DoubleTree Suites by Hilton Doheny Beach – Dana Point

The DoubleTree Suites by Hilton Doheny Beach - Dana Point attracts vacationers with its proximity to the beach, and business travelers with its extensive business amenities. It was renovated in 2015 and has contemporary and colorful decor throughout. The spacious lobby features white tiled floors, blue walls, lime-green or blue couches, and in-laid flat-screen TVs plus lots of windows that let in natural light. This bright and beachy ambience carries on throughout the hotel -- some parts of the building have a surf theme with surfing photos and surfboards propped up as decorations. The outdoor patios feature white metal chairs, contemporary gray couches, and circular fire pits. The restaurant has an upbeat vibe, with lime-green chairs, wooden tables and floors, and gold and silver circular decorative elements on the walls. 

This hotel is just a five-minute walk from Doheny Beach and is located between the Pacific Coast Highway and Hwy 1. There are a few fast food restaurants within walking distance, and more dining options farther down the beach or closer to the marina -- about 15 to 20 minutes away on foot. There's also a golf course a 10-minute drive away. Overall, there’s not much to do in the area beyond the beach and day trips to beaches or cities along the coast. San Clemente is 16 minutes away by car, while Laguna Beach is 22 minutes from the property. The hotel is a little over an hour away by car from both Los Angeles and San Diego, depending on traffic. It’s a 35-minute drive to Disneyland. 

The DoubleTree Suites by Hilton Doheny Beach offers bright, if generically furnished rooms and suites, some of which allow pets. All rooms have streamlined wood furniture, platform beds topped with puffy white duvets, tan carpet, and blue accents. Rooms are spacious, with living room areas with couches, while Suites have separate living rooms with contemporary chairs and sofas, and, in some cases, fireplaces. There are no minibars or mini-fridges, but rooms do come with flat-screen TVs, coffeemakers, safes, and air-conditioning; though some guests report AC issues. And while in-room Wi-Fi is available, it costs an extra fee. Some rooms have furnished patios with ocean views. Bathrooms have a lovely mix of blue walls, tan tiles, back-lit mirrors, vessel sinks, and shower/tub combos. Hairdryers and Aroma Actives Essentials toiletries are provided. Some Suites have large bathroom counters and separate walk-in showers and tubs. Note that there have been reports of bug infestations and cleanliness problems as well as noise from nearby thoroughfares. 

For the most part, this DoubleTree's got the basics covered. There’s an outdoor pool with fire pits and lounge chairs, plus an outdoor patio lounge -- MoQUILA -- which also has a firepit, a flat-screen TV, and bar service. The hotel also has a seafood and American restaurant -- Doheny Surg -- plus room service with limited hours. Other dining options include a small snack shop, vending machines, and a buffet and made-to-order breakfast served in the mornings. Breakfast costs a fee and there have been reports of long wait times. There's also a gym with free weights and some cardio machines. For business guests, the hotel offers a lot of meeting space and a business center with three desktops and a printer. However, Wi-Fi is only free in the lobby and costs extra to use in rooms. Parking and bike rentals are available for a fee.