Blue Lantern Inn – A Four Sisters Inn

A Nantucket style flows throughout this inn, starting with the gray-and-white exterior with stone walls and a lovely fountain. A calm, community-like atmosphere emanates throughout the property, while the lobby feels homey and cozy, with a gray stone fireplace, wicker seating, wood floors, and contemporary hanging light fixtures. Free cookies, coffee, tea, hot chocolate, and newspapers are available in the lobby, in addition to free afternoon wine and hors d’oeuvres. A library area next to the entrance has a flat-screen TV, stone fireplace, and striped, comfortable furniture. Tan wicker chairs plus wood tables, wainscoting, and nautical art adorn the dining room, and large windows offer excellent ocean views. Beach tones -- including greens, blues, and tans -- cover The Sanctuary Spa, while the common rooms offer large porches with fantastic water views. An outdoor pavilion overlooks the ocean.

The Blue Lantern Inn sits at the end of a cul-de-sac on a quiet street in the heart of Dana Point with Harbor Point Park, Dana Cove Park, and restaurants about a 15-minute walk away. Dana Point Harbor and Doheny State Beach are within a five-minute drive, while San Clement Pier and Mission San Juan Capistrano are around 15-minutes away. Fashion Island, the Verizon Wireless Amphitheater, and John Wayne Airport are a 25-minute drive from the hotel.

Nautically themed rooms are crisp and modern, with gray carpeting, white sheets, and blue armchairs. Sea-patterned pillows and ocean artwork add to the theme, and the entire space is filled with natural light. Flat-screen TVs are mounted above tan-tile fireplaces, and there are mini-fridges with free drinks. Keurig coffeemakers sit on wood furniture, along with free bottled water; plush bathrobes are provided. Some rooms have balconies or patios with magnificent water views and skylights. while others have turret ceilings plus free chocolate truffles and sparkling wine. Large, contemporary bathrooms have separate glassed-in showers and jetted tubs with gray and green tile throughout. Gray speckled countertops have white square sinks, and some bathrooms have skylights. Gilchrist & Soames toiletries are provided.

The free breakfast includes a variety of items, such as blueberry pancakes, French toast, artichoke quiche, muffins, scones, and fruit, and receives excellent reviews. Breakfast in bed is also possible for an extra fee. Massages, facials, and reflexology treatments are offered at The Sanctuary Spa, while the small fitness center has cardio machines and free weights. A computer and printer comprise the business center, and there are several meeting rooms on-site. Concierge services are provided, as well as free rental bikes, towels, chairs, and umbrellas. Both Wi-Fi and parking are free, and the property is pet-friendly (two dogs per room), but only a limited number of rooms allow pets, and reservations are required -- and pets cannot be left alone in rooms.