18 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.

The appealing Andalusian design of this sprawling resort incorporates arched courtyards, beautiful tiled fountains, and flickering firepits. Nearly all the spacious upper floor rooms have a balcony with ocean views. There are 12 deluxe rooms near the main pool with private firepits. This Hyatt Regency offers 57 two- and three-bedroom suites ideal for multigenerational families. Guests enjoy the exclusive beach access via a bridge over the Pacific Coast Highway and SHOR concession stand. Set up your beach chair and have food and beverages, wine and cocktails delivered to your chair. In the evening Hyatt Regency has bonfires in the sand for hot chocolate and s'mores. 

There are multiple pool areas including a swimming lagoon, bubbling whirlpools, three waterslides, a kiddie wading pool, and a seasonal snack bar. Watertable is the onsite eatery offering elevated fare for breakfast, brunch, lunch, and dinner. Enjoy a day at Pacific Waters Spa for a special body treatment, facial, or massage. There are 17 treatment rooms, a dry sauna, steam rooms, hot whirlpools, and waterfall showers. Other resort activities include swimming like a mermaid: rent a mermaid magic tail for a great core workout, plus during the summer a mermaid will meet and greet guests, and offer swim instruction and photo opportunities. Over at Slyders Pool there are three exciting waterslides, a children's wading pool, cabanas, two firepits and a hot tub. Families can feed the colorful koi fish near the entrance of the Pacific Waters Spa. Reserve a Pacific Views firepit at the heated lagoon-design Mankota's Pool during sunset. Order a mai tai or favorite beverage to sip while watching the sun dip into the sea.

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 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. 

Just blocks from Disneyland and the Anaheim Convention Center, this newer luxury four-diamond hotel is the first and only JW Marriott in Orange County. Off the open lobby bar is a swimming pool terrace with cabanas to relax in after a day in the parks. The on-site dining includes Tocca Ferro Italian Chophouse, where the chefs grill proteins and makes their own pasta and sauces. The best sunset view spot at the resort is at Parkestry Rooftop Bar. Enjoy a cocktail and light bites while taking in the panoramic Anaheim views and Disney's firework show. Splurge to stay on the 10th floor for access to the Executive Lounge for a full breakfast in the morning and snacks and beverages throughout the day. A $30 daily destination fee is added to the room rate. It does include a $30 hotel food and beverage credit, enhanced high-speed Internet, and wine tasting for two at Tocca Ferro.

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.

Built on a picturesque coastal bluff above the Pacific Ocean and Treasure Island Beach, this elegant Craftsmen-style resort features 30 acres of grassy lawns, soft sand beaches, and a stunning mosaic tile swimming pool. Decorated in sophisticated soft coastal colors, guest rooms, suites, and large cottages balance ease and refinement. Every room has an ocean view from its patio or balcony, and an extra-deep bathtub. Of the restaurants, The Loft offers sweeping panoramic ocean views and a refined California-inspired contemporary menu. Locals and guests enjoy lunch and sunset dining  at the newly refreshed Mosaic Bar and Grille. The lobby lounge is popular to greet friends for for pre-dinner and after-dinner drinks. This pet-friendly resort charges a nonrefundable $220 fee for well-mannered dogs and cats weighing under 45 pounds staying in patio rooms. The resort fee includes a complimentary Cadillac car rental program. 

On an oceanfront bluff with an unparalleled view of the Pacific Ocean, you'll find the Ritz's signature top-tier service. On-site dining options offering oceanfront views include renowned chef Richard Sandoval's Pan-Latin RAYA restaurant with its coastal cuisine and elegant ambiance; KAHANI, a modern Indian fusion culinary journey; and Taikun Omakase, offering a curated 16-course one-of-a-kind dining experience. Sunset cocktails are to be sipped at 180blu. Book a massage or facial at the newly refreshed two-story spa near the ocean-view fitness center. Stroll down perfectly manicured trails to the popular public white-sand beach or take one of the beach shuttles to Salt Creek Beach and walk along the picturesque coastline. This playful luxury resort has an on-site EcoAdventure Center to reserve a whale-watching trip, e-bike rental, surf lesson or round of golf.

Resort fees include a beach shuttle ride down to the beach with beach butler service. Guests have use of umbrellas, towels, and beach chairs; unlimited use of tennis and pickleball courts and rackets; discount golf tee times at Monarch Beach Golf Links. Pets are welcome for a $150 pet fee, per room for up to two pets. The main swimming pool has been recently refreshed. There are two new two-bedroom and two-bathroom ocean front penthouse suites. Some rooms have a firepit on the patio. This hotel is dog friendly.

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.

Set on a hillside overlooking the Pacific Ocean, step into the Waldorf Astoria's grand lobby to take in an impressive view of the Monarch Pool, 18-hole Monarch Beach Golf Links, and the Pacific Ocean beyond. The extra large Monarch pool deck has luxury cabanas, and two infinity edge saline hot tubs angled for optimal views. Near the full service spa is another swimming pool for laps. The large refreshed guest rooms have spacious patios and balconies or balconies with views of the golf course, lush landscaping, or ocean. Some of the ground floor rooms have a private fire pit. Dining options include celebrity chef Michael Mina's Bourbon Steak, an elegant show-stopping restaurant serving modern, seasonally influenced seafood dishes and expertly prepared dry aged beef. The restaurant's wine selection is among the best along the coast, and the service is impeccable. Aveo Table + Bar highlights all-day Mediterranean cuisine or take a complimentary electric shuttle ride to the casual Monarch Cafe, a favorite for golfers and guests looking for casual fare. Stay on the shuttle for a ride through the golf course and monarch butterfly sanctuary garden to the private Monarch Bay Beach Club. It's a popular spot during the day and at sunset, offering coastal fare, craft cocktails and local beers. There are surf and paddle boards, beach volleyball, and plenty of chairs. The resort fee includes complimentary wellness classes with the sounds of waves crashing nearby, beach games and activities, house bicycles with self-guided tours, and discounted fees at Monarch Beach Gold Links. This is a pet-friendly property, however guests must pay a nonrefundable pet fee starting at $200.

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.

This waterfront resort offers contemporary coastal elegance and one of the best harbor bay views, especially from the spacious bay-view guest rooms. Locals and guests gather at the lively A + O restaurant and bar to take in the pleasing sea breezes while overlooking million-dollar yachts. The resort offers a variety of land and sea wellness and enrichment activities. There is a sparkling swimming pool in the center of the hotel with poolside cabanas and daybeds. Rent a Duffy electric boat or stand-up paddleboard from the resort's private marina. The lawn area next to the marina is a popular spot for weddings, and there is a spa exclusive to hotel guests. Take one of the hotel bicycles for a spin to explore Newport Beach. Dogs are welcome with a non-refundable $200 one-time fee.

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.

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.

Pasea offers ocean views from almost every guest room, while balconies bring in fresh marine breezes. Rooms have super comfy platform beds and cozy robes that are essentially long hooded sweatshirts. The dramatic two-story lobby has doors that open to the expansive swimming pool and ocean beyond. Directly across the street is the beach and an 8-mile bike trail, and it's next to the Pacific City shopping and dining outdoor mall. The luxury Aarna Spa offers sauna and steam rooms, a couples suite and eight serene treatment rooms. There is also a private outdoor spa garden with cabanas. There are four culinary options from floor-to-ceiling Pacific Ocean views at Tanner's Restaurant, rooftop panoramic views at the rooftop Treehouse Lounge, and grab-and-go coffee, pastries, smoothies, and sandwiches at Blend Cafe. The Ninth Hour Pool Bar is open for lunch through sunset. The hotel also provides complimentary beach bikes, electric cruisers, and scooters. This property is very dog-friendly offering a designated Paw-Sea dog park, gourmet welcome treats, and dog-sitters. The non-refundable pet fee of $150 per stay includes cleaning, a take-home collar, leash, and dog toy, plus usage of a dog bed and dog bowls.

This sprawling resort is ideal for families, couples, and business travelers alike. Across the street is miles of beach, the iconic Huntington Beach Pier, surf shops, and paved bike paths. All guest rooms have private balconies and some offer views of Catalina Island. The all suite Dolphin Tower offers soothing cream and coastal blue colors with a blend with an elegant tropical vibe. The spectacular Offshore 9 Rooftop Lounge has been refreshed with a new retractable glass roof for spectacular sunset cocktails, appetizers, and panoramic views year round. There are two heated free-form pools—Driftwood Beach Club is family-friendly with water features, waterslides, and a Cabo Wabo concession stand, while the Huntington Pool at The Huntington Tower is adults-only with a hot tub and blazing fire pits. On-site dining includes Henry's Coastal Cuisine for creative fare in an elegant setting , and the new playful Sammy Hagar's Cabo Wabo Beach Club offering a taste of Baja California flavors. The hotel's large Drift a Waterfront Spa is a sanctuary to rejuvenate one's mind, body, and soul. Across the street is Waterfront Adventures on the Beach offering beach bikes, surf and sand toys, beach chairs, umbrellas, and beach bonfires to roast s'mores in the evenings. There is also a Cabo Wabo Sand Bar to wiggle your toes in the sand while enjoying elevated beach food. Next door is Pacific City, a popular shopping, dining, and entertainment complex.