Finding a decent hotel by the beach these days feels harder than getting through airport security with loose change in your pockets. You’re either met with run-down motels charging premiums for “ocean views” of the parking lot, or luxury resorts offering diamond-studded pillows for a small fortune.
But have no fear, weary traveler! The perfect beachside accommodations do exist in the surfing mecca known as Dana Point, California. This little hamlet perched atop dramatic bluffs is home to some hidden hotel gems that offer breezy beach vibes without having to sell a kidney to afford them.
Ahead, we’ll let you in on our top-secret list of spectacular – yet affordable – stays in Dana Point that offer the best of both worlds: postcard ocean panoramas right outside your door and amenities sure to please even the fussiest person you’re dragging along in your carry-on luggage (you know who they are).
The 10 Best Hotels in Dana Point, CA
So say goodbye to pit stains from questionable bedsheets and say hello to the vacation of your dreams! You’ll be kicking back with a mai tai in hand before you know it. Let’s check in on some swoon-worthy hotels, shall we?
The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel
The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel is a luxury hotel set on a seaside bluff overlooking the Pacific Ocean. The hotel is a Mediterranean-style villa with stylish, airy decor. The property is also home to an exclusive eco-adventure center. The resort is a family-friendly destination and has a wide range of activities for children of all ages. You have the option of staying in one of 396 guest rooms. Each room has a private balcony or terrace and features modern furnishings, a soothing color palette, and marble bathrooms. The rooms also offer 42-inch flat-screen televisions.
For a more exclusive experience, the Studio Ocean Suites are available. These suites feature a king-platform bed, a large bathroom with a rain shower, and a dining area. These suites can accommodate up to four guests. They offer a variety of dining options, from the casually chic 180blu to the Pan-Latin fare of Raya. The marketplace, meanwhile, has an extensive menu of healthy foods. The resort also has an outdoor oceanfront lounge. In addition to the resort's luxurious amenities, you can enjoy eco-adventures, surfing, whale-watching, and hiking.
The hotel also has a full-service spa. It is a serene retreat, offering a range of treatments, consisting of 12 treatment rooms, high-style locker rooms, and tranquil water features. The spa also offers an array of services, including facials, massages, body treatments, and manicures. The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel is an award-winning property and the first luxury beach resort in Orange County. The hotel has won several awards, including the AAA Five Diamond Award for the most consecutive years in California. It also offers a number of wedding and reception venues.
Waldorf Astoria Monarch Beach
Waldorf Astoria Monarch Beach is an upscale luxury resort situated on 175 acres of lush landscaping and is surrounded by the sparkling Pacific Ocean. It is a AAA Five-Diamond hotel and combines lavish amenities with a relaxing ocean getaway. You can enjoy a wide variety of dining options. You can have a meal in the restaurant, in your room, or at the on-site coffee shop. The hotel also features seven F&B concepts, including AVEO Table + Bar, an authentic Mediterranean concept.
Guests can enjoy the resort's fitness center and tennis courts, as well as the ocean adventure programs. The fitness center offers a sauna and massage services. The wellness center also offers yoga and surf lessons. In addition, the spa offers a wide range of treatments. You can choose from a variety of body treatments, facials, and other therapies.
The Monarch Bay Beach Club is the resort's exclusive beach club. The club is a private, U-shaped building that overlooks the gorgeous outdoor pool and 18-hole golf course. The hotel provides a shuttle service to the club. There is an oceanfront bar with drinks and dinner, as well as a sunset show. Waldorf Astoria Monarch Beach Resort & Club is part of the Waldorf Astoria Collection, a luxury brand from Hilton Hotels. Its design blends Spanish Colonial influences with artistic exuberance. Its location sits just a half-mile from the beach.
The rooms at the Monarch Beach Resort are spacious, with oversized soaking tubs. The accommodations include full-length mirrors, desks, and balconies. They are furnished with contemporary furnishings and marble tile. They also feature a fireplace and a flat-screen TV. Guests can also opt to stay in a premium suite. These rooms are designed with two bedrooms and include additional living space. They offer a full-size bar and a fireplace.
Blue Lantern Inn - A Four Sisters Inn
Blue Lantern Inn - A Four Sisters Inn is the ideal place to relax. It features 29 rooms with free Wi-Fi, cable programming, and a spa bath. It's also close to the Dana Point Headlands Conservation Area. It's a great hotel to stay at when you want to explore the area's beaches and wildlife. The hotel features a cheese platter on your first day of check-in. You'll also get a small plate of wine and cheese at 4 PM.
The room was spacious and clean. The bathroom was large with a jetted spa tub and a private deck with water views. It was also equipped with a flat-screen TV and cable television. It also had a mini-fridge with free drinks. The breakfast here was a tasty treat. You'll get a full breakfast every morning. There are plenty of choices on the menu, including hot and cold cereals, local honey, tea-time treats, and house-made breads.
There's also an outdoor patio and a fireplace. It's a great place to enjoy the sunshine and sea breeze. Blue Lantern Inn also offers bicycles to help you explore the coastline. There's also a fitness center and a spa on-site. There are also a few restaurants within walking distance. One option is Luciana's Ristorante. It's a three-minute walk from the hotel.
Laguna Cliffs Marriott Resort & Spa
Laguna Cliffs Marriott Resort & Spa is a AAA Four Diamond oceanfront resort providing 378 elegantly appointed guest rooms and suites. The rooms include a private dining room for up to six people, hardwood floors, a mini-fridge, and a coffee maker. Some rooms have balconies. Guests can enjoy a relaxing massage, hot tub, or steam room. The resort also has a full-service salon and a restaurant. The rooms offer complimentary Wi-Fi, cable TV with premium channels, a mini-fridge, and bathrobes. A 24-hour front desk provides luggage storage. Guests can also take advantage of the complimentary in-house breakfast.
Not just that, they offer luxurious contemporary accommodations and a full-service destination spa. This Orange County hotel offers an ideal getaway for couples and families. The property is close to many of the area's top attractions, including the renowned Ocean Institute. The 2,500-square-foot fitness center is connected to the spa and features cardio equipment with individual televisions. Guests can also take advantage of the steam room, sauna, and hot tub. Guests can also indulge in a relaxing massage or facial.
Laguna Cliffs Resort & Spa has two outdoor swimming pools and a Splash Zone pool for the kids. There is also a heated pool and a spa with 14,000 square feet of luxurious facilities. The hotel's full-service destination spa offers massages, body treatments, facials, and a manicure. The resort also offers a 24-hour concierge service and dry cleaning. The resort is less than eight miles from the center of Dana Point, making it a great place to explore. This location is also near several shopping and dining options. The nearest airport is John Wayne Airport, which is 26 miles away.
Best Western Plus Marina Shores Hotel
Best Western Plus Marina Shores Hotel is a budget-friendly hotel that provides guests with the amenities and customer service they need to make their stay a comfortable one. This three-story property has 30 standard rooms, as well as 44 two-bedroom suites. There's also a nice selection of on-site amenities, including an outdoor pool and fitness center. It is located in the heart of Southern California, only 8 miles from Laguna Beach and 4 miles from San Juan Capistrano.
Its location is a prime spot to explore the region's many attractions, and its proximity to the beach makes it an ideal choice for anyone in town for business or pleasure. This stay also offers an array of on-site facilities, from an outdoor pool and fitness center to a full-service spa and salon. The most impressive features are its large selection of accommodations, a nifty 24-hour reception, and even free Wi-Fi. The hotel also boasts a variety of perks, such as a business center and a safe deposit box for guests to use.
The hotel's front desk staff is also on hand to provide information on the region's dining and shopping options, as well as help plan a memorable vacation. Best Western Plus Marina Shores may not be the first choice in your quest to find a place to stay in the area, but its friendly, efficient, and helpful staff will make you feel right at home. If you're traveling for business, you'll appreciate the hotel's close proximity to the corporate offices of the likes of Apple, General Motors, HP, and Toyota.
DoubleTree Suites by Hilton Hotel Doheny Beach - Dana Point
DoubleTree Suites by Hilton Hotel Doheny Beach - Dana Point is a pet-friendly hotel with its contemporary decor, welcoming service and business amenities, the hotel is ideal for both vacationers and business travelers. It is situated in a prime location between Los Angeles and San Diego. You'll have easy access to the San Juan Capistrano Mission and Newport Beach. Guests will also have access to an outdoor pool, fitness center, and meeting space. The Doheny Surf restaurant serves California-inspired cuisine, and the Longboard Rooftop Lounge features ocean views.
This hotel offers two-room suites with a private bedroom, living room, and separate bathroom. The rooms include refrigerator, microwave, and Wi-Fi. Guests can also use the free Wi-Fi in the lobby. The deluxe suites feature a balcony. The Signature View King Suite with Balcony is ideal for groups, boasting a plush King-sized bed, comfortable sofabed, and separate living and working areas. The hotel's front desk is professional and courteous, and valet parking is also available. The hotel's location between Highway 1 and Pacific Coast Highway is convenient, and you'll find many dining options nearby. They also offer bicycle rentals. You can also explore the area by foot.
The Signature View King Suite with Balcony and the two-room Signature View Executive Suites offer spectacular ocean views, along with a spacious work desk, comfortable sofabed, and a balcony. The rooms at DoubleTree Suites Doheny Beach - Dana Point are well-equipped for traveling families, and pets are welcome. However, some Marriott hotels have reported noise from nearby thoroughfares, such as Highway 1. The hotel provides plenty of meeting space. It has three meeting rooms, and you'll also have access to a business center. Guests can also take advantage of the outdoor patio lounge, which offers a fire pit.
Capistrano Surfside Inn
Located in the Southern Californian city of Dana Point, the Capistrano Surfside Inn boasts 37 air-conditioned rooms, all with flat-screen TVs, complimentary Wi-Fi, and a free outdoor pool. The hotel is located less than 40 miles from Disneyland. The hotel's fitness center is equipped with free weights and cardio equipment. A complimentary breakfast is served daily from 7 AM to 9 AM. The property also has a business center. The laundry room is reasonably priced.
The hotel offers free bicycles and bicycle rentals. A 24-hour front desk is available. There are also several recreational facilities including a pool, games room, and fitness center. The hotel has a pet policy. The hotel also offers luggage storage. The most notable amenity of the hotel is its location, as it is just across the street from the beach. The hotel also has a large garden. It is a nice place to stay while on vacation. The resort is also close to a number of family attractions.
The resort's one-bedroom suites feature full kitchens and guest laundry facilities. You can also enjoy a game of billiards, a pool table, and a vending machine. There is also a spa tub. The hotel offers complimentary wireless Internet and a fitness center. The Capistrano Surfside Inn has a pet-friendly policy. The hotel has a swimming pool and a hot tub. There are also a few rooms with ocean views. This is one of the best hotels in Dana Point. It is also located near the Capistrano Beach park and the Lantern Bay County Park. It is approximately a 25-minute drive from the John Wayne Airport. The hotel also provides free self-parking.
Best Western Plus Dana Point Inn-by-the-Sea
Located at 34744 Pacific Coast Highway in Dana Point, CA, the Best Western Plus Dana Point Inn-by-the-Sea is a great option for travelers visiting this California beach town. The hotel offers free parking, a fitness center, and a host of recreational offerings, including an on-site pool and a Jacuzzi. The property also offers a complimentary breakfast, free Wi-Fi, and a free roll-away bed. The hotel is also near several of Southern California's top attractions, including Sea World and Legoland.
The hotel is only a short walk away from the harbor and offers views of the ocean. It also boasts a number of other amenities, including a business center, a restaurant, and a swimming pool. This hotel is close to the best attractions in the area, including Sea World and the Universal Studios theme park. Other notable features include an outdoor hot tub, an on-site golf course, and a spa. The hotel even offers light snacking options, a daily breakfast, and a 24-hour reception and concierge service.
The hotel is also a short distance from the John Wayne Airport, making it easy for travelers to leave the car at home while exploring all that the area has to offer. While there are many hotels to choose from in the area, the Best Western Plus Dana Point Inn-by-the-Sea certainly stands out. The hotel has a number of rooms to choose from, including quadruple and double rooms, and the hotel's most impressive offering is the complimentary Wi-Fi. This hotel also provides a host of other amenities, including laundry facilities and luggage storage, along with an in-room video streaming system and express check-out.
The Beachfront Inn & Suites at Dana Point
Located on the shores of Doheny State Beach, The Beachfront Inn & Suites at Dana Point offers guests a chance to relax and recharge at one of Southern California's most popular beaches. This resort has a variety of spacious rooms with views of the ocean. Its location is ideal for both business travelers and families. Formerly known as Quality Inn & Suites Oceanview, this hotel offers free Wi-Fi and a daily complimentary buffet breakfast. This is offered from 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM. You can also enjoy a fitness center and sauna. A laundry room is available, as well as an ironing facility. The hotel's pet policy allows visitors to bring pets along with them.
The hotel's meeting room is available for use by business guests. Other features include a communal hot tub, a television, and a refrigerator. The Beachfront Inn & Suites at Dana Point is near San Clemente Pier, which is less than a 10-minute walk away. You can also enjoy the nearby San Juan Capistrano Mission, which is over 200 years old. Those looking for a relaxing stay in a comfortable resort are also able to enjoy the outdoor pool and the on-site laundry facilities. In addition, you can take advantage of a sauna and massage services. The hotel's rooms have been recently renovated and feature flat-screen TVs and finely-appointed bathrooms.
Other amenities at the hotel include free wireless Internet access, a fitness center, and free local phone calls. Some rooms also have seating areas and mini fridges. Some guests have reported that the rooms are clean and spacious. You can also enjoy the free on-the-go breakfast served every morning between 8:00 AM and 10:00 AM. Those interested in a more affordable vacation should consider visiting the Beachfront Inn and Suites at Dana Point. The hotel is a stones throw from the Orange County coast, and is also located near a number of other attractions.
Dana Point Marina Inn
Dana Point Marina Inn is a waterfront hotel that offers 136 laid-back guest rooms. Each of their rooms come with a private balcony, a refrigerator, and a coffee/tea maker. It is also equipped with an outdoor pool, a spa tub, and a fitness center. While staying here, you can enjoy scenic views of the harbor and palm trees. You can also benefit their full-service business center and complimentary wireless Internet access. In addition to the room's amenities, the hotel also provides a complimentary breakfast.
It is a pet-friendly property. In addition, there are many dining and entertainment options close to the hotel. The hotel is also near a number of attractions in Orange County. They boast a complimentary breakfast, a microwave in the lobby, and a swimming pool. The hotel also provides a business center and a wedding service. A variety of meeting rooms and event spaces are also available. It is also within walking distance of a number of fine-dining restaurants and boutiques.
In addition to all of this, Dana Point Marina Inn provides free private parking. Also, you can take advantage of a complimentary continental breakfast, a business center, and a fitness center. The hotel also offers a free shuttle to the beach. A daily maid service and 24-hour front desk support are also available. The hotel's other notable features include an outdoor pool, a spa tub, a fitness center, and multiple meeting rooms.
