16 Top-Rated Hotels in Laguna Beach, CA

Written by Brad Lane
Updated Mar 22, 2022
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The best hotels in Laguna Beach, an affluent artist colony on the Southern California coast, are on the water and overlooking the ocean. Spanning the bluff-lined coast and bordering places like Heisler Park and Treasure Island Beach, hotels in Laguna Beach vary from romantic, luxurious accommodations to family-friendly hotels with direct access to the ocean.

Pet-friendly hotels in Laguna Beach offer space for every member of the family, and even if it's business that brings you to Laguna Beach, these coastal hotels deliver with vacation views and ideal weather.

Literally lining the coast of Laguna Beach, the best hotels also lend access to the city's charming downtown district, filled with numerous galleries and local shops. The annual summer festival, Pageant of the Masters, brings famous works of art to life on stage in Laguna Beach, and the best hotels often fill to capacity during this treasured event. Hotels in Laguna Beach attract celebrity and international guests alike-you never know who you'll run into while staying here.

Best Luxury Hotels in Laguna Beach

1. The Ranch at Laguna Beach

Photo Source: The Ranch at Laguna Beach
Photo Source: The Ranch at Laguna Beach

Accommodation: The Ranch at Laguna Beach

Within Aliso and Woods Canyon near the southern coastline of Laguna Beach, is the Ranch at Laguna Beach. It's the serene natural atmosphere that gives The Ranch LB serious charm.

The forest canyon that surrounds the property lends to activities like cozy bonfires, challenging golf outings, and extensive garden tours. The saline pool is also a popular place to unwind at The Ranch, with abundant deck chairs, umbrellas, and poolside food service.

Accommodations at The Ranch LB include canyon rooms, creekside suites, and a stylish Treehouse with big windows and beautiful views.

Numerous dining experiences at The Ranch encourage guests to keep their vacation time spent on the 87-acre property, including the Lost Pier Cafe and the Harvest restaurant, which features locally sourced ingredients and outdoor seating.

The spa at The Ranch LB has a long list of rejuvenating services like facials, wraps, massages, and infrared sauna treatments.

2. Montage Laguna Beach

Photo Source: Montage Laguna Beach
Photo Source: Montage Laguna Beach

Accommodation: Montage Laguna Beach

A sprawling property perched on a bluff overlooking the Pacific Ocean, the Montage Laguna Beach is one of the most sought-after luxury hotels thanks to its abundance of seaside style.

All 250-plus guest rooms and suites at the Montage overlook the dramatic ocean environment, as well as the intricately tiled Mosaic Pool, which features lavish deck chairs and well-manicured lawns.

Alongside hand-decorated rooms and suites, Montage Laguna Beach also features extravagant villas that are available for extended stays.

Three signature dining options are at the hotel, including the fourth floor The Loft restaurant that features a tastefully decorated lobby overlooking the ocean.

The 20,000-square-foot Spa Montage also overlooks the ocean, with a variety of available services like couple's massage and a California wildflower massage. For added cultural appeal at this 4-star hotel, museum quality art is found throughout the property.

3. The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel

Photo Source: The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel

Accommodation: The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel

The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel is another top luxury choice. The five-star resort is located just a few miles outside of Laguna Beach proper. It sits on a bluff overlooking the Pacific Ocean and caters to couples and families alike.

You'll find a range of rooms and suites in a variety of configurations, including family rooms. Many have direct ocean views from private balconies. All accommodations are luxe, with stylish designs and custom furnishings. Book the club level if you want access to a private lounge and more spacious and airy room layouts.

The resort has a number of amenities on-site. There is beach access for guests. You'll also find a heated outdoor swimming pool and hot tub on the grounds. Head to the spa if you are in need of some pampering. They offer a full range of treatments including couples massages. There is a steam room and sauna on-site.

If you are traveling with children, there is a kids' club, babysitting can be arranged, and little ones can run off some energy on the outdoor play equipment.

4. Surf & Sand Resort

Photo Source: Surf & Sand Resort
Photo Source: Surf & Sand Resort

Accommodation: Surf & Sand Resort

An all-inclusive resort on the water at Laguna Beach, the Surf & Sand Resort offers the perfect luxurious getaway. With every aspect of a vacation covered, from the meals to the activities and the overall experience of visiting Laguna Beach, the Surf & Sand Resort hosts visitors from around the world. It's the stunning backdrop of this oceanfront resort that draws a crowd and requires reservations, but it's the extra attention to detail that keeps guests coming back for years.

With a laid-back Mediterranean vibe, all 150-plus guest rooms at Surf & Sand feature private balconies with ocean views. The in-house Splashes restaurant features fresh seafood cuisine for all three meals of the day, and the 15FiftyFive balcony lounge at the hotel is lined with fire pits and ocean views.

For extra indulgence, the Aquaterra Spa at Surf & Sand Resort is well regarded as one of the best in Laguna Beach with a variety of rejuvenating services.

5. Hotel Joaquin

Photo Source: Hotel Joaquin
Photo Source: Hotel Joaquin

Accommodation: Hotel Joaquin

Guests are immediately immersed into a seaside paradise the moment they walk through the garden gate of the Hotel Joaquin. It's consistently regarded as the best luxury hotel in Laguna Beach.

The ocean aesthetics continue from here, with coastal craftsmanship and modern decor defining the interior of this four-star hotel. Boutique accommodations at Hotel Joaquin include a collection of uniquely furnished rooms with different floor plans, some with excellent views of the ocean, and others including additional living space.

With daybeds and food service available, the pool at Hotel Joaquin is a great place to soak up some sun. Other dining options at Hotel Joaquin include a healthy complimentary breakfast with fresh items like Croque Monsieur and a smoothie-of-the-day. The inhouse Saline restaurant features seasonal Mediterranean entrees for all three meals of the day.

Hotel Joaquin also has beach experiences covered, with numerous rentals available including boogie boards, surf boards, kites, and cruiser bikes.

6. Casa Laguna Hotel & Spa

Photo Source: Casa Laguna Hotel & Spa
Photo Source: Casa Laguna Hotel & Spa

Accommodation: Casa Laguna Hotel & Spa

Offering a sense of history with a modern touch, Casa Laguna Hotel & Spa is a collection of historic buildings dating back to the early 1900s. The Mission House building serves as the central lobby of Casa Laguna Hotel & Spa, with other historic structures comprising the guest rooms and other common spaces of the hotel.

All 23 rooms of Casa Laguna are uniquely decorated with a Moroccan influence that exudes an eclectic mix of style and comfort close to the beach.

An extensive continental breakfast is complimentary at Casa Laguna Hotel & Spa, including fresh-baked pastries and bread. Other Mediterranean small plates are offered throughout the day and can be ordered picnic style to enjoy at the neighboring Victoria Beach.

For extra indulgences, the spa at Casa Laguna features indoor and outdoor services, including soothing massages within view of the ocean.

Best Hotels for Couples in Laguna Beach

1. Laguna Beach House

Photo Source: Laguna Beach House
Photo Source: Laguna Beach House

Accommodation: Laguna Beach House

With a light and breezy coastal design, Laguna Beach House offers a laid-back hotel perfect for a casually romantic weekend.

Accommodations at the Laguna Beach House range from rooms with coastal views to poolside suites-some with private balconies available.

Romance is easily found at the beach, just two minutes from Laguna Beach House, with complimentary beach rentals, including chairs and umbrellas. Sunsets are the best time to enjoy the shoreline with someone special.

Between the BeautyRest pillow-top beds and soft bathrobes available in each room, relaxing comes naturally at this breezy hotel. Other amenities that encourage romance at Laguna Beach House include nightly receptions and a special "Love in Laguna" package, including truffles upon arrival.

For other couples experiences, Laguna Beach House also offers surfing, paddleboarding, and special activity packages.

2. The Inn at Laguna Beach

Photo Source: The Inn at Laguna Beach
Photo Source: The Inn at Laguna Beach

Accommodation: The Inn at Laguna Beach

For romantic sunsets and cozy furnishings, the Inn at Laguna Beach features direct beach access and pillow-top beds. Rooms and suites overlook either the pool, ocean, or village of Laguna Beach, some with private balconies, and all 70 rooms provide a private enclave that is perfect for spending time away from the crowds. For an extra lavish retreat, the top-floor Distinctive Suites at The Inn feature extra space and stunning views.

Guests at the Inn at Laguna Beach are just minutes away from the sand and the surf, with stairs leading directly from the hotel to Main Beach. The stunning Heisler Park is also right outside the backdoor of the hotel.

Open to guests only, the most romantic spot to watch the sunset is on the rooftop at the Pacific Terrace lounge, which is also a great spot to enjoy the locally sourced breakfast in the mornings.

3. La Casa del Camino

Photo Source: La Casa del Camino
Photo Source: La Casa del Camino

Accommodation: La Casa del Camino

Overlooking the Pacific Ocean, this historic hotel was first constructed in 1929. With a sense of history and elegance, La Casa del Camino features Spanish-style rooms with contemporary furniture and maximum comfort.

Offering true romantic getaways from the hustle and bustle of the city just outside the front door, La Casa del Camino also features a three-bedroom beach house available for overnight stays. The iconic Rooftop Lounge at La Casa del Camino is a signature place in the city to catch a sunset.

4. Pacific Edge Hotel on Laguna Beach

Photo Source: Pacific Edge Hotel on Laguna Beach
Photo Source: Pacific Edge Hotel on Laguna Beach

Accommodation: Pacific Edge Hotel on Laguna Beach

The romantic possibilities are nearly endless at the Pacific Edge Hotel, featuring standard rooms, spacious suites, and private beachside bungalows.

Overlooking the ocean and offering stunning sunsets, the Pacific Edge Hotel also features on-site dining at places like the local-favorite Driftwood Kitchen. Within walking distance of the artist colony known as Laguna Beach, the Pacific Edge Hotel also offers guests direct access to the sandy shore itself.

5. Laguna Brisas Hotel

Photo Source: Laguna Brisas Hotel
Photo Source: Laguna Brisas Hotel

Accommodation: Laguna Brisas Hotel

A short walk to the ocean, this romantic seaside destination features great sunset views from an outdoor terrace. The cozy and comfortable rooms at Laguna Brisas Hotel also set the mood, especially the rooms with two-person spa tubs.

For sunsets on the beach, the hotel offers beach towels, chairs, and umbrellas. For dinner dates out on the town, Laguna Brisas is also centrally located near the downtown district, which is filled with numerous fine-dining and romantic restaurants.

Best Hotels for Families in Laguna Beach

1. Holiday Inn Laguna Beach

Photo Source: Holiday Inn Laguna Beach
Photo Source: Holiday Inn Laguna Beach

Accommodation: Holiday Inn Laguna Beach

With a uniquely Mediterranean and sea breeze theme, families at this beachfront hotel enjoy everything you'd expect from this nationally recognized chain. Spacious and comfortable rooms with bright decor provide a good night's sleep, and the outdoor pool and patio offer a great place to spend time between exploring the beach.

Numerous family attractions surround the Holiday Inn Laguna Beach, including the many shops and restaurants in the nearby downtown district.

2. The Tides Laguna Beach

Photo Source: The Tides Laguna Beach
Photo Source: The Tides Laguna Beach

Accommodation: The Tides Laguna Beach

For a family-friendly hotel on the water at Laguna Beach, The Tides Laguna Beach features 21 comfortably decorated rooms close to the ocean.

Family vacation experiences are made at the outdoor saline pool of The Tides Laguna, as well as at the outdoor grill and barbecue area, which is free to use for all overnight guests. The arts-inspired downtown district of Laguna Beach is located within walking distance of the hotel.

The Tides Laguna Beach is also just minutes from the beach, and the hotel features complimentary beach gear, including chairs, umbrellas, and a wide array of toys. With scarce parking throughout the rest of the pedestrian-friendly city, The Tides Laguna Beach offers guests one free parking spot with each stay.

For those looking to travel with the whole family, The Tides Laguna Beach has some pet-friendly rooms available.

3. Capri Laguna on the Beach

Photo Source: Capri Laguna on the Beach
Photo Source: Capri Laguna on the Beach

Accommodation: Capri Laguna on the Beach

For an oceanfront hotel, Capri Laguna features beach and ocean-view rooms with immediate access to the sandy shore, great for family vacations. Few other hotels on the Laguna Beach coast can match the value at Capri Laguna on the Beach. Kids stay free at this 3-star hotel, and the pet-friendly policy means dogs are welcome to join the family vacation.

Numerous family favorite beaches and public spaces are within walking distance of Capri Laguna on the Beach, including the public-art-infused Heisler Park-also known as "Paradise on Earth." The art galleries and local eateries of Laguna Beach can also be visited from the hotel within a short walk.

During the evenings at Capri Laguna on the Beach, the sunsets from the hotel's deck seem to smolder for hours.

4. Crescent Bay Inn

Photo Source: Crescent Bay Inn
Photo Source: Crescent Bay Inn

Accommodation: Crescent Bay Inn

Alongside more affordable value in Laguna Beach, it's the quick access to the ocean that makes Crescent Bay Inn popular for family vacations. It's within a five-minute walk to the sandy shores of Crescent Bay, and a regional trolley that shuttles visitors up and down the coast has a stop right outside the door of this recently renovated hotel.

A free, light breakfast comes with every stay at Crescent Bay Inn, and families often take advantage of the stay-and-play discounts that reduce admission to area attractions.

5. Laguna Beach Inn

Photo Source: Laguna Beach Inn
Photo Source: Laguna Beach Inn

Accommodation: Laguna Beach Inn

An affordable hotel that stretches the family vacation budget further, the Laguna Beach Inn features clean and comfortable rooms just minutes from the ocean. The outdoor pool at the Laguna Beach Inn is a popular hangout for the whole family, and the complimentary continental breakfast gives everyone a good start to the day. With complimentary beach toys, umbrellas, and chairs, it's easy to enjoy family beach time when staying at the Laguna Beach Inn.

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