Luxury Healing HotelsThe Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel
The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel Overview
First Impressions
You know what hits you first at The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel? It’s not just the sweeping Pacific views — though honestly, they’re pretty spectacular — it’s how the whole place feels like it’s been carved right into the coastal bluffs. This five-star retreat sits on what locals call the Salt Creek Beach area, and I mean, the architects really knew what they were doing when they designed this place back in the ’80s. The moment you walk through those doors, there’s this immediate sense that you’ve stepped into something that understands both California luxury and the healing power of being right on the ocean’s edge.
The Setting
Dana Point isn’t your typical crowded beach town — it’s actually got this more refined, almost residential feel that a lot of people don’t expect. The hotel sits on these dramatic cliffs about 150 feet above the water, which means you’re getting those unobstructed sunset views without dealing with the boardwalk crowds you’d find further north. What I really appreciate is how they’ve managed to keep the property feeling intimate despite its size. The terraced gardens and walking paths make it feel more like a private estate than a hotel, and you can actually hear the waves from most areas of the property.
Accommodations & Amenities
The room I stayed in had this perfect balance — luxurious without being stuffy, you know? Floor-to-ceiling windows, marble bathrooms, and those little touches like the telescope for whale watching (which actually works, by the way). The spa here is something else entirely — they do these ocean-inspired treatments that somehow manage to feel both indulgent and genuinely restorative. I spent an afternoon at their fitness center and tennis court, but honestly, the real draw is just walking the coastal trails that connect right to the property.
Dining & Daily Rhythms
The main restaurant serves this elevated American cuisine that changes with the seasons, and they’re smart about sourcing from local farms and fishermen. Breakfast on the terrace is pretty much mandatory — I mean, where else are you going to eat fresh berry pancakes while watching dolphins swim by? The service has that Ritz-Carlton polish, but it doesn’t feel forced or overly formal. Staff actually seem to know the area well and can point you toward hidden beaches or the best spots for tide pooling.
Why Guests Love It
Look, couples consistently rate this place highly for good reason — it’s got that rare combination of being both romantic and genuinely peaceful. The location gets top marks because you’re close enough to explore Laguna Beach or Newport (both about 20 minutes away), but far enough removed that you can actually disconnect. There’s parking on-site, which might sound mundane but trust me, it matters when you’re dealing with coastal California. What really sets this place apart is how it manages to feel like a true retreat — somewhere you go not just for luxury, but for that deeper sense of restoration that comes from being right where the land meets the sea.
Hotel Highlights
Reviews
Staff: 8.4
Comfort: 9.3
Location: 9.3
Facilities: 9.0
Cleanliness: 8.9
Value for money: 7.5
Joe from United States
The Ritz property was beautiful and had great views of the ocean. The food was very good and the staff was very accomodating.
Jenny from United States
Everything was wonderful
Raymond from United States
It was good location
Mike from United States
Location and Service
Frank from United States
The location was superb
Jess from United States
Very clean and everyone friendly.
Natalia-marva from Canada
Location is fantastic.On thr Beach. Wonderful staff.
Steve from United States
We liked the hotel and the staff was very friendly.
Pedram from United Arab Emirates
it is in nice location but staff was rude we paid the stay in cash also left some amount for extras however when we ordered room service in middle of night they call us from Resturant that you don’t have credit and we are sending somebody to your room and you need to do the payment and I explained to them about extra cash that we left and they hang...
German from United States
ubicación
Surroundings
What's nearby:
- Heritage Park: 2.9 km
- La Plaza Park: 2.7 km
- Creekside Park: 4.4 km
- Sea Terrace Park: 1.9 km
- Ocean Breeze Park: 2.9 km
- Treasure Island Park: 2.9 km
- Dana Point Recreation: 4.3 km
- Doheny State Beach Interpreti: 4.1 km
- Harbor Point Conversation Park: 2.4 km
Restaurants & cafes:
- Restaurant Enosteak: 20 m
- Restaurant Beach Hut Deli: 300 m
- Restaurant The Ritz-Carlton: 200 m
Top attractions:
- Heisler Park: 11 km
- Treasure Island Park Laguna Beach: 5 km
Natural beauty:
- Peak Niguel Hill (280m): 6 km
- Lake Palisades Reservoir: 8 km
Beaches in the neighbourhood:
- Baby Beach: 2.9 km
- 1000 Steps Beach: 3.1 km
- Dana Strand Beach: 400 m
- Doheny State Beach: 3.9 km
- Salt Creek Beach Park: 20 m
Public transport:
- Train San Clemente: 10 km
- Train San Juan Capistrano: 8 km
Closest airports:
- John Wayne Airport: 32 km
- Long Beach Airport: 62 km
- Fullerton Municipal Airport: 58 km
The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel Rooms
- King or Double Room with Garden View with 1 extra-large double bed and 1 sofa bed for 3 adults, 2 children
- King or Double Room with Ocean View with 1 extra-large double bed for 4 adults, 3 children
- Club Level King or Double Room with Garden View with 1 extra-large double bed for 4 adults, 3 children
- Double Room with Two Double Beds with Garden View with 1 double bed and 1 extra-large double bed for 4 adults, 3 children
- Limited View King Room with 1 extra-large double bed and 1 sofa bed for 4 adults, 3 children
- King or Double Room with Coastline View with 1 extra-large double bed for 4 adults, 3 children
- King or Double Room - Fireside Garden with 1 extra-large double bed for 4 adults, 3 children
- King or Double Room - Fireside Ocean with 1 extra-large double bed for 4 adults, 3 children
- Garden View, Guest room, 1 King, Balcony (Mobility Accessible w/ Tub) with 1 extra-large double bed for 2 adults, 1 child
- Pool-Garden View, Guest room, 2 Double, Garden view (Mobility Accessible w/ Tub) with 2 double beds for 2 adults, 1 child
- Ocean View, Guest room, 1 King or 2 Double, Ocean view (Mobility Accessible w/ Tub) with 1 extra-large double bed for 2 adults, 1 child
- Executive Suite, 1 King, Sofa bed, Garden view (Mobility Accessible w/ Tub) for 2 adults, 1 child
- Garden View, Guest room, 1 King, Balcony (Mobility Accessible w/ Roll-in Shower) with 1 extra-large double bed for 2 adults, 1 child
- Pool-Garden View, Guest room, 2 Double, Garden view (Mobility Accessible w/ Roll-in Shower) with 2 double beds for 2 adults, 1 child
- Double Room with Pool-Garden View - Hearing Accessible with 2 double beds for 2 adults, 1 child
- King Room with Garden View and Balcony - Mobility Accessible with Roll-In Shower with 1 extra-large double bed for 2 adults, 1 child
- Double Room with Pool-Garden View - Mobility Accessible with Tub with 2 double beds for 2 adults, 1 child
- King Room with Garden View and Balcony - Hearing Accessible with 1 extra-large double bed for 2 adults, 1 child
- King Room with Garden View and Balcony - Mobility Accessible with Tub with 1 extra-large double bed for 2 adults, 1 child
- Double Room with Pool-Garden View - Mobility Accessible with Roll-In Shower with 2 double beds for 2 adults, 1 child
- Pool-Garden View, Guest room, 2 Double, Garden view (Hearing Accessible) with 2 large double beds for 2 adults, 1 child
- Garden View, Guest room, 1 King, Balcony (Hearing Accessible) with 1 extra-large double bed for 2 adults, 1 child
- Garden View, Guest room, 1 King, Balcony (Mobility Accessible w/ Tub) with 1 extra-large double bed for 2 adults, 1 child
- Pool-Garden View, Guest room, 2 Double, Garden view (Mobility Accessible w/ Tub) with 2 double beds for 2 adults, 1 child
- Ocean View, Guest room, 1 King or 2 Double, Ocean view (Mobility Accessible w/ Tub) with 1 extra-large double bed and 1 large double bed for 2 adults, 1 child
- Garden View, Guest room, 1 King, Balcony (Mobility Accessible w/ Roll-in Shower) with 1 extra-large double bed for 2 adults, 1 child
- Pool-Garden View, Guest room, 2 Double, Garden view (Mobility Accessible w/ Roll-in Shower) with 2 double beds for 2 adults, 1 child
Facilities
General:
- Shuttle service Additional charge
- Pet bowls
- Pet basket
- Minimarket on site
- Air conditioning
- Non-smoking throughout
- Heating
- Car hire
- Lift
- Family rooms
- Barber/beauty shop
- Facilities for disabled guests
- Non-smoking rooms
- Room service
Outdoors:
- Outdoor fireplace
- Outdoor furniture
- Beachfront
- Sun terrace
- Terrace
- Garden
Wellness:
- Fitness classes
- Yoga classes
- Fitness
- Spa/wellness packages
- Spa lounge/relaxation area
- Steam room
- Spa facilities
- Body scrub
- Hair styling
- Pedicure
- Manicure
- Make up services
- Facial treatments
- Beauty Services
- Sun umbrellas
- Sun loungers or beach chairs
- Massage Additional charge
- Spa and wellness centre Additional charge
- Fitness centre
- Sauna
Activities:
- Bicycle rental
- Beach
- Tennis equipment
- Snorkelling Additional charge Off-site
- Hiking Off-site
- Table tennis
- Children's playground
- Golf course (within 3 km) Additional charge
- Tennis court
Food & Drink:
- Wine/champagne Additional charge
- Kid meals Additional charge
- Special diet menus (on request)
- Breakfast in the room
- Bar
- Restaurant
Accessibility:
- Emergency cord in bathroom
- Lower bathroom sink
- Higher level toilet
- Toilet with grab rails
- Wheelchair accessible
Languages spoken:
- German
- English
- Dutch
Cleaning services:
- Daily housekeeping
- Ironing service Additional charge
- Dry cleaning Additional charge
- Laundry Additional charge
Safety & security:
- Key card access
- Safety deposit box
Reception services:
- Concierge service
- ATM/cash machine on site
- Currency exchange
- Express check-in/check-out
- 24-hour front desk
Business facilities:
- Fax/photocopying
- Business centre
- Meeting/banquet facilities Additional charge
Great for your stay:
- Restaurant
- Parking
- Spa and wellness centre
- Pets allowed
- WiFi available in all areas
- Fitness centre
- Family rooms
- Shuttle service
- Room service
- Facilities for disabled guests
Entertainment and family services:
- Kids' outdoor play equipment
2 swimming pools Pool 1 - outdoor Free! Pool 2 - outdoor Free!:
- Open all year
- All ages welcome
- Pool/beach towels
- Pool bar
- Sun loungers or beach chairs
- Sun umbrellas
- Open all year
- All ages welcome
- Pool/beach towels
- Sun loungers or beach chairs
- Sun umbrellas
Parking Private parking is possible on site (reservation is not needed) and costs U S$70 per day.:
- Electric vehicle charging station
House Rules at The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel
Pets:
- Pets are allowed. Charges may be applicable.
Groups:
- When booking more than 9 rooms, different policies and additional supplements may apply.
Check-in:
- From 16:00 to 00:00
- Guests are required to show a photo identification and credit card upon check-in
Check-out:
- Until 11:00
Age restriction:
- The minimum age for check-in is 18
Cancellation/prepayment:
- Cancellation and prepayment policies vary according to accommodation type. Please enter the dates of your stay and check the conditions of your required option.
The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel Location
One Ritz-Carlton Drive, Dana Point, CA 92629, United States
