Have decided for our 18 and 13 yr old boys, will go somewhere between Santa Barbara and Laguna Beach. Leaning more towards someplace in the Newport/Laguna area. We will be staying for about 6-7 nights. Would like someplace we could stay within walking distance or on the beach, but not over about $250 per night. Any suggestions?

Can someone give recommendations for best beach hotel. Preferably close enough to hear the ocean! Thanks

you might want to repost this with a more specific title. Perhaps "Hotels near the beach - Santa Barbara to Laguna Beach?" will attract more attention

You can find some great rates on hotels at the lagunabeachdotcom website. We booked a room at the Montage last Dec. for $425/night which was a good rate for this resort. You will love Laguna Beach! ***kim***

Montage is absolutely the best! Will be hard to find a room there within your budget. Another wonderful hotel is the Ritz Carlton in Dana Point, just a little south of Laguna Beach.

A third option is Balboa Bay Hotel & Resort. Very nice hotel that's on the water but the bay in front of the hotel is more like a marina for numerous yachts... so no beach there. Do not go to the Four Seasons in Newport Beach as it is not on the water... but I understand they provide towels, beach baskets etc to guests who want to head out to the beach.