If you’re searching for the best Laguna Beach luxury hotel to celebrate your next birthday, anniversary, or major milestone moment, look no further. The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel is the ultimate vacation getaway destination. From stylish costal-inspired rooms and breathtaking oceanfront balconies to relaxing spa treatments and Californian fine dining, you are bound to create memories of a lifetime when you book a stay at The Ritz.

The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel

Address: One Ritz Carlton Dr, Dana Point, California, United States
Phone Number: (949) 240-2000
Website: https://www.ritzcarlton.com/en/hotels/california/laguna-niguel

Check-In Time: 4:00PM
Check-Out Time: 11:00AM

About The Ritz

The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel is a beautiful five-star Laguna Beach luxury hotel perched atop a bluff overlooking the Pacific Ocean.

Now it is technically located in Dana Point. However, I’m using Laguna Beach simply because it is more popular and well-known to tourists. (The Ritz also refers to itself as a Laguna Beach coastal paradise.) Regardless, the two cities are very close and less than a 15-minute drive apart.

The hotel houses close to 400 rooms and suites, five restaurants, two bars/lounges, two outdoor pools, two outdoor tennis courts, one 24-hour fitness center, as well as spa, sauna, and steam room facilities.

Being one of the top ocean front Laguna Beach hotels means guests are within walking distance to Salt Creek Beach where you can learn surfing or stand-up paddleboarding. Whether you’re an outdoor adventurer or you prefer to indulge in a therapeutic massage, The Ritz is perfect for friends, couples, and families alike.

Getting Here

The Ritz is easily accessible via major airports in SoCal and transportation services are available upon request.

My friend and I spent a night in LA beforehand. That said, we travelled down to Laguna Beach by car and the ride roughly took around two hours including traffic + rest stops.

Check-In

As mentioned above, check-in begins at 4:00PM.

Like any hotel, early check-in may be possible, however, it is not guaranteed. If you arrive earlier than expected and your room isn’t quite ready yet, I suggest grabbing a drink or snack at 180blũ while you wait.

Ocean Suite, 2 King Beds

My friend and I had the pleasure of spending two nights in the “Ocean Suite, 2 King Beds.”

This spacious 1,100 square feet-suite features a master bedroom, dining and living area, ocean view balconies, two closets, and two three-quarter baths. (The Ritz website calls these “full baths,” but there unfortunately aren’t any bathtubs thus making them more or less three-quarter baths instead.)

Living area with king sized pull-out platform bed above the couch.

Master bedroom with king sized bed.

Dining section.

View from the suite.

One of two bathrooms.

Even though it was only the two of us staying here, this suite can in fact sleep up to four guests. (Two in the master bedroom and two in the living area on the platform bed.) More importantly, I loved the fact that there are two bathrooms. The last thing you want to do while on vacation is to fight for who gets to shower first in the morning.

RAYA

Truffle Fries, Mariscos a lo Macho, and Pan Seared Sea Scallops.

RAYA is one of the many restaurants serving daily breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Chef Richard Sandoval specializes in Latin American cuisine and has incorporated local produce, organic meats, and sustainable seafood into RAYA’s menu. Not only is this an incredible culinary experience, it’s a delightful visual treat too.

Everything was absolutely divine although my personal favorites were definitely the Ahi Tuna Ceviche, Mariscos a lo Macho (which is a tender sea bass paired with prawns, clams, and yuca root), and Pan Seared Scallops.

Club Level

Club Level access is only available for guests staying in Club Level suites and rooms as well as The Ritz-Carlton Suite.

Please note that I was invited as media to review this property, and was given an opportunity to share the Ritz-Carlton Club Experience with you.

The Club Experience includes the following:

• A Club Level Concierge who can assist with dining, spa reservations, and various area activities
• Light snacks throughout the day
  • Continental breakfast from 7:00AM to 11:00AM
  • Light lunch from 12:00PM to 4:00PM
  • Light hors d’oeuvres from 5:00PM to 8:00PM
  • Desserts from 8:30PM to 10:30PM
• Self-guided art tour of contemporary works from Dawson Cole Fine Art

If you’re the type to check into a hotel and not step foot out the property until check-out, this may be the best hotel in Laguna Beach for you!

Around the Area

The closest beach to The Ritz is Salt Creek Beach.

You can either take a leisure stroll down to the waters, or you may hitch a ride with the hotel’s complimentary golf cart that comes every 30 minutes. (If you have a local number or you don’t mind roaming charges, you can call to arrange pick-ups and drop-offs whenever.)

Additional Photos

24-hour fitness center.

One of two outdoor pools.

Final Verdict

Amenities: ★★★★★
Cleanliness: ★★★★☆
Comfort: ★★★★★
Proximity: ★★★★☆
Quietness: ★★★☆☆
Safety: ★★★★★
Space: ★★★★★
Value of Price: ★★★★☆
Internet Access: Complimentary
Parking: $70 USD per day with in/out privileges

Pros

• Friendly and hospitable staff
• Convenient beachfront location
• 24-hour in-room dining
• Unlimited complimentary bottled water
• Evening turndown services provided by VIP housekeeping
• Several dining options available
• 24-hour fitness center
• Plenty of outdoor activities to choose from

Cons

If I really have to nitpick, it’s that the walls are a little thin. In the mornings, especially, you can hear other guests and housekeepers in the hallway. It does quiet down a lot in the evenings and I had no trouble falling asleep. Having said that, I personally don’t think this is a dealbreaker.

All in all, if you’re not sure where to stay in Laguna Beach or you’re simply looking to treat yourself to some much-needed R&R, I highly recommend a night (or two!) at The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel. Check availability online and book your stay today!

Want to explore more of SoCal? You may enjoy these guides:

• 50 Most Instagrammable Places in LA
• 10 Fun Things to Do in Burbank, California