California dreaming
Hit the desert highway and check out Marjorie Yue’s pick of the Golden State’s coolest openings of 2022
Hyatt House, Sacramento
In California’s buzzing capital, the elegant Eastern Star Building has been transformed into a 133-room boutique hotel. Slated to open in spring, Hyatt House retains the brick facade, and its Moorish and Byzantine elements, of the 94-year old property built in the Romanesque Revival style.
■■hyatt.com, visitsacramento.com
Geneseo Inn, Slo Cal
Set in the rolling hills of Paso Robles wine country, Geneseo Inn’s eight boutique rooms have been fashioned out of industrial shipping crates, perched above award-winning Cass Winery’s 145-acre vineyard of Rhône and Bordeaux varietals.
And this year there’s a chance to try new activities such as beekeeping and olive oil harvesting at summer camp. ■■casswines.com, slocal.com
Azure Sky, South Palm Springs
After a two-year extensive refurb of the 1959 property, Azure Sky will be welcoming guests next month.
The 14-room adults-only luxury boutique hotel offers far-ranging views of the rugged San Jacinto Mountains and boasts a 4,500 sq ft pool in the grounds. ■■azureskyhotel.com, visitgreaterpalmsprings.com
Holloway House, West Hollywood
This spring sees the opening of 34-room Holloway House in the former Palihouse building in West Hollywood.
Soho House’s newest LA property will feature a rooftop with views and a Club floor with a bar. ■■sohohouse.com, visitwesthollywood.com
Terra Vi Resort, Yosemite Tuolumne County
Located between historic gold rush town Groveland and the northern entrance to the mighty Yosemite National Park, the new 64-acre Terra Vi Lodge Yosemite is home to 140 guest rooms, 25 cabins and a market.
The resort’s strong eco credentials include on-site wells and roofmounted solar panels,
■■terravi.com, visittuolumne.com
The Line SF, San Francisco
Opening this spring, and inspired by New York’s Flatiron Building, sleek 12-storey, 236-room The Line SF will offer four dining experiences including a rooftop solarium with a bar and library. And four-legged companions will love the pet spa. ■■thelinehotel.com, visitcalifornia.com
Stanly Ranch Auberge
Resort, Napa Valley Stanly Ranch Auberge Resort, Napa Valley
In the heady heart of California’s wine country, this 700-acre private ranch surrounded by sweeping vineyards and rolling hills is getting ready to open its 79 standalone cottages and suites in spring.
As a fully working ranch, guests can enjoy seasonal menus that use produce straight from the hotel’s garden. There’s also a serious menu of treatments at the Halehouse Spa. ■■aubergeresorts.com/stanlyranch, visitnapavalley.com
Conrad Los Angeles
Early summer will see the arrival of California’s first Conrad Hotel, part of Hilton’s luxury brand. Conrad Los Angeles will open in Downtown LA’s new architectural landmark, The Grand LA, designed by the legendary Frank Gehry. The 28-storey hotel will feature 306 elegant rooms, complete with floor-to-ceiling windows for breathtaking views of the city. Guests can also soak up city views on the hotel’s expansive rooftop terrace and pool deck while tucking into California-inspired cuisine served at chic restaurant Agua Viva. ■■hilton.com, discoverlosangeles.com
The Inn At Mattei’s Tavern Auberge Resort, Los Olivos
Dating back to 1886, The Inn at Mattei’s Tavern was a popular stagecoach stop during California’s Gold Rush.
Today this Los Olivos institution sitting on six acres of land in the Santa Ynez Valley has been lovingly restored. The saloon bar and its historic restaurant have been retained, with new thoughtfully designed buildings added, to complete its transformation into a luxury hotel offering 67 clapboard-covered cottages and guest rooms.
aubergeresorts.com/matteistavern, losolivosca.com
The Whisky Hotel, Hollywood
If whisky is your favourite tipple, get ready to raise a glass to the Golden State’s first whisky-themed hotel.
The brainchild of restaurateur Adolfo Suaya, the seven-storey boutique hotel is set to open this year near Hollywood’s Cahuenga Corridor. Minibars in its 134 rooms will be well-stocked with craft whisky, while sommeliers will be on hand to help you get a nose for the good stuff, and there’s even a whisky fountain.
Guests will get into the spirit at the rooftop greenhouse-style bar, tasting vintage whiskys from all over the world.
■■whiskyhollywood.com, visitcalifornia.com