California is a US state that offers accommodations to suite a variety of different budgets. Whether you are looking for a five star hotel to cater to your every whim or a a clean, quite room with friendly staff, CA offers a wide romantic hotels and motels where you can rest your head.

California's hotels and motels offer a wide variety of services from the basic clean, safe, and friendly motel to the extravagant luxury offered by some California hotels. When booking your hotel or motel there are some things that you should always take into account.

1 - Hotel vs Motel What are the real differences?

It can be hard to really pinpoint the differences but most travel experts agree that there are a few ways to tell the difference. First, motels usually consist of a single level or two story (at most) building layout. Plenty of hotels, even some luxury resorts may only be one or two stories, but if it says 'motel' you can be fairly certain that it is no more than two floors tall. Secondly, motel rooms typically have exterior facing rooms. This means that the rooms open to the outdoors rather than to the interior of the hotel. Lastly, motels are typically less expensive, but not always. So keep these factors in mind when you book a room at the Sunshine Motel vs the Moonlight Hotel.

2 - How close is the hotel/motel to the California area you want to spend most of your time in?

You may find a great hotel or motel at a great price but you'll have to factor in taxi service or rental car costs of the location of the hotel is well off the beaten path. The best scenario is always to choose a California hotel or motel that is as close as possible to the sites and attractions you want to see while on your California getaway.Many hotels offer shuttle service to a variety of nearby attractions. Public transportation could be an option for you as well. Even if you already plan to rent a car, why spend precious vacation time driving to and from your hotel. Driving in an unfamiliar city can be very stressful too!

3 - What amenities does your California hotel/motel offer

Some common room amenities included in many hotels and motels in California are:

- Cable/satellite TV
- Climate control
- Soundproofed rooms
- Telephone
- Internet access
- Voice mail
- Kitchenette
- Refrigerator
- Coffee/tea maker
- Microwave
- Wake-up calls
- Housekeeping
- Extra towels, linens, bedding
- Complimentary toiletries
- Hair dryer
- Iron/ironing board
- Clock radio
- Cribs (infant beds) available
- Smoking rooms

There are more extravagant amenities available at more expensive hotels like:

- Bathrobes
- Highspeed Internet service
- Turndown service
- Minibar
- Premium Television
- Video game consoles
- Complimentary newspaper
- Desks

Every California hotel and motel is different so if you have special needs make sure that the accommodation you choose can meet those needs.

4 - What do the Stars mean?

One star hotels in California

Likely to be small and independently owned. Facilities would be limited and simple. Rooms may not have en-suite bathrooms. Maintenance, cleanliness and comfort should be acceptable. These are budget minded accommodations for people just looking for a clean place to sleep.

Two star hotels

Also for the budget minded traveler, these establishments are typically small to medium sized. Some business hotels would fall into this category. Rooms usually have an en-suite bathroom. Facilities are limited but more plentiful than one star. Overall more professional presentation of amenities.

Three star California hotels

Usually large enough to offer a significantly greater quality and range of facilities and services than the lower star hotels. Lobby, meeting facilities, and other public areas will be larger. Any hotel restaurants will be available to hotel guests and non-guests. All bedrooms will have en-suite bathrooms and will offer a good standard of comfort and equipment, such as a hair dryer, direct dial telephone, toiletries, etc. There will most likely be some room service as well as provisions for business travellers.

Four-star California hotels

Will offer luxurious amentities including quality room furnishings, and equipment in all areas of the hotel. Rooms are larger than in the lower star hotels with more upscale decor. The en-suite bathrooms will probably have both bath and shower. Services will include concierge, 24-hour room service, laundry and dry-cleaning, work out room, etc. The restaurants will attempt a more serious approach to good cuisine.

Five star California hotels

Offer spacious and luxurious accommodation throughout. Interior design should impress with its quality and attention to detail, comfort and elegance. Furnishings should be immaculate. Services should be formal, well supervised and flawless in attention to guests` needs, without being intrusive. There will be more than one restaurant and they will demonstrate a high level of culinary skill in producing dishes to the highest international standards. Facilities will be extensive and will include pool, gym, business center, banquet and conference rooms, shops, spas & salons, etc.

RGI is currently collecting information about the romantic hotels and motels in California. If you have information about California you would like to contribute please contact us. Additionally, if you have an California business you would like listed on RGI please contact us for more information.

CA Hotels & Motels
Romantic Hotel Accommodations in California!