California

Exclusive guide to the best holiday destinations in California, independent reviews from award-winning travel writers

Mama Shelter LA exterior e1640175509130

Hip Mama Shelter, Los Angeles

Anthea Gerrie finds a warm welcome in Tinseltown at Hollywood’s hip Mama Shelter

Read the full story here
That La Quinta Inn & Suites should be the first new hotel built in 10 years in San Luis Obispo beggars belief.

La Quinta Inn & Suites. Discover lovely San Luis Obispo’s newest hotel

To enjoy those mountains, it’s imperative to request a room with a balcony, as much for the wonderful light flooding in through French doors as for the outside space with a table and chairs, perfect for greeting the morning with your complimentary in-room coffee

Read the full story here
Allegretto Vineyard Resort exterior.lr

Allegretto Vineyard Resort. Immerse yourself in beautiful vines in Paso Robles

Tuscan wine country may have it on ancient stones, but you can’t beat central California for the breathtaking coast and vintages which are increasingly being ranked among America’s finest.

Read the full story here
Field of Light at Sensorio Copyright © 2019 Bruce Munro. All rights reserved. Photography by Serena Munro 16

Field of Light at Sensorio, Paso Robles 

Field of Light offers visitors one more reason to take the 101 coastal freeway from Los Angeles to San Francisco rather than the slightly shorter inland route and make an unforgettable mid-point overnight stop.

Read the full story here
Anthea Gerrie visits Hitching Post II to recreate a famous movie scene. Exterior credit Kirk IrwinII Images

 Hitching Post II. Memorable Southern California Wine Country.

Pinot noir is, understandably, the star of the wine list, since so many great versions of this difficult to make varietal have been created in this region. 

Read the full story here
Andy Mossack reviews Hotel Shangri-La in Santa Monica amd relives Hollywood's Golden Age. Shangrila CA Nicolas Cope 3

Hotel Shangri-La. Discover the Beautiful Golden Age of Hollywood.

The lights of the Santa Monica Ferris wheel have come on and It’s quite a spectacle from my perch on the rooftop bar of Hotel Shangri-La seven storey’s up.

Read the full story here