Tabernash2

DH and I are thinking of a three-night stay this Fall, and have currently reserved a room at the Laguna Cliffs Inn. I can cancel it in advance without a fee. It's a very good rate ($180/night), partial oceanview, free parking, complimentary goody basket. Breakfast is not included. (We might get another room for one or two nights, if DS and fiancee can join us.)

Has anyone been here lately? It has been renovated. It's part of the Pacifica group, where we have stayed in L.A. at two of their properties we like.

The Laguna Cliffs Marriott looks nicer, but it's not a block from the beach or a short walk into town, like the less expensive Laguna Cliffs Inn. Marriott is $100/night more expensive, but includes valet parking and breakfast buffet for 2. Resort view.

I'd appreciate your recommendations.

Thanks!

anamaria

I live in the Newport Beach area and was just down at the Laguna Cliffs Marriot taking pictures of my daughter for her homecoming and I was amazed at how beautiful the area was. She ate at a restaurant called Mahe which she said was wonderful. I don't know what the rooms are like but my husband and I were impressed with the surrounding area and the park area . Sorry I couldn't give you more info.

Weekender

I prefer the Laguna Beach location of the Laguna Cliffs Inn. Close to downtown and also to the wonderful Heisler Park.

I am going to out there next week but will be at the Marriott at Fashion Island where I have stayed countless times.

Tabernash2

Thank you, anamaria and Weekender.

Marriott resort facilities vs close-to-beach location (setting aside the price diff). But, if we need a second room for a couple of nights, the price diff will matter.

It would be nice to just walk to the beach or to town, without using the car, so DH and I can walk on our own, if we want.

The Laguna Cliffs Inn looks nice?

Weekender

If I have time next week, I will swing by and take a look at the Inn.

Tabernash2

Thank you, Weekender! I think it's the right choice for us, and it has stellar reviews on TA.

Tabernash2

I have communicated with the Laguna Cliffs Inn, regarding an ocean view, and they have been extremely helpful and responsive. That's a good sign.

Tabernash2

Thanks to another Fodorite's recommendation, I have reserved the Best Western Laguna Brisas Spa Hotel instead. It is about the same price, has a full hot breakfast, free wifi, free parking, excellent reviews, and looks nicer.

Weekender

Tabernash:

I stopped in the Laguna Cliffs the other day. Hotel has been refurbished top to bottom. Was able to look in a room which was very nicely done. I did not see any balconies-more like a motel set up so little privacy. Nice pool area. You enter the property to a very small reception area and then go up a flight of stairs/elevator to rooms/pool.

Fantastic location just a short block to Heisler Park and a beautiful beach. Easy walk to downtown and art galleries are just across the street.

I stayed at the Laguna Brisas a few years ago. Be sure to ask for a room away from Coast Highway. Smallish rooms and the spa in the room seems rather ridiculous. Small balcony which is nice. Not crazy about the location. You are 16 blocks from downtown as opposed to 4 blocks at the Cliffs.

I don't think you can go wrong with either place. Laguna does not have the best lodging choices short of the Montage, Surf and Sand, etc.

Tabernash2

Thank you so much, Weekender! I do like the location of the Laguna Cliffs better, so it's a dilemma which place. The Brisas looked nicer, and the Cliffs looks motel-y.

We requested an oceanview room at Brisas, but that could mean facing the PCH?

Tabernash2

I just reserved the Laguna Cliffs (again). They are very helpful there, thankfully, because I'm being a pest.

Decision is based on the better location, in town and near the beach. The full, hot breakfast at the Brisas was tempting, but we can work around that.

Thank you so much for checking it out, and reporting on both places, Weekender. It made the difference.

Weekender

The manager of the Cliffs could not have been more accommodating. Told me to feel to look around.

Be sure to go to Heisler Park as the views are stunning with beautiful beaches, too.

Also, Las Brisas restaurant, which is at the southern end of the park and a local institution, is fun and a great place for afternoon cocktails.

http://www.lasbrisaslagunabeach.com/

Another place is Javier's which is up the coast a few miles at the Crystal Cove Promenade. I never miss going when I am out there.

http://www.javiers-cantina.com/

(There is a Javier's at John Wayne Airport as well. I saw a few people having margaritas at 8 AM yesterday.)

Have fun. I go to Newport/Laguna at least 3 times a year and would be most happy living there.

Tabernash2

Thanks, again, Weekender. I'll look for those restaurants.

We will definitely go to the Crab Cooker in Newport Beach. It's been a tradition for DH and I since the mid-70s.

The Laguna Cliffs is a Pacifica property. We have also experienced outstanding customer service at their Jamaica Bay Inn @ Marina del Rey; and their Inn at Venice Beach. All mid-priced properties that are good values with helpful staff. All three have been very recently renovated.

Tabernash2

Reporting in from Laguna Beach.

We happily stayed at the Laguna Cliffs Inn. It is newly renovated, very clean, and management is extremely helpful. They showed us three rooms so we could choose. No ocean views, though, and the balconies aren't really useful because they look mostly at rooftops. We chose a room on the first floor, on the end, which has a little table outside the front door, surrounded by greenery.

Location, location, location: another key point here. We have walked along the paved and lit path several times. It is just around the corner, without crossing the big street, and gives gorgeous views of the coast. We walked into town and all around.

Parking is free and is in a nice covered garage area. We only used the car once, to drive to Dana wharf and go whale watching. We discovered that Tuesday is half-price day, so only $22.50 each. It was a 2-hour trip and the captain found a huge pod of dolphins which swam all around our boat. He thought there were about 500 of them. The boat was very comfortable and clean. We reserved at verve.com,  with Dana Wharf Sportfishing and Whale Watching.

Las Brisas restaurant is a short walk away. We had a very nice dinner sitting outside, looking directly at the ocean. Reviews were mixed on this restaurant, but we had a very good meal and service. So much so, that we returned for their breakfast buffet. It is only about $17.50 apiece and is very extensive. Service was attentive and food very good.

Today we go up to Venice Beach. We stay at another Pacifica hotel there.

Thanks for all your help, Weekender.

Tabernash2

Forgot to mention the awesome deal we had at the Laguna Cliffs Inn. A deluxe double queen was just $135/night, with a special they were running for 20% off a three-night stay. No breakfast included, but we had a fridge, a coffee maker, and a basket full of breakfast bars and instant oatmeal cups.

Weekender

Tabernash:

So glad you were pleased with the inn. I am planning on staying there on my next trip.

FrankS

Ive stayed at both, and the Laguna Cliffs Inn is the inferior property. And yes, Ive been there since the remodel. Really, it isnt close especially if you want service, a view, and a reasonable pool.

Dont get me wrong, I like the LCI, but only because I paid less the $100.nt

janisj

FrankS: they they already stayed . . . At the Inn and enjoyed it . . .

FrankS

janis,

I replied because someone in the future could use the Fodors search feature and get the wrong impression. LCI is a nice motel type property whereas the Marriott is a true resort

janisj

OK - that makes sense. But maybe next time word things different,y so it doesn't sound like you are calling the OP's choice 'crap' . . .