Located just 30 miles south of San Francisco, Half Moon Bay is a quintessential California beach town and the perfect reprieve from the hustle and bustle of the big city.
Visitors return here year after year to sample local wines at one of the many wineries and tasting rooms, to marvel at the daredevil surfers as they take on massive waves at Mavericks, and to simply soak in the natural beauty of Half Moon Bay’s many beaches and hiking trails.
With so many things to see and do, you’ll want a nice hotel room to relax in at the end of the day. But with so many charming places to stay in Half Moon Bay, you might have a hard time choosing the perfect hotel. So I’ve created a list of the 10 best hotels in Half Moon Bay to help you plan the perfect getaway!
- Short on time and don’t want to read the whole article? Here are my top 3 picks!
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Where to Stay in Half Moon Bay
Half Moon Bay is a blissfully tiny town, so no matter where you decide to base yourself, you’ll never be too far from all the main attractions. If you want to be able to walk to the city’s cafes, restaurants, and tasting rooms, you’ll find some of the best hotels in Half Moon Bay lining the bay in the downtown area, just off Hwy 1.
Choose one of the many Half Moon Bay hotels near Main Street, and you’ll have plenty of beaches, shops, and eateries within walking distance. Or opt for a place toward the northern part of Half Moon Bay, and you’ll be a stone’s throw from Pillar Point Harbor, Pillar Point Bluff, and Mavericks Beach.
A few miles north, you’ll also find some incredible inns and B&Bs in the Montara and Moss Beach areas, which gives you easy access to some of the best hiking trails in town.
The 10 Best Luxury Hotels in Half Moon Bay, CA
1. Nantucket Whale Inn
When it comes to luxury hotels in Half Moon Bay that have a boutique feel, it’s tough to beat Nantucket Whale Inn. You can choose from seven individually decorated rooms here, all elegantly outfitted in the style of a Nantucket Island home.
No matter which room you choose, you’ll get a plush bed, spa robes, luxury bath products, HD DirecTV, and complimentary high-speed Wi-Fi. Plus, you’ll be greeted with a complimentary “welcome” glass of wine and you’ll have the chance to mix and mingle with fellow guests during the wine hour each evening. You’ll also be treated to a lovely breakfast spread each morning!
You’ll find this place in the heart of HMB, just five blocks from Poplar Beach and steps from some of the best restaurants in town.
2. Beach House Half Moon Bay
If you’re searching for oceanfront Half Moon Bay hotels, The Beach House Hotel Half Moon Bay has everything you need. One thing that makes this place stand out from the rest is that 75% of the Junior Suites at this all-suite hotel offer ocean views.
You’ll also be spoiled with a lovely living area with a fireplace and flat-screen TV, a separate bedroom, an oversized bathroom with a separate tub and shower, a kitchenette, and a private balcony or terrace.
Be sure to enjoy the complimentary continental breakfast in the morning (with local treats from David’s Bagels and Rosalind Bakery), as well as the wine social on Friday and Saturday nights. You can also take a tip in the outdoor pool, work out in the fitness center, or simply admire the unobstructed Pacific views from the outdoor seating areas.
3. Oceano Hotel and Spa Half Moon Bay Harbor
One of the top luxury hotels in Half Moon Bay, Oceano Hotel and Spa is located right on the Half Moon Bay Harbor. The amenity-packed suites and villas here offer everything you need for a relaxing retreat in HMB.
Opt for the Oceano Grand King Suite and you’ll be treated to a private balcony with panoramic ocean views, as well as a spacious living room with a fireplace and a deep soaking tub in the bathroom. Or, for something more spacious, the Oceano Grand Villa features two bedrooms, a full kitchen and dining area, and a living room with a fireplace.
For a truly indulgent getaway, be sure to pay a visit to the Oceano Coastal Spa for a range of pampering treatments.
4. Half Moon Bay Lodge
Not only is the Half Moon Bay Lodge one of the best hotels in Half Moon Bay, but this place has been entirely revamped, so expect everything to be fresh and new. Plus, the Half Moon Bay Lodge is pet-friendly and your furry friend will even get a special gift upon check-in!
The 80 all-new guest rooms and suites are all outfitted with natural color palettes, new flat-screen TVs, plush bathrobes, Keurig coffee makers, wood-burning fireplaces, and private balconies or terraces.
You can fill up with the complimentary continental breakfast each morning before taking a dip in the outdoor pool or fitting in a workout in the gym. There’s also a sauna and hot tub if you just feel like relaxing.
5. The Ritz-Carlton, Half Moon Bay
When it comes to the ultimate luxury hotel in Half Moon Bay, The Ritz-Carlton, Half Moon Bay is a no-brainer. Situated on a bluff overlooking Half Moon Bay, this place boasts stunning water views and every luxury amenity you could ever wish for.
The world is your oyster when it comes to the accommodation options at The Ritz-Carlton, Half Moon Bay. From the Luxury Fire Pit Suite and the Direct Ocean View Balcony to the Club Level rooms and the residential-style Guest Houses, there’s something to suit all needs.
When you’re not lounging in your room, swim laps in the heated indoor or outdoor pool, get massages at the spa, tee off on one of the two golf courses, or simply wine and dine at one of the hotel’s multiple bars and restaurants.
6. Cypress Inn on Miramar Beach
If you’re searching for places to stay in Half Moon Bay that put you right on the beach, Cypress Inn on Miramar Beach is a great boutique-style option. Located right on Miramar Beach, you can expect sweeping ocean views from most rooms here.
You can choose from a variety of rooms here, but no matter which you go with you’ll be treated to earthy decor, a large flat-screen TV, terracotta heated floors, plush robes, luxury bath amenities, and more.
You’ll love enjoying the complimentary breakfast each morning either in your room or in the Great Room. Other freebies include evening wine and appetizers and homemade desserts at night. And if you’re in need of some pampering, you can book massages with the hotel’s in-house massage therapist!
7. Seal Cove Inn
Located in the Moss Beach community, Seal Cove Inn is one of the best hotels in Half Moon Bay for a relaxing retreat. This lovely inn offers direct access to the Dardenelle Trail, which leads to the JV Fitzgerald Marine Reserve. Plus, you’ll get direct beach staircase access 500 feet from your door!
In addition to the concierge service, you’ll be treated to the complimentary gourmet “Be Replenished” breakfast, as well as an evening wine reception and all-day bottled water and soft drinks at the beverage stations.
Each of the five luxury suites boasts a warming one-touch gas fireplace, locally made bath products, a Bluetooth-enabled sound system, a garden terrace or balcony, terry robes, and complimentary Wi-Fi.
8. Mill Rose Inn
You’ll find Mill Rose Inn right in the heart of town, within walking distance of Francis and Poplar beaches. This is easily one of the best hotels in Half Moon Bay for a romantic or relaxing weekend away. No matter which of the six elegantly decorated guest rooms you choose at this award-winning AAA Four Diamond inn, you’ll enjoy all sorts of thoughtful extras.
You’ll always have complimentary coffee, water, pastries, wine, and brandy available in the inn’s main sitting area. You’ll also be treated to breakfast at your choice of two restaurants (both within walking distance), so you can change things up during your stay!
9. Harbor View Inn
Located just across Hwy 1 from Pillar Point Harbor, Harbor View Inn is where to stay in Half Moon Bay if you’re looking for a more affordable, yet still luxurious, option. This place has been recently renovated and fully updated, so you really do get a lot of bang for your buck.
The modern rooms here all feature bay window seats with a view of the ocean and harbor, an electric fireplace, a 50-inch flat-screen TV with 100+ channels, a microwave, a minifridge, and a coffee maker. You’ll also be treated to a continental breakfast in the morning.
10. The Oceanfront Hotel
If you’re searching for places to stay in Half Moon Bay that put you right on the beach, The Oceanfront Hotel is a popular pick. Located right on Miramar Beach, be sure to choose one of the rooms with a private balcony overlooking the ocean. You’ll also love having a cozy fireplace and a comfy Tempur-Pedic bed.
Freebies here include a lovely continental breakfast each morning, parking, Wi-Fi, as well as all-day coffee, pastries, and chocolates. You can even borrow bikes to cruise around town, which is a nice added touch.
