The Best Hotels in Malibu
Home to LA’s most rich and famous for good reason, Malibu is as close as it gets to paradise. With 21 miles of coastline stretching just northwest of Santa Monica, this seaside town is dotted with local farmers' markets, kitschy seafood shacks, homegrown coastal wineries, and quirky canyon stores—meaning there's plenty to explore, even if you aren’t a total beach bum. The dearth of hotels in the area allows it to maintain an air of exclusivity, and the rooms that are on offer cater to a discerning, jet-setting crowd. Here are our favorite picks for the best hotels in Malibu.
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The IngallsHotel June Malibu
Formerly the Native, this Northern Malibu hotel now offers the only hotel pool in town—which is no small feat in permitting for the area. Upon arrival you’ll be greeted with an offering of craft beers and Flying Embers kombucha, a nod to the fact that the property has been rebuilt after its destruction from the Woolsey Fire. Tasteful modern art adorns the walls of the breezy rooms, each of which comes with a diminutive outdoor patio with a hammock. Though there isn’t yet F&B on property yet, you can pop by the nearby favorite Broad Street Oyster Co. for lobster rolls, oysters, and natural wines, or watch the sunset over Point Dume with spritzes in hand at local favorite Sunset Bar.
Adrian AlvaradohotelCalamigos Guest Ranch
$$$Quietly nestled on a 200-acre estate in the heart of the Santa Monica Mountains, this nature retreat has been owned by the same family for five generations. Access to their beach club is worth the booking alone, but if you need more reason, consider the Ranch’s restaurants that source from their own organic farm, and their three separate pools, meaning you can always find a chaise to lounge in. Room categories include cottages, bungalows and estate rooms, each designed with sustainability and integration of the surroundings in mind. Private cottages boast outdoor rain showers, cloud-like Walker beds, and private courtyards to marvel at nature from your doorstep.
Courtesy Nobu Ryokan MalibuhotelNobu Ryokan Malibu
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Readers' Choice Awards 2021Cribbing on the idea of otenomyashi, Japan’s signature personalized form of hospitality, Nobu’s Malibu property offers high design and impeccable service. It comes at a premium, but it’s well-worth it. Sleek, minimalist elements like shoji screens and tatami mats are leveled up with accents of bronze and limestone. While its eponymous restaurant across the way is much more about being seen, the ryokan is about understated luxury and seaside serenity. Think traditional teak soaking tubs, yukata robes, and Ikaati tea service. And, if you’d rather avoid the crowds at the restaurant, room service from Nobu is available on demand. We couldn’t think of a better place for a quiet retreat.
Nicole Franzen/The SurfriderhotelThe Surfrider
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Gold List 2020 
Hot List 2018 Readers' Choice Awards 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021Located just across PCH from Malibu’s infamous long break known as First Point, this chic and beachy property is everything but your typical surf hotel. Though longboards and SUP are both included in your room rate, the rough edges of your typical grom shack have been replaced with Parachute Home robes, custom picnic baskets to tote to the beach, and surf reports that come along with your morning coffee. After a long day exploring the shores, wind down with an Endless Summer coconut margarita and watch sunset from the rooftop before a farmers' market driven dinner at their guests’ only restaurant.
Lisa RomereinhotelMalibu Beach Inn
$$$ | Hot List 2017 Readers' Choice Awards 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021Slightly more old school, but just as upscale, is the classic Malibu Beach Inn, a family-friendly property with a distinct indoor-outdoor aesthetic. The 47 rooms and suites are spare yet cozy, and have balconies that cantilever over the ocean. The restaurant sources produce from local favorite One Gun Ranch, and their oceanfront Cure Day Spa offers bodywork and reiki suited for the stars. Request a room on the third floor for the best views—but really they are all incredible.
