Has anyone been to Laguna Beach? Is it worth staying for a few days on the way to L.A. Any hotel suggestions? WOuldlike something onthe beach and resorty. Thanks. Also any hotel suggestions in Malibu or Beverly Hills

"On the way to LA" from where? San Diego? Which is only 90 minutes from Laguna, and 2-3 hours from LA?

Laguna is beautiful. It's got great beaches, wonderful resorts, great restaurants, art galleries, etc. Well worth it. The luxury resort choices include the Montage Resort and Spa as well as the Surf & Sand Hotel. It's VERY expensive town.

Malibu doesn't have a lot of lodging options. Better to spend your time in Santa Monica. Much better hotels too. Look at the Casa del Mar, Shutters on the Beach and the Fairmont Miramar (not on the beach but a wonderful, historic hotel).

Beverly Hills? The Peninsula is the cream of the crop, although the Beverly Hills Hotel is great as well.

What is your budget? The places I've named are all relatively expensive (the Montage's rack rates start at nearly $500 a night).

Thanks - we would fly into Long Beach and go to Laguna from there.Would like something upscale but not over $400 night. Something kid friendly and laid-back. Is the Beverly Hilton or Beverly Hills Hotel too staid? Actually stayed at the Miramar last year - loved SM and the location but thought the hotel was a bit stuffy.Thanks for your advice

LGB to Laguna is 45 minutes to one hour, heading south. The opposite way from Los Angeles.

The Surf & Sand would be a good choice in Laguna. You MIGHT get a deal at the Montage-- you never know.

The Beverly Hills Hilton underwhelms me compared to the Beverly Hills Hotel. Both are "old" Beverly Hills-- so you might consider them a bit staid. Still, the latter is very important in LA history. That would make it a cool choice in my book.

Looks like Surf and Sand and Inn at Laguna are the nicest for the price. Any advice on either of these?

The Surf and Sand has a great location, but I'm not sure about room quality, haven't stayed there. If you don't mind being less than a 5 minute drive south of Laguna, in Dana Point, you could find a great room at the St. Regis Monarch Beach -- though it's not on a beach! But a gorgeous hotel.
The Beverly Hills Hotel does a great job of combining luxury without the attitude you might expect, or the staidness. A great place!!!

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We have stayed at the Surf and Sand. GREAT!! IF it is in the same price range as the Inn at Laguna, I would defintely stay at the Surf and Sand. Love their SPLASHES restaurant, right on the beach. Go for lunch or a sunset dinner even if you don't stay there.

Stayed with friends in Laguna Beach with our kids (7 and 9). We loved the beaches and tide pools, art festival and the fish tacos at Wahoo (Spelling??) It is worth a stop.

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Top picks for on the beach from the most expensive to ...expensive:
Ritz Carlton (finishing remodeling, Montage, Surf and Sand, Inn at Laguna.
LA? ...Laguna is the best!!! Not a big city, but a classy town!

We just stayed at the Inn at Laguna Beach a few weeks ago and have also stayed at Surf & Sand. S&S is great, but MUCH more expensive. In my opinion, I liked the Inn at LB better and it was half the price. Great oceanview rooms. Also, you can walk about 45 seconds north to Las Brisas Restaurant...have a cool marguerita and appetizer while gazing at the gorgious ocean. Ahhhh!

Thank you - good to get an answer from someone who stayed at both properties.