50 Best Hotels in Orange County and Catalina Island, California

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 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.

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.

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. 

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.