Introduction

This is perhaps one of the finest hotel establishment in Southern California. Montage Laguna Beach sits on a dramatic stretch of Southern California coastline, where terraced architecture and lush gardens cascade toward a private stretch of sand. The resort blends classic California modernism with refined, artisanal touches: spacious, light-filled guest rooms and suites, ocean-view bungalows, an expansive spa carved into the bluff, multiple dining outlets emphasizing seasonal coastal cuisine, and attentive, discreet service crafted for both leisure and celebratory stays. Its thoughtful integration with the coastline, commitment to wellness, and focus on high-touch hospitality make it a definitive luxury destination on the Pacific.

Consistently lauded by Forbes Travel Guide, AAA (Five Diamond), Condé Nast Traveler and Travel + Leisure, the resort’s spa, dining and guest experiences have earned frequent industry and reader-driven honors. Its spa and signature restaurants have received multiple wellness and culinary awards, while regional bodies recognize its community engagement and sustainability initiatives—underscoring a sustained reputation for refined coastal luxury, personalized service and world-class amenities.

Location | Montage Laguna Beach

Perched on a coastal bluff overlooking the Pacific, Montage Laguna Beach occupies one of the most dramatic sites in Southern California. The resort sits within the heart of Laguna Beach, directly above Treasure Island Park and across from Lobos Point—both offering coastal trails, tide pools, and oceanfront vistas. Downtown Laguna Beach’s galleries, boutique shops, and dining on Forest Avenue are a short drive or a 10–15 minute walk along scenic streets. Main Beach and the historic Laguna Art Museum are roughly a 10-minute drive or a 20–25 minute stroll, depending on route and tide.

Nearby cultural and outdoor attractions include Heisler Park (prominent for sunrise and sunset walks), Crystal Cove State Park to the north for hiking and rustic seaside cottages, and the Montage’s proximity to the Pacific Coast Highway makes access to Dana Point Harbor and nearby coastal towns quick for day trips. John Wayne Airport is about a 25–30 minute drive, while Los Angeles and Orange County attractions remain within an easy 1–1.5 hour drive depending on traffic.

Hotel Grounds | Montage Laguna Beach

Perhaps the biggest reason anyone really chooses the Montage Laguna Beach is for its insanely picturesque view. Montage Laguna Beach offers sweeping oceanfront views that unfold from every public space and many guest rooms—sapphire Pacific stretching to the horizon, frothy surf breaking against tidal pools, and the glittering arc of Treasure Island Beach below. Guests can descend winding paths and manicured stairs to reach the shore via several access points that thread through native coastal gardens; these trails invite morning jogs, sunset strolls, or contemplative pauses at lookout platforms where the light on the water is ever-changing.

Treasure Island Park is a beautiful and well-manicured green space along the Pacific Ocean, offering a quietly refined respite from the busier beachfront areas nearby. The park’s tree-lined paths, sculpted lawns, and benches provide framed views of the ocean and intracoastal waterways, making it a favored spot for sunrise walks, light picnics, and photographing the area’s calm maritime activity. Amenities are understated but well maintained: shaded seating, paved promenades, and informational signage that nods to the local maritime and environmental history. One must visit to really understand the serene beauty of this place.

The adjacent beaches are broad, gently sloping stretch of sugar-fine sand, notable for its clean shoreline and relatively low crowd density compared with larger tourist hubs. Water conditions are usually placid, suitable for swimming and paddle sports, while the softness of the sand invites barefoot strolls and shell collecting. The combined park-and-beach setting balances natural charm with discreetly provided conveniences, making it an appealing choice for visitors seeking a polished, relaxing seaside experience.

The hotel’s architecture and landscaping are designed to celebrate that panorama: terraces, expansive windows, and open-air pavilions frame the ocean as a constant presence, while patios and plunge pools orient guests outward toward the sea. Public walkways and private niches take advantage of the cliffside location, turning viewpoints into living rooms with views—one of the many reasons travelers prize Montage Laguna Beach as a seaside retreat that feels both grand and intimately connected to the coastline.

Horizon King Room | Montage Laguna Beach

With the Fine Hotels and Resorts booking, we were given a lovely upgrade, though to their surprise, we asked for a Horizon King Room on the 1st floor, as we had our Pembroke Welsh Corgi with us. We wanted our dog to be able to quickly access the outdoors during sunset and the mornings, and it was such a blessing during our stay.

The Horizon King on the first floor at Montage Laguna Beach is a generously sized room that blends classic coastal luxury with comfortable, residential touches. The king bed is dressed in plush linens and flanked by bedside tables with convenient USB outlets. A seating area with an upholstered sofa and armchair faces a large flat-screen TV, while a writing desk provides a functional workspace. Large windows and a private patio (ground-level access) bring in natural light and offer views of the resort’s gardens and pathways.

Bathroom amenities include a marble-topped vanity, a deep soaking tub, separate glass-enclosed shower, and premium bath products. Practical touches include a Nespresso machine, minibar, robes and slippers, in-room safe, iron and board, and plentiful closet storage. High-speed Wi-Fi and climate control are standard, and turndown service is offered upon request.

The current design reads as elegant and comfortable but is a bit dated in finishes and some furnishings; Montage Laguna Beach has a refresh planned to update textiles, fixtures, and select furniture elements to better align with its contemporary-luxury standards. One can assume that once the renovations are completed, their biggest weakness will turn into one of their strongest forte.

Bathroom | Horizon King Room

The bathroom in the Horizon King Room at Montage Laguna Beach is generously proportioned and finished in warm marble and pale wood tones that echo the coastal setting. A standalone soaking tub sits beside a large vanity with ample counter space, while the walk-in shower—tiled with textured stone—offers good but not stellar water pressure, steady enough for a comfortable rinse though not a high-powered jet.

Amenities are thoughtful and plentiful: plush robe and slippers, a designated makeup mirror, and an abundance of soft, oversized towels that are replenished as needed. The bath toiletries are from Gloss Moderne—shampoo, conditioner, body wash, lotion and bar soap—each presented in full-size bottles as well as single-use options, ensuring convenience whether you prefer to linger in the tub or make a quick refresh before heading out.

Similar to the bedroom, the bathroom feels somewhat dated because of its awkward layout, yet Montage Laguna Beach has done a tremendous job ensuring its fixtures, finishes, and and amenities are exceptionally well chosen and maintained, allowing them to largely overcome the room’s age and deliver a comfortable, high-quality experience.

Amenities |Montage Laguna Beach

The Montage Laguna Beach’s pool complex is the crown jewel - and is a masterclass in coastal elegance. Multiple heated pools step down the cliffside, offering uninterrupted views of the Pacific and private cabanas for daylong lounging. One pool is family-oriented with shallow areas and activities, while an adjacent adults-only pool provides a quieter atmosphere with poolside service, oversized loungers, and warm, attentive staff. The infinity edges and artfully placed fire pits create dramatic sightlines at sunset, and attentive pool attendants maintain plush towels, chilled water, and fresh fruit throughout the day.

Fitness Center | Montage Laguna Beach

The Fitness Center at Montage Laguna Beach has been recently upgraded with a selection of the newest fitness equipment, bringing boutique-studio quality to a resort setting. Cardio lines include top-tier treadmills with interactive touchscreen displays, carbon-drive recumbent and upright bikes with streaming capability, and a high-end rowing machine favored by professional trainers. Strength training is supported by a smart, club-grade equipment suite, free weights up to heavy poundages, and functional training stations with cable rigs, kettlebells, battle ropes, and suspension trainers. New additions include connected resistance machines with digital coaching, a full set of adjustable dumbbells, and recovery tools such as percussion massage devices and pneumatic compression units.

Spa Montage | Montage Laguna Beach

If you’re craving for something more relaxing, the Montage Spa is an award-winning sanctuary renowned for its holistic approach and signature treatments that incorporate coastal botanicals and ocean-inspired therapies. Treatment rooms are spacious, serene, and appointed with private relaxation terraces that frame the sea. The spa menu ranges from classic deep-tissue and Swedish massages to curated rituals—sea-salt exfoliation, algae wraps, and aromatherapy journeys—that reflect the resort’s connection to its marine setting. Advanced offerings include clinical-grade facials, lymphatic drainage, and specialized recovery treatments that pair technology (LED therapy, cryotherapy tools) with hands-on techniques. The spa’s wellness programming extends to bespoke couples’ experiences and multi-step packages that frequently earn industry recognition for service, innovation, and results.

Service | Montage Laguna Beach

Without a doubt, the service provided here is one of the very best in the world. From the moment you step into the Montage Laguna Beach lobby, service announces itself with a poised, anticipatory warmth. The front desk operates with quiet efficiency—reservations are handled with seamless precision, room preferences anticipated from prior notes, and check-in feels personalized rather than procedural. Staff strike the ideal balance between attentive and unobtrusive, offering local recommendations and arranging valet or activities with faultless timing. I knew we were in for a treat when the staff can address you by name within a day.

Housekeeping at Montage reads like choreography. Rooms are immaculate and replenished with an air of discretion; turn-downs and mid-day refreshes appear exactly when needed, linens pressed, surfaces immaculate, and thoughtful touches—fresh flowers, artful towel arrangements, and replenished amenities—delivered without being asked. Special requests are remembered and consistently fulfilled across stays. Our power cables were thoughtfully wrapped with Montage’s signature cable management bands, and chocolates were delivered each night with different flavors, along with a personalized note. Given we had our dog with us onsite for the stay, they were incredibly generous and immediately adjusted his bowls and bed to be more comfortable.

Even during our in-room dining, we were surprised with a delectable set of chocolates that came with our lowly turkey sandwich and salad. And this was on the house - the front desk manager, having noted that we were spending our lunch in our room after a long morning, had room service provide this alongside some plates to go with our pizza we had bought in San Clemente. Talk about anticipating and going beyond for their guests.

It doesn’t stop there. Bellmen embody Southern California hospitality: affable, knowledgeable, and expertly efficient. They manage luggage, car arrangements, and on-property directions with friendly professionalism, and their local insights often elevate logistical questions into curated experiences—where to watch sunset, which cove to explore, or the best time to avoid traffic. Waters were prepared in our car before we even left, and they even managed to provide us with two Montage Laguna beach hats as a gift before we left. Talk about 5-star service!

Dining service across the Montage’s restaurants is exemplary. Waitstaff are polished and well-drilled, blending menu mastery with genuine warmth. They guide wine pairings, accommodate dietary needs without fuss, and time courses so meals flow without rush. Servers anticipate needs—replenishing bread, refilling water, noting preferences—and interactions feel informed and sincere rather than scripted. Even during in-room dining, when we mentioned that we were just gonna order a sandwich as I had ordered pizza from San Clemente, the front desk manager personally brought a tray of beautifully decorated chocolates to enjoy, on the house. Plates and napkins were given for the pizza, and we were so surprised by the staff here.

Across every touchpoint, service at Montage Laguna Beach reads as one of the industry’s finest: consistently attentive, impeccably executed, and delivered with a discreet luxury that turns a stay into a curated experience. This is where the Montage honestly is in a league of its own.

Breakfast | The Loft

Breakfast at The Loft at Montage Laguna Beach is an elegant beachfront start to the day, blending bright coastal views with a refined California menu. Expect a carefully curated selection of seasonal fruit, freshly baked pastries, artisanal breads, and hot dishes such as egg specialties, house-made granola, and locally sourced seafood or avocado-forward options — all plated with subtle, contemporary flair. The dining room’s light-filled layout and attentive service create a relaxed yet polished atmosphere ideal for both leisurely mornings and expedited departures.

Guests utilizing the American Express Fine Hotels & Resorts benefits receive an $80 breakfast credit per person, which offsets most main-course choices and beverages; any charges beyond the credit are billed separately. Service at The Loft is consistently polished and unobtrusive, with staff attentive to dietary preferences and pacing, ensuring the meal feels personalized while moving at a comfortable pace.

On clear mornings, I recommend sitting outdoors to take in unobstructed views of the Pacific and the shoreline as it comes to life — the sounds of birds, rustling trees and early joggers create a quietly invigorating atmosphere. It is a rare and memorable sight.

Curated for Class?

Montage Laguna Beach delivers unequivocal five-star elegance from arrival to departure. Every touchpoint — from the discreet, anticipatory service of the staff to the impeccably appointed rooms and suites — communicates thoughtful luxury. Public spaces and private terraces frame expansive Pacific views while amenities such as the oceanfront spa, pristine pools, and curated activities elevate the stay into a refined coastal retreat where comfort and craftsmanship are never compromised.

Culinary offerings mirror the hotel’s overall standard: inventive, ingredient-forward cuisine served with polished timing and warmth. Whether savoring seasonal coastal dishes at the signature restaurant, enjoying relaxed poolside fare, or experiencing bespoke private dining, the food consistently complements the setting and service. Montage Laguna Beach is a consummate luxury property — an experience defined by world-class service, exceptional amenities, and memorable dining that together create a flawlessly executed coastal escape.

This is one of the most highly sought-after properties in Southern California, and will continue to be with their renovations. Bravo, Montage Laguna Beach.

Curated for Class Final Score | 43.5/50

The Montage Laguna Beach is in its own class of its own - this is one of the most luxurious hotel property in Southern California with stunning backdrops of the ocean, immaculate attention to detail and one of the best hotel service teams out there. Once their renovations are complete, this hotel’s weakest sector will ultimately drive this to be one of the best hotels in California.

Ambiance: 9/10

Room: 8/10

Food & Beverage: 8/10

Service: 9.5/10

Does it Feel Special: 9/10

Hotel Review: Montage Laguna Beach