Travel
We are Happy at Hotel Laguna!
05.10.12
Review by Jennifer Morris
Historic Hotel Laguna is certainly more than just a place to rest your head. On the contrary, Hotel Laguna is an iconic boutique hotel. Nestled in the heart of downtown Laguna Beach and overlooking Main Beach, this charming hotel provides scenic atmosphere, comfortable rooms and impeccable hospitality for tourists and locals alike.
“Build it and they shall come” must have been the mantra of Hotel Laguna when it was constructed in the late 19th century. It is recognized to be the first hotel and first substantial business building in Laguna Beach. However, do not let its age fool you as this hotel offers as many amenities as its newer resort counterparts.
One amenity no other Laguna hotel can boast is the location. Walk outside the hotel and Laguna’s downtown village is at your feet. Take a stroll and you are among Laguna’s best cafes, shops, restaurants, bakeries, galleries, boutiques and entertainment.
Hotel Laguna, however, is even better known for its spectacular view. Make sure to ask for Room 201 when you make reservations. This way, you can enjoy the same view that News Channel 7 does. That’s because they have a Live Beach Cam mounted to the hotel that showcases breathtaking vistas to viewers at home. But why watch it on television when you can experience it first hand?
History in the Making
Upon arrival, we were efficiently checked into the Bogart Suite, which was named after the famous actor who once stayed at Hotel Laguna. Other famous past hotel guests include Hollwood legends Errol Flynn and John Barrymore who enjoyed retreating from their hectic Hollywood lives to this ‘California Riviera” destination).
Guest rooms at Hotel Laguna exude the same classic and understated style these “Old Hollywood” celebrities possessed. Recently renovated rooms reveal new bedding, carpeting, and curtains, while the original doorknobs and lighting fixtures remain for a charismatic and historic appeal.
A quick tour through the two-story, 65-room hotel is like a walk down memory lane. Black and white photos of Laguna Beach throughout the lobby chronicle the rich history of this tranquil seaside town. These snapshots in time show a once-barren landscape and how it has developed into what it is now -- occupied with multi-million dollar homes, high-end restaurants and trendy boutiques.
Where to Dine
Fortunately, you don’t have to travel far while staying in Laguna Beach to find many of OC’s best restaurants including the hotel’s Claes Ovation. Claes Ovation offers traditional dishes served alongside more progressive dishes as well. Offerings such as pan-roasted monkfish and vanilla-braised pork belly delight the palate.
For those looking for something more casual, check out the hotel's Ocean View Bar & Grill. The OceanView serves breakfast, lunch, and a popular-with-locals happy hour.
Looking for a breakfast place that rivals mom’s pancakes? Pop into The Cottage, which is another landmark in Laguna Beach. Like the name depicts, this cozy eatery has been serving guests for more than 45 years. Other excellent restaurants within walking distance of the hotel include Tommy Bahama’s, WaterMarc, The Beach House, The Deck, Broadway by Amar Santana, Brussels Bistro, Café Zoolu, House of Big Fish & Ice Cold Beer, Las Brisas, Lumberyard, Sundried Tomato Café, 230 Forest, Zinc Café & Market.
Nearby Historic Adventures
Keeping with the theme of historic attractions in Laguna Beach, make sure you pay a visit to several the following:
PAGEANT OF THE MASTERS AND THE FESTIVAL OF THE ARTS
World Famous “live-art re-creations” and art show founded in 1932. Season runs July through August.
BETTE DAVIS HOUSE
An English Tudor-style home, the Bette Davis House was built in 1929. It overlooks beautiful Wood's Cove. Bette Davis lived here during the early 1940s.
EDWARDS SOUTH COAST LAGUNA CINEMA
Built in 1934 in the Mediterranean Revival style, this downtown movie theatre was the first building in Laguna to be constructed of steel and concrete.
HEISLER POINT
Heisler Point is situated on a coastal bluff just north of Main Beach. This spot, which features a picturesque gazebo, offers incredible views of Laguna's coastline and is a popular wedding site.
LAGUNA ART MUSEUM
The Laguna Art Museum, which is the oldest cultural institution in Orange County, is a museum of American art with a special focus on the plein air art of California.
LAGUNA PLAYHOUSE
Founded in 1920, Laguna Playhouse is one of the region’s premier professional theaters. Season runs September through June.
Hotel Laguna, 425 South Coast Highway Laguna Beach, 949-494-1151,
Jennifer Morris owns Ajenda Public Relations, which specializes in all things hospitality related in Orange County. Follow her! @jennlynnmorris
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