Laguna Beach is thousands of miles away from where I grew up in Miami. The oceanside California enclave is a fraction of the size, too. And yet, like many millennials who came of age as MTV was airing the reality show of the same name, I was obsessed with Laguna Beach for as long as I can remember. So, when I moved to Los Angeles a few years ago, it's no surprise the Orange County town claimed the top spot on my road-trip wish list.
Now, I'm happy to say, that wish has been fulfilled.
I recently spent a night in Laguna Beach to check out the newly renovated Casa Loma Beach Hotel. The clifftop hotel was previously The Inn at Laguna Beach since the 1980s, until it underwent a $15 million renovation last summer with Marc & Rose Hospitality now at the helm. (The hospitality group has many other personal favorites in its collection, including La Playa Hotel in Carmel-by-the-Sea.)
Described as a combination of a "laidback Mallorcan mindset and the vivacity of California's coastal spirit," the boutique hotel is located above Main Beach with a tranquil view of tide pools and a boardwalk. Here's what else prospective travelers should know about Casa Loma, a trendy addition to a beloved beach town.
About Casa Loma Beach Hotel
Casa Loma consists of 70 accommodations, ranging from ocean-view suites to standard rooms that face a quaint stretch of the Pacific Coast Highway. The average nightly rate is around $500 depending on availability and time of year. The pool is open 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. and features cabanas and lounge chairs. The on-site restaurant, Cecilia's, serves small plates, grazing boards, and other light bites. Vegan cookies provided by Rye Goods are available in the lobby each night. Tivoli radios are provided in each room with an option to enjoy Casa Loma's custom radio station. Pets are welcome with a $225 deposit per stay and a maximum of two pets per room. Parking is $60 per vehicle, per night. Toiletries are by D.S. & Durga.What I Like About Casa Loma
Upon checking into Casa Loma, my eyes didn't know where to look. On the one hand, I was transfixed by the expansive stretch of the Pacific Ocean peeking behind the beige curtains. But then I found myself distracted by the beauty in the foreground, as I wondered where they got those wicker lampshades.
I stayed in an ocean-view king room with a balcony on the fifth floor, and the decor stood out to me as one of Casa Loma's strong suits. The design does a lovely job of balancing its neutral color palette with dark wood furniture accents and beachy, woven textures. There are on-trend touches everywhere, from the Debaser-scented soaps to the olive-green glassware.
Now, while I admittedly spent most of my time in the room napping or enjoying the view from the balcony, I did make it out to the pool in the afternoon. The cabanas were all accounted for but I was able to snag a chaise and listen to a podcast as kids splashed around in the pool and their parents chatted in the hot tub.
In addition to its pleasing design, Casa Loma is well-located. The hotel is at the start of a bustling stretch of shops and restaurants, while still feeling quiet and just removed from the foot traffic. During my stay, I took advantage of being walking distance to favorites like Jedidiah Coffee and The Taco Stand, which - fun fact - is the site of the third-oldest Taco Bell. In the evening, I made the drive slightly further down the PCH for dinner at AhbA, which was well worth it. (The salmon tagine was fantastic, but I also experienced burger envy.)
When I returned to the room, I'm happy to report that I drifted off very soundly as the sound of crashing waves lulled me to sleep. (Works every time.)
What to Consider Before Booking Casa Loma
There are of course a few considerations for prospective guests at Casa Loma. First off, keep in mind that it's a relatively small boutique property, so there's no gym or spa. While the hotel recommends various nearby options in its FAQs page, if you're the kind of traveler who would prefer not to have such services available on-site, you may want to consider booking a larger property in the area.
Casa Loma also doesn't have an expansive food offering, which may be another consideration for guests who don't want to venture out much. While there is a small menu available consisting of snacks and beverages, for a more satiating meal, you'd definitely need to go elsewhere. That said, there are plenty of great restaurants within walking distance.
And lastly, at $60 a day, parking is steep, and in my experience, there aren't many better parking alternatives in the area. California, am I right?
Who Casa Loma Is Best For
Casa Loma is a great option for couples and families seeking a weekend getaway, particularly if they're into outdoor activities and water sports, given the hotel's close proximity to the beach. I could also see Casa Loma being a lovely option for an anniversary trip or similar celebratory occasion.
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Related: 11 Hotels Doing Wellness Travel Right Kelsey Garcia (she/her) is the associate content director of PS Balance, where she oversees lifestyle coverage, from relationships to parenting to financial wellness. Kelsey is passionate about travel, dating trends, and changes in the workplace. Before joining the PS team as an editorial assistant in 2015, she interned at Elle and Harper's Bazaar, among other publications.
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