I am planning a weekend trip to OC with two girlfriends for mid-March. We were thinking Laguna Beach because of easy access to hiking, beach, etc. Does anyone have any recommendations re affordable hotels?

Thanks

If you can go an hour down the road to La Jolla there is some great deals..Estancia Resort and Spa comes to mind..new and 4-5* hotel for under $200 and then you can hike Torrey Pines Reserve.
Lodge at Torrey Pines would be another hotel/spa option but will be more but really nice..
Check expedia..that is where I saw some great deals.

Laguna Beach..is there any deals at Surf and Sand Resort in March?

I get Surf and Sand's emails and have yet to see any deals. But you can check the website.

Lola where are you traveling from?

one of the cheapest ones is going to the the best western in south laguna. it actually has a really good location and decently priced. though if you want something a bit nicer though certainly more expensive check out the montage.

I use this website to scope out deals in Laguna. They have special discounts, and you can search by economy, historical, moderate, etc.
http://www.lagunabeach.com/hotels.html

The Best Western that itrichs mentions above has rooms for $119 on the weekends, for example.

I've stayed there, and at La Casa del Camino, Hotel Laguna, Inn at Laguna, Vacation Village, and a few others. I almost always can pay $150 per night or less, but I shop around a bit.

Sometimes rooms may be noisy, so ask about that. Parking is usually extra.

I've never stayed at the Carriage House B & B, but I think it looks cute, and you can get suites, or doubles with a kitchen. http://www.carriagehouse.com/carriagehouse/history.html

Check out Crystal Cove. It's beautiful. http://www.crystalcovebeachcottages.org/

Hi, we have stayed at the Montage, Casa Laguna Inn and the Laguna Reef, right across the street from the Montage, we used lagunabeachdotcom to book all of our reservations. I would check out Laguna Reef, it is in a gorgeous location, we stayed here 2 nights this past 4th of July weekend and may book again this year here. There is a nice pool, jacuzzi, continental breakfast and easy beach access. Complimentary parking, also here. Check out hush or Sapphire for some great meals in Laguna. ***kim***

When I'm in Laguna, I always stay at the Laguna Riviera. The location is on the beach, a few blocks from the town center, and it is moderately-priced, compared with other properties.

http://lagunariviera.com/

Thanks all, I appreciate your suggestions and will check them out.

MomDDTravel, one friend and I are coming from chilly Minneapolis and another friend is coming from chillier Alaska.

Castleblanca..
Wow..what a great place and so affordable too.
Thank you so very much!

Lola, you will appreciate our CA weather after the cold winter you have had. We spent Christmas in MN and it was the coldest and snowiest in recent years for us - but that's the reason we go there. I know my MN relatives are getting real tired of it. You'll have a great time in Laguna.