The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel

Rena & Bach at the restaurant ruined are whole experience. We had a reservation for lunch after spending the weekend at the hotel. We kindly asked for a window seat for are last day here. After coming down at our reservation time we were told to wait 30 minutes for the table to be ready. We went grabbed a coffee came back and someone was sitting at the table they were reading for us. They then lie and start to make excuses. Will never come back to this resort.

My family and I visited The Ritz-Carlton Laguna Niguel this past January to celebrate our two boys' birthdays, and the staff made the trip feel truly special from start to finish. I notified the front desk in advance about the occasion, and they made our boys feel celebrated throughout the stay. They left delicious treats in our room (even accommodating my husband’s allergies), wished them happy birthday at every meal, and included a thoughtful note. Special shout-outs to Amanda, one of the managers in the Club Lounge, who even prepared special food for my boys (tip: if you ever need kid-friendly food, they can make it for you!), and to Lee, a security guard who went out of his way to show my husband around the property and surprised the kids with cute apparel. Highlights of our trip also included a delicious meal at Raya, beautiful ocean views, comfortable beds, easy beach access, and an overall relaxing atmosphere for our staycation. We will definitely be back!

The views and location are incredible. That’s really the only reason to stay here. Outside of the scenery, this property does not feel like a Ritz-Carlton at all. It feels more like a Courtyard Marriott with a nice lobby. The issues started right at check-in. I booked through Amex Fine Hotels & Resorts, which clearly includes a special property credit per the website and confirmation email. Somehow only $100 triggered instead of the full amount. I had to talk to three different staff members and spend over an hour on the phone with Amex to get it fixed. One front desk employee even tried to tell me the promo wasn’t valid because it was “just a screenshot,” which felt like gaslighting. Why make me go through the hassle of contacting AMEX? They told me they couldn't reach out to AMEX and I had to contact them directly... If there’s a Candlelight event during your stay, avoid this place completely. The lobby, bar, and restaurant areas get flooded with people and turn into a loud, club-like environment. It completely ruins the vibe. The food experience was awful. Two of the three restaurants, Kahani (Indian) and Taikun (Japanese), are closed on Sundays and Mondays, leaving Raya as the only option. Raya feels like a hotel lobby bar with a view, not a real restaurant. We ended up eating breakfast and dinner there for two days straight. Dinner service was the worst. The hotel is clearly understaffed and our food took an hour and a half to arrive. Despite claims of a $50 million renovation, the rooms still feel old and dated. Honestly, it feels like staying at a Courtyard Marriott. The only standout in the room was the massive TV, probably the biggest I’ve ever seen in a hotel room. Unfortunately, that doesn’t make up for everything else. The shower water pressure was horrendous, and the walls are thin enough that we could hear the TV and noise from the room next door. Pool service is a joke. Forget about ordering anything or expecting timely service. It was nonexistent. They also nickel and dime you for everything. $6 for soda water, $18 for kids’ meals, and they even charge extra just to use the sauna because it’s apparently part of a “spa experience.” Aside from the views, location, and lobby, there is nothing truly luxurious about this property. The service, food, and overall experience do not live up to the Ritz-Carlton name or price. I would not stay here again.

10 out of 10. This hotel doesn't disappoint. Amazing scenery. Highest quality accommodations. Anyone that even remotely gripes about this hotel is either lying or deluded. The staff is top notch. The food is delicious. They cater to your every whim. The fitness room is one of the best of any hotel I have ever experienced (and I go to many such gyms). I don't have a single quibble and I just spent 5 days here. Special shout out to the valets and luggage storage staff who were very kind in allowing me to store and set up my road bike in their area. I would also acknowledge the restaurant staff who quickly brought me a new plate of eggs benedict when my first offering did not have the runny eggs I asked for. No muss; no fuss. Yes, this is not a cheap hotel. But the value for money is off the charts. I can't wait to return and will be counting down the months/weeks for my next visit.

We stayed on the club level right after Christmas through New Year’s. We’ve visited many times before, largely because of the lounge’s unique charm and the consistently friendly staff. Unfortunately, the recent lounge update has taken away much of what made it special. The staff seemed focused on clearing tables rather than creating a memorable experience for guests, and the food quality and variety have noticeably declined. The New Year’s Eve offerings, in particular, were disappointing and lacked any sense of celebration or “wow” factor. The hotel itself remains beautiful, with stunning grounds and breathtaking views. However, the premium experience we’ve come to expect has been diminished, and that’s truly unfortunate.