Laguna Beach is calling.
Ron and Patty Thomas/Getty ImagesLaguna Beach is the epitome of California lifestyle. The sun and sand are just steps away from most hotels and vacation rentals, while cute shops and impeccable dining spots dot the downtown streets. When it comes time to book a hotel at the beach, there are plenty of options and styles to choose from, including large resort accommodations to more affordable beachfront hotels with the basics.
Is Laguna Beach on your travel itinerary this year? Here are five top hotels in the area for every type of traveler and budget.
Best Budget-Friendly Hotel
The Pacific Edge Hotel is a great budget-friendly option right on the beachfront in Laguna Beach. The rooms at the hotel give off a coastal, cozy vibe, especially the new rooms in the Reef Tower. Most rooms have at least a partial view of the ocean, though only a few have balconies where guests can sit outside and enjoy the view. Travelers looking for more space or who want to make some of their meals in the hotel room should book a studio or suite, which also come with a full kitchen.
The hotel does have a daily facility fee of $25, which gives guests access to premium Wi-Fi, domestic calls and a beach chair setup. Guests who need more assistance getting to and from their room will also want to note that some buildings have elevator access and some do not.
Best Luxury Resort
Montage Laguna Beach
Those looking for a large resort that has everything they could possibly want on a vacation to Laguna Beach will want to stay at Montage Laguna Beach. The resort has two outdoor pool decks, three signature restaurants and a full-service spa. Every weekend, the resort hosts afternoon tea in the Lobby Lounge, and on Friday and Saturday, guests can make s’mores by the pool or the Ocean Lawn Fire Pit.
After enjoying all of the amenities that the resort has to offer, guests can settle in for the evening in their spacious room or suite. Each of the standard rooms has at least a partial ocean view, a marble bathroom and a sitting area. Suites offer more room to spread out for larger groups, and some have their own gas fireplace for those chilly California evenings.
Best Romantic Getaway
Casa Laguna Hotel and Spa is a cozy little retreat that dates back to the 1920s. With just 23 guest rooms, the eclectic hotel mixes California vibes with Moroccan style for a unique look. No matter which type of room travelers stay in here, they are privy to a curated library of bedside reading material, Cowshed bath amenities, a mini bar with Dean & Deluca snacks and custom bathrobes. Some of the rooms do have an ocean view, which is always nice to wake up to.
Each morning the hotel offers a complimentary European-style continental breakfast complete with coffee, homemade bread and pastries, quiche, fresh fruit and freshly squeezed juice. Along with breakfast, Casa Laguna also offers a small menu of Mediterranean small plates from noon until 7:30 p.m. to enjoy in the lobby, by the onsite pool or at the beach.
Best Beachfront Hotel
Just steps from the ocean is The Inn at Laguna Beach. The hotel offers 70 newly refurbished guest rooms and suites, some with panoramic ocean views and others that look out over the pool deck. Each of the rooms has a light and airy feel, with crisp white linens, light wood and weaved patio furniture.
Guests get beach chairs and towels to use during their stay, so there’s no need to go to the local shops to get a chair. The Inn at Laguna Beach hosts nightly complimentary wine reception and a milk and cookies hour. Both events happen nightly. There is also a rooftop bar at the hotel where cocktails are flowing, and the views of the beach hillside can’t be beaten.
Best Splurge Hotel
For those who want a mix of beach time and mountain exploration, The Ranch at Laguna Beach is ideal. From the resort, guests can pack a bag and head off to almost 15,000 trails that lead to the ocean or up into the woodlands, then head down to the resort’s beachfront cafe. Those who enjoy hitting the golf course will find the onsite nine-hole course to be a fun challenge. There is also a full-service spa, live music and nightly s’mores. And don’t forget Harvest, the onsite restaurant that specializes in organic California comfort food with ingredients grown at the resort.
Accommodations are scattered around the property in 15 different buildings. Canyon Rooms and Creekside Studio Suites are ideal for couples with one king bed and a spacious bathroom, while the Creekside One Bedroom Sites offer a king bed and full-sized fold-out couch which is great for those traveling with children. For the ultimate stay, consider booking the Treehouse, which has two bedrooms and three bathrooms, a full kitchen, a wraparound porch, and fantastic views of the property.