La Casa del Camino

This Spanish-style boutique hotel has been an Orange County landmark since it opened in 1929, and it was once a favorite hangout for Hollywood celebrities like Charlie Chaplin and Douglas Fairbanks. Today, its rooftop bar draws both locals and tourists alike. The retro look begins in the quaint lobby, which has massive wood beams running along the ceiling and a cozy, eight-stool bar in a far corner. A vintage leather sofa sits in front of a working fireplace, and antique, hand-carved furniture occupies a spot under a large window. The lobby can get lively in the afternoon, when the bar offers happy hour specials and musicians take to the piano that’s been a lobby mainstay since 1930. The hotel draws an overwhelming number of couples, but families stay here too, soaking up the fun and historic ambience.   

La Casa del Camino, on the ocean side of the South Coast Highway, faces the waterfront and is about a three-minute walk from the sand. It’s surrounded by residential homes, and several restaurants are within a five-minute walk. It's a 15-minute walk or a short drive from the many shops, restaurants, and galleries in downtown Laguna Beach. There's a bus stop a two-minute walk from the front door for those who prefer not to drive. During summer, a free trolley to downtown Laguna Beach stops at the hotel every 30 minutes. 

• Four-minute drive to Victoria Beach
• Five-minute drive to downtown Laguna Beach (15-minute walk)
• Eight-minute drive to Crescent Bay Point Park
• 25-minute drive to John Wayne Airport
• 30-minute drive to Newport Beach
• 50-minute drive to Disneyland and the Anaheim Convention Center
• 65-minute drive to Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)
• 75-minute drive to Universal Studios Hollywood
• 80-minute drive to San Diego International Airport

The 37 rooms at La Casa del Camino are a tale of contrasting styles. The traditional, Spanish-style rooms mirror the dark motif of the hotel’s public spaces. The bright white linens atop king or queen beds rest on dark, hand-carved bed frames with tall headboards and nightstands in the same color and style. The hardwood plank floors also are dark brown, as are the desks. Plaster walls and drapes are light gold, and yellow upholstered desk chairs provide seating for one. Rooms are small, with small bathrooms that have nice tan tiling, hammered copper vanities, and walk-in showers with rainfall showerheads. They range from the Spanish Petite (165 square feet) to the Spanish Queen (185 square feet) to the Spanish King (185 to 270 square feet). 

In 2010, the hotel partnered with various designers and surf-board companies to create 10 ultra-modern rooms. While the same size as the Spanish King rooms, these unconventional, one-of-a-kind rooms are more luxe and visually striking. While they defy uniform descriptions, one common element is the modern George Nelson furniture. Otherwise, expect everything from wall-mounted, hand-painted surfboards and skateboards to reclaimed-wood hanging terrariums and bright-colored tile. The Riviera Magazine room was even designed to resemble a modern art gallery. All rooms include flat-screen TVs, mini-fridges, robes, safes, and free Wi-Fi. While rooms are  generally quiet, some face the busy highway or are close and pick up ambient noise. Some rooms have partial ocean views, but most overlook the courtyard or surrounding buildings. 

While this long-time Laguna Beach landmark is high on SoCal atmosphere, it is missing one beachy mainstay: a pool. But other amenities are in keeping with the property's locale. Its Rooftop Bar, with its amazing ocean views, draws guests and locals alike -- so much so that it can be difficult to get a table for lunch or for its evening appetizers and craft cocktails. Its wise to reserve a table before arriving. The K’ya Bistro on the first floor serves wonderful Mediterranean-inspired small plates at dinner. The cozy lobby bar has happy-hour specials and live music in the evening. Free fruit-infused ice water is available in the lobby. A hot breakfast buffet, Wi-Fi, parking, and admittance to a local gym are included in the resort fee. The hotel has two small meeting rooms and a business center with a printer and computer station with internet access. Beach lovers will be happy to know that the hotel provides beach towels, chairs, and umbrellas at no extra charge. Valet laundry services are available too.