6 Best Hotels in North County and Around, California

Just blocks from the beach in a building that dates back to 1888, this historic landmark had its chance to shine after a 5-year restoration project that updated the old hardware store with modern amenities and finishes. Despite the major overhaul, developers maintained the original brick façade and historical integrity of the street-corner powerhouse. Today, the 10-room boutique hotel pays tribute to the past with its original brick walls and luggage racks made from salvaged lumber. The self-check-in system operates Airbnb style, with instructions texted directly to your phone. Bright and airy rooms are flooded with light, with firm mattresses and sound-muting windows that ensure a deep sleep. From the ground floor, guests have access to four dining establishments including the Lobby Tiki Bar, Stone Beer Garden, Frankie’s Cocktail Lounge, and the cleverly designed Succulent Coffee (a must-see). For music with your martini, head to the rooftop Cococabana, with Caribbean-style cocktails, small bites, and DJs spinning beats Friday and Saturday from 8 until midnight.

Built in 1897 by freed slave Albert Robinson and his wife, Margaret, this old hotel is Julian's only designated national landmark and the oldest continuously operating hotel in Southern California. The hotel offers antique-filled rooms with American period pieces, canopy beds, and handmade quilts. Cottage accommodations have private entrances, claw-foot tubs, and cast-iron fireplaces. Owners Steve and Gig Ballanger brought the old place into the 21st century, but it still feels thoroughly Victorian—afternoon tea is served and guests are invited to linger on the porch and watch the world go by. Complimentary full breakfast is served 8–9:30 in the parlor.

Centrally located, this hotel fronted by wild blackberry bushes, has small rooms and public spaces furnished with lovely antiques, beautiful cotton quilts, and historical photographs. Simple rooms have coffeemakers, microwaves, TVs, and heaters for those chilly Julian nights. This property is a favorite with hikers hitting the Pacific Crest Trail who utilize the hotel's laundry service and community supply box during hiking season.  

Accommodations in this three-story resort popular with golfers are clean, pleasant, and have mountain or golf-course views from balconies or patios. Perks include a driving range, heated pool, equestrian center, a spa, and two playgrounds. You can dine in the bright and airy Oaks Grill every day but Monday. The Par Lounge is locally popular for lunch and dinner.

At Temecula's largest winery, this resort offers your choice of a private villa or hotel room in the tower building, all surrounded by 38 acres of vineyards. Most guests opt for a villa, each designed for privacy with no common walls or entrances, with sweeping views of mountains and sky from a private patio. Back doors open onto trails that wind through vineyards and orchards, ideal for guests who travel with happy hounds; each dog is welcomed with a "sWag Bag" and owners are treated to wine-tasting tickets. There are hand-painted frescoes, in-room fireplaces, oversize marble bathrooms, and small dining areas. In the tower building, an additional 50 rooms are slightly less private but more affordable than the villas. The resort also has a spa with 22 treatment rooms and a saltwater pool. The resort offers a number of packages that make it a value choice when staying in the Temecula wine country.