Classic California

First opened in 1888, Hotel del Coronado has played host to celebrities, royalty and US presidents through the years - not to mention the generations of beach-loving guests. San Diego's only true beachfront hotel, 'The Del' is spread across 28 oceanfront acres on Coronado Island, just across the bay from downtown. Split into four distinct 'neighbourhoods', accommodation ranges from characterful rooms in the original Victorian hotel to beachfront villas and luxurious cabanas with private terraces and pristine lounge areas. There are multiple dining options, all boasting expert chefs using locally sourced ingredients. Features: 757 rooms & suites, 3 restaurants, 3 bars, outdoor swimming pool, spa, gym, fitness classes, evening entertainment, shops. Room amenities: Air conditioning, television, minibar, tea & coffee facilities, Wi-Fi.

The Hilton Palm Springs is located in the downtown area, just a few streets from the main strip. A choice of restaurants, theatres and attractions are all within easy walking distance. At the on-site restaurant, guests can choose between the stylish dining room or the outside patio overlooking the pool courtyard. The property features an excellent spa, an outdoor pool deck, and offers great views of the nearby San Jacinto mountains. Several championship golf courses are nearby, as well as tennis courts and bicycle renting facilities. Features: 257 rooms, restaurant, 2 bars, outdoor swimming pool, gym, spa. Room amenities: Air conditioning, television, tea & coffee facilities, hairdryer, iron, Wi-Fi.

The gleaming glass towers of Westin Bonaventure Hotel & Suites Los Angeles have hosted US presidents, dignitaries and film stars since it opened in 1976. Set in the heart of the downtown area, its striking architecture has featured in several films and TV shows. Guestrooms have floor-to-ceiling windows to maximise the skyline views; however, the 34th-floor lounge offers some of the best views in the entire city. There is a lovely pool terrace and the fitness centre is excellent. Features: 1,219 rooms & 139 suites, 2 restaurants, 2 bars, cafe, gym, outdoor swimming pool, salon, laundry service. Room amenities: Air conditioning, television, minibar, bathrobes, iron, hairdryer, Wi-Fi.

Located on the southern end of the Strip, the MGM Grand offers everything guests could look for in a Las Vegas resort, including a casino, evening entertainments, and an elaborate swimming pool complex. With no less than 5,000 guestrooms and suites, there are a range of room categories on offer. Even the entry-level categories are well-equipped and of a good size. Despite the large number of guests, the check-in procedure is friendly and efficient. There are host of on-site dining options, ranging from triple-Michelin-starred formal dining to relaxed, New Orleans-style seafood.

The family-owned Sierra Nevada Resort & Spa is located in Mammoth Lakes and is surrounded by breathtaking natural beauty. In winter the area offers over 3,500 acres of skiable terrain, while the warmer months brings world-class fishing and hiking opportunities. The property is located 65 kilometres from the Tioga Pass, entrance to Yosemite National Park. A number of room categories are available, and facilities include a spa, mini golf and a heated outdoor swimming pool. Features: 148 rooms, 3 restaurants, swimming pool, jacuzzi, spa, mini golf, ski rental, laundry facilities. Room amenities: Air conditioning, television, minibar, hairdryer, Wi-Fi.

Situated in the Sierra National Forest, Tenaya Lodge is minutes from Yosemite National Park's southern gate. Lodging is in comfortable, warmly decorated rooms in the main lodge or inviting cottages and cabins nestled among towering pines and cedars. The facilities are excellent, while the warm, earth-toned decor complements the alpine grandeur that surrounds the resort. All rooms offer views of the beautiful pine-covered forest. The nearby Mariposa Grove contains about 500 mature giant sequoia trees - perhaps the largest living things on the planet. Features: 352 rooms & suites, 4 swimming pools, gym, spa, hot tubs. Room amenities: Air conditioning, television, Wi-Fi.

The waterfront Portola Hotel & Spa at Monterey Bay is well-located for exploring Carmel-by-the-Sea, Big Sur, Carmel Valley, many nearby vineyards, and the scenic 17-Mile Drive. It also provides easy access to Monterey's most popular attractions, being mere steps away from Fisherman's Wharf and Cannery Row. The classy guestrooms feature luxurious bedding and modern amenities. Facilities at the hotel include an expansive, award-winning spa and an excellent seafood restaurant. Features: 379 rooms, restaurants, pub, cafe, swimming pool, gym, spa. Room amenities: Air conditioning, television, minibar, tea & coffee facilities, bathrobes, safe, hairdryer, iron, Wi-Fi.

The Intercontinental Mark Hopkins San Francisco is one of the city's architectural gems. Its grand exteriors combine French Chateau and Spanish Renaissance styles, while its interiors feature original murals by Maynard Dixon and Frank Van Sloun. Located in Nob Hill amidst excellent museums, chic restaurants and boutiques, the hotel offers elegant accommodation and faultless customer service. The 'Top of the Mark', the hotel's 19th-floor sky lounge, has been a neighbourhood fixture since it opened in 1939. It serves creative cocktails and delicious appetisers while offering superb views of city skyline, the Bay and the Golden Gate Bridge. The Nob Hill Club is a farm-to-table restaurant serving local California cuisine sourced from the Bay Area and Northern California growers and purveyors. Features: 383 rooms, restaurant, bar, gym. Room amenities: Air conditioning, television, minibar, bathrobes, safe, Wi-Fi.