The Hotel Guru
The 7 Best Hotels in Orange County

The 7 Best Hotels in Orange County

Orange County is quintessentially Californian. Made up of manicured beach towns, ports packed with luxury yachts, renowned theme parks, a surfing culture, and access to superb wines - this is a region made for fun! Easily accessible from Los Angeles and San Diego, this is a great option for a weekend escape or an add-on to a city trip. With plenty of accommodation options to choose from, our hotel experts have made things simple producing a concise list of the best hotels in Orange County. So whether you're looking for a spa break or a rural escape, there's something for everyone here.

For a beachside stay

Shorebreak Hotel is a chic hotel on the beach, in Huntington Beach, with a modern vibe. A popular in-house restaurant and bar serve fresh food and cocktails. Bike and surfboard rentals, a ping pong table and outdoor fire pits add to the laid-back atmosphere.

For a boutique

Newport Beach Hotel is a quaint 15 bedroom boutique located right on the beach. Rooms are classic beach-chic with stylish features and a contemporary tone. Relax on your balcony overlooking the sea, hit the beach or soak up Newport's lively nightlife.
Hotel Joaquin is a boutique resort nestled above Shaw’s Cove in Laguna Beach. The individually designed rooms feature one-of-a-kind vintage pieces, customized furniture and carefully curated artwork in soft, pastel palettes. With a chic outdoor pool, it's the perfect place to unplug and unwind.

For a rural stay

The Ranch at Laguna Beach is located in the beautiful Aliso and Wood Canyons. Offering a variety of rooms, cottages and suites furnished in luxurious contemporary fashion with warm interiors and private patios. Enjoy American cuisine at the Harvest Restaurant. A stunning spot for a country escape.

For the spa

Casa Laguna Inn & Spa is an intimate Laguna Beach hotel. A perfect quiet, relaxing spot for a romantic weekend break by the coast. Rooms are comfortable, with garden or sea views and private balconies. The outdoor pool and indulgent spa make this perfect for a rejuvenating stay.
Pasea Hotel & Spa is a hip contemporary beachfront property (in Huntington Beach) offering excellent service and an unbeatable location. Light and airy rooms are all white on white with plenty of glass and luxury bathrooms. Boasting a lively bar and superb restaurant as well as a surf centre and glorious spa.

For traditional grandeur

Dana Point's Blue Lantern Inn offers breathtaking ocean views from private balconies and sun terraces. Rooms feature four-posters and fireplaces. Start the day with in-room breakfast, then explore or relax at the spa. Welcome sunset with complimentary wine tastings. Don't miss the opportunity to go whale watching.

Still not sure where to book?

Expand your search to include all of the best places to stay in California,
refine your search to our Guru’s collection of the best places to stay in Los Angeles, or the best places to stay in San Francisco.
Or you could be even more specific than that and just look for beach hotels in Malibu, Santa Barbara, Carmel-by-the-Sea, Santa Catalina Island, San Diego, Newport, Santa Monica or Los Angeles’s Venice Beach.
Alternatively, you could contact one of our friendly Gurus for personalised advice.
- Kimpton Shorebreak Resort Huntington Beach (California) 157 rooms from $209
  
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  Shops  -  The Main Street outside the hotel is buzzing with hip boutiques and surf shops
  Private Hot Tub  -  The Oceanfront 2 BR Suite, Oceanview Suite King and Accessible Courtyard Suite come with large soaking tubs
  Local markets  -  The Surf City Nights street fair and farmers market just moments away from the hotel
  Restaurant  -  Mediterranean cuisine at the Zimzala restaurant and bar cannot be missed
  Recommended by  -  Tablet
  
  Chic hotel on the beach with a modern vibe. A popular in-house restaurant and bar serving regional fare and cocktails. Bike and surfboard rentals, a ping pong table and outdoor fire pits add to the relaxed atmosphere. A great spot to enjoy a sundowner drink before heading out for some fun. See More
  
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- Pasea Hotel & Spa Huntington Beach (California) 250 rooms from $224
  
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  City Style  -  A contemporary beach front property pleasing surfers, night revelers and spa-goers alike.
  Surfing  -  This property takes surfing seriously even offering a 'surf butler' to arrange all your needs.
  Local markets  -  Wander around Lot 579, an artisinal market, and sample Califorinia's flavours.
  Views  -  Great views from hotel
  Recommended by  -  Tablet
  
  A hip contemporary beachfront property offering excellent service and an unbeatable location. Light and airy rooms are all white on white with plenty of glass and luxury bathrooms. Boasting a lively bar and superb restaurant as well as surf centre and glorious spa. Fabulous. See More
  
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- Newport Beach Hotel Newport Beach (California) 15 rooms from $225
  
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  Birdwatching  -  The northern portion of Newport Bay comprises the pristine, 1,000-acre Upper Newport Bay Nature Preserve and Ecological Reserve.
  Sailing  -  Newport Harbor is one of the west coast’s largest recreational boat harbors, perfect for sailing, rowing and kayaking.
  Fishing  -  Chartered ocean fishing excursions allow participants to haul in sea bass, halibut, tuna and yellowtail.
  Surfing  -  With a range of beaches to choose from you won't be dissapointed.
  
  Ideal location for lapping up Newport's vibrant beach scene. The rooms are classic beach-chic with stylish features and a contemporary tone. Relax on your balcony overlooking the sea, hit the beach or soak up the lively nightlife. See More
  
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- Hotel Joaquin Laguna Beach 22 rooms from $474
  
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  Romantic Break  -  With bright and airy rooms, a fantastic restaurant and grown-up, adults-only atmosphere, this hotel is great for couples
  Beach Life  -  Set a stone's throw from Laguna Beach, with an outdoor pool and sun terrace, this hotel is ideal for a beach break
  Local exploring  -  This hotel is perfect for local exploring, sitting between the beach and the San Joaquin hills
  Seaside  -  Ideal for a seaside holiday.
  Recommended by  -  Tablet, Mr & Mrs Smith
  
  This boutique resort is nestled above Shaw’s Cove on the Californian coast. The individually designed rooms feature one-of-a-kind vintage pieces, customized furniture and carefully curated artwork in soft, pastel palettes. With a chic outdoor pool, it's the perfect place to unplug and unwind. See More
  
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- The Ranch at Laguna Beach Laguna Beach (California) 97 rooms from $399
  
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  Active Holiday  -  The Ranch at Laguna Beach offers an array of activities to get you out and about enjoying the weather
  Families  -  With family suites available, and the beach nearby this is the ideal spot for a family getaway
  Fishing  -  If you fancy a peaceful afternoon then head off along the coast for a spot of fishing
  Restaurant  -  Harvest, the signature all-day restaurant, serves California coastal cuisine
  Recommended by  -  Michelin Travel, Mr & Mrs Smith, Tablet
  
  A hidden gem located in the beautiful Aliso Canyon, just moments from the ocean. Rooms, cottages and suites furnished in luxurious contemporary fashion with warm interiors & private patios; farm-to-table cuisine; boutique spa and biodynamic farm. A stunning spot, perfect for families! See More
  
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- Casa Laguna Inn & Spa Laguna Beach (California) 22 rooms from $350
  
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  Great walks  -  Crystal Cove State Park for a stroll along the beach.
  Seaside  -  Ideal for a seaside holiday.
  Private Hot Tub
  Spa
  Recommended by  -  Tablet
  
  Intimate Laguna Beach hotel is the perfect quiet, relaxing spot for a romantic weekend break by the coast. Rooms are comfortable, with garden or sea views and private balconies. There is an outdoor pool and spa treatments for all. Great spot for seeing Los Angeles. See More
  
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- Blue Lantern Inn Dana Point, California 29 rooms from $225
  
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  Surfing  -  Doheny State Beach, a 62-acre park featuring a sandy beach and waves just right for surfing.
  Kayaking  -  Coastline Kayaking Adventures.
  Designer  -  Uniquely designed interiors.
  Barefoot Luxury  -  For total relaxation.
  
  Breathtaking ocean views from private balconies and sun terraces. Rooms are modern with a nautical theme and loads of light. Start the day with in-room breakfast, then explore or relax at the spa. Welcome sunset with complimentary wine tastings. Don't miss the opportunity to go whale watching. See More
  
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