The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel

We had a soon-expiring Bonvoy free night certificate and were happy to find an available one-night stay at this luxury resort. We found that we were able to squeeze a lot of enjoyment out of our one night--although it would obviously be more relaxing to be able to stay longer. We have stayed at most of the luxury beach-adjacent resorts in the Orange County area and all are nice, but we think this one may have the nicest setting of all. The Resort at Pelican Hill and the Waldorf Astoria Monarch Beach are both very nice properties, with available shuttles to beautiful beaches. But they sit higher on the bluffs, making it much more difficult to take a casual walk to the beach. The Ritz, while not on the beach itself, is only a short walk downhill through a paved pathway with gorgeous views. The resort still does run a golf-cart-type shuttle to/from the beach, so you can use that, or at least take it back uphill to the resort after having a nice walk along the beach. One note about our front desk experience reveals how the Ritz staff is empowered to make customers happy. We had booked a Resort View Guest Room using our certificate and a day or two prior to our visit, the Bonvoy app noted that I was booked in a "coastal view" room. When we checked in, Eric told me that we had been upgraded to a nice coastal view room and that our request for feather-free pillows and bedding had been noted and provided. But when we went to the room, the pillows and bedding had feathers/down, and the view was mostly of a large wall separating the resort from the next property over. We called down to Eric and asked if this was, indeed, the right room since the bedding had not been prepared for us after all; we also mentioned that while we could see the ocean from the balcony, we could not see the "coast" due to the prominent wall blocking the view. Eric asked for a few minutes to see what he could do. We explored the resort and then checked back in with Eric. He told us that he secured a room on the other side of the resort and would have a bellman help us with our (minimal) luggage for the move. This was great because the bellman filled us in on the resort's offerings and guided us through different buildings to the one furthest from the room we were initially given. The new room was de-feathered and had a superior view to the north/west. We were really pleased with the switch and thank Eric for ensuring we were happy, even though we were only using a certificate for the stay. (See photos of the view from our balcony, including a nice sunset.) Although we only had an hour or so to do so, we did hang out at one of the two pools. There were plenty of lounge chairs, towels, sunscreen dispensers, and shade. A waitress come over quickly to provide ice water for us and did not seem at all preturbed when we told her we were only staying for a few minutes and didn't need to order anything. It should be noted that this is not a great property for exploring the area by foot--other than walking to the beach. To get to non-resort restaurants and shops, you need a car or rely on rideshares. If you have a car, the valet service is very efficient (just text down a few minutes ahead of time for the valet guys to retrieve your car), although overnight parking is expensive. Overall, this is a classy, luxurious, well-staffed resort in an enviable setting with glorious beach views. We look forward to going back.

My husband and I traveled to the Ritz Carlton Laguna Niguel with our 2 year old and already can’t wait to return. This was by far our favorite vacation (ever!) The hotel is absolutely stunning with the most breathtaking views and walk to the beach. The staff is exactly as you would expect from the Ritz- above and beyond in every aspect. This hotel offers a true luxury experience for beach lovers, with a walk down to the ocean and exceptional service from every single hotel worker. We LOVED working with adventure photography- their onsite photography service that captures photos of our family and was so sweet and kind to work with- it’s not easy photographing a 2 year old and he was so connected and patient. We hope to return every single year, this is our new favorite hotel!!!!!!!

This review is for the spa team. I called in today to inquire on the different spa packages and while I called multiple times, absolutely no one answered their phone. I had to call the front desk to get transferred. So maybe people were busy but are you really that busy on a Wednesday morning? Not a great start. Then I connect with one of the spa managers and ask her to differentiate a couples massage vs relaxation massage. The answers were vague and I had to ask additional clarifying questions and the way I was answered had such a rude and coarse tone like I was bothering this woman for help. Lastly, the website shows a price of $960 for a couples massage but if you try to check out, it jacks the price up to 1k. I mentioned this to the spa manager and she said, “oh that’s because it’s a couples massage.” Clearly I understand what I’m trying to check out on but how can the advertised price not be the price upon check out?? She said I was mistaken and tried to gaslight me on the situation and said that what I was seeing with my very own eyes was not true. She also said it in a very condescending tone. When someone is considering spending 1k with you, you’d expect someone to be pleasant and happy to help. These people seem like they could care less about your business. The irony is that the only reason they have a job is because of customers willing to spend money. This was exhausting, disappointing, rude, and a waste of my time. I’ll be going elsewhere which is a pity since I will be a hotel guest. I expect better customer service from the Ritz but maybe they don’t care.

Stayed during a convention at St. Regis. The location is beautiful. The staff was very professional. I would stay again. I would recommend this location over the Ritz MDR or Beverly Wilshire.

Outstanding staff, facilities and food distinguish the hotel as a luxury corporate and event location. The design is a somewhat unmemorable pastiche of high-end finishes with a nod toward the ubiquitous SoCal Spanish mission style of architecture. The lobby is decorated with a profusion of beautiful fresh flowers and views of surfers in the ocean below are everywhere. An army of staff are unobtrusive but always nearby, smiling, and quick to help. A small issue with our room was taken care of quickly and an unnecessary but appreciated and generous credit was offered for us to use in one of the restaurants or the spa. Our standard room was in perfect condition, fresh, well-appointed and very comfortable. The furniture was handsome and more contemporary (in a very welcome way) than the more stuffy way that many Ritz properties have traditionally sported. Housekeeping was flawless. The gym had stunning ocean views and was adequately fitted with enough equipment to get the job done. It was spacious for a hotel workout space. The larger pool area (there are two pools) was a great place to lounge. Umbrellas were readily available for shade and staff were readily available for more towels, food orders, etc. The business event catering was delicious and a cut well above usual buffet fare. The outdoor dining venues were beautiful.