Laguna Beach Lodge

A small property modeled like a 1950s motel with exterior corridors, the Laguna Beach Lodge is simple but has a laid-back California vibe, with palm trees framing its white exteriors and a relaxing outdoor courtyard area. Aside from a pleasant lobby, which is updated with wooden floors and fresh coats of light-blue paint, there aren’t any common areas inside for lounging or an elevator. Guests won’t find much glitz here, and the older building isn’t the best at keeping out noise from the nearby Pacific Coast Highway. However, views of the beach are beautiful. The overall low-key vibe is particularly attractive to families on a budget, who need a place to sleep, but plan to spend more of their time at the nearby beach.

Located just off the Pacific Coast Highway adjacent to a strip mall, the hotel is susceptible to a fair bit of noise. However, guests love that it’s also a six-minute walk through the neighboring Montage Laguna Beach resort to scenic Treasure Island Beach. Aliso Beach Park is 13 minutes away on foot. There’s also a trolley stop just outside the lodge, which makes multiple stops in Long Beach. Downtown Laguna Beach and its attractions, like the Laguna Art Museum and the Laguna Playhouse, can be reached in 10 minutes by car. The Top of the World community park is a 14-minute drive away. John Wayne Airport is a 40-minute drive away.

Standard rooms are available with comfortable king, queen, or double beds. Several rooms also have sleeper sofas. Rooms are all spacious and clean, but their rust-colored bedspreads look dated, and older furniture, carpeting, and armchairs could use an update. Past guests have also noted a slight smell that’s hard to identify as either cleaning products or musty air. 

Rooms are decently appointed with air-conditioning, tables and chairs, flat-screen TVs, and free Wi-Fi. They also have tea-and coffee-making equipment, ironing equipment, microwaves, and mini-fridges. Rooms don’t have safes.

Some bathrooms look especially dated, thanks to retro reddish-brown tiles and old white cabinets. Other bathrooms are more tasteful with light blue walls and  tile floors. Most bathrooms are on the small side, with walk-in showers and fixed showerheads. Some guests have noted that water temperatures can be either too hot or too cold, and difficult to control. All bathrooms provide toiletries and hairdryers. Several rooms have beautiful ocean views, while others look out over the courtyard area. 

Amenities at the lodge are on the sparse side. The hotel serves a free, small continental breakfast consisting of bagels, pastries, cereals, coffee, tea, and juice in the lobby. Free morning newspapers are also available.

The outdoor pool is heated, which comes in handy during winter months, and the area, framed by the gardens and providing lots of deck chairs, is quite pleasant. Free beach towels are provided. Plenty of outdoor parking and Wi-Fi throughout the property are also free.