5 Best Hotels in Orange County and Catalina Island, California

Combining New England–style architecture with a Southern California setting, this gray-clapboard bed-and-breakfast rests on a bluff overlooking the harbor and ocean. A fire warms the inviting living area and cozy library, where you can enjoy complimentary breakfast in the morning and hors d'oeuvres and wine every afternoon. They bake fresh cookies (even gluten-free) to enjoy up in your spacious guest room. Most have fireplaces and updated bathrooms with deep soaking whirlpool tubs. Listen to the barking harbor seals from your balcony or patio. The staff are so nice at this B&B. Borrow one of their bicycles for an adventure out exploring the seaside beauty of Dana Point. 

Near the entrance to both Disney parks, families love coming back to this hotel after visiting the parks to play in the Surfside Waterpark. The colorful fun splash zone, waterslides, and a heated swimming pool, is not typical of Courtyard by Marriott. Rooms with microwaves, mini-refrigerators, coffee makers, and sturdy bunk beds cater to groups and families. Room options include ADA suites, and spacious king suites with two sets of bunk beds. The double queen suites also have bunks that accommodate six people. The water park and some guest rooms overlook Disneyland's iconic Matterhorn; other rooms have views of the firework shows. There is a Life Fitness center open all day, and a Bistro that provides quick breakfast, lunch, and dinner items to sit and enjoy before heading back across the street to the Disney parks. A souvenir and mini-mart on the lobby level offers snacks, drinks, and Disney-themed apparel and accessories.

Start your morning with yoga by the heated pool, or play 9 holes of golf on a picturesque course nestled between two canyons. There are ranch-style and two-story contemporary suites. Be sure to take a tour of Leo's Garden beyond the golf course to meet Farmer Leo and see what he is growing for the on-site dining options. Harvest restaurant offers seasonal fare with stunning canyon and golf course views. Take a stroll along a designated path to a pedestrian tunnel leading to Lost Pier, a barefoot café on the sand at Aliso Beach serving California cuisine among palm-fringed ocean views. 

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.

Calm, comfort, and charm await at this adults-only escape where you will find picturesque mountain, harbor, or ocean views from Cape Cod--chic rooms. Each room in this small, six-room inn is uniquely decorated and all feature comfortable king size beds and deep-soak jetted bathtubs. Friendly and attentive staff prepare a continental breakfast in the morning and display wine and hors d'oeuvres each evening.