1289 S Coast Hwy, Laguna Beach, California, United States | (618) 248-8274
Lovely, historic hotel in a beautiful beachfront location
Five minutes from downtown Laguna Beach’s shops and restaurants
Distinctive rooms with a range of striking designs and mini-fridges
Rooftop bar with sweeping views serving lunch and evening appetizers
Bistro serves Mediterranean-inspired small plates
Lobby bar with daily happy hour specials and live music
Hot breakfast, parking, and Wi-Fi included in daily resort fee
Access to nearby fitness center also included in daily resort fee
Beach towels, chairs, and umbrellas provided
Business center with internet access and printer
Pet-friendly (fee)
Mandatory daily resort fee
No pool (unusual for a Laguna Beach property)
Rooms pick up noise from the bars and the highway
Rooms are small and lack coffeemakers
Parking located across the busy South Coast Highway
The mid-range La Casa del Camino has been a Laguna Beach landmark since it first opened its doors in 1929, and its rooftop bar is so popular it can be tough to find a spot at times. The lively lobby bar features live music, and the bistro serves Mediterranean-inspired small plates. The 37 rooms are small but offer fascinating rage of decor from traditional, Spanish-style to funky and ultra-modern, a result of the hotel's partnering with various designers and surf-board companies. A daily resort covers parking, Wi-Fi, and admittance to a local gym. Travelers could also check out the Pacific Edge on Laguna Beach, another beachfront property with somewhat lower rates.
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Scene
A fun and lively historic hotel for travelers who want to take in the SoCal beach lifestyle
This Spanish-style boutique hotel has been an Orange County landmark since it opened in 1929, and it was once a favorite hangout for Hollywood celebrities like Charlie Chaplin and Douglas Fairbanks. Today, its rooftop bar draws both locals and tourists alike. The retro look begins in the quaint lobby, which has massive wood beams running along the ceiling and a cozy, eight-stool bar in a far corner. A vintage leather sofa sits in front of a working fireplace, and antique, hand-carved furniture occupies a spot under a large window. The lobby can get lively in the afternoon, when the bar offers happy hour specials and musicians take to the piano that’s been a lobby mainstay since 1930. The hotel draws an overwhelming number of couples, but families stay here too, soaking up the fun and historic ambience.
Location
Facing the ocean, a five-minute drive from downtown Laguna Beach
La Casa del Camino, on the ocean side of the South Coast Highway, faces the waterfront and is about a three-minute walk from the sand. It’s surrounded by residential homes, and several restaurants are within a five-minute walk. It's a 15-minute walk or a short drive from the many shops, restaurants, and galleries in downtown Laguna Beach. There's a bus stop a two-minute walk from the front door for those who prefer not to drive. During summer, a free trolley to downtown Laguna Beach stops at the hotel every 30 minutes. - Four-minute drive to Victoria Beach
Rooms
Rooms range from traditional Spanish-style to ultra-modern; all include mini-fridges
The 37 rooms at La Casa del Camino are a tale of contrasting styles. The traditional, Spanish-style rooms mirror the dark motif of the hotel’s public spaces. The bright white linens atop king or queen beds rest on dark, hand-carved bed frames with tall headboards and nightstands in the same color and style. The hardwood plank floors also are dark brown, as are the desks. Plaster walls and drapes are light gold, and yellow upholstered desk chairs provide seating for one. Rooms are small, with small bathrooms that have nice tan tiling, hammered copper vanities, and walk-in showers with rainfall showerheads. They range from the Spanish Petite (165 square feet) to the Spanish Queen (185 square feet) to the Spanish King (185 to 270 square feet). In 2010, the hotel partnered with various designers and surf-board companies to create 10 ultra-modern rooms. While the same size as the Spanish King rooms, these unconventional, one-of-a-kind rooms are more luxe and visually striking. While they defy uniform descriptions, one common element is the modern George Nelson furniture. Otherwise, expect everything from wall-mounted, hand-painted surfboards and skateboards to reclaimed-wood hanging terrariums and bright-colored tile. The Riviera Magazine room was even designed to resemble a modern art gallery. All rooms include flat-screen TVs, mini-fridges, robes, safes, and free Wi-Fi. While rooms are generally quiet, some face the busy highway or are close and pick up ambient noise. Some rooms have partial ocean views, but most overlook the courtyard or surrounding buildings.
Features
Popular rooftop bar, lobby bar, bistro, and access to local fitness center
While this long-time Laguna Beach landmark is high on SoCal atmosphere, it is missing one beachy mainstay: a pool. But other amenities are in keeping with the property's locale. Its Rooftop Bar, with its amazing ocean views, draws guests and locals alike -- so much so that it can be difficult to get a table for lunch or for its evening appetizers and craft cocktails. Its wise to reserve a table before arriving. The K’ya Bistro on the first floor serves wonderful Mediterranean-inspired small plates at dinner. The cozy lobby bar has happy-hour specials and live music in the evening. Free fruit-infused ice water is available in the lobby. A hot breakfast buffet, Wi-Fi, parking, and admittance to a local gym are included in the resort fee. The hotel has two small meeting rooms and a business center with a printer and computer station with internet access. Beach lovers will be happy to know that the hotel provides beach towels, chairs, and umbrellas at no extra charge. Valet laundry services are available too.
