tmorrell

Will be in California for four nights at the end of May. We are flying into LAX and want to spend two days at the beach before we head to San Diego. We want to use these days to relax, to literally sit on the beach (or our balcony) and read, talk, have drinks, eat, etc. We will be spending quite a bit of time at our hotel. We aren't that interested in shopping or activities for these days. I have read the wonderful information on Fodors, but it's hard to tell which hotel will give me the serene atmosphere I'm looking for. I do want a luxury hotel so which of these fits the bill? Fairmont Miramar, Hotel Oceana, Four Seasons Newport Beach, Ritz Laguna? Or any others I haven't looked at... Thank you very much!

rjw_lgb_ca

The Miramar is a wonderful hotel, at the "quiet" end of the commercial area of Santa Monica (I work a block away). This part of SM is not exactly "serene", but the hotel grounds themselves are beautiful, and you can find serenity there.

I don't really know the Hotel Oceana, but it's a couple of blocks north of the Miramar, in a more residential area of SM. And closer to Montana Ave, one of the "strolling streets" in SM (and where the Ladies Who Lunch do their thing). It gets good reviews, and seems to be much more of a boutique hotel than the Miramar (lovely as it is, it gets a steady clientèle of business travelers).

The Four Seasons Newport Beach is a lovely property, smack-dab in the middle of Newport Center, a complex of office buildings, shopping centers and stand-alone chain restaurants. The beach is a little hike away. However, the shopping center you're close to is Fashion Island-- very high-end (anchor store is Neiman-Marcus) outdoor mall. And the level of service at the FSNB is absolutely beyond reproach.

Which leaves the Ritz-Carlton Laguna Niguel (the name is a misnomer-- the resort is actually in Dana Point). The property is on a bluff overlooking a gorgeous beach (with a path down to the sand). I have stayed there-- it's a gem. The grounds are beautiful, the amenities suitably luxurious, the spa facilities comprehensive and well-kept. And, like the FSNB, the level of service is incredible. As you're well south of the hub-bub of downtown Laguna Beach, serenity is guaranteed. For your purposes, I'd choose this one. Ask for an ocean-view room. On especially clear days, the views of Catalina Island will take your breath away.

I might add that the brand-new Montage Resort in south Laguna Beach is getting rave reviews as a luxury resort. It's a sprawling complex of Arts and Crafts style buildings overlooking the Pacific, and its restaurant (Studio) is getting incredible buzz from area foodies. Just to add another property to your list.

tmorrell

rjw_lgb_ca - thank you so much! I was hoping you'd respond - your other posts are wonderful. I was leaning towards the Ritz, so you helped me make up my mind. I'm thinking I'm going to book the Ocean View Executive Suite - soooo expensive, but I think it'd be worth it.

rjw_lgb_ca

You're quite welcome. If you're willing to go first-class all the way, the ocean view suite would be great. The restaurants at the R-C get great reviews from Zagat, and I can attest to the superior quality of the martinis served at the Library lounge (off the main lobby, with sweeping ocean views).

I don't think you'll have any trouble getting a restful two days in at the R-C. Enjoy yourselves!

rjw_lgb_ca

Oh yeah-- you probably saw my earlier post on the R-C. Don't forget: Valet parking is $25/day. Steep, but you only go around once, so....