The Best Accessible and Wheelchair-Friendly Hotels to Book in California

L'Auberge Del Mar is a bright and airy resort just meters from the Pacific | Courtesy of L'Auberge Del Mar / Expedia

20 December 2021

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The most populous state in the USA may seem like a daunting destination to visit with disabilities. But thanks to pioneering student work at UC Berkeley in the early 1960s, led by activist Ed Roberts, California is the home of the disability-rights movement. Many of its beautiful parks, trails and coastlines are wheelchair-accessible, as are the metro, bus and taxi links in cities such as LA. Check out our list of the top accessible hotels in California – all bookable on Culture Trip.

The Hollywood Roosevelt, for star quality

Room with four-poster bed at the Hollywood Roosevelt

Courtesy of the Hollywood Roosevelt / Expedia

Marilyn Monroe, Charlie Chaplin and Clark Gable all visited this Hollywood hotel in its earlier days, but the visitor who made the biggest impression was arguably the British artist who jumped into the empty pool with a can of blue spray paint in 1988. Careful conservation of David Hockney’s mural ensures that guests can still enjoy a dip above his signature brush strokes. Both the pool and the ’60s-inspired cafe are accessible, as is the hotel restaurant serving up wood-fired steaks including American wagyu.

Loews Santa Monica Beach Hotel, for al fresco dining

Lounge with sea views at Loews Santa Monica Beach Hotel

Courtesy of Loews Santa Monica Beach Hotel / Expedia

Southern California is best enjoyed in the open air, and at the Loews Santa Monica Beach Hotel, a dozen oceanfront firepits at the restaurant allow you to dine al fresco until the early hours. With the palm trees of Santa Monica beach as company, you’ll also be treated to jazz night cocktails in the summer, or the unique winter experience of tucking into warm tapas in the blanketed warmth of an igloo. Mobility features here include rooms with wider doorways, TTY text phones and Braille signage.

Hotel Emblem San Francisco, for hip fun

Wall of books at the Hotel Emblem San Francisco

Courtesy of Hotel Emblem San Francisco / Expedia

Culture vultures will be in their element at these cool San Francisco digs inspired by the rebellious Beat Generation. Its Sutter Street locale puts you blocks away from the top cultural spots of the city, including the Museum of Modern Art and the California Historical Society. Discover your inner Kerouac in the hotel Writer’s Alcove, or try the Underground Concierge for under-the-radar recommendations. Accessible rooms come with roll-in showers, lowered light switches and bathtubs with grab bars.

Hotel Zephyr, for San Francisco fun

Courtesy of Hotel Zephyr / Expedia

This maritime-themed hotel in Fisherman’s Wharf, San Francisco, offers 13 accessible guest rooms – with either a king bed or two double beds – that are accessible for those with mobility, visual or hearing needs. Everything from the curtain controls to the towel racks and microwave has been designed with accessibility in mind, and there are no additional charges for accompanying service animals. There’s no in-house restaurant here, but the hotel-curated Zephyr Walk houses seven eating and shopping outlets right on the doorstep, including Bistro Boudin, with views of Alcatraz and Angel Island.

L'Auberge Del Mar, for ocean views

Courtesy of L'Auberge Del Mar / Expedia

This bright and airy resort, just meters from the Pacific, is proud of its efforts to offer facilities in line with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Key areas such as the entrance, lobby, restaurant and swimming pool are all accessible to those with limited mobility, while there are neat touches elsewhere showcasing a dedication to providing comfort for all. These include Braille and lowered buttons in the lift, visual strobe alarms and a warm welcome extended to service animals.

The Georgian Hotel, for Santa Monica moments

Courtesy of the Georgian Hotel / Expedia

The striking baby-blue frontage and art deco signage hint at the colorful vibes found within this hotel on Ocean Avenue, just a few minutes’ walk from Santa Monica beach. The eight-story property dates back to 1933 and has plenty of old-school charm, and there are four ADA-compliant rooms that ensure no guest misses out. Two of those rooms include a king bed and a roll-in shower, while the other two come with two queen beds and an accessible bath with grab bars.

Napa Valley Lodge, for wine time

Courtesy of Napa Valley Lodge / Expedia

Napa Valley is renowned for its cabernet sauvignon, and this lodge near Yountville Park is surrounded on all sides by hillside vineyards. Staff will be happy to point you in the direction of their favorite tipple, and as eating isn’t cheating in this part of the world, they’ll likely throw in a recommended artisanal bakery, too. The 55 elegant rooms include three accessible ground-floor rooms with ceiling fans and direct access to the courtyard. Best of all, a champagne continental buffet is served every day.

Monterey Plaza Hotel and Spa, for spa treats

Courtesy of Monterey Plaza Hotel and Spa / Expedia

Once famous for its sardine-canning factories, and the inspiration behind a gritty John Steinbeck novel, Cannery Row is now a picturesque waterfront hub on the Central Coast of California. Water sports such as kayaking and paddleboarding are popular here, and the street is brimming with restaurants, boutiques and wellness hotels such as Monterey Plaza. Its Blue Spa comes with penthouse-level views and nine treatment rooms offering therapies including deep-tissue and Swedish massage. Elevators and pool hoists are provided for guests requiring additional access help.

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