5 Reasons Surf and Sand Resort is the Best Beachfront Hotel in Laguna Beach
Laguna Beach, California, itself is just about the perfect size; there is a lot on offer, yet it still has quite a small-town feel. Obviously, the summer months are heavy with tourists, but if you visit off-season, you will be amongst the wealthy locals, and the beaches will be less crowded, although the surfers are out in any weather.
Whilst the beaches and the ocean are the stars of the show, you must find time to walk through the neighbourhoods and into the Laguna Hills – it has a very peaceful vibe away from the main drag, and the homes are gorgeous. Many Hollywood executives live here, and it has seen its fair share of Hollywood royalty over the years, including Ms Bette Davis, who lived in a magnificent home overlooking the ocean in the Woods Cove area. Just look for the "D" on the chimney stack! You can read more about that here.
There are many places to stay in Laguna Beach with various styles and price points to fit everyone. My ultimate choice every time is Surf and Sand Resort in Laguna Beach. The resort is part of the JC Resorts family, which includes the Rancho Bernardo Inn in San Diego and Scripps Inn in La Jolla (more on those in a future blog post).
Here are 5 Reasons to Stay at Surf and Sand Resort in Laguna Beach, California.
1. Location, Location, Location
There are plenty of Laguna Beach hotels with beautiful ocean views, but Surf and Sand is actually on the beach. At high tide, the waves crash on the walls, and if, like me, the sound of the water rushing forward then slowly back soothes you and makes you smile, then this is the place for you. There is access to a private beach for hotel guests, where chairs and umbrellas are offered, and you can order food and drinks from the pool bar without having to move from your seaside seat.
The resort is also perfectly located to take in all of Laguna Beach, making it one of the best hotels in Laguna Beach for location. just a short stroll to the centre of town where you’ll find great shopping, art galleries, restaurants, cafes, and coffee shops. The Laguna Coffee Company is a particular favourite when we’re in town. Most everything can be explored on foot, so park your car when you arrive and don’t think about it until you leave. Not having to drive in LA traffic is always a bonus!
2. A Room with a View
The wow factor hits you the minute you open your room door – the first thing you see (and probably hear) through the floor-to-ceiling patio doors is the vast ocean. I imagine everyone does the same thing: drop the bags where they’re standing and head straight to the balcony without even looking to see what the room is like. Opening those doors and stepping onto the balcony is an instant relaxation moment. The rooms themselves are very comfortable, and the décor has just the right amount of beach-themed touches without going over the top. The placement of the beds is perfection – at a slight angle facing the view – they know this is the money shot! From the bed looking out, you can almost imagine you’re on a cruise ship as you see nothing but water. A note here that although all rooms have ocean views, there are some that are set a little further back and have a view of the pool too. The sweet spot for me is in the Ocean Front Towers. You can take a look at the various room types here.
3. Sunset Sippings
Laguna sunsets are beautiful and always worth toasting. If you're looking for the best places to watch the sunset in Laguna Beach, this resort has some of the finest spots. I have a few places at Surf and Sand where I like to enjoy my sundowners. For those days when getting dressed to go out in public seems a step too far, hopefully, you’ve had your champagne chilling all afternoon and will be enjoying the sunset show from the privacy of your own balcony. Maybe you’ve been out all day and are just getting back to the resort; you fancy a gin & tonic and a snack to watch the sunset with, then head to Splashes Bar. It’s an intimate space next to the main restaurant, and the windows are usually wide open so you have the sound and smell of the surf. A lovely place to transition from day to night.
Another sunset sipping spot, perfect for pre-dinner drinks, is the 15FiftyFive outdoor bar and lounge. It’s located close to the lobby with fire pits, comfy sofas, and full bar service. However, you will have to arrive early to claim the best seats in the house.
4. The Breakfast Club
Having eaten breakfast, lunch, and dinner at the Surf and Sand restaurant Splashes, my favourite meal is always breakfast. Whatever time of day you eat here, the food is high-quality and thoughtful. Evening dining is a treat and feels special and romantic, lunch is always satisfying, but for me, Splashes in the morning makes me happy. Something about the peacefulness of the restaurant at that time of day, combined with the sea views and ocean sounds, iced tea brewed just right, berry parfait with granola, creamy yoghurt and berries with a side of sausage (no breakfast is complete without a side of meat product!), and I must confess there is probably a warm, crusty pain au chocolat thrown in there as an "appetizer" – it just starts my day off right.
5. Spa-tastic
The Aquaterra Spa is a sweet little nook tucked away in the resort. The spa has eight treatment rooms, so it has a calm, uncrowded vibe, and the facilities are ample, with "lounge areas separated by gender and an indoor eucalyptus steam room, outdoor Jacuzzi, showers, and all locker room amenities. An intimate co-ed relaxation area with a fireplace, refreshments, and indoor and outdoor seating is also on the premises." The therapists are friendly and highly skilled. After any treatment, I head to the outdoor patio to relax quietly amongst the tall trees that rustle in the breeze, stretch out on a sofa, and look up at the blue sky thinking, "Today is a good day."
There are many more reasons why Surf and Sand Resort is the best hotel in Laguna Beach, so I will call this my highlight reel. Right, I’m off to do some California dreaming.
“Best hotel in Laguna Beach. You do not need to look anywhere else.”
The view that greets you when you walk into your room