11 Best Hotels in Orange County and Catalina Island, California

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.

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.

This beloved resort-style low-slung Newport hotel offers 26 lushly landscaped acres overlooking the Back Bay. The casually elegant architecture appeals to travelers weary of high-rise hotels. Most rooms, suites and private 3+3 villas have patios or balconies. There's a complimentary 9-hole golf course for guests, and access to lighted tennis and pickle ball courts. One of the three swimming pools is a family pool featuring waterslides and a water play area for little ones. Take one of the complimentary cruiser-style bicycles and ride along the back bay on a paved bike nature trail for wildlife and water views. The signature SHOR American Seafood Grill offers a Southern California coastal-inspired menu. The first weekend in June, the resort is home to the annual Newport Beach Jazz Festival. This dog-friendly Hyatt has a $150 pet fee.

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.

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.

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.

This newly refreshed inn in the canyon is a quiet alternative to the hotels along the bustling waterfront. Swim in the heated pool after a day touring the island, and dine at the onsite Sunset Bar and Grill. A shuttle will take you into Avalon and down to the boat terminal.

The Crystal Cove Historic District is home to a collection of unique and historic cottages decorated and furnished to reflect the beach culture that flourished here from 1935–55. Perched on the sand and above the high tide line on a bluff above the beach, these 24 rustic beauties offer an unbeatable location and with fourteen individual cottages and ten dorm-style cottages, they can cater to families or groups with varying capacities. Reserve six months to one year in advance, as these are coveted. Cottages do become available due to cancellations, so check back regularly. You can also look for last-minute availability at the Crystal Cove check-in office between 10:45 and 11 am daily.

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 charming historic home is now a boutique hotel steps from the beach. Some rooms have direct views of the Pacific Ocean, Catalina Island, and the Newport Beach pier. There are 15 coastal-themed guest rooms, some with spa whirlpool bathtubs and showers. Behind the hotel there are also one- and two-bedroom Sailor Suites that are popular for families. Besides a king size bed and a trundle bed, there is a sitting area and kitchenette. Guests receive a complimentary breakfast served each morning in the lobby bar area. The common area also serves complimentary hot chocolate, coffee, and tea. Grab a beach towel and chair before heading out to the sand. They also have a few complimentary bikes to take out for a spin for up to two hours.