California Average Hotel Costs: Nightly Room Prices by Accommodation Type

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How much do hotels cost in California? We've analyzed the prices of hotels in California to help you figure out how much you might need to spend when visiting this amazing destination. If you're on a tight budget, traveling in luxury, visiting alone, or taking a fun family vacation, we tabulated the costs of the best hotels in California by star-rating, category, guest ratings, and amenities. So, let's find out if these amazing hotels in California are expensive, or where the best or cheapest hotels can be found.



See Hotels in California

The Top 3:

  • $611, Rated 10.0 of 10

  • $298, Rated 10.0 of 10

  • $215, Rated 10.0 of 10

How much do hotels cost in California?

California Average Hotel Price for 1 Night
$221

Travelers to California will have a large number of terrific accommodation options with a variety of great prices. The price of a hotel can vary by amenities, dates, and neighborhood. Based on thorough data from 5,073 hotels, the average hotel price in California is a very reasonable $221, and the median price is $170.

The average price of a hotel for 3 days in California is $663.

The average hotel cost for one week in California is a very reasonable $1,547, and the average hotel cost for two weeks in California is a very reasonable $3,094 (not including taxes and fees).


  • 3 Days
    $663
  • One Week
    $1,547
  • Two Weeks
    $3,094
  • See More

How much should I pay to stay in a hotel in California?

You'll find the budget, mid-range, and luxury California hotel cost per night displayed below. This chart shows the range of hotel prices for a one night stay in California. If you're trying to figure out how much you should pay for a reservation, this graph breaks down the costs by price range.



(All hotel prices are in US Dollars before taxes, and come from a base price that is reported by Kayak. Peak season prices can vary significantly, particularly in destinations where seasonal travel fluctuates dramatically.)

Are Hotels in California Expensive?

From the chart above, and from our statistical calculations, we can see that the average price for all hotels in California is $221. Also, the average price for budget hotels in California is $117. Furthermore, the average price for luxury hotels in California is $508. So, is a California expensive? Given the overall cost of living and travel in the area, these prices are not unreasonable. And if you think it's expensive to spend the night in California, don't worry, as it's quite possible to find hotel rooms with great values for your next trip. We have recommended hotels at various price ranges below.

Also, see our article Best Hotels for One Night in California for more places to stay.


Prices for the Best Hotels in California (California's Top Rated Hotels by Guests)

Are you looking for the best hotel in California? After we analyzed the 1,274 best and highest rated hotels (the top 25%), we found a variety of amazing options at different price ranges. The average price of the highest rated hotels is a great value at $301, and the median price is $252. So, here are the price ranges of the best places to stay in California for your next fantastic trip to this amazing destination.



How much are the best hotels in California?

Is it expensive to stay in California? Actually, the prices can be quite affordable. Look for great deals and compare websites on nightly rates for your next booking for an even more amazing rate. Below, you can find out how much you should pay for one of the best hotels in California. Here are a few of the top rated hotels in California according to guests.
106 Bridges Lane, Mammoth Lakes
Overall Rating 10.0
812 Mountain Sky Dr, Big Bear Lake
Overall Rating 10.0
Chilnualna Falls Road, Yosemite National Park
Overall Rating 10.0
Meadow Lane, Mammoth Lakes
Overall Rating 10.0

If it's your first time here, check out Best Hotels for First Time Visitors in California for more great places to stay.

Prices for the Best Luxury Hotels in California

Looking for California's best hotels? We'll show you just how expensive hotels are in California. The average price of the 740 top luxury hotels in California is $508, and the median price is $489. The price ranges below will help you understand how much these fantastic hotels will cost for your next amazing trip.

How much should I pay to stay in a luxury hotel in California?

The chart below shows the range of the fantastic luxury hotel prices for a one night stay in California. If you're trying to figure out how much you should pay for a luxury reservation, this graph tabulates the costs of these terrific hotels by price range. These luxury hotels often include some of California's best boutique hotels and resorts.



What are the highest rated luxury hotels in California?

4501 Bridgeport Drive, Mariposa
Overall Rating 10.0
3627 Sagunto Street, Santa Ynez
Overall Rating 10.0

For more details, see Best Luxury Hotels in California for beautiful hotels.

Prices for Mid-Range Hotels in California

Hotel costs per night in California are displayed below for mid-range hotels. For the 2,346 mid-range hotels in California, the average price is $219, and the median price is $202. These typical California hotel rooms are a good representation of what is available, because they are in the middle of the total price range while still providing quality amenities.

How much should I pay to stay in a typical mid-range hotel in California?

The chart below shows the range of very nice moderately priced hotels for a one night stay in California. If you're trying to figure out how much you should pay for a booking, this graph tabulates the costs of these great accommodation options by price range. These hotels also include some of California's best bed & breakfasts and vacation rentals.



What are the highest rated mid-range hotels in California?

2653 Foothill Blvd, Calistoga
Overall Rating 10.0
1594 MarBrisa Circle, Carlsbad
Overall Rating 10.0

Also, see Best Family-Friendly Hotels in California which has even more great hotels for families with kids.

Prices for Budget Hotels in California

To find the best cheap hotels in California, we analyzed the prices of this destination's 1,987 budget hotels. The average price of these budget hotels is $117, and the median price is $117. The highest rated hotels which are below the average cost are presented below, along with the price ranges of all budget hotels. Now we'll show you just how affordable hotels can be in California, as the chart below shows the cheapest places to stay in California.

How much should I pay to stay in a budget hotel in California?

The chart below shows the range of the terrific budget-friendly hotel prices for a one night stay in California. If you're trying to figure out how much you should pay for a cheap hotel, this graph tabulates the prices of the great hotels here by range. These surprisingly affordable hotels often include some of California's best hostels and budget guesthouses, too.



What are the best budget hotels in California?

Below are some of the top rated cheap hotels in California. Affordable hotel rooms sometimes have basic furnishings or smaller sizes, but come at some of the best prices and offer the best deals. If you're looking for a cheap hotel room in California, these hotels are among the best.

73-771 Larrea Street, Palm Desert
Overall Rating 9.5
25382 Pappas Road, San Diego Country Estates
Overall Rating 9.3

For even more affordable places to stay, see Best Cheap Hotels in California.

Hotels Under $100 in California

The following hotel rooms are the top rated by guests for a price under $100. If you're looking for a cheap hotel on a budget below $100, these places to stay might make a good option.

Where can I sleep in California under $100?

6614 Noble Avenue, Los Angeles
Overall Rating 10.0
4201 Dunsmuir Avenue, Dunsmuir
Overall Rating 9.7
1906 Mission Street, San Francisco
Overall Rating 8.8
939 Spring Street, Paso Robles
Overall Rating 8.8

Hotels Under $150 in California

The following hotel rooms are the top rated by guests for a price under $150. If you're looking for a cheap hotel on a budget below $150, these places to stay might make a good option.

Where can I sleep in California under $150?

2207 River Plaza Drive, Sacramento
Overall Rating 10.0
1650 Calle Palo Fierro, Palm Springs
Overall Rating 10.0
5658 Pony Express Trail, Pollock Pines
Overall Rating 10.0
1623 N Sierra Bonita Avenue Los Angeles, Los Angeles
Overall Rating 9.7

Hotels Under $200 in California

The following hotel rooms are the top rated by guests for a price under $200. If you're looking for affordable luxury hotels less than $200, these rooms would be a good choice.

Where can I sleep in California under $200?

444 South Venice Boulevard, Los Angeles
Overall Rating 10.0
10300 Bridge Bay Road, Redding
Overall Rating 10.0
10845 Rough And Ready Highway, Grass Valley
Overall Rating 10.0
1594 MarBrisa Circle, Carlsbad
Overall Rating 10.0

Hotel Prices by Star Rating for California

The star ratings of hotels are based on the best amenities and the quality of service instead of guest ratings. Some countries and cities have strict criteria for how hotels are rated based on specific amenities.

Average 5-Star Hotel Price in California

$467 is the average price of the 45 5-star hotels in California. The median price for these great hotels is $458.

How much does a 5-star hotel in California cost?

The chart below shows the range of terrific 5-star hotel prices for a one night stay in California. If you're trying to figure out how much you should pay for a great 5-star hotel, this graph tabulates the surprisingly affordable prices by category. Many people consider a 4 or 5-star hotel to be a luxury hotel, but that does not mean that you can't find a great deal on these high-end rooms.



Average 4-Star Hotel Price in California

The average price of the 510 terrific 4-star hotels in California is $345, and the median price is $293.

How much does a 4-star hotel in California cost?

The chart below shows the range of terrific 4-star hotel prices for a one night stay in California. If you're trying to figure out how much you should pay for a great 4-star hotel, this graph tabulates the surprisingly affordable prices by category. Many people consider a 4 or 5-star hotel to be a luxury hotel, but that does not mean that you can't find a great deal on these high-end rooms.



Average 3-Star Hotel Price in California

After an analysis of 2,048 excellent hotels, $265 is the average price for the great 3-star hotels in California, and the median price is $214.

How much does a 3-star hotel in California cost?

The chart below shows the range of terrific 3-star hotel prices for a one night stay in California. If you're trying to figure out how much you should pay for a great 3-star hotel, this graph tabulates the surprisingly affordable prices by category.



Average 2-Star Hotel Price in California

With data for 2,321 fantastic hotels, $146 is the average price for 2-star hotels in California, and the median price is $129.

How much does a 2-star hotel in California cost?

The chart below shows the range of terrific 2-star hotel prices for a one night stay in California. If you're trying to figure out how much you should pay for a great 2-star hotel, this graph tabulates the surprisingly affordable prices by category.



Average 1-Star Hotel Price in California

With data for 59 great hotels, the average price for 1-star hotels in California is $233, and the median price is $127.

How much does a 1-star hotel in California cost?

The chart below shows the range of terrific 1-star hotel prices for a one night stay in California. If you're trying to figure out how much you should pay for a great 1-star hotel, this graph tabulates the surprisingly affordable prices by category.



Are Hotels Nice in California?

California offers a wide range of accommodation options with hotels up to 5 stars. In fact, the average 5-star hotel guest rating is 8.7 out of 10, and the average price is $467. So, you can absolutely find a quality and nice hotel in the area. The average prices by star rating for hotels in California is as follows. (Prices are before taxes and fees, and change based on the seasons.)

  • 5-Star Hotels: $467
  • 4-Star Hotels: $345
  • 3-Star Hotels: $265
  • 2-Star Hotels: $146
  • 1-Star Hotels: $233

Also, the average guest rating for each star rating is as follows.

  • 5-Star Hotels: 8.7 out of 10
  • 4-Star Hotels: 8 out of 10
  • 3-Star Hotels: 7.5 out of 10
  • 2-Star Hotels: 7.3 out of 10
  • 1-Star Hotels: 6.9 out of 10

Should I Stay in a 4 or 5-Star Hotel in California?

Looking at the comparison between 4-star hotels versus 5-star hotels in California, we can see the differences between the prices and guest ratings. Hotels with a 4-star rating generally cost less ($345) than those with a 5-star rating ($467). Also, hotels with a 4-star rating generally have a lower guest rating (8) than those with a 5-star rating (8.7).

Should I Stay in a 3 or 4-Star Hotel in California?

Let's examine 3-star hotels versus 4-star hotels in California. Hotels with a 3-star rating generally cost less ($265) than those with a 4-star rating ($345). Also, hotels with a 3-star rating generally have a lower guest rating (7.5) than those with a 4-star rating (8).

Should I Stay in a 2 or 3-Star Hotel in California?

If we compare 2-star versus 3-star hotels in California, we see some helpful trends. Hotels with a 2-star rating generally cost less ($146) than those with a 3-star rating ($265). Also, hotels with a 2-star rating generally have a lower guest rating (7.3) than those with a 3-star rating (7.5).


See also Best Beach Hotels in California, Best Pet-Friendly Hotels in California, Best Hotels for a Weekend Getaway in California, Best Hotels for One Week in California, Best Romantic Hotels for Couples in California, Best Adults Only Hotels in California, Best Party Hotels in California, Best Hotels for Scuba Diving in California, Best Hotels for Skiing in California, or Best Business Hotels in California for more room ideas. With so many options, there's a good place to stay for every type of traveler.