Viceroy Santa Monica
Santa Monica · California
A renovated beachfront hotel that says it makes its own cleaning solution on site.
Filtered air
Purifiers in the room or better filters on the fresh air, and what each hotel has and hasn’t said.
Inn at Moonlight Beach
Encinitas · California
Five garden suites near Moonlight Beach, certified WELL Platinum in 2020.
Santa Monica Proper Hotel
Santa Monica · California
A 1920s landmark and a new wing layered by Kelly Wearstler in plaster, oak and pale tones.
Post Ranch Inn
Big Sur · California
Redwood and stone houses above the Pacific; the inn says its materials are low-emitting.
Bardessono Hotel & Spa
Yountville · California
Salvaged walnut, cypress and stone, a short walk from Yountville’s restaurants.
About this collection
Wildfire smoke has made indoor air a practical question in California, not a niche one. The US EPA recommends filters rated MERV 13 or higher, and warns against air cleaners that make ozone.
Each of these hotels has said something about filtration, in rooms or public spaces. So far only one has said enough to meet our criteria; the rest have not named the purifier or said whether it makes ozone, so their rows stay not yet reviewed. Ask for the model when you book, and avoid ionizing or ozone-generating units.
The criteria
In-room air purifier
A true-HEPA purifier in the room or on request, with no ozone-generating or ionizing function.
How we review it: In-room air purifierFiltered fresh air
Mechanical ventilation brings outdoor air in through filters rated MERV 13 or better.
How we review it: Filtered fresh air