Will be going to a relatives wedding in Dana Point during July 4th week. Was wondering if anyone has suggestions as to what hotel to stay at? Does anyone know if the Country Inn and Suites is nice? We are coming from NYC and don't know much about the area.

don't know about that hotel but it is a rather expensive area. book early if you are on a budget or you might get stuck with a pricey place. you could also look at laguna beach which is just down the road.

If you want to splurge, go to the Ritz-Carlton or the St. Regis!

You could stay at the Blue Lantern Inn. It's a bed and breakfast overlooking the Dana Point Harbor. We stayed there last year and are returning next month. Breakfast and evening wine and snacks are included. The bathroom has a wonderful whirlpool tub.

I live in Southern CA in Orange County and recommend friends and business associates to the Blue Lantern Inn.
BTW the Marriott in Dana Point has just been refurbished and would also be a recommendation.

the Country Inn & Suites looks okay from the outside, but I'm not sure inside...what are you looking for? i would doubt its anything near luxury. The Blue Lantern Inn would be a much safer bet. It's a strong 4 star hotel/bedbreakfast with pretty rooms and fireplaces and big bathrooms with large whirlpool tubs. Its a cape cod style hotel newly built in the late 80's, early 90's. But rooms fill up very quickly there. The St. Regis is 5 star all the way. The Doubletree Suites hotel doesn't look bad, was built in the late 90's and is newer than the Marriott, but not in as nice a location, tho right across from the beach.

The Ritz Carlton Laguna Niguel (adjacent to Dana Point) is a beautiful hotel and I would highly recommend that you consider staying there despite the high price of a room. It would be a great experience for you.