As one of the world’s top travel destinations, Orange County is brimming with a rich mix of hotels of all shapes and sizes. To help you navigate your options, we’ve put together a list of the best places to call home for a few days.
Montage Laguna Beach
30801 S. Coast Hwy, Laguna Beach, 92651
Prominently situated atop rugged clifftops overlooking the sea in Laguna Beach, the lovely and stylish Montage Laguna Beach is an oasis of tranquility and beauty. Blending the luxury and amenities of a Five Star hotel with museum-quality art, the décor is airy and bright, with light-colored appointments befitting a resort by the sea. Rooms, suites, and bungalows feature 400-thread count linens and extravagant marble bathrooms and balconies or patios with beautiful views. A popular destination for celebrities, Montage Laguna Beach was voted the #1 best OC Resort Hotel by TimesOC Readers in 2019.
The Resort at Pelican Hill
22701 Pelican Hill Rd South, Newport Beach, 92657
Nestled on 504 verdant acres along the Newport Coast, the Resort at Pelican Hill is a Five Star, AAA Five Diamond destination offering next-level service and luxury. The resort has a luxurious residential feel, as though you’re living in a small Tuscan town, and the thoughtfully appointed and tastefully decorated rooms ensure comfort and relaxation. Golfers will appreciate the 36 holes designed by world-class golf course designer Tom Fazio with their mesmerizing views of the Pacific. Pelican Hill also features the heated Coliseum pool, one of the world’s largest circular pools, a lavish Five Star spa, and exquisite cuisine.
The Ritz-Carlton Laguna Niguel
One Ritz-Carlton Drive, Dana Point, 92629
Situated atop a 150-foot bluff overlooking the ocean, the Mediterranean-inspired Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel is a tasteful and elegant retreat nestled on immaculately maintained grounds. Guest rooms are decorated in sea and sand tones to reflect the setting and feature French doors that open onto private with ocean, pool, or garden views. The sumptuous spa is enchanting with a menu containing many ocean-inspired elements. The Eco-Adventure Center, led by expert naturalists, teaches guests about the environment surrounding the resort through tours, activities, and educational walks. Guests also enjoy a wide variety of artwork from local artists, delicious dining, and direct beach access.
Balboa Bay Resort
1221 West Coast Hwy, Newport Beach, 92663
Sitting on 15 acres along the water, this lushly landscaped resort has a rich history and has hosted many celebrities, including Humphrey Bogart, Lauren Bacall, Jim Carrey, and George W. Bush. The resort has a laidback atmosphere of friendly, relaxed elegance with many guests participating in boating and other water sports, as well as in events hosted by the resort such as summer concerts, film screenings, and barbecues. The resort’s A+O Restaurant | Bar (short for Anchors & Oceans) offers live entertainment on Friday nights and is very popular.
Waldorf Astoria Monarch Beach Resort & Club
1 Monarch Beach Resort, Dana Point, 92629
Set on 175 acres atop a beautiful seaside bluff overlooking the Pacific, this Five Star resort is a delight to the senses. Epitomizing casual luxury, relaxation and fun go hand-in-hand here, whether one is sunbathing by the pool, golfing, or joining friends around the fire pit at the private beach club. This resort exudes charm and offers a wide variety of thoughtful touches, such as chocolate wrapped to resemble a monarch beach butterfly, for guests’ enjoyment.
