Top 10 Orange County Hotels

Greetings - or shall we say, bonjour? - from southern California, where you know you’re on a West Coast vacation but you’d swear you’re in France. This is the Ayres Hotel and Suites, adding a touch of European history, and a lot of boutique-style luxury, to your Orange County getaway.

Even if you have visited France, chances are you weren’t around during the reign of Louis XIV when this type of architecture started popping up in rural neighborhoods. We can tell you that French Provincial is very grand, and you can experience it today at Ayres Hotel and Suites. We’re talking imported marble, fine oil paintings, cobblestones and fountains, plus accommodations that graciously blend antique and Queen Anne styles. Lest you forget, though, this is a modern boutique hotel; so included in the mix are things like jetted tubs, high speed Internet and two outdoor heated pools. Speaking of the outdoors, you won’t believe the courtyard: it’s a recreation of a French village square, featuring outdoor dining at the elegant Le Chateau Restaurant. The overall feel here is French. But the cuisine is all California, and blend of the two is like nothing you’ve ever experienced before.

Related activities

This Anaheim luxury hotel rests in the midst of world-class activities and attractions. Costa Mesa and Pelican Hills Golf Clubs, the Anaheim Convention Center, Disneyland, Angels Stadium and more are all within ten miles of Ayres Hotel and Suites.

Fun facts

The formality of Ayres Hotel and Suites comes from the emphasis on symmetry and balance in its French Provincial architecture, which the French nobles used to build chateaus in the mid-1600s.

Related Onsite Offerings

The Ayres Hotel and Suites Costa Mesa-Newport Beach features a catering department plus more than 12,000 square feet of meeting space and state-of-the-art A/V systems for groups of up to 200.

Shorebreak Hotel showcases a free-spirited blend of modern design, beach culture and luxury touches that we like to call surfer-chic. It’s the only hotel in downtown Huntington Beach – and the only one we found that captures the laid-back lifestyle of California’s surf capital. Surf’s up at this Orange County boutique hotel!

Brush up on boarding techniques and learn about surfing legends like Kelly Slater and Laird Hamilton at the Surfing Hall of Fame or International Surfing Museum; Shorebreak Hotel puts you close to them both! If you’re a seasoned pro, ask the hotel’s “beach butler” where the locals go to catch the best waves, or head to Huntington Beach for hand-on instruction and heart-pounding waves at surf camps on its sandy shores. Shorebreak Hotel’s ideal location puts you at the center of an eclectic mix of Orange County boutiques, cafes and entertainment. The hotel’s onsite restaurant, Zimzala, serves up fresh seafood and Mediterranean flavors in a casual atmosphere. We never expected a hotel with Italian linens, feather-filled duvets and flat panel TVs to be pet-friendly, but Shorebreak breaks the mold once again. And it’s only one mile from Dog Beach, one of the few California beaches where Fido can run free!

Population

194,436

Getting there

From the north, head south on I-405 and take Exit 16 toward Huntington Beach. Turn left onto Center Avenue and right onto Beach Boulevard. Turn right onto Pacific Coast Highway, right onto Sixth Street and another right onto Walnut Street. Turn right onto Fifth Street and proceed to the Shorebreak Hotel on your right.

Fun facts

The surfer-chic space occupied by Shorebreak’s Zimzala restaurant was the work of noted design firm De Lisle, Philpotts and Staub Interiors.

A dramatic renovation (and a cool $70 million) transformed Newport Beach Marriott Hotel and Spa into a sleek and modern pillar of Orange County luxury. And with the help of the Pure Blu Spa, you’re destined to do some transforming of your own on your Southern California vacation!

We believe you can never have enough choices, and clearly someone at Newport Beach Marriot Hotel and Spa agrees. Whether you’re looking for renewal or just a little rest and relaxation, you’re sure to find it with Pure Blu’s extensive spa menu. Innovative treatments like the Pure Blu O2 Facial, exclusive to the Newport Beach Marriott, produce age-defying results, while the spa’s signature Blu Rituals focus on healing and well-being with shell therapies, multiple massage styles and vitamin-rich wraps. Newport Beach Marriott Hotel adds a little luxury to traditional Southern California living with glass-enclosed showers, down pillows and feather bed mattress toppers in its suites. Eight golf courses are practically within putting distance and the upscale Fashion Island shopping center is directly across from the hotel. With signature meat cuts at Sam and Harry’s Steakhouse and a delightful onsite sushi bar, this Orange County luxury hotel gives you a taste of the good life.

Population

73,453

Getting there

From the John Wayne/Orange County Airport, turn right on MacArthur Boulevard, right onto Jamboree Road and left onto Santa Barbara. The Newport Beach Marriot Hotel and Spa will be on your right.

Related Onsite Offerings

Newport Beach Marriott Hotel has 27 meeting rooms, an elegant ballroom and 25,000 sq. ft. of meeting space for your Orange County corporate event!

With its rooftop pool, urban spa and the requisite palm trees, the Fairmont Newport Beach sets the standard for Southern California hotels. And with some of the best packages on Newport Beach and area attractions, the Fairmont is perfect for golf fanatics, retail aficionados and families looking to get in on the Disneyland action.

Experience Laguna Beach the way the locals do! The friendly Fairmont staff has prepared half-day and nightly itineraries to guide your way. We recommend the Fairmont’s evening itinerary that begins with a dinner cruise on the Hornblower yacht and concludes with a moonlit stroll along Laguna Beach. And weekend golf packages showcase some of Newport Beach’s finest championship courses! This is Orange County, and no vacation would be complete without soaking up some of that famous Southern California sunshine. The Fairmont’s rooftop pool, with its private cabanas, chaise lounges and flat screen TVs, lets you catch a tan in true O.C. style. And speaking of style, we found plenty of it in the Fairmont’s spacious suites. From the marble entry and flat panel TVs to the Egyptian cotton linens and oversized soaking tubs, these suites put the “luxe” in Newport Beach luxury hotel.

Highlights

Tempt your taste buds with an Orange County Lemon Smash at the Fairmont’s bambu Lounge. And come back often; new signature martini flavors are unveiled each month!

Getting there

From the John Wayne/Orange County Airport, turn right onto MacArthur Boulevard. Pass through the light at Birch Street and make left into the Fairmont Newport Beach driveway.

Related Onsite Offerings

The Amadeus Spa at the Fairmont Newport Beach offers soothing massage styles, facials and manicures in a serene environment.

If there is such a thing as luxury leisure, we think we’ve found it. Or else it’s the other way around; the Island Hotel invites us to “consider yourself found.” Either way, you’re in for an unhurried getaway - well, actually it’s more like a lifestyle - at this Orange County luxury hotel.

Choose from more leisurely pursuits like beachcombing and gallery browsing in Lagune Beach. Pelican Hill boasts 36 holes of challenging play on a course designed by renowned architect Tom Fazio. Then sink into chaise lounges by the pool or on your private patio and let the cool ocean breezes lull you into a relaxed state. The spa’s indulgent Island Volcanic Detoxifying treatment boasts a trifecta of therapeutic results; it cleanses, purifies and smoothes stressed skin for true bliss. Upholstered headboards, fine Italian linens and goose-down duvets create an inviting retreat to sink into at the end of the day. And a touch of spa-inspired pampering is carried over into your suite’s modern bath, with its upscale fixtures, marble floors and oversized bath towels.

Related activities

The 400 gorgeous acres of Pelican Hill Golf Course is next door to the Island Hotel, featuring Tom Fazio course design and 36 holes of world-class golf.

Getting there

From the north, take 5 North to the 405 and exit at Jamboree Road. Turn left heading south, travel four miles and then turn left onto San Joaquin Hills Road. Turn right onto Santa Cruz and the Island Hotel will be on your left.

Related Onsite Offerings

A tremendous selection of meeting rooms plus the Palm Garden, the Upper Pool Terrace, a private dining room and a grand ballroom make the Island Hotel, Newport Beach perfect for a wedding, meeting or event.

Red clay roof tiles and whitewashed adobe-like walls lend the Anabella Hotel a distinctly Spanish flair, while the palm trees and blooming gardens that surround it are classic Southern California coast. And with nearby theme parks and adventures, we can’t imagine a better place for your Orange County family vacation.

Who says spaces can’t be beautiful and functional? The Anabella Hotel is not only easy on the eyes, its spacious Kids suites with separate bedrooms for the little ones make it easy to bring the whole family. And nearby attractions – some are so close we’re tempted to call them on site – promise fun and adventure for all ages. Disneyland Resort is just across the street, while Universal Studios Hollywood and Downtown Disney are just a few miles up the road. Don’t forget to get your Disney Park Hopper tickets at the hotel’s front desk! But kids shouldn’t have all the fun on your Southern California family vacation. The onsite Tangerine Grill and Restaurant serves up California cuisine with a Southwestern flair and a special children’s menu lets you to dine in peace. Catch a baseball game (and a fly ball for the kids) at Anaheim Stadium, just five minutes away. And two refreshing swimming pools keep the kids happy while you catch some sun!

Average temperature

Low 45 degrees, high 86 degrees F.

Getting there

From the John Wayne/Orange County Airport, take 55 North to 5 North. Exit at Katella Avenue and take a left. Make a U Turn at Disneyland Drive and proceed to the Annabella Hotel across from Disney’s California Adventure Park on Katella Avenue.

Fun facts

The Anabella Hotel was recently awarded the Anaheim Beautiful Property Award for its representation of the heritage of authentic California missions.

We can’t exactly give you an entourage, but we can recommend one Laguna Beach escape that will treat you like a rock star. With a personal assistant assigned to do your bidding, Hotel SEVEN4ONE ensures you unparalleled service for a truly relaxing stay on your Orange County vacation!

Hotel SEVEN4ONE’s sleek furniture, contemporary art pieces and lush Laguna Beach surroundings are the perfect backdrop to any escape, not to mention extremely photogenic for lavish O.C. weddings! Pre-wedding showers and a rehearsal dinner are all included, plus special pricing on guest rooms and suites. And forget traditional catering; let the kitchen’s five-star chefs prepare exotic small plate menus for a one-of-a-kind dining experience you and your guests will never forget! You still have to write your own vows, though… Of course, you don’t have to say “I do” to enjoy the contemporary elegance and indulgent service of Hotel SEVEN4ONE. Discover the true GEM of this luxury beachfront hotel: the Guest Experience Manager. Combining the talents of a concierge, butler and a personal assistant, this jack-of-all-trades is at your service throughout your stay. And let the hotel’s Sand Valet assist you on your quest for the perfect beach glow with revitalizing water mists, chilled face towels and sunscreen application!

Highlights

Laguna Beach sunsets are best enjoyed from Hotel SEVEN4ONE’s ocean view sundeck with a flute of imported champagne in hand.

Getting there

From the John Wayne/Orange County Airport, turn right out of the airport and onto MacArthur Boulevard. Follow MacArthur Boulevard for about five miles until it ends at Pacific Coast Highway. Head south on Pacific Coast Highway for approximately eight miles and turn right onto Cleo Street. Turn left onto Gaviota. Hotel SEVEN4ONE will be on your left.

Fun facts

Hotel SEVEN4ONE displays multiple “DreamScapes” by Shane Townley, a local artist who has dedicated his life to capturing California’s natural surroundings.

Perched on a bluff along the Laguna Pacific Coast, overlooking the pristine beach and glistening waves of the Pacific, is Inn at Laguna Beach. During your stay at Inn at Laguna Beach, you’ll enjoy a guest room where you can peer over ocean vistas of sapphire blues or rest just steps from the pool where the sounds and smells of the ocean will envelope you. Each room is crisp and bright, mimicking the sand and sun, and filled with modern amenities for a comfortable stay. Your stay at Inn at Laguna Beach puts you near a list of endless opportunities to heighten your stay along the beach. Of course, miles and miles of sand welcome your umbrella and chair, and the waves are always ready for a good surf as well as a kayak or snorkeling adventure. Hit the streets of Laguna where you’ll discover an ocean of art and culture. Browse over 100 art galleries as well as boutiques, jewelry, and specialty shops.

Address

211 North Pacific Coast Highway, Laguna Beach, California 92651

Highlights

Laguna Beach has seven miles of coastline with thirty public beaches and coves.

Related Onsite Offerings

Inn at Laguna Beach is perfect for your next meeting with an oceanview meeting room an 70 rooms to accommodate guests.

Laguna Beach has long been known for stunning California coastline and its rich artistic history. And now one place captures the essence of both: Montage Laguna Beach. Discover the inspirations behind some of California’s early artistic treasures at this Orange County luxury hotel!

A masterpiece in its own right, this beachfront hotel reinforces Laguna’s art heritage with its Craftsman-style architecture, museum-quality art works and mosaic tiles in the infinity-edge pool. Kids can indulge their creative side with PaintBox, Montage Laguna Beach’s arts-based youth program. And parents can enjoy the guilt-free alone time it allows them with cool ocean breezes, carefully-selected wines and contemporary French cuisine at Studio. We can’t decide which we enjoyed more: the caramel butterscotch pudding at Studio or the rejuvenating bath rituals at Spa Montage. We’ll let you be the judge when you savor these exquisite offerings (and so many more) during your stay at Montage Laguna Beach. Set high atop a coastal bluff and outfitted with dark woods, crown moldings and soothing color palettes, Montage’s suites and bungalow-style rooms are a relaxing coastal retreat. And private oceanfront balconies in each offer stunning views of the Pacific Ocean!

Average temperature

Low 44 degrees, high 78 degrees F.

Highlights

Montage Laguna Beach pairs its natural setting with the utmost in luxury, including marble baths, upscale bath amenities and feather-top beds.

Getting there

From the John Wayne/Orange County Airport, turn right out of the airport and onto MacArthur Boulevard. Follow MacArthur Boulevard for about five miles and turn left onto Pacific Coast Highway. Follow Pacific Coast Highway for approximately 12 miles to Montage Resort Drive and turn right into the resort.

It’s no surprise that the postcard-worthy coastlines of Orange County are dotted with hotels and resorts. But we found one that towers above them all – literally. Poised above the Pacific Ocean on a 150-ft. bluff, the Ritz-Carlton, Lagune Niguel, has earned a reputation as one of Laguna Beach’s – and the world’s – finest luxury hotels.

Sun-drenched private patios and tranquil water features in the onsite spa capture Southern California’s abundant sunshine and the soothing presence of the Pacific. And what could put you more in tune with Orange County’s renowned waters than surfing the very best waves? The Ritz-Carlton offers hand-on surf instruction at nearby Salt Creek Beach. Weekend guests are treated to a dizzying area of fresh fish and succulent seafood each Friday evening, with Baja shrimp, oysters on the half shell, Dungeness crab and jumbo sea scallops! We knew we were in for a healthy does of extravagance when we stepped into the opulent entry of the Ritz-Carlton, Lagune Niguel. But even the polished marble floors couldn’t prepare us for the feather beds, goose down pillows, Egyptian cotton sheets and marble baths that awaited us in the hotel’s luxury suites. With a color palette that reflects the sand and sea that surround, these spacious accommodations are an inspiring retreat at the end of each day.

Getting there

From the John Wayne/Orange County Airport and points north, take the 405 South to the 5 South. Exit at Crown Valley Parkway and turn right. Proceed on Crown Valley Parkway for approximately six miles to the Pacific Coast Highway. Turn left on Pacific Coast Highway. At the second light, turn right at Ritz-Carlton Drive/Niguel Road. The hotel is located on your left.

Fun facts

The Ritz-Carlton’s Eno restaurant pairs three of our favorite things: wine, cheese and chocolates.

Related Onsite Offerings

The Ritz-Carlton gives you preferred tee times at Dana Point golf clubs, including courses designed by Tom Fazio and Robert Trent Jones, Jr.