Here are Orange County's best hotels.
The waterfront Balboa Bay Resort; PHOTO COURTESY OF VISIT NEWPORT BEACH
This 160-room luxurious resort rests on 15 acres on the picturesque Pacific Coast Highway. Just four miles from Corona del Mar State Beach, Balboa Bay Resort was founded in 1948 as the Balboa Bay Club, a private yacht club. A+O Restaurant | Bar, where the waterfront patio offers the most coveted seating options, and Lighthouse, known for its weekly Sunday seafood brunch, are among the dining options at Balboa Bay Resort. There’s also an outdoor pool with cabana rentals, a decadent spa and a beauty salon.
Hotel Joaquin replaces the standard hotel television with the luxury of record players in each of its guest rooms. PHOTO COURTESY OF BRAND
Hotel Joaquin, an intimate boutique hotel in Laguna Beach, is a treasure along the Pacific Coast Highway. With chic and playful individually designed rooms, this adults-only hotel is within walking distance of many of Laguna Beach’s most exquisite beaches and only a couple of miles from the famous Top of the World hiking spot, among other scenic hiking trails in Laguna. Incite your sense of adventure when you book a reservation at this chic seaside sanctuary, which offers on-site dining and its own pool.
The inviting lobby at the Inn at Mission San Juan Capistrano; PHOTO COURTESY OF BRAND
Inn at The Mission San Juan Capistrano
In the historic Spanish-inspired town of San Juan Capistrano rests the Inn at The Mission, perfecting the balance of centuries-old tradition and modern wonder. This upscale hotel offers warmly decorated, refined rooms and suites only a five-minute walk from the Los Rios Historic District and four miles from the famous Doheny State Beach. Relax in the dazzling pool or unwind at the Spa at the Mission, situated among the lush flora that surrounds the hotel. Be sure to make a reservation for tapas and drinks at the elegant Spanish restaurant, Ysidora.
This Cape Cod-style property offers stylish, nautical-themed rooms and private cottages in the hip, upscale neighborhood of Lido Isle in Newport Beach. The Mayor’s Table, a vibrant, modern restaurant specializing in seafood, as well as Topside, a trendy rooftop cocktail lounge, are among the amenities provided at this boutique hotel. There’s also a gift shop, an outdoor pool and the on-site Boost Spa. Discover the colorful ambiance, thriving harbor and pristine coastline of Newport Beach.
The Mosaic Pool at Montage Laguna Beach; PHOTO COURTESY OF BRAND
Stunning ocean views await at the seaside Montage Laguna Beach. Enjoy accommodations in coastal suites and bungalows, take a dip in the famous Mosaic Pool, relax at Spa Montage or grab a drink in the Lobby Lounge. On-site dining is also offered at Mosaic Bar & Grille and Loft.
Make the most of your vacation with Paséa Hotel & Spa’s incredible amenities—including surf lessons, botanical facials at Aarna Spa and VIP pet packages to pamper your pooch. Dining on premises is a must, from the contemporary Study Kitchen + Bar to the soon-to-open Cali-coastal eatery, Lōrea.
A suite at Pendry Newport Beach; PHOTO COURTESY OF BRAND
Launched in fall 2023, the brand-new Pendry Newport Beach is located steps from Fashion Island in Newport Beach. Clique Hospitality’s debut Orange County restaurant, SET Steak & Sushi, offers cuisine for land and sea lovers, while the buzzing Bar Pendry is the place to see-and-be-seen when night falls. Relax at Spa Pendry, complete with its own cryotherapy chamber, or make a lasting commitment by inquiring about Pendry’s private members-only hot spot, The Elwood Club.
One of Laguna Beach’s most refined hotels, with a relaxed beach vibe, is the Surf & Sand Resort. This Mediterranean-inspired gem is oceanfront, resting directly on the sand of Bluebird Beach, and offers 167 beachfront guest rooms, including 13 Laguna Beach suites, all with their own balconies and spectacular views of the Pacific Ocean. Visit Aquaterra Spa to unwind before enjoying an elegant dinner at the seaside Splashes restaurant.
The Spa at Pelican Hill was the first Forbes Five-Star spa in Newport Beach; PHOTO COURTESY OF BRAND
For five-star accommodations and Italian-inspired architecture, The Resort at Pelican Hill in Newport Beach offers an unforgettable experience amid panoramic Pacific Ocean views. With a world-class golf course featuring 36 holes and a stunning pool and spa facility, this resort is sure to provide a luxurious getaway for those who long for utter tranquility.
The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel
The Ritz-Carlton in Laguna Niguel sits atop a 150-foot oceanfront bluff overlooking the gorgeous Salt Creek Beach, famous for its long picturesque coastline and surfer’s paradise. This Mediterranean-style luxury hotel offers oceanfront views and elegant rooms, with each suite booked offering personal assistants and preferred restaurant seating. This hotel features fine dining at the highly-rated RAYA restaurant, plus unique culinary pop-ups, including Taikun Omakase and Kahani.
The grand Waldorf Astoria Monarch Beach Resort & Club in Dana Point; PHOTO COURTESY OF BRAND
Waldorf Astoria Monarch Beach Resort & Club
Relaxation and recreation are promised when you book a stay at this luxury hotel in Dana Point. With its sophisticated yet beachy vibe, Waldorf Astoria Monarch Beach is nestled on a spacious 175 acres. With a private beach club, three pools, oceanfront golf, a luxury spa, unique coastal activities, California cuisine and more, there is something for everyone to enjoy. Don’t miss Orange County’s only Bourbon Steak restaurant, where a menu crafted by the renowned Michael Mina awaits.
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