The Surfrider Hotel, MalibuThe Surfrider Hotel in Malibu, United States has a corrected score of 3.3 ± 0.6 (thin evidence, no platform scores), ranked 5 of 6 hotels we score in Malibu. Its platform ratings, normalised to 0-5, average 4.6 before correction.The Surfrider Hotel is a 20-room boutique beach house on the Pacific Coast Highway in Malibu, California, sitting directly opposite Surfrider Beach. The building reworks a 1950s design in a modern style, and a rooftop terrace gives guests views over the ocean. Rooms come with coffee, and the hotel lends out bikes and surfboards on a first-come, first-served basis, which suits travellers who want to spend their stay in the water or exploring the coast on two wheels. There is a restaurant, room service, parking and Wi-Fi. The small size means an intimate, sustainability-focused stay, but only 20 rooms means availability is limited and early booking is wise. It suits couples and solo travellers who value design and location over large-hotel facilities.What stands out

Directly across from Surfrider Beach

Free bikes and surfboards to borrow

Rooftop terrace with ocean views

Intimate 20-room boutique feel

Watch out for

Only 20 rooms, so books up quickly

Bikes and surfboards are first-come, first-served

Better-scored in Malibu

Villa Graziadio Executive Center, Malibu: 4.1 ± 0.2 (fair evidence, 3 of 4 platforms), from $371 a night. Located on the Pepperdine University campus in Malibu, Villa Graziadio Executive Center provides 32 guest rooms for business and leisure travellers.

Malibu Beach Inn, Malibu: 3.8 ± 0.2 (solid evidence, 4 of 4 platforms), from $1,029 a night. Malibu Beach Inn is a 47-room boutique hotel on Carbon Beach at 22878 Pacific Coast Highway in Malibu, California.

Surfrider Malibu Hotel, Malibu: 3.7 ± 0.2 (solid evidence, 4 of 4 platforms), from $740 a night. Surfrider Malibu Hotel is a boutique property situated directly opposite Surfrider Beach in Malibu, California.