For years I had wanted to visit Montage Laguna Beach, a luxury hotel in Southern California, and the first from the American brand Montage, opened in 2003. With the Preferred Hotels seal of elegance and quality, it is 1 hour from Los Angeles and nestled on top of a cliff, with a spectacular view of the Pacific. There are more than 12 thousand square meters of luxury on the seafront with two swimming pools, three restaurants, cozy rooms and a fully equipped spa. So, read below about my experience at this iconic luxury hotel in Laguna Beach.
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Location
Exactly one hour from LA, from Montage Laguna Beach you can take several tours. Right next door, for example, is Dana Point. Charming La Jolla is an hour away, while San Diego is two. Furthermore, the hotel is within Treasure Island Park, a very pleasant park, with a beautiful beach and beautiful gardens. There, many people practice outdoor activities, do yoga in the morning and walk their dogs. In other words, we have that feeling of a small town, very pleasant, but within a developed country, and with all the structure we need. Certainly a mandatory tour.
In fact, another tip is Heisler Park, which is a 10-minute drive from the hotel. The park has walking trails, gardens, picnic tables, barbecue grills and even bowling greens.
Across the street from Montage Laguna Beach, there is a small shopping center with a CVS pharmacy and a very popular Japanese restaurant, Starfish. Meanwhile, a 5-minute drive away we reach the center of Laguna Beach, which also has several restaurants and shops.
Luxury hotel in Southern California
About to turn 20 years old and last renovated in March 2019, Montage Laguna Beach doesn’t even look its age. The lobby is the hotel’s pulsating vein, very well designed, with cozy environments, including a fireplace, bar and inviting you for a coffee or drink. At night, the sound of the piano makes it even more pleasant. In fact, we had the chance to spend New Year’s Eve there, at a party in the lobby, which was super lively.
Therefore, due to its jaw-dropping views and beautifully maintained gardens, the hotel is frequently chosen for parties and weddings! It’s certainly understandable, right?
The accommodations
In total there are 260 rooms, including 60 suites, and 37 beach bungalow-style rooms. Spacious and comfortable, all feature Pacific views, private balconies, dark wood furnishings and modern design, and authentic works of art by famous California artists. My room was a great size, with a bed king sizeliving area with sofa and armchair, minibar and coffee maker.
And highlight, of course, my balcony, super pleasant, with views of the pool and the sea. In the bathroom, all made of marble, there were two sinks and a bathtub. In addition, there are also villas and residences for those who come as a family and have this chance.
Gastronomy and Leisure
There are three restaurants and an excellent à la carte breakfast. The atmosphere at The Loft, which is open all day, is sophisticated and overlooks the sea. The menu features typical American food with Californian touches. Avocado toast, waffles e eggs benedict These are some suggestions to start the day off right!
By the pool is the Mosaic Bar and Grille, with salads, sandwiches and fresh seafood options. Studio, a restaurant serving modern coastal cuisine with Californian influences, is temporarily closed.
Meanwhile, The Lobby Lounge is ideal for a pre- or post-dinner drink. I ordered the Expresso Martini a few times, which was very good. There are also some snack options to accompany, such as the artisanal cheese board.
Montage Laguna Beach has two beautiful swimming pools facing the sea, surrounded by sun loungers and umbrellas. Furthermore, both are heated, an extremely important detail when it comes to California. There is also a jacuzzi, children’s pool and a play area.
The Montage Spa is huge, covering more than six thousand square meters, and features 21 treatment rooms, 12 of which are massage rooms, an indoor pool, beauty salon, sauna, gym and boutique.
With friendly and agile service, certainly a complete luxury hotel and one that I loved visiting! So, take note of this tip on where to stay in Laguna Beach.
Text and photos by Renata Araújo.
