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Waldorf Astoria Monarch Beach

Newport Beach & Laguna Beach, California • Dana Point • OVER THE TOP

avg. $918 / night

Includes $48 / night in cash back

Cash back is redeemable via Virtual Visa, Venmo, or bank transfer starting 24-48 hours after check-out

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5% cash back on all completed stays (redeemable via Virtual Visa, Venmo, or bank transfer starting 24-48 hours after check-out)

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Free breakfast

Breakfast-included rate options available

Room upgrades

Complimentary room upgrades (subject to property availability)

Extend your stay

Early check-in and late check-out (subject to property availability)

Location

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At a glance

Spanish Colonial-inspired resort on a Dana Point bluff with a funicular-accessed beach club and renovated interiors in pale oak and ivory.

Best for: Coastal travelers seeking Spanish Colonial architecture

Highlights:

  • Mediterranean Revival bluff-top complex designed by WATG in 2001
  • Funicular-accessed beach club with floor-to-ceiling Pacific views
  • Bleached oak rooms with geometric wallcovering and light-stained wood panels
Coastal-Mediterraneanserene

PB hotel design editorial

Perched on a bluff above Salt Creek Beach in Dana Point, where the coastal scrubland of Orange County gives way to a long arc of Pacific sand, the Waldorf Astoria Monarch Beach was purpose-built in 2001 in a Mediterranean Revival idiom that draws its architectural grammar from Southern California's Spanish Colonial tradition — white stucco walls, terracotta-tiled rooflines, arched colonnades, and stepped terraces descending toward the ocean. The 400-room, four-story complex was designed by the WATG architecture firm, whose resort fluency is evident in how the massing is broken into residential-scaled wings rather than a single monolithic block, allowing the property to feel more like a hillside village than a convention hotel. A phased renovation has brought the interiors closer to the quieter register of contemporary California resort design: the guest rooms now favor bleached oak millwork, geometric wallcovering in pale ivory, and upholstered headboards framed against light-stained wood panels, the palette shifting between soft grey and warm sand depending on the room category. The beach club below, reached by funicular, anchors the property's most atmospheric spaces — a glass-walled restaurant with floor-to-ceiling views across the Pacific, brass branch-form chandeliers overhead, rattan and dark-walnut dining chairs arranged across sisal-toned carpet. Blue-and-white striped umbrellas grid the lawn terrace between the restaurant pavilion and the shoreline, completing a composition that feels less like a resort amenity and more like a private beach colony.

Travel notes

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About

Daily Mandatory Charge includes: Resort Charge with WiFi: fitness classes: beach towels, chairs & umbrellas: bike rentals: preferred green fees: beach games: tram to beach: tennis court access: laundering of workout gear: digital newspapers. Also includes CA Tourism & Tourism BID Assessments. Perched atop a seaside bluff on 175 acres in Dana Point, our Five Diamond-rated resort is the perfect blend of Southern California's laid-back luxury and iconic True Waldorf Service. This sophisticated beach-house retreat offers indulgence and inspiration, with a private beach club, three pools, oceanfront golf, luxury spa, unique coastal activities, California cuisine, and more. It's a place to celebrate our love affair with the sea and sand.

Amenities

Pool

Internet

Kids Activities

Beachfront

Suites

Room service

Free Internet

Wheelchair Access

Restaurant

Bar/Lounge

Waldorf Astoria Monarch Beach Reviews

4,250 reviews

"I had high expectations for this resort and they delivered! We enjoyed our time at the 2 pools (both with hot tubs), especially given the outstanding customer service in terms of finding us chairs (I hate when I pay for luxury resorts and finding pool chairs is impossible), moving umbrellas to give us requested shade, and attentive servers for food/drink. Yes, the music was a bit loud on Saturday with the DJ but we simply sat at the other pool. We also enjoyed taking the short tram (never had to wait more than a few minutes) from the resort to the private beach club. The room was consistent with a luxury resort and the females in my family appreciated the high-end products in the bathroom. Eric, Giselle, & Stephanie from the front desk staff took good care of me so I wanted to shout them out. The only nitpick was that while we enjoyed the Aveoo breakfast/brunch buffet, it felt a bit pricey for what we got. I look forward to a return visit!"

A Tripadvisor traveler review

Aug 29, 2026

"Over the years, we have stayed several times at the Waldorf Astoria Monarch Beach Resort & Club because it never disappoints. The staff is truly exceptional. From Chloe in concierge to Nick in valet and the amazing staff in housekeeping, we felt welcome and pampered. The property itself is gorgeous. The rooms are spacious, clean, and comfortable. They think of everything--even luxurious bath products. As for dining, all of their restaurants are great options. We love the beach so naturally the private Monarch Bay Beach Club is always a must for us. The fish and chips are excellent. We will be back!"

A Tripadvisor traveler review

Aug 24, 2026

"We enjoyed an amazing stay at this property. The staff is incredibly warm and welcoming. We have been coming to this property for over two decades, back when it was a St. Regis. The spa renovation is beautiful, very modern. The rooms are also upgraded. The one area we did not enjoy was the Beach Club, we expected more. The chairs are extremely uncomfortable and there is no beach service as you would expect at a beach resort, you have to walk from sand to restaurant and order yourself. We enjoyed a beautiful breakfast with a stunning view and service at Aveo. A big thank you to the extremely attentive valet and bell team, Mario, Christopher, Marcel, and Kyle. Housekeeping team was also outstanding, flawless and detailed service, a special thank you to Francisco, and Marisela. And thank you to Juan from the front desk team, for his attentive and warm support during our stay."

A Tripadvisor traveler review

Aug 23, 2026

"I wanted to shout out how welcoming and hands on the valet here are. I specifically wanted to recognize valet member Michael. He’s very hospitable, helpful, and kind. Last Sunday, he made my experience a lot better and more likely to return. He saw how stressed I was with the parking situation, and immediately relived my stress and offered me water and amazing service. Just wanted to get on here and thank him."

A Tripadvisor traveler review

Aug 21, 2026

"We recently stayed 10 nights at the Waldorf Astoria Monarch Beach in Dana Point for the third year in a row and it is truly exceptional. From the moment you walk in everything about the resort feels elegant, welcoming, and beautifully decorated. The location is spectacular, perched above the Pacific with breathtaking ocean views and gorgeous grounds. The private Monarch Bay Beach Club was one of the highlights of our stay—it provides that Southern California beach experience while still delivering the impeccable service you expect from a Waldorf Astoria. Our accommodations were beautiful, comfortable, and thoughtfully designed, with a wonderful coastal feel and a private terrace with a fire pit that was perfect for making our smores while sipping on wine and enjoying the ocean breeze. The dining was outstanding, particularly the ocean views and sunsets. We absolutely loved our experience at Aveo with Pinak and Bourbon Steakhouse with J.C. and Lyle. They are all such beautiful places to enjoy a cocktail and watch the sunset as well. What really stood out, however, was the service. The staff were gracious, attentive, and genuinely welcoming throughout our stay, especially Mr. Andrew Kwon. Every detail seemed designed to make the experience special. The combination of stunning scenery, beautiful accommodations, excellent dining, incredible amenities, and exceptional hospitality makes Waldorf Astoria Monarch Beach one of the finest coastal resorts we've experienced. It is an ideal destination for a romantic getaway, special celebration, or simply a luxurious escape. We absolutely loved our stay and can’t wait to return next year. The Waldorf Astoria Monarch Beach is a true gem on the Southern California coast and delivers the kind of memorable experience that stays with you long after you've left."

A Tripadvisor traveler review

Aug 21, 2026

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