Dana Point Guide (July 2024)

We did not really get a chance to explore Dana Point itself in depth, so the main takeaway from these trips is more about the hotels than the destination. We have stayed at Ritz-Carlton Laguna Niguel, Waldorf Astoria Monarch Beach, and Laguna Cliffs Marriott, all booked with points.

All three worked for different reasons, which is why Dana Point has stayed in the rotation for us as an easy Southern California getaway.

Laguna Cliffs Marriott is the best value of the three and probably had the best family vibe overall. The location near the marina is great and made it feel the easiest and most casual of the options.

Waldorf Astoria Monarch Beach has the nicest grounds, and the beach club there was great. That said, it also felt overrun by kids during our stay, was very understaffed, and the food was mediocre to the point that the meal at the Monarch Beach Club tasted like a microwaved meal, which took some shine off the experience.

Ritz-Carlton Laguna Niguel had the best pool by far. It felt like a true resort pool and gave the property the strongest classic luxury-resort feel.

If value matters most, Laguna Cliffs is the easy pick. If you care most about beautiful grounds and beach-club access, Waldorf still has a case. If you want the most convincing resort feel, especially around the pool, Ritz is the standout.

We like all three, but they serve slightly different versions of the same getaway.