.

Nobu Ryokan Malibu

With only 16 rooms, the Nobu Ryokan Malibu is the ultimate boutique escape. Its traditional Japanese Ryokan styling can be felt across the property: teak soaking tubs, indoor/outdoor fireplaces, and serene outdoor patios accented with timeless artwork. It’s the seamless blending of Japanese minimalism with the elegant allure of California's coastline that sets the Nobu apart from every other hotel along Malibu. Each of the 16 custom designed guest rooms is distinctive yet features unified luxurious amenities (ensuite fireplaces, sweeping skylights, private decks). Guests can also choose between a tranquil garden setting, beautiful ocean views, or being beachfront. Situated on “Billionaire’s Beach,” Carbon Beach, the Nobu is truly the ultimate luxurious hideaway for indulging in spa treatments, savoring Nobu's renowned food, or soaking up the sun on the beach. Despite opening recently, in 2017, the Nobu Ryokan has solidified itself as one of the best hotels in Malibu.

Hotel June Malibu

Offering a private enclave of mid-century bungalows on iconic Point Dume, the Hotel June Malibu pays homage to its storied Hollywood past (the legendary Bob Dylan penned Blood on the Tracks here). This boutique hotel combines its Pacific Coast Highway setting for easy beach access with a tranquil, peaceful and relaxation-filled atmosphere. Each of their intimate bungalows exudes a laid-back charm, with local art and framed black and white photographs by original owner Wayne Wilcox. Nestled on four lush acres, the property features a running stream, heated swimming pool and sundeck, hammocks, bikes and surfboards for use, and so much more. Best of all: the Hotel June is also dog-friendly! This is one of the best hotels in Malibu, offering a perfect blend of nostalgia and modern comfort for an unforgettable stay by this iconic California coastline.

Calamigos Guest Ranch

Nestled within the majestic Santa Monica Mountains, Calamigos Guest Ranch and Beach Club is steeped in history and natural beauty. The name ‘Calamigos’ originates from the Chumash Indian language meaning “come as my brother, come as my friend.” It’s this spirit of camaraderie and kinship that resonates throughout the property. Established in 1937, Calamigos is spread across 250 private acres of Malibu Wine Country plus an exclusive beachfront Beach Club. With a rich backstory spanning five generations, the ranch offers a serene escape for laid-back travelers seeking respite from the city bustle (its venues are also home to many destination weddings). Old-growth native oak trees grace the property, blending posh minimalism and California ranch aesthetics.

Accommodations range from cottages to estate rooms that are all thoughtfully designed for sustainability and integration with the surroundings, like outdoor rain showers & private courtyards. Indulge in seasonally-driven cuisine at The Malibu Cafe, or be pampered at their on-site spa. And with service that's both white-glove and low-key, Calamigos Guest Ranch is one of the best hotels in Malibu, all set against the tranquil backdrop of Malibu's secluded rural landscape.

Malibu is a stunning & uniquely Californian destination, blending luxury with laid-back vibes -- Beverly Hills meets Venice Beach. It's the perfect destination for a romantic couple's getaway, honeymoon, luxe bachelorette party, or family escape with family-friendly and dog-friendly hotels. Reach out and let me plan your perfect Malibu escape!

This trip report is part of our ongoing series on travel to Malibu. In need of further inspiration? Check out Carleigh Brown’s guide, Family Friendly Resorts in Scottsdale, AZ.