One of the most desirable locations on the planet, there’s a lot to love about Malibu. Its offers around 280 days of sunshine a year, gorgeous houses, glamorous residents, interesting wildlife, beautiful beaches, and sparkling ocean waves.
A place you can rub shoulders with celebrities or head off hiking or whale watching, it has a mix of laid-back attractions, upscale hotspots, and the odd surf shack or two. For an extra special stay, from hip boutiques to seriously stunning vacation rentals, here are the best cool and unusual hotels in Malibu, California…
1. Calamigos Guest Ranch and Beach Club – a trendy upscale rustic-chic resort that offers an exclusive beachfront for its guests
Encompassing an exclusive beachfront as well as a private 250-acre Ranch in the Malibu Wine Country, this property is truly mesmerising.
All the Bungalows, Estate Rooms and Cottages are designed thoughtfully and exude cosiness, intimacy, and sustainability, all within the undisturbed nature of the Ranch.
Delicious bites and handcrafted cocktails are on offer at the Restaurant and Lounge, which boasts a mid-century beach vibe and astonishing views of the Pacific. The lodge’s spa is the perfect to spot to bathe in the beauty of the Ranch, with many unique, blissful services on offer.
- To book, check prices or availability for Calamigos Guest Ranch and Beach Club
2. Malibu Beach Inn – a chic, trendy and elegant oceanfront boutique resort, perfect for a romantic stay
Malibu’s effortless ambiance is expressed exquisitely at Malibu Beach Inn, where California’s most celebrated seaside haven meets the waters of the Pacific Ocean. Located right on the illustrious ‘Billionaire’s Beach’, this wealthy boutique hotel boasts a gorgeous, refined design, and awe-inspiring, panoramic views of the ocean.
The highly dedicated reception team are experts of the local area and are always on hand to assist in the planning of excursions around Malibu’s famed locales, landmarks, hiking trails, watersport adventures, and high-end boutiques.
All the 47 guestrooms are perfectly situated to offer guests the chance to wake each morning to the soothing sounds of the sea, and watch the shores come alight with the sunset’s glow.
Total tranquillity awaits visitors at this stunning property, which is beautifully embellished with eloquently curated art collections of the highly revered Mani Brother’s.
- To book, check prices or availability for Malibu Beach Inn
3. Hotel June Malibu – a hip one-of-a-kind renovated Fifties motel near the beach which is made up of mid-century bungalows
When we think of Malibu, we think of a community centred around some of the planet’s most gorgeous beaches, grounded in nature. We may also think of the legacy of the California surf culture. This private, cosy Malibu retreat offers visitors an opportunity to discover a completely unique way to experience Malibu.
Hotel June completely embodies the undone ease of Malibu, with mid-century style bungalows thoughtfully designed and uniquely decorated with framed black and white artwork by Wayne Wilcox. This locally inspired artwork evokes an era in Malibu’s history rarely seen by outsiders.
The hotel is nestled into 4 lush acres on the iconic Pacific Coast Highway. Once serving as a hideaway for musicians, artists and wayfaring writers, Hotel June is a perfect spot to slow down and soak in the beautiful surroundings, whilst prioritising mindful living and wellness. Hence its partnership with the mindfulness studio ‘Open’, which focuses on breathwork, movement, and meditation.
Guests are provided with all the ingredients to live the active life synonymous with Malibu, including surfboards, Linus bikes, and yoga mats.
- To book, check prices or availability for Hotel June Malibu
4. Malibu Beach House – the perfect place to enjoy a peaceful but unforgettable vacation
This quaint home reflects the vision of a timeless Victorian style interior, elaborated with wooden beams, enormous hard-wood doors, and quirky décor. Yet the moment guests step through the lounge doors and onto the terrace, they are greeted by ultra-modernity and the blissful sounds of nature.
This property is a superb example of top-notch interior designing, however the real magic lies in its location, set in an exclusive plot of land separated from the hustle and bustle of the town, with panoramic vistas out onto the tropical landscape, and the pristine, white sandy beaches.
High-tech cooking appliances and lavish amenities further provide a comforting environment for families, friends, and couples alike. This unique, inviting holiday home features 4 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms, as well as a dining area and kitchen.
- To book, check prices or availability for Malibu Beach House
5. Malibu Beach at its Best… – one of the most Instagrammable holiday homes in Malibu
This spectacular villa offers everything you could ever dream of for your perfect beach holiday, with two and a half baths, and three stunning bedrooms. Upscale, designer B&B furniture adorns the villa, as well as ivory onyx, porcelain flooring, and a marble kitchen island fitted neatly into a huge, fully equipped gourmet kitchen.
The property is located in an extraordinarily gorgeous setting, within walking distance from Malibu’s trendy celebrity hot spot, Moonshadows, directly on the pristine shore.
The villa boasts two oceanfront decks with breath-taking Whitewater views, where guests can relax and enjoy the colourful sunrises and sunsets which are synonymous with glorious Malibu. Dolphins can also be seen from the decks, as well as playfully swimming seals.
- To book, check prices or availability for Malibu Beach at its Best…
6. Chateau De Malibu – a colorful, funky, and fun holiday home with quirky-chic decor perfect for Millennials and Gen Zs
Situated in the prestigious Winding Way area of Malibu, this captivating, modern architectural estate is ideal for hosting or entertaining friends, family, and literally anybody.
A ½ mile venture will take you directly to the beach, while Paradise Cove, Escondido Falls, and hiking/horse trails are also within the vicinity.
The 8000 square foot, private, gated compound which houses this luxurious, 2-story masterpiece further boasts awesome ocean views, a heated hot tub and pool, a home theatre, and an indoor racquet/squash court amongst other quirky features.
The floor-to-ceiling windows allow guests to gaze into the ocean at all times. They also provide a feeling of profound spaciousness, inviting guests to comfortably kick back and relax. The master bedroom is a beautiful sanctuary featuring a stone fireplace on a rock wall, as well as a flat-screen TV. The upstairs bedroom with twin bunk beds boasts a huge walk-in shower and a heavenly soaking tub.
- To book, check prices or availability for Chateau De Malibu
7. Lovely Malibu Beach House – an amazing holiday home where guests and pets can appreciate breathtaking sea views and modern decor
Guests experience a slice of paradise at this behemoth of a property, located right on the water, just minutes from a handful of extravagant shops and restaurants. They can hear the crashing waves 24/7, and wake up to dolphins soaring into plain sight, whilst enjoying a luxuriously laid-back, peaceful atmosphere.
The colour arrangement is magical. The soft colour palettes in the lounge area truly complement the contemporary décor. Meanwhile, the earthy and neutral colour scheme beaming around the rest of the property, and the use of wood to add a coastal, rustic feel, is contrasted by ultra-modern designs and bright, open floor plans.
All of the 3 bedrooms are commodious and take in the natural light, and the 3 bathrooms possess the modern amenities characteristic of a high-end hotel chain.
The terrace and private beach area bolster the property’s unique vibe, whilst providing visitors with the opportunity to indulge in some of nature’s most magnificent masterpieces in the comfort of their own home.
- To book, check prices or availability for Lovely Malibu Beach House
8. Luxury in Malibu – a top ultra-creative and stylish vacation home, ideal for a big group or a longer stay
This opulently devised property also has everything you could possibly wish for, and is suited for large groups, as well as for families. Boasting huge glass window walls and endless views, it is a great example of impeccable design and craftsmanship. As soon as you enter the premises you are greeted with pure grandeur and elegance.
A chic and stylish oasis, the villa has been built with tremendously expansive interiors which give an instant air of relaxation. This spectacular property features extraordinary lounge space, 3 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms, a fully equipped kitchen, a dining area, a patio with a barbeque and sea views, and the list goes on!
The garden area overlooks the beach, where guests can indulge in some of the world’s most glorious sunsets. The high ceilings and mezzanine contribute to the feeling of grandeur which guests commonly associate with this state-of-the-art property.
- To book, check prices or availability for Luxury in Malibu
9. Siegel’s Malibu Oceanfront Bliss – a cool blissful beachfront apartment that provides great amenities
Guests are lured into this high-end, chic beachfront villa by the coastal breezes, and the soft sounds of the waves crashing into shore. Besides the sandy beach, the property itself offers guests the chance to delight in the open air, courtesy of its private balcony, which comes equipped with the supplies for Al-Fresco dining in front of the ever-changing colours of the Pacific sunset.
The interior is perfectly crafted and decorated with extraordinary attention to detail, whilst maintaining an inviting, comfortable, and warm atmosphere.
The main room boasts a glass wall which opens to the balcony, and this spectacular ocean view can also be enjoyed from the comfortable cluster seating in the living area. The villa’s modernized Seaview kitchen area features equally high-end appliances, as well as brand new countertops.
- To book, check prices or availability for Siegel’s Malibu Oceanfront Bliss IV
10. Malibu Sunset Getaway – one of the coolest places to stay in Malibu with chic modern decor
This fabulous 3 bedroom, 4 bathroom vacation rental is the epitome of refined elegance and total relaxation, with all the mod cons needed to have a superb time 24/7.
This lush property will certainly be one for the memory bank, given its location in a quaint and tranquil neighbourhood overlooking some of Malibu’s finest landscape, perched over a lush escarpment.
The ultra-modern structural designs, open plan living spaces and mind-blowing sunset terrace will enhance your trip, whether it’s a romantic getaway or a family reunion.
If you can drag yourself away from the panoramic view of the rugged countryside, all there is to see and do in Malibu lie within a quick drive. If not, then not to worry. This secluded home is surrounded by nothing but wild, wide-open space to relax away from it all.
- To book, check prices or availability for Malibu Sunset Getaway
11. Coast With the Most – one of the best and most extraordinary vacation rentals in Malibu
For an escape from the hustle and bustle of city life, ‘Coast With the Most’ offers one of the area’s most coveted vantage points, and is nestled in Big Rock Beach, along the legendary Pacific Coast Highway. Regardless of where you decide to unwind in this one-of-a-kind ocean bungalow, you will be greeted by other-worldly coastal views.
The two balconies are the perfect spots to watch over the waves as they come crashing into shore, and chat the evening away over cocktails. Direct ocean views and natural light are invited in to the spacious living area, which features one of three flat-screen cable TV’s, and a glowing gas fireplace.
Beach access is extremely close and easy, for when guests are ready to dig their toes in the sand under the gleaming California sunshine.
- To book, check prices or availability for Coast With the Most
12. Villa Rylee – a stunning beachfront villa where guests can enjoy the ultimate relaxation and great views
This stunning property houses up to 13 guests across 5 bedrooms and boasts one of the most glorious, breath-taking ocean views in the whole of Malibu. It is located only 1 mile from Keller House.
The lounge areas are equipped with large, comfy sofas, and exude a fusion of antique décor and modern sophistication, topped off with a chic colour scheme designed to give guests that ‘homely’ feel they often crave from a quiet retreat.
An outstanding colour amalgamation between the balcony deck chairs and the plants which embellish this magnificent property, creates a rather aesthetic atmosphere to relax with the whole family. Boasting state-of-the-art amenities and a flat-screen satellite TV, as well as many books and board games, Villa Rylee is the perfect spot for some much-needed downtime.
- To book, check prices or availability for Villa Rylee Malibu
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My first true adventure began as a six month voyage around South East Asia as a fresh faced backpacker and ever since I’ve lived a semi nomadic existence, clocking up visits to over 40 countries. I’m a lover of US Road Trips, deserted beaches bathed in warm glow of a sunset, Cuban mojitos, travel destinations far away from the tourist crowds and all things Scandinavian – from cloudberry liquors to Nordic noirs. When not wandering the world and running Global Grasshopper, you’ll find me walking my rescued Greek street dog in leafy South West London, strolling around the Brighton Lanes on random day trips, hunting for photogenic landscapes or daydreaming about my favourite places; Havana, Copenhagen, Italy, Laos, California and the surreally beautiful landscapes of a wintry Iceland.