Beach House at Half Moon Bay

Pulling off Highway 1 to this property feels like arriving at a friend's posh beach house. The tan wood exterior accented by dozens of white-shuttered windows, chimneys emitting the cozy smell of wood burning in fireplaces, and rows of balconies overlooking the Pacific Ocean give this property a comforting feel. Walking into the lobby, guests are greeted by an arrangement of comfy, linen-covered armchairs arranged around a fireplace beneath a vaulted wood ceiling with skylights. Given the hotel's location (a 35-minute drive from San Francisco) and its ample meeting space, the Beach House is a popular choice for meetings and corporate retreats during the week, while weekends see more leisure guests. Other draws include the professional yet friendly vibe, ocean views from the majority of guest rooms and public spaces, and beach access. 

The Beach House is about 45 minutes south of San Francisco and 30 minutes south of San Francisco International Airport, located directly off California's famously scenic Highway 1 and situated on Pillar Point Harbor. Guests here have access to the beach and to the seven-mile Coastside Trail, which extends into Half Moon Bay -- guests can hike, walk, or bike along the dramatic ocean bluffs. It's an eight-minute drive to the restaurants, shops, and bars on Main Street of Half Moon Bay, and about the same distance to Half Moon Bay State Beach. For beautiful ocean views, visitors can drive 20-minutes south to the historic Pigeon Point Lighthouse. 

The Beach House's large junior suites rate among the best features of this hotel. All come with fireplaces, separate living areas with sleeper sofas, king-size beds bedecked in Frette linens, mini-fridges, microwaves, and free Wi-Fi. Most of the rooms have views of the ocean, easily enjoyed from private patios or balconies. Flat-screen TVs, coffeemakers, and work desks also come standard. The decor is simple and modern, with light-toned woods and a color palette of tan and white. Yellow bathrooms with white tile and marble countertops have separate showers and tubs, and come stocked with comfortable robes and Aveda bath products. But some guests complain about the fog horn in misty weather, which is why all bathrooms are also stocked with earplugs.

Guests can begin their morning with coffee, juice, fruit, and baked goods served buffet-style in the airy indoor dining room. A large, outdoor patio with umbrella-covered tables overlooking the ocean offers an outdoor option for eating breakfast, too. A gated hot tub and pool flanked by lounge chairs fronts the beach, and wooden stairs located on one end lead down to the sand and the Coastside Trail, a seven-mile path along the ocean that's ideal for a morning run or bike ride. The Beach House also has a spa room for massage treatments and private, beachside yoga classes are also available for a fee. Wi-Fi is free throughout the property.