We want a very special hotel in the Laguna/Dana Point area to celebrate an anniversary at the end of April. Any comments on St. Regis Monarch Beach resort or the Blue Lantern? Which would you pick for a romantic, upscale, experience? How does the Surf and Sand compare?

If views and beach proximity/access are important, the Ritz-Carlton would be a better choice over those others. But among the hotels you mention, the Blue Lantern Inn is definitely best in terms of room quality and service. As for the Surf and Sand comparing, it doesn't.

I had not considered the RC because I had heard the property was great but the rooms were average. Am I wrong? St. Regis Monarch rooms look huge, with oversized bathtubs, but I have read they gouge you on all the extras, and have an attitude problem. (Starwood points will ease the pain....)Blue Lantern looks nice, but I'm not sure about all the Teddy Bears....

Actually The Montage is THE newest and next to the water best of the bunch. Not Cheap but neither is the St. Regis or the Ritz. The St. Regis is not by the water, but about 2 miles on the other side of the highway above the golf course.
The Blue Lantern Inn is adorable, intimate and on a cliff above the ocean.
Comparing it to the others is apples/oranges.Whatever you do, if you want to eat at the Montage Studio restaurant, you neet to make ressies weeks ahead. Yea, it's that good!

I really like the Surf and Sand. It's not a "big resort style" hotel like St. Regis - but the rooms are right on top of the water - you hear the crashing of the surf from your room which I think is very romantic. It has a nice spa and pool and is walking distance to downtown Laguna restaruants, art galleries and shops. It is not overly ornate - very clean and beachy but nice. The restaurant/bar - Splashes is great. We live in Laguna and go there all the time.

St Regis is nice and if you like more of a resort, bigger and fancy rooms and golf/spa access - this is very nice, but not right on the beach. I find it a bit ornate for my taste.

Blue Lantern - I've heard nice things about it, but I am not in to teddy bears either...thought it was little over the top and I like a quaint bed & breakfast. My husband just rolled his eyes when he saw it. We never stayed there, just took a peak in, saw the bears and left.

Have a Happy Anniversary!

I've stayed at the Ritz Carlton a couple of times (for work) and really found it to be average and overrated. I've also stayed at the St. Regis several times (both for work and pleasure) and have really enjoyed my stays there. The rooms are wonderful and luxurious and you really feel like you're someplace special. The clientel can be a bit snooty, but it's fairly easy to look past. Haven't stayed at the Montage, but I've heard good things about it. My only concern there would be the price....

I've been to the Ritz and the Blue Lantern. I liked the rooms better at the Blue Lantern -- big Jacuzzi tubs and fireplaces, great views...
I haven't been to the St. Regis, but the rooms sound wonderful, and that would be my choice of the 3.