Our editors scouted, snooped, and dozed in hundreds of hotels over the past year to find the 25 best-in-class for a special weekend getaway. Looking for a 50th birthday celebration spot? Or a perfect Western honeymoon resort? Look no further. Although they might feel a million miles away, almost every place is within an hour's drive of a major airport, and most are closer. Service, design, food, and rooms were all scored, plus those details that make a hotel Sunset-special: Are those fresh herbs in the cocktails? Does the landscape look native to the area? Can you see the Golden Gate Bridge? But value was paramount. If an expensive property made the list, it earned it with extra services and amenities or by being best in class. So dive in. Your perfect weekend awaits.
For all hotels, prices reflect starting weekend rates (low season/high season). Scores are out of 100.