The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel is where luxury meets the ocean. Sitting high above the beach, it offers stunning views, world-class service, and top-tier dining.
I book it often for clients who are Marriott Bonvoy members and looking for a beachfront stay in Orange County. I’ve stayed there many times, and since I grew up nearby, I have attended weddings and other special events at the resort.
My most recent stay was during the holidays with my daughter when we needed to be in the area for a volleyball tournament. In my The Ritz-Carlton Laguna Niguel review, I’ll share what I know and why my clients like it.
Book with STARS / Virtuoso Rates
The inclusions for the Marriott STARS VIP program and Virtuoso are the same:
*You will need to request the password. Choose the STARS rate unless Virtuoso is less.
One Ritz-Carlton Drive, Dana Point, CA 92629
What I love
Good to Know
Review of My Ocean View Fireside Room
The most popular rooms at The Ritz-Carlton properties in California are the ones with fire pits. So, that’s where we stayed. Even though it was winter, the fire pit generated a good amount of heat so we weren’t cold.
At some hotels, you can’t roast smores on your fire pit, but here, you can. In fact, there was a smores kit waiting in our room.
The room had two comfortable double beds and a large marble bathroom. The one thing to note is that it’s a shower/tub combo so you do have to be careful stepping in and out.
Circling back to the fire pit, we used it both day and night. The gas is easy to turn on and off and runs on a timer, so you can’t really forget to turn it off. A lightweight plastic top protects the glass—you take on and off.
And what a day time view from the terrace.
The other room feature I liked was the mini closet with shelving and hanging space on the right and left. It’s not a walk-in, but it felt more like an actual bedroom closet than a hotel room closet.
The room acoustics were decent. Meaning, while I could hear festive holiday makers chatting their way down the hall to the bar it wasn’t late enough for me to care. The resort is tucked in from the main road so there is no street noise. And I slept well.
All Rooms and Suites at The Ritz-Carlton Laguna Niguel
So, here’s the rundown on the rest of the room and suite options at this luxury resort. They all ooze coastal luxury, with ocean-inspired decor, plush furnishings, and private outdoor spaces.
They were renovated in 2021, and apparently, they’re doing another room refresh starting now. My room did have a little wear and tear, but nothing major.
Common Features
- Spacious Layouts: Ranging from 400 to 1,550 sq. ft.
- Luxury Bedding: Pillowtop mattresses and feather duvets
- Private Balconies or Terraces: Available in most rooms with ocean, garden, or coastline views
- Marble Bathrooms: Featuring dual vanities, deep soaking tubs, rain showers, and Asprey bath products
- Entertainment & Connectivity: Complimentary Wi-Fi, premium movie channels, and flat-screen TVs
- Convenient Amenities: Mini fridge, Nespresso coffee maker, in-room safe, and evening turndown service
Get Detailed Room Options, Size, Occupancy and View Details
Dining at Ritz-Carlton Laguna Niguel
One thing I like about this resort is the varied dining options. You can have Indian, seafood, American, Japanese or even some grab-and-go during the day.
In-Room Dining
Virtuoso/STARS guests can choose in-room dining as their included daily breakfast for two.
Our last stay was a bit rushed so we relied mostly on in-room dining. It came pretty quickly, each time which was much appreciated.
It didn’t have as much flair as some of the luxury resort room service breakfasts we’ve had but it was good!
KAHANI (Indian)
For those craving authentic Indian cuisine, Kahani delivers refined flavors with a modern approach by Chef Sanjay. The intimate setting makes it a fantastic choice for date night or anyone wanting a bold, flavorful meal. It’s currently open for dinner Tuesday through Saturday. I mean look at this beautiful food.
Taikun Omakase (Japanese)
Japanese food lovers, this is for you. This 16-course omakase experience is unlike anything else at the resort. With a limited number of seats and expert sushi chefs preparing each bite, it’s ideal for food connoisseurs and those celebrating a special occasion. Be sure to make early reservations if you want to experience Taikun Omakase!
Raya (Seafood)
If you love bold Latin flavors and fresh seafood, this signature oceanfront restaurant is a must. Enjoy sustainable seafood with a creative twist while overlooking the Pacific. It is perfect for couples and food enthusiasts who appreciate innovative cuisine and sea life. Raya is usually open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
180blũ (Lounge)
This cliffside lounge is a prime spot for watching the sunset with a handcrafted cocktail. With small plates and a laid-back vibe, it’s great for groups, couples, and anyone looking to unwind in style.
Bar RAYA (Bar)
A stylish yet relaxed setting for enjoying artisanal cocktails and light bites. Ideal for a casual nightcap or a pre-dinner drink with friends. It was really busy when we were there with locals and guests.
The Market Place (Deli)
A convenient grab-and-go café, perfect for guests heading out for a day of sightseeing or business travelers in need of a quick but quality bite.
The Dana Pool Cafe (American)
Casual poolside dining under the California sun. Ideal for families, kids, and anyone wanting a relaxed meal without leaving their lounge chair.
Visiting Salt Creek Beach: What to Expect
One of the highlights of Ritz-Carlton Laguna Niguel is its easy access to Salt Creek Beach, a popular spot for surfing, sunbathing, and scenic walks along the shoreline.
While the resort isn’t directly on the sand, guests can walk down the bluff on a paved pathway to the beach. It’s pretty easy. This is a nice beach, though not as wide as some others (it’s long), that is monitored by lifeguards.
Beach Amenities & Services
- Beach Butler Service – The resort offers a complimentary setup of chairs, umbrellas, towels, sunscreen, and refreshments for guests.
- Surfing & Water Sports—Salt Creek Beach is known for its great waves, making it a favorite for surfers. The concierge can arrange lessons and rentals.
- Getting There – A scenic downhill walk takes you to the sand. The return walk is uphill, but the resort offers a shuttle service during peak seasons.
Spa & Wellness
A stay at The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel isn’t complete without a visit to its ocean-inspired spa and wellness facilities.
You can indulge in a luxurious treatment, join a yoga class, or enjoy a relaxing swim, the resort offers top-tier wellness experiences.
The Ritz-Carlton Spa
The spa uses marine-inspired ingredients like seaweed, sea salt, and smoothed beach stones to create a truly rejuvenating experience. Facials feature products from renowned skincare lines ESPA and SkinCeuticals, making every treatment a blend of nature and science.
Sample Signature Treatments (I was there in winter):
- Winter Radiance Facial – Hydrates and restores glow with botanical ingredients.
- Winter Wondermint Massage – A cozy, revitalizing full-body massage with peppermint and eucalyptus oils.
- All Wrapped Up Body Treatment – A nourishing CBD-infused shea butter wrap combined with a relief massage.
Again, the spa is popular so I suggest making a reservation early.
Fitness & Outdoor Wellness
For guests who love to stay active, the resort offers a 24-hour fitness center, outdoor yoga, and Pilates classes. The stunning ocean views provide a serene backdrop for your workout, making fitness here feel less like a routine.
- Fitness Center: Open 24/7, fully equipped with cardio machines, free weights, and strength-training equipment.
- Yoga Classes: Daily sessions overlooking the Pacific, guided by experienced instructors.
- Pilates: Strengthen and tone with expert-led Pilates classes set against the scenic Dana Point cliffs.
- Monarch Pool & Whirlpool: Open daily.
The Ritz Kids Program (Seasonal)
Families traveling with children will appreciate The Ritz Kids program at Ritz-Carlton Laguna Niguel. It’s designed to offer fun, educational activities that connect young guests to nature and culture.
This 3-hour program includes several themes: Animal Adaptations, Fabulous Florals, Nature’s Wonders, and Creatures of the Deep. How it works at this hotel:
- Ages: The program is geared toward children ages 5–12.
- Activities: Hands-on experiences focus on nature, exploration, responsibility, and culture—including eco-adventures, beach scavenger hunts, and interactive learning.
- Indoor & Outdoor Fun: Depending on the season, kids can enjoy crafts, games, and supervised outdoor activities.
Other Activities At Ritz-Carlton Laguna Niguel
The Ritz-Carlton Laguna Niguel offers a diverse selection of curated experiences for guests of all ages. From outdoor adventures and cultural explorations to relaxation and family fun, there is something for everyone.
- Eco-Adventures: Led by expert naturalists, these experiences include guided nature hikes, tide pool explorations, and whale-watching excursions.
- Stand-Up Paddle boarding & Kayaking: Explore the tranquil waters of Dana Point Harbor with guided lessons and rentals.
- Golf at Monarch Beach Golf Links: Enjoy a round of golf at this scenic course with oceanfront views.
- Art & Culture Tours: Discover the vibrant arts community of Laguna Beach with guided studio visits and gallery tours.
- Seasonal Events: Indulge in special experiences like afternoon tea with Pacific views, garden tours, and holiday celebrations.
- Dana Point Harbor: Visit this port at sunset for incredible views and a relaxed coastal vibe.
The Ritz-Carlton Club Experience
The Ritz-Carlton Club further elevates a stay with personalized service, exclusive amenities, and a private lounge experience.
Often described as a “hotel within a hotel,” the Club Level offers guests dedicated concierge assistance, in-room enhancements, and daily culinary presentations.
Most of our clients choose club level when they book here.
Club Lounge Benefits
- Dedicated Concierge Service: Personalized assistance with reservations, excursions, and special requests.
- Exclusive Lounge Access: A private space for relaxation with ocean views.
- Daily Culinary Offerings: Five food and beverage presentations daily, including breakfast, lunch, afternoon snacks, hors d’oeuvres, and evening cordials.
- In-Room Amenities: Complimentary garment pressing (two items per day), shoeshine service, and upgraded bath amenities.
- Exclusive Experiences: Special events and curated offerings available only to Club guests.
Club access is not included with Marriott Bonvoy Elite Status—you must book in directly.
Who Stays Here and Why
I mostly book families into this hotel. But, you’ll see couples on romatic escapes, multigenerational beach vacations, business travelers, and people traveling with pets.
It’s also popular with Orange County locals looking for a luxe staycation and out-of-towners who want ocean views without LA traffic.
When people want to go to Disneyland but stay in a luxury resort (there are none in Anaheim), consider this as an option.
Is It Right for You?
It’s a great fit if…
- You want a luxury resort with unmatched ocean views.
- You love sunsets, surfing, and fireside cocktails.
- You’re a Marriott Bonvoy fan looking to use points or earn status.
- You’re traveling with kids, pets, or grandparents—there’s something for everyone.
- You enjoy fine dining without leaving the property.
- You want to pay less than the equivalent nearby resorts like Montage which usually prices higher.
It may not be right if…
- You need direct beach access (you can’t run from your room to the sand).
- You’re seeking a budget-friendly vacation—this is definitely not that.
- Renovation work is a deal-breaker during your travel dates (we can help you navigate this by having our contacts there select the best room for you based on their renovation schedule).
- You want to totally fly under the radar. The restaurants have a little bit of an OC seen-and-be-seen vibe. You would never walk through the hotel looking super shabby!
Final Thoughts
If you decide to book, you will want our perks as they usually outweigh any direct sale rates as we would be using the brand’s own VIP program (Marriott STARS) to book. Plus you will also earn Marriott Bonvoy points.
Top photo credit: The Ritz-Carlton Laguna Niguel
