24 Best Hotels in Orange County and Catalina Island, California

Stacked neatly on the rocky hillside at the north end of Laguna’s Main Beach, Casa Loma Beach Hotel is the only hotel offering unrivaled ocean views steps from Main Beach and Downtown Laguna Beach. Just park your car and walk to restaurants, shops, cafés and Laguna museums. The property-wide renovation was completed in Summer 2024, and pays homage to this region’s creative heritage with a Tulum, Mexico vibe, tapping into the beachside tones and textures of its surrounding landscape.

The hotel's daily $35 nightly amenity fee includes fresh baked cookies in the evening, access to the heated pool, whirlpool and cabanas, plus high-speed internet. Up on the fifth floor the Pacific Terrace rooftop overlooks the scenic beach town. Later in the evening fire pits are lit and the area provides a romantic vibe. Rooms have a beachy feel with ceiling fans, and most have full or partial ocean views and balconies. The pillow-top mattresses and luxurious European linens heighten one's sleep. There's a beach valet to set out chairs and umbrellas. Pets 40 pounds or less are welcome with a nonrefundable $100 deposit.

Staying at one of the happiest places on Earth is almost as fun as visiting both Disney parks. The lobby has giant teacup seating, and a memorabilia wall of historical photos featuring Walt and Roy Disney breaking ground to build this imaginative land. There are four different towers: Fantasy Tower, Adventure Tower, and the new Discovery Tower Villas offering more of the comforts of home. In the Fantasy and Adventure Towers, guest rooms have blue and gold theme carpeting, plus wood wall reliefs above the bed of Sleeping Beauty's castle; push a button and a firework display of white lights appear above the castle, while soft Disney theme music plays. The Adventure Tower offers Signature Suites that include a Mickey Mouse Suite, an Adventure Suite with clawfoot bathtub, and a Pirates of the Caribbean suite. The newer Discovery Villas offer a variety of themed guest rooms with magical touches. These rooms are available to the public until they sell out with Vacation Club owners.

After exploring the Disney parks, come back to the tropical oasis pool area offering two towering monorail theme waterslides, a fun water play area, two different swimming pools, and Mickey and Minnie hot whirlpools. Disney characters join in the fun, greeting guests throughout the day during the summer.

Dining options include the Polynesian Trader Sam's Enchanted Tiki Bar, and Tangaroa Terrace Tropical Bar and Grill. Goofy's Kitchen offers all-you-can-eat buffets with character meet-and-greet opportunities.

This iconic 14-story building, originally opened in 1926 as the Breakers Hotel and a favorite haunt of celebrities past, reopened in late 2024 as a Long Beach's first luxury boutique hotel, with a blend of classic art deco charm and modern amenities. The hotel's prime location offers stunning views of the Pacific Ocean and the Long Beach skyline. Guests can expect elegantly appointed, neutral guestrooms; famously attentive Fairmont service; and a range of upscale facilities including a rooftop pool, spa, and fitness center. The Fairmont Breakers also boasts several dining options, from the Sky Room penthouse (considered one of the city's finest since 1938) to the light-filled Italian family-style restaurant Nettuno. Hit the Jazz Age-inspired Alter Ego lounge or head up to Halo, the city's only rooftop bar, with 360-degree views. Leave your cares behind with a Fairmont Spa treatment or a workout in the 24-hour, two-level fitness center, surrounded by towering windows. Above all, savor being a part of this newly resurrected piece of Long Beach history.

Located one block from the beach in the heart of Avalon, Hotel Atwater originally opened in 1920 and was recently redesigned in 2019, offering an impeccable sense of style and Catalina Island memorabilia. The hotel honors Helen Atwater Wrigley (daughter-in-law of famed local William Wrigley). Splits of champagne await in each guest room mini refrigerator, as a nod to her favorite before-bedtime beverage. Explore the soaring lobby to see two of Helen's prized instruments: a Dellape Stradella and a golden harp. There are curio cabinets filled with photos of the Wrigley family and an old bank safe filled with books and board games for guests to borrow during their stay.

The exceptional attention to detail includes a color palate of cream, blues, greens, and a pop of Garibaldi orange. Views from the rooms include Avalon Bay, Catalina Canyon, and businesses below. There is a $40 destination fee per room per night includes a split of sparkling wine; a $20 credit per day for Catalina Island Company restaurants; 15% off Catalina Island Company activities and tours; Wi-Fi; the use of beach towels; and luggage service to and from the ferry terminal in Avalon. The Bistro at the Atwater offers coffee and pastries in the morning and grab-and-go items for a picnic on the beach.

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.

This family-friendly hacienda-style boutique hotel is located across the street from the famed San Juan Capistrano Mission. This property incorporates the history of the area with glass mission bell lighting fixtures and equestrian decor and art. There are 72 Mission olive trees located throughout the Adobe, Monterey, and Spanish Revival--theme guest rooms and suites. All rooms have luxurious linens on the beds, high ceilings, walk-in showers, and separate bathtubs. In some of the rooms there are fire pits on the patios, and some have balconies overlook the ruins of the Great Stone Church and Mission. The on-site restaurant Ysidora presents a Spanish-themed menu, with options like hot and cold tapas, wood-fired seafood, local meats, and seasonal produce. After a day exploring the charming town, take a dip in the heated swimming pool or visit the fitness center or on-site spa with four treatment rooms. There is a daily $45 destination amenity fee added to the room rate. Guests receive a daily $45 food and beverage credit, and general admission to Mission San Juan Capistrano for two guests per stay. Guests can also take beach cruisers out for two hours to explore the town by bicycle. 

This surfer-style boutique Kimpton hotel is the closest hotel to the Huntington Beach Pier, beach, and Main Street. It's an ideal hotel for couples, families, and the hipster-surfer crowd. The lobby is the heart of the hotel, offering a Ping-Pong table, the Pacific Hideaway restaurant, and lounge areas. Every Wednesday they offer $15 burgers all day with the purchase of beer, wine or a cocktail. Rooms are bright and stylish with surfer-themed art, flat-screen TVs, and a yoga mat and print robes in the closet. There is a vinyl record player and plenty of records to check out at the front desk. Some rooms have ocean views, and all guests have access to a 24-hour fitness center, Wi-Fi, and a cozy courtyard with firepits where guests can roast s'mores. Take one of the complimentary Kimpton custom-designed beach cruiser bikes for a spin. Store your board in the hotel's surf locker. Off-season rates are considerably lower than in summer.

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.

This family-friendly hotel offers spacious guest rooms, two swimming pools, and Disney magic throughout, from the blue fiberglass-and-resin life-size Star Wars Stormtroopers who greet guests arriving from the parking garage to the whimsical Fantasia-style hallway carpet. Some of the guest rooms have bunk beds and the views of Disneyland and Disney California Adventure Park. It's less than a 2-mile walk or drive to Disneyland and the Convention Center. The ground floor heated swimming pool is family friendly and adults prefer the exclusive rooftop pool near the lounge and fine dining "Top of The V" food and beverage venue. It's a great spot for magnificent views of both Disney Parks, the city of Anaheim and those Disneyland fireworks. Pets are welcome. There is a $150 nonrefundable pet fee per room per stay.

Bestselling Western novelist Zane Grey built his home in 1926 as a retreat to take in the views of Avalon while writing more than 100 books; later his home was turned into a boutique hotel with suites named after Zane Grey book titles. Every room has a blend of historic charm with modern comforts. Views for the rooms are either Avalon Bay or city and canyon view. it's also worth noting that this is the only ocean view hotel with a heated swimming pool. Located near the Avalon bell tower, guests hear the bells ring throughout the day. The staff prepare a complimentary breakfast daily and are happy to pick up guests at the boat terminal and take guests into town in the Zane Grey golf cart.

The newer tower offers beautiful suites ideal for families. The three-bedroom penthouse sleeps seven.

This English Tudor looking hotel is a little prince or princess's dream. It's the castle of Princess Corinne and her white dragon friend named Shadow. She is friends with all of the nearby Disney Princesses, and her story is featured in the lobby and on each floor. Outside there is a pretty rose garden, white gazebo garden, and movie night on the lawn during the summer. Fountains and a pond with koi fish and ducks are serene water features. Princess Corinne invites guests to join her for fireside story time at the grand fireplace lounge on certain evenings, and visits guests on the weekend during Garden Court Bistro's breakfast buffet. She also will come tuck little ones in and read them a bedtime story in the evening. Rooms are sizable; some first-floor rooms open onto interior gardens and a pool area. Some premium rooms have royal headboards and others have castle bunk beds among misty forest walls. A complimentary Dream Machine shuttle takes guests to the entrance of Disney theme parks. Pets are welcome for an additional fee. The on-site Hanagi Japanese Restaurant is open at 5 pm, offering fresh sushi and an interactive hot pot and shabu-shabu Wednesday through Sunday.

In a town dominated by historic properties, the Aurora is refreshingly contemporary, with a hip attitude and sleek furnishings. Done up in shades of chocolate and sky blue, the standard rooms are small but inviting, with flat-screen TVs. Suites have jetted tubs or elaborate showers—the Aurora Suite is a spacious splurge. There are striking ocean views from the rooftop deck. A complimentary continental breakfast is presented in the lobby. 

One of the closest boutique hotels to the Catalina Casino and the beach, this sea theme hotel also offers a communal rooftop lounge area where guests can enjoy a cup of coffee and take in the 180-degree views of Avalon. Guests often gather here with a bottle of wine and cheese and crackers to toast the sunset. Oceanfront suites and some guest rooms have balconies overlooking the bay. Rooms are decorated in soothing marine blue and green accents and have cloud-like mattresses to ensure a good night's sleep. Ask for beach towels and chairs to take to the beach across the street. Beach cruiser bicycles are available to guests. The on-site bar and restaurant, Naughty Fox, offers seasonal breakfast served at 9 am, and an all day menu is offered from 11 am to 7 pm on weekdays and 9 pm on weekends. Coastal dishes include ahi poke tacos, a lobster BLT sandwich, and flavorful Catalina salad.

This family-built and -owned hotel is steps from Disneyland and Disney California Adventure Park, and offers four different room categories (with some spacious enough to accommodate six guests). Some rooms have two queen beds, while others have a king bed and two queen beds. Rooms have two sinks conveniently in different areas for quicker mornings out the door to explore the parks. There is a castle theme pool area with a small kids pool, whirlpool, and swimming pool, plus tower lounge areas. There is no on-site restaurant, but there are a variety of dining venues next door and nearby. Guest parking is free.

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.

Perched on Pacific Coast Highway with views of Capistrano Beach, the new Spanish El Caminante Bar and Bungalows is a 4-star hacienda featuring ocean view bungalows, including two thoughtfully decorated suites. Rooms have custom Saltillo tile flooring, hand-painted Talavera murals, comfortable bedding and authentic Monterey furniture. Guests linger over colorful cocktails at The Bar, a restaurant and lounge. Those seeking wellness and activities can attend a sound bath session before riding the resort e-bikes along the beach view path.

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.

Set over a bustling maze of shops, this boutique hotel offers beach decor in a quaint setting. Some guest rooms have balconies overlooking a flower-filled courtyard, while others have ocean views. Many have fireplaces. Room 102, an oceanfront suite with vaulted ceilings and lavish bath, is a pricey indulgence. For a harbor panorama, head for the rooftop deck Jacuzzi open from 10 am to 10 pm. An included continental breakfast is served in the lobby from 7 to 10 am Guests can reserve spa service at Heaven Day Spa.

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.

On the bay-facing Crescent Avenue, this third-floor property is steps from the beach, so complimentary towels, chairs, and umbrellas await guests as do rooms with balconies, views, and fireplaces. Rooms are aligned along a lovely glass-covered promenade; the two suites face the waterfront. A generous continental breakfast, nightly milk and cookies, and in-room fireplaces and whirlpool tubs make the hotel a popular spot for honeymooners and couples seeking a quiet getaway. Furnishings are traditional, including the popular wicker rocking chairs on the balcony.

This newly renovated hotel next to Knott's Berry Farm is the nicest hotel in Buena Park. The farm-theme guest rooms have mini-refrigerators, and there's a fitness center with steam room and sauna, and a swimming pool and bubbling Jacuzzi. The breakfast buffet at Thirty Acres Kitchen is popular in the morning for guests to fortify themselves before exploring the theme park. There is also a grab-and-go pantry near the onsite dining restaurant that serves Starbucks coffee, pastries, and light bites. It’s just a short walk to the park entrance, which makes it ideal for park-goers. Guests can easily go back to the hotel for a break, swim, or nap before heading out again. After a day at the amusement park dine outside under strings of white lights near the crackling fireplace for seasonal special dishes, craft beers, and creative cocktails.

This adult-only boutique hotel is directly above the sand in South Laguna, and oozes a bohemian vibe in each of the guest rooms and suites. Built in 1948, and recently refreshed by the new owners, this unique cliff-side property offers peaceful rooms with a King-size avocado green floating bed mattress, a sound machine, essential oil diffuser, yoga mat, and mediation pillow. Peaceful suites have have partial or full ocean views of the horizon along with sparkling Laguna coastline lights in the evening. The hotel has a heated pool and whirlpool. Guests with a pet will be charged a one-time fee of $45 per dog, with a two-dog limit per guest room. The new lobby offers morning coffee and tea to take to the beach for a walk accessible from the hotel.