Waldorf Astoria Monarch Beach Resort

I stayed at this hotel over the long weekend, and while it was quite busy, the experience was overall very positive. Thanks in large part to Allison Rouse, the Front Office Manager. There were a few moments where the service felt a bit inconsistent, likely due to the high volume of guests, but Allison stepped in personally to resolve everything smoothly and professionally. She was incredibly thoughtful, attentive, and went above and beyond to make sure we were well taken care of. Her support truly made a difference in our stay. The hotel itself is beautiful. The rooms were clean and comfortable, the facilities were well-maintained, and the pool was perfect for relaxing and playing with the kids. All the staff were friendly and welcoming, and despite the busy weekend, the atmosphere remained pleasant. Thanks to Allison’s outstanding service, I would absolutely consider staying here again. Highly recommend!

I just returned from a multiple night stay at this resort. At nearly every turn and every experience, I was met with superior service. The front desk was the only area that I encountered that may not be as highly trained as all other areas -- they were still friendly and met expectations, just needed a bit more polishing and knowledge. The room (Deluxe Studio) was oversized with an equally oversized bathroom with well appointed amenities. The only surprise was how basic the shower was -- generous in size, but with a very standard/cheap shower head. A rainfall shower head would enhance the overall experience. The views are gorgeous and the sunset was visible from the balcony. Turndown service was done exceptionally well (though at random times every day) - with staff who clearly cared about what that experience felt like when guests return to the room. Wow! Restaurants were all wonderful -- I tried all except Bourbon and will definitely dine there next time. The "grab & go"/ easy order market was such a great spot for grabbing a small meal or snack. The yogurt parfaits in the morning were some of the best I have ever had! The pools were clean, the pool attendants were eager to set up chairs for guests and it was never crowded. The tram to the beach runs constantly - I never waited more than a couple minutes. It's a fun ride with some sights to see and you pass under the PCH. Highly recommend dining at the Monarch Beach Club restaurant (reservations are a good idea) prior to the sunset. It's a treat with that view! The spa was very nice and the spa attendants and therapists were outstanding. It is priced as you would expect and all my appointments tried to upsell on several things. A polite decline though and I never felt it was pushy. There is also a pool at the spa which was nice to sit at. It's too bad there wasn't a food option at the spa - I would have happily stayed longer and tacked on another treatment if I had been able to dine on-site. A beautiful stay at a gorgeous resort and worth a splurge!

Guest room: Stayed in bottom floor guest room for two nights. we had private terraces with fireplaces. Aesop toiletries smell amazing. Elegant and spacious room decor and furnitures were well maintained. Upon check in, didn’t see any in-room welcome gifts as personal touch like other guests did. Snacks drawers and bar were well stocked. S’more kit was provided with room charge. Dining: Aveo Table + Bar provides coastal Mediterranean fare with partial ocean view outdoor. Dinner portion was small but flavorful. We watch sunset during dinner and returned in the next morning for breakfast and coffee. Heating lamp is available if needed. Staffs were attentive. We didn’t try the Micheal Mina restaurant during this trip but will consider it when return. The WA Spa is tranquil, beautifully designed. It also connected to the gym and their outdoor pool. The oceanfront pool, private beach club with tram access, and Monarch Beach Golf Links provide a wealth of leisure options for everyone there. The stay was unforgettable :)

Probably the best run resort I have been to. The entire staff is well trained, knowledgeable, friendly, and helpful. They really enjoy working here. Special thanks to Eric, Lisa, and Noah at the front desk and Carol at Avelo restaurant for their efforts. As a Hilton gold member I received a great room upgrade and dining credits. I was a diamond member for a number of years, but never received the high level of treatment that the Waldorf has given us. The grounds and property are beautifully maintained. Amazingly, even with a number of corporate and private events going on, we were not disturbed or inconvenienced in any way. Definitely will be back.

We have stayed at this property many times, from the time it was a St. Regis to its independent days as the Monarch Beach Resort. This was our second time staying at this property as the Waldorf Astoria. Every time we’ve come — regardless of brand — it’s been great. That’s why we keep coming back! This time, it was spectacular. The location/setting/views are amazing. It’s a property you don’t want to leave, yet it’s easily accessible to nearby restaurants and parks if desired. The beach club restaurant serves delicious food in a luxurious setting with a casual vibe. The beach is spectacular, and they provide lots of toys and games for children. The fitness classes are amazing! Bourbon Steak is a must-have indulgence at least once during the stay. The housekeeping is superior. That team works so hard to keep the room clean. They came whenever we requested them to, and spent a lot of time in the room making things perfect. As Gold Hilton members, we received $50 F&B credit daily, which was greatly appreciated! We booked through Costco Travel, and found the value to be amazing. The valet was not always effective, especially for $70/night, but that was about our only complaint. Oh, and the spa was excessively expensive and had a snobby vibe. Still deserving of five stars!