Surf & Sand Resort Laguna Beach

HOTEL OVERVIEW

You know that stretch of PCH where Laguna Beach gets really gorgeous? Well, the Surf & Sand is planted right there on the sand, and I mean literally – you walk out of the lobby and you’re basically on the beach. It’s one of those places where the location does most of the heavy lifting, but honestly, they’ve done a pretty solid job with everything else too.

The thing about this hotel is that it actually feels like Laguna Beach, if that makes sense. The lobby has this sort of sophisticated beach house vibe – not the tacky nautical stuff you see everywhere, but more like if someone with really good taste and a serious budget decided to build their dream coastal retreat. The rooms are genuinely nice (I stayed in one facing the ocean and, well, you’re paying extra for that view but it’s worth it). What I really appreciated was how they managed to make everything feel upscale without being stuffy. The bed was fantastic – one of those where you actually sleep better than at home – and the bathroom had this deep soaking tub that’s perfect after a day walking around town.

Here’s what you should know: parking is valet only, which runs about $35 a night, but honestly where else are you going to park around there? The restaurant, Splashes, is right on the sand and the food is actually good – not just good for a hotel restaurant, but legitimately good. I had dinner there twice and breakfast once, and the only thing I’d skip is the overpriced cocktails (walk into town for drinks instead). The beach access is the real winner here though. While everyone else is hunting for parking spots near Main Beach, you just stroll out your back door. The hotel provides chairs and umbrellas, and the stretch of sand is never as crowded as the public areas.

Speaking of crowds – summer weekends are absolutely nuts here, and I mean the whole town, not just the hotel. If you can swing it, come during the week or in shoulder season. The staff was genuinely helpful, especially the concierge who steered me away from some tourist traps and toward this little gallery tucked away on Forest Avenue that I never would’ve found otherwise. The only real downside? The rooms facing PCH can get road noise, even on the higher floors. It’s not terrible, but light sleepers should definitely request ocean-facing if possible. Overall though, this place gets the balance right – fancy enough to feel special, but relaxed enough that you don’t feel like you need to dress up to walk through the lobby in your flip-flops.