6 Best Hotels in Orange County and Catalina Island, California

A boutique hotel with a playful modern nautical theme throughout that downplays the corporate, the highlight here is the TopSail rooftop pool and bar that offers panoramic views of the harbor complemented by craft cocktails. The Watercraft Market + Lounge offers breakfast (try the surprisingly good breakfast burritos), all-day dining, and snacks. The hotel is nestled in the Pike, which a century ago was an oceanfront amusement park with a wooden roller coaster; today it hosts convenient and tempting outlet stores and restaurants alongside a Ferris wheel and carousel.

Experience the golden age of transatlantic travel without the seasickness: 1936 art deco style reigns on the Queen Mary, from the ship's mahogany paneling to its nickel-plated doors to the majestic Grand Salon. Docked for more than 50 years, the on-ship hotel attracts a mix of tourists and those attending events in the floating hotel's many party spaces. There are plenty of nighttime diversions, from a range of restaurants and the heavenly silver Observation Bar to paranormal tours, theatrical events, and jazz shows (check to see what's on during your stay). Holidays are big on the Queen Mary; New Year's Eve and July 4 are famously spectacular. Sunday brunch in the Grand Salon is a step back in time.

While you won't be beachside, complimentary champagne at check-in will set the resort mood, as will a bunch of boutique touches that normally cost extra. Larger-than-usual guest rooms in a modern coastal theme are tricked out with tech like free Wi-Fi, 50" HD smart TVs, and Bluetooth speaker alarm clocks. You'll also find in-room extras like a fridge and microwave, and a rainfall showerhead in the sleek bathroom. Suites offer options like patios, dining areas, and clawfoot tubs. When you tire of the room, hit the year-round pool or lounge on the sundeck, in a cabana, or around the cozy firepit area. Families will enjoy outdoor games like cornhole and oversized chess. The glass-tiled Wave Lounge changes like the tides throughout the day, serving breakfast and smoothies; grab-and-go lunch; and drinks, apps, and American fare in the evenings. Parking is $13 per day.

This newly renovated Hilton Hotel is attached to the Anaheim Convention Center and is about a 15-minute walk to Disneyland, Downtown Disney, and Disney California Adventure. It's the largest Hilton hotel in Orange County. With its proximity to Disneyland, guest rooms have views of the Disney Parks and fireworks on certain nights. The refreshed heated outdoor swimming pool, deck and kid's splash zone is ideal after a day at the parks. This hotel is very popular with large groups with its extensive meeting and event spaces.

A great value for Long Beach, the family-owned, European-style Hotel Royal makes up for in kindness what it lacks in fancy extras. Think free breakfast, a lively wine happy hour, and free bike rentals. The hotel was built in 1923 in the art deco style and is in the center of Long Beach's au courant East Village arts district. In keeping with the building's age, the small lobby and some of the rooms have exposed brick walls. If you really want to live your 1920s dream, you can even reserve a room with a built-in Murphy bed, which folds out of sight when you're not using it. The decor is somewhat uninspired, but for the price, the Royal has all you need. The studios, lofts, and suites are individually decorated. Some rooms have en suite private baths, while less-expensive options share a bathroom with other rooms on the floor. Some rooms are equipped with kitchenettes, but there's a fully stocked community kitchen, making this a perfect stop for families, larger groups who want to spend time together, or those who prefer to cook. While not oceanfront, the hotel is a 15-minute walk from the beach.

This ocean view hotel across the street from the beach is clean and more affordable than others in the area. Each of the rooms has a different decor theme. Complimentary coffee is set out for guests from 8 to 11 am. There are boogie boards, sand toys, towels, and beach chairs for guests to use. A small rooftop lounge offers views of the iconic pier and lovely evening sunset vistas.