15 Stylish Boutique Hotels in Half Moon Bay, California (+ Holiday Homes)

Searching for the best boutique hotels in Half Moon Bay, California? I’ve got you covered.

I recently visited Half Moon Bay with my husband for a romantic getaway. We chose this small coastal town for its proximity to long stretches of white sand, casual redwood forest hiking and to watch surfers ride the epic Mavericks pipeline.

As a hotel and restaurant interior designer by trade, it was important to book a Half Moon Bay boutique hotel. I love the attentive service, personalized amenities and charming decor. So it’s always the first thing I look for when researching a new travel destination.

Half Moon Bay is only a 45-minute drive south of the hustle and bustle of San Francisco, yet you feel like you are entering a different world. Chock full of historic charm, rugged coastal beauty and upscale restaurant offerings, it makes the perfect quiet escape.

So, whether you are looking for the top luxury hotels in Half Moon Bay to sweep your partner away or a solo retreat at one of Half Moon Bay’s oceanfront hotels, you are bound to find your perfect stay in this curated guide of the best hotels in Half Moon Bay CA.

My Favorite Boutique Hotels in Half Moon Bay

In a hurry? These are my top recommendations for the best Half Moon Bay hotels that are sure to make for an exceptional experience.

*This post may contain affiliate links, which means I may receive a commission, at no extra cost to you, if you make a purchase through a link. Please see my full disclosure for further information.

ROMANTIC.

WELLNESS.

OCEANFRONT.

The Best Areas To Stay In Half Moon Bay

Half Moon Bay is quite small compared to other cities in California, so there are only a few locations where you can stay.

Downtown Half Moon Bay

Downtown Half Moon Bay is the most popular for visitors who want the best of both worlds. Plenty of nice restaurants and stores line the streets, walking trails can easily be accessed, and the beaches are only a short walk away. Everything you could want is close by.

Miramar

The alternative to Downtown Half Moon Bay is the hidden beauty of Miramar. Loved by beachgoers and water sports enthusiasts, Miramar offers a bohemian atmosphere, a close local community, and a bit of peace and quiet, which you won’t get in Downtown. 

If you’re on the hunt for more of a laidback break, book your beach hotel Half Moon Bay here.

Along the Seaside

You’ll find that a lot of the best hotels in Half Moon Bay are along the beach, so you might be cut off from the main touristy areas if you stay in one of them. For some people, that’s a dream, while others might not be too pleased about it.

15 Best Boutique Hotels in Half Moon Bay, California

Whether it’s a cozy historical inn, a spa resort or a spacious holiday home, this curated guide to the best boutique accommodation in Half Moon Bay will help you plan the perfect getaway.

Best Inns, Lodges & Hotels in Half Moon Bay

1. The Seal Cove Inn

Half Moon Bay Area | Moss Beach

✓ Rating: 9.4 / 10 | Reviews: 355+ | View on Booking.com

Best for | Return Visitors

Location | Only 30 minutes south of San Francisco in the stunning Moss Beach, is another one of my favourite boutique hotels Half Moon Bay CA has, The Seal Cove Inn. 

Encircled by orchards of cypress green trees, enchanting shorelines, and rolling hills, if you’ve been to Half Moon Bay before and want a different type of escape, you have to check out this gem of a property.

Facilities | The Seal Cove Inn’s unmatched facilities are unlike any of the other Half Moon Bay luxury hotels. Feast on a free ‘Be Replenished’ breakfast every morning before seeing what the area has to offer on one of the Electra ‘Townie’ Bikes. 

Make sure you don’t get lost; you don’t want to miss out on the nightly wine reception. Do you drive an electric car? There’s an on-site Tesla charging station available for all guests.

Rooms | Boasting intimate touches and fashionable finishes, the guest rooms at this Half Moon Bay resort are where the real magic lies. 

After a deep sleep in your cloudlike bed with premium pillows and gleaming sheets, open the doors onto your private terrace and soak up the fresh sea breeze with a morning espresso from your coffee maker. Freshen up in the ensuite bathroom containing Gaia Essentials bath and body toiletries.

2. Beach House Hotel

Half Moon Bay Area | Pillar Point Harbor Beach

✓ Rating: 9.1 / 10 | Reviews: 275+ | View on Booking.com

Best for | Budget Travelers

Location | Sitting over the Pillar Point Harbour is the delightful Beach House Half Moon Bay, an affordable alternative to some other picks on this list of Half Moon Bay luxury hotels. Steps away from Pillar Point Harbour Beach and lovely bars like Sam’s South Beach Bar, overall, the property has an unbeatable location.

Facilities | Start your first day in California with a complimentary continental breakfast before soaking up the fresh sea breeze while relaxing in the outdoor swimming pool. 

Guests are permitted to use the on-site fitness centre free of charge, so you can stay on top of your gym routine. Vehicle owners/renters will be happy to know that there’s free parking available at the hotel with no prior booking required.

Rooms | Displaying 54 sumptuous guest rooms, designed with a Pacific touch and beach house vibe, and including amenities such as a king-size bed and queen-size sleeper sofa, custom-crafted beds, fireplaces, a private patio or a balcony, an ample bathroom and a flatscreen TV. 

Whether you’re travelling with family or friends, this is one of the best places to stay in Half Moon Bay.

3. Oceano Hotel & Spa

Half Moon Bay Area | Pillar Point Harbour

✓ Rating: 8.9 / 10 | Reviews: 560+ | View on Booking.com

Best for | Honeymooners

Location | Gifted with a favorable location in Pillar Point Harbour, one of the most sought-after neighborhoods in California, the Oceano Hotel And Spa Half Moon Bay Harbor is well worth a look for those on their honeymoon. 

Next door to the Half Moon Bay Brewing Company and Barbara’s Fish Trap, there are enough restaurants in the area that you could eat somewhere new every night of the week.

Facilities | The Oceano Hotel And Spa Half Moon Bay Harbour is the epitome of wellness experiences amongst hotels on the central coast of California. 

Guests can break a sweat in the on-site fitness centre, sit down for a nice romantic meal at the Oceano Bar & Grill, ease themselves into relaxation at the Oceano Coastal Spa, or take some work calls at the business centre. 

Rooms | The Oceano Hotel And Spa Half Moon Bay Harbour isn’t named one of the best hotels in Half Moon Bay California, for no reason. 

There are a couple of room options, all of which boast premium amenities and lovely designs. If you happen to be on your honeymoon, you’re definitely going to want to splash out, and the Oceano Grand Villa is the one to do it on. 

It’s a two-bedroom, two-bathroom suite, including a master bedroom with a humongous king-sized bed and a fancy modern bathroom boasting a deep soaking bathtub and a granite shower. Some people would describe it as heaven on earth.

4. Ritz Carlton, Half Moon Bay

Half Moon Bay Area | Three Rocks Beach

✓ Rating: 8.4 / 10 | Reviews: 115+ | View on Booking.com

Best for | Couples

Location | Perched up on a sea cliff overlooking the Pacific is the gorgeous Ritz Carlton, 3.5 miles from Half Moon Bay.

This coastal retreat gives visitors access to nearby hidden beaches, vast forms of nature, and outstanding ocean views. Indulge in traditional American breakfast at Joe’s Restaurant, a quintessential US diner, only a 10-minute walk from the property.

Facilities | To make it onto a list of the best hotels Half Moon Bay has to offer, you have to offer guests the best in class amenities, and the Ritz Carlton does just that. 

With three dining facilities delivering their own take on Californian cuisine, a resort spa offering a variety of treatments, and access to two of the region’s finest golf courses, you’ll never be stuck for something to do.

Rooms | This boutique accommodation in Half Moon Bay boasts 239 guestrooms and 22 lavish suites available. The amenities in each are second to none, with a spacious furnished living area, a gas fireplace, a Nespresso maker, a Smart TV with Netflix and an oversized bathtub. 

If you can, try to book one of the rooms with an ocean view. You’re on holiday after all, so you deserve to wake up to true beauty every morning.

5. The Mill Rose Inn

Half Moon Bay Area | Downtown

✓ Rating: 8.8 / 10 | Reviews: 155+ | View on Booking.com

Best for | Someone Looking for Convenience

Location | Established in 1982, the Mill Rose Inn is a deluxe lodging Half Moon Bay California has to offer in the downtown area. 

You’ll find boujee international restaurants nearby, like the Ciya Mediterranean Cuisine and adorable wine bars, such as the Barterra Winery. If you’re ever in the mood for some exploration, Pilarcitos Creek Park is a short stroll away. It’s no wonder this property’s location has such a high rating.

Facilities | The lush green gardens at the Mill Rose Inn are the heart of the property, with blooming flower beds and deck chairs for visitors providing a sense of exclusivity. 

A dip in the garden Jacuzzi is a must following a long day of exploring Downtown Half Moon Bay. You never have to go too far for a feed in the mornings as a gourmet American breakfast comes with your booking.

Rooms | Guests have six room styles to choose from at the Mill Rose Inn, from the delightful Baroque Rose Room on the footstep of the garden courtyard to the extravagant two-room Renaissance Rose Suite with vaulting ceilings and bay windows displaying unbelievable vistas. 

All units come with a mini bar, coffee makers, a king-sized bed with plush mattresses, and en suite bathrooms with complimentary toiletries.

6. Nantucket Whale Inn

Half Moon Bay Area | Downtown Half Moon Bay

✓ Rating: 8.9 / 10 | Reviews: 205+ | View on Booking.com

Best for | A Girl’s Trip

Location | The Nantucket Whale is a heavenly Downtown Half Moon Bay hotel, just down the street from the bustling Sacrilege Brewery + Kitchen and a couple of blocks away from the interesting Half Moon Bay Coastside History Museum. 

With a relaxed atmosphere and close to a number of nice restaurants and bars, it’s a superb option for a girls’ trip.

Facilities | Like the rest of the accommodations in Half Moon Bay CA, the Nantucket Whale Inn is set in an 1898 Victorian house, featuring tranquil gardens with outdoor furniture and a fireplace, wine and champagne services, bike rentals, free parking and a free breakfast each morning. 

Add all this to a brilliant location; it doesn’t get much better than this in Half Moon Bay.

Rooms | None of the other hotels in Half Moon Bay California come close to the Nantucket Whale Inn regarding guest rooms. 

Gorgeously furnished and painted with soft palettes, every guest room is equipped with king-sized beds, fireplaces, a flat-screen TV with Netflix services and much more. The private bathrooms provide a quiet space for some alone time with whirlpool bathtubs, spa robes and high-end bath products imported from France.

7. Cypress Inn On Miramar Beach

Half Moon Bay Area | Miramar Beach

✓ Rating: 9.1 / 10 | Reviews: 195+ | View on Booking.com

Best for | Beach Lovers, Couples, Solo Travelers

Location | The Cypress Inn is one of the beachfront hotels in Half Moon Bay you need to check out. Right on the doorstep of the majestic Miramar Beach and a brief saunter from the Miramar Beach Restaurant, which is known throughout the locality for its crafted cocktails, all that you need is at your disposal.

Facilities | The Cypress Inn on Miramar Beach is rumored to have an extensive selection of facilities. Besides overlooking the ocean, one of its main selling points is its spa and wellness center, which is open every day for guests to take some time out. 

Since you’re in California, you cannot depart without sampling some of the state’s fine wine; the staff at reception will be more than happy to arrange a wine tasting for you with one of their local suppliers. Some other great benefits include concierge and wake-up services and free parking.

Rooms | As with the majority of boutique hotels by Half Moon Bay, the Cypress Inn pulls out all the stops with its pleasing 18 guestrooms, attentively designed with the deep blue sea in mind. 

With a maximum occupancy of two people and contains a range of amenities, including queen-sized beds, Keurig coffee makers, wicker chairs, a fireplace, and a patio, some of which offer incredible seascapes. The modern ensuite bathrooms have spa bathtubs, hairdryers, and complimentary toiletries.

8. The Aristocrat Hotel

Half Moon Bay Area | The Outskirts

✓ Rating: 8.6 / 10 | Reviews: 595+ | View on Booking.com

Best for | Someone who wants to be outside of the centre but not too far away

Location | For a modern stay by the beach and not too far from Downtown Half Moon Bay, the sublime Aristocrat Hotel Half Moon Bay should be on your list of accommodation options. It’s right beside Wavecrest Beach and Cameron’s Pub & Restaurant, which will provide all the entertainment for your trip away.

Facilities | Featuring a private fitness centre, a gorgeous lounge, a restaurant everyone raves about, and free private parking, the Aristocrat Hotel is like a home away from home. 

A range of fun experiences can be organized from reception like diving, hiking days out, fishing, a round of golf, and horse riding. In the evenings, you can venture down the street to one of the bars hosting live entertainment and showing live sporting events.

Rooms | The rooms at the Aristocrat Hotel make going to sleep even more exciting than it should be, providing maximum comfort through the extra large double beds with pillowtop mattresses, 33 m² of space, and the spacious en suite bathrooms with rain showers you could stay in for a lifetime. 

On the days you feel a tad lazy, you can binge-watch your favourite Netflix series on the 50 Inch HD TV.

9. The Half Moon Bay Lodge

Half Moon Bay Area | Cabrillo Highway

✓ Rating: 8.2 / 10 | Reviews: 785+ | View on Booking.com

Best for | Groups of Friends

Location | Lying a five-minute drive from Half Moon Bay is the remarkable Half Moon Bay Lodge. 

Delightful beaches reside close to the hotel; delicious eateries sit across the street, such as Joe’s, and outdoor adventures await 7.5 miles away, including the Scarper Ridge. Big groups will particularly enjoy this selection.

Facilities | What sets this beach house hotel in Half Moon Bay from the other options is the sauna facility giving guests a private place to help their bodies relax. As well as the sauna, there’s an outdoor swimming pool, a fitness centre and a hot tub, which are all equally as tempting.

Rooms | The 80 brand new guestrooms scream grandeur with a comfortable feeling as you enter. Each one comes with a flatscreen TV, high-powered Wi-Fi, wood-burning fireplaces, a private terrace, and an ensuite bathroom with plush bathrobes.

Best Half Moon Bay Vacation Rentals

10. Modern Indoor-Outdoor Living

Half Moon Bay Area | Montara

✓ Rating: 4.9 / 5 | Reviews: 8+ | View on VRBO

Best for | A Large Family

Location | Spanning across 2847 sq. ft, this four-bedroom beach house in Half Moon Bay sleeps ten people and offers a secluded location in the middle of flawless nature and 0.6 miles from Montara Beach, which your little ones will surely enjoy. 

In addition, other notable attractions like the JV Fitzgerald Marine Reserve and Pillar Point Harbour are a short drive away, so you’ll always have something to keep them occupied.

Facilities | Who said rental houses can’t give other boutique hotels Half Moon Bay boasts a run for their money in terms of facilities? 

Offering a modern sea ranch-style two-story home with a gas barbeque, premium high-speed wifi, free private parking, electric vehicle charging, a cedar hot tub, and a fully functioning kitchen, the modern indoor and outdoor living property has everything a hotel has with some extra space.

Rooms | Each of the four rooms in this private home has its own personalized style and modern interiors. The main bedroom suite is the place where everyone will be trying to plant their bags with a king-sized bed, the coziest mattress, and that homey feeling; you may struggle to get yourself up in the mornings. Another hour won’t hurt.

11. Spectacular Luxury Half Moon Bay Home

Half Moon Bay Area | Princeton

✓ Rating: 4.7 / 5 | Reviews: 20+ | View on VRBO

Best for | Families or Big Groups

Location | If you’re considering staying in one of the apartment rentals Half Moon Bay has available, this unmissable property in Princeton should be on your radar. 

There’s so much to do around the area; spend the day strolling along Pillar Point Harbour, and at night, indulge in countless craft beers at the Half Moon Bay Brewing Company.

Facilities | This endearing holiday home is equipped with all the essentials, from a kitchenette with the latest utensils to an outdoor deck with a fire pit and spectacular views of the sea; it’s where you’ll find yourselves eating your meals most nights.

Rooms | Sleeping up to eight people with three bedrooms and two bathrooms, this humongous space in Half Moon Bay displays pleasing aesthetics and a chilled-out vibe throughout. You’ll undoubtedly claim the master bedroom on the first floor with a sizable king bed and alluring panoramas from the window.

12. Luxury Beach House Penthouse

Half Moon Bay Area | Miramar

✓ Rating: 4.8 / 5 | Reviews: 20+ | View on VRBO

Best for | A Group of Couples

Location | Private accommodations Half Moon Bay are known for their extravagance, but this Luxury Beach House Penthouse takes it up a notch. 

Directly on Miramar Beach and provides a gateway to nature trails such as the California Coastal Trail and live entertainment venues like the Bach Dancing & Dynamite Society, the Luxury Beach House Penthouse is a wonderful base for your trip to Half Moon Bay.

Facilities | This beachside property offers an array of facilities to occupants, like electric rental bikes, a private garage with parking spaces, a washer and dryer for laundry, a fully functional kitchen equipped with a six-burner stove, and a roomy patio with outdoor furniture.

Rooms | With four bedrooms and two bathrooms, a group of couples heading away for a break will benefit from staying at this Half Moon Bay holiday home. 

As you all arrive, you’ll be racing to get the best guest space, but whoever is lucky enough to plant their bags in the Penthouse Sunset Bedroom will be treated to unimpeded views of the sea, a king-sized bed with high-quality linens, and contemporary furnishings.

13. A Little Piece Of Heaven

Half Moon Bay Area | Princeton

✓ Rating: 4.6 / 5 | Reviews: 10+ | View on VRBO

Best for | A Small Family

Location | One night in this beach house at Half Moon Bay will have you feeling like you’re in a palace. Newly rebuilt on the waters of the Pacific Ocean, you’ll be based only a couple of blocks away from well-rated restaurants, boutique wineries, and famous distilleries.

Facilities | The facilities are at the forefront of the Little Piece of Heaven property. Make use of the provided stand-up paddle boards, watch the sun go down in the outdoor hot tub, or sit around the wood-burning fire and talk about past memories alongside your nearest and dearest.

Rooms | This waterfront home has only two bedrooms, suiting it for a small family. Decorated by one of San Francisco’s top architects, you can bet the guestrooms are going to be impressive. 

Both are good-sized spaces, one of which has a queen-sized bed, and the other is fitted with two sets of bunk beds and a queen-sized bed. We all know which one has your name on it.

14. Luxo Stays

Half Moon Bay Area | Half Moon Bay Beach

✓ Rating: 5 / 5 | Reviews: 40+ | View on VRBO

Best for | Big Gatherings

Location | Like a lot of boutique hotels Half Moon Bay around the locality, this private home offers an excellent location at Half Moon Bay Beach. You can’t fault Luxo Stay’s location at walking distance from tasty eateries like Hangetsu Sushi and The Barn and an abundance of beaches at your disposal.

Facilities | When you book a beach house, you want undisturbed ocean views the moment you walk outside, and Luxo Stays offers just that. 

Additionally, there are plenty of other ways to spend your leisure time, from kicking back by watching the smart TV with Youtube and Netflix streaming services to reading your favourite book out on the furnished sun deck.

Rooms | Overall, there are five nicely fashionable bedrooms up for grabs, with eight beds in this Half Moon Bay beachside home. Some spaces have one double queen-sized bed, while others have a twin and a single. You can split the group up in whatever way suits you.

15. Edge Of The Ocean House

Half Moon Bay Area | Moss Beach

✓ Rating: 5 / 5 | Reviews: 5+ | View on VRBO

Best for | Small Groups

Location | Finishing off one of my personal favorites, the Edge of the Ocean House, hidden away beside the well-sought-after Moss Beach. A stay here grants you access to nearby attractions like the JV Fitzgerald Marine Reserve and quaint wine bars such as the Coastal Vine.

Facilities | The serene hot tub planted out on the deck over the ocean is like something from a movie; sitting in there with your loved ones and a bottle of bubbly will go down a treat. After you’ve dried yourselves off, get toasty by the idyllic firepit with some smores.

Rooms | The Edge of the Ocean House, with two bedrooms sleeping six people, encourages guests to come along and soak up the pristine location. Featuring lavish bathrooms, large king-sized double beds, and some of the most comfortable linen and mattresses you’ll ever lay on.

Best Luxury Hotels in Half Moon Bay California Conclusion

That’s the end of my list of luxury hotels Half Moon Bay has to offer. Hopefully, you’ve found an option that suits your accommodation needs. Whether you want to stay in one of the Half Moon Bay hotels on the beach or right in the middle of Downtown, you’re going to have a fantastic time in one of California’s top destinations.

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