Best Hotels in Laguna Beach

The Montage Laguna Beach epitomizes the relaxed class and beauty for which Southern California is known. The property's location (right along the shore just south of downtown Laguna Beach) is a particularly popular perk among guests. Accommodations at the hotel also include feather-top beds and marble bathrooms not to mention beautiful turn-of-the-century decor and private terraces or balconies that overlook the ocean. But don't plan on spending much time in your room. In addition to enjoying the large beach area, you can lounge poolside, shop at the in-house boutiques, receive spa treatments and eat gourmet meals at one of three on-site restaurants. If you happen to be here for date night, recent guests say that the intimate atmosphere and the locally sourced California cuisine at Studio will set the tone for a romantic evening. There are also family programs for children, though previous visitors say that the upscale environment at Montage Laguna Beach is better suited for couples.

An idyllic seaside getaway, Surf & Sand Resort sits on the shore about a mile from the center of prestigious Laguna Beach, California. The close proximity to the Pacific Ocean and beach are the highlights for many visitors, but the resort has more to offer. The Aquaterra Spa has a plethora of treatments, including full body scrubs and refreshing facials. And recent diners at SPLASHES restaurant commend the food, though they do warn about steep prices. Plus, with drink service and a gorgeous view, the poolside and its calming atmosphere makes for a great alternative to the beach. The resort's 167 guest rooms and suites are all equipped for a pleasant night's stay, boasting down comforters, iPod docking stations, cotton bathrobes and marble bathrooms with showers. Accommodations also feature private furnished balconies that afford excellent views of the ocean.

If guests could sum up their stays at The Ranch at Laguna Beach in one word, it would be relaxing. Located at the base of Laguna Beach, California's lush Aliso and Wood canyons, this 87-acre property comes outfitted with all the necessities needed to properly unwind. Adults can unplug at the Sycamore Spa or hit the links at the nine-hole Ben Brown's Golf Course, while kids can splash around in the pool or attend the free Junior Ranger Summer Camp, which partners with local naturalists for outdoor activities. The resort's nature theme is also apparent in its accommodations. Each is decorated in earth tones and features picturesque views of either a creek or the nearby canyons. Rooms also come equipped with minifridges, Italian bed linens, LCD TVs and furnished patios. When it's time to eat, there's the on-site restaurant, Harvest, which serves hearty plates of California comfort food. Recent visitors were impressed with the eatery's dishes, describing their meals as "outstanding" and "fabulous." Many also had no qualms about being away from the beach, despite this being the city's main attraction. In fact, the quiet locale only added to their experiences.