How to find the best hotel deal in California
Love how effortless it is to book flights with us? The same smart search engine has a talent for spotting deals on California hotels too. Follow these tips to save on where you'll rest your head.
Lock in the best California hotel prices by organising your plans early. Hotels sometimes offer early booking discounts to fill rooms well in advance.
Still, be ready to jump on any last-minute deals. Some places drop their rates just before check-in to fill empty rooms. This is more likely to happen on quieter days or outside the busy season, however.
Stay flexible with your dates, unlock better rates. Search for hotels in different seasons or months. Even going midweek (instead of weekends) can help you save more.
Save yourself from extra fees by searching for stays that have free cancellation. If your travel dates shift or you spot a better offer, you can easily cancel your booking.
When to go to California
Factor in the type of weather you prefer when choosing your trip dates. With maximum highs of 29ºC, July offers the warmest conditions.
January is the coolest month, with lows of 2ºC.
Want to leave the umbrella at home? Search for California hotels in January. This is the driest time to visit, with six days of rain on average.
You can expect more rain in July, which gets around 16 days of wet weather.
Best hotels in California
Best budget hotels
Just need somewhere to sleep? Budget California hotels provide the basics so you can save your cash for the real highlights: adventures and filling your suitcase with souvenirs. Often equipped with money-saving amenities like self-service laundries and kitchenettes, you'll find at least 30 of these affordable stays across the city.
Keep your wallet happy at First Colony Inn. It has a 3-star rating and amenities including Wi-Fi and Wi-Fi in designated areas.
Alternatively, find a room at Holiday Inn Express Nags Head Oceanfront by IHG. Equipped with conveniences including heating and a 24-hour front desk, this 3-star California hotel lets you save without missing out.
You'll also get a good deal at Days Inn by Wyndham Kill Devil Hills Oceanfront - Wilbur, which is rated 2 stars. It features Wi-Fi in designated areas and internet access.
Best hotels in California for families
Family trips can be challenging, but your hotel should be the easy part. You'll find roughly ten family-friendly hotels in California that balance what kids want and adults need. These stays often come with handy features like connecting rooms, early check-in options, baby-sitting services, and cribs.
John Yancey Oceanfront Inn lets you take the family away for less. This affordable 2-star hotel comes with air conditioning, a lift and plenty more.
If you'd like something a little more luxurious, treat the kids (and yourself) to a stay at NEW 2026-Ocean Sands Beach Boutique Inn-Sauna and Salt-Mineral Pool -Free Beach Bikes and Famous Beach- Fresh Baked Cookies and Popcorn - Bathrobes and Sunscreen in all rooms-Ultra Sparkling-Free Laundry- 4 Grand Black Beds-Call NOW & Save-1-252-AHA-SAND. This 4-star California hotel features a games room and Wi-Fi.
Best hotels with a spa
Find your calm at one of the six or so California hotels with a spa. They feature anything from saunas and hot tubs, to plunge pools and gyms. Toss in meditation classes, massages, and manicures and you've got the recipe for relaxation.
Check in to Steps to Beach Centrally Located OBX Home! and then forget the outside world. This inviting option comes with a spa and other thoughtful perks that bring a little extra comfort to your stay.
Best hotels with a pool
There are at least 30 pool hotels in California, each bringing something different to your trip. City hotels tend to offer indoor or rooftop pools, while resorts generally go big with open-air setups and more room to lounge. Whether you're here for downtime or playtime, you'll find a stay to match.
Find your happy place by the water at Sand Spur Cottages. With an outdoor swimming pool, express check-in and air conditioning, this California hotel makes it easy to slow down and enjoy your stay.
Dive headfirst into comfort at Surf Side Hotel. An indoor swimming pool, air conditioning and room service are just the start of what this place packs in.
Alternatively, make room for a little fun at John Yancey Oceanfront Inn. An outdoor swimming pool, this hotel has a private beach and Wi-Fi.
Best pet-friendly hotels
Heading away with your furry friend? Pet-friendly hotels often offer comfy pet beds, feeding bowls, and outdoor areas to run around. Some take it a step further with things like toys and treats. With at least 20 California hotels that welcome pets, your best buddy can be part of the adventure.
You bring the treats, Scarborough Inn will take care of the rest. Amenities like room service and Wi-Fi add to the experience of this pet-friendly hotel in California.
Sea Horse Inn and Cottages is another place your little buddy will love. This popular option offers a 24-hour front desk and accessible parking.
Driftin Sands Motel understands the needs of pet owners too. Its amenities include air conditioning and a garden.
