17 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. 

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.

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.

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 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.

This convention-friendly hotel near Disneyland Parks was designed by the same architect who designed the Mirage and Wynn hotels in Las Vegas. The ground-level heated swimming pool and hot whirlpool with fountain and cabanas infuse a Las Vegas vibes. The hotel nods to Anaheim's citrus roots, with live citrus trees and a lingering blossom scent throughout the hotel. Rooms have Westin Heavenly Beds with high-quality linens, rain showers, and many rooms have soaking tubs. The premium view rooms offer unobstructed Disney California Adventure roller-coaster and park views. There are seven food and beverage experiences from a gourmet grab-and-go market to fine-dining options. Rise Rooftop Bar is a popular spot at sunset and when fireworks illuminate the sky over Disneyland. You'll find live entertainment up here on certain evenings. 

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.

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. 

This charming boutique hotel one block from the beach, decorated with photos and artifacts of Avalon, has clean and well-maintained rooms and a showstopper rooftop lounge area to luxuriate in Avalon Bay views and breezes. Guest rooms have garden, balcony, and ocean views; most rooms have either a queen or king size bed and some offer a Murphy bed option. Enjoy your continental breakfast near the koi fish pond and water fountain in the morning.

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.

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.

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.

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. 

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.