Review: Waldorf Astoria Monarch Beach, Dana Point
Intro
During my very brief stint in Califonia, after surprising my mum in New York and flying back in American Airlines, I had the opportunity to check out the Waldorf Astoria, thanks to a free stay (not by them, through something else).
As always, this review reflects an unbiased opinion solely based on what I experienced. Overall, I found the Waldorf to be one of the best hotels in the area, at least better than the Montage and the Ritz. However, there are still some areas that need to be polished. Let's get into it!
Location & Prices
The Waldorf Astoria in Monarch Beach is located just to the south of Laguna Niguel and just a little bit north of the main part of Dana Point. With no traffic, about an hour and 15 minutes from LAX and about an hour- an hour and 15 minutes from San Diego.
My one quirk with the property in comparison to the Ritz and the Montage is that there is no direct beachfront access. There is a free shuttle that goes down to the beach from the lobby, but I do love my beachfront hotels.
Taking a look at off-season dates, the lowest I have come across is about 650$ per night, which isn't too bad. In high season, prices can range upwards to 1000$ per night. Ordinarily, I might suggest using points, but in the off-season, the price per night is about 224,000, which is absurd (0.25X).
Rooms
Where the Waldorf Astoria Monarch Beach truly shines is with their rooms. These rooms are very spacious in comparison to the area, with plenty of amenities jotted around.
We would be spending our one night in a room on the 4th floor. Unfortunately, the only thing left was two beds. Heck, I am not one to complain.
The room was modern; at least, it felt that way. A small table was in the corner in case you wanted some in-room dining for dinner or a hungover breakfast (not me). Perhaps if you need a place to work as well!
We were booked into the lowest category of a room. If you are able to spend more, I highly recommend an ocean view, especially during the summer when the weather is usually good!
Around The Hotel
The lobby is a vibrant place with restaurants, cafes, shops, bars, and spas (hey, that rhymed). During my time, there was a work conference being held, meaning it was even more lively, with a live event going on that evening.
Check-in is located right inside to the right of when you walk in. There was never a wait because the three desks were constantly being worked on.
The entrance is small, quaint, and beautiful all around🙂.
Pool Area
The highlight of this resort is the pool area and the jacuzzi that overlooks the sunset. Situated at the farthest point of the property overlooking the beach is a pool that is accessed through your room key.
The service at the pool was great. From the moment I sat down, someone came over, introduced himself, and handed me a menu. He also informed me that the kitchen would be closing in 20 minutes (6 pm), so I should put in an order as soon as possible.
I indulged in a snack of a chicken Quasedilla (23$) and a Corona (12$).
As I watched a cloudy sunset by the fire, I also opted to jump in the hot tub.
Lounge chairs are plentiful here for the 400 room property.
But... be careful of the ducks.
Other Amenities/Restaurants
During our single-night stay, we decided to head out to Selanne Tavern in Laguna instead of eating at the hotel. However, the hotel features four restaurants, including:
Bourbon Steak- Steakhouse, open 5-9 pm Wed-Sun
Aveo Table+Bar- Latin American Cuisine, breakfast, lunch and dinner
Monarch Bay Beach Club- Open 11:30 am-9 pm
33 North- Cocktail Lounge open from 3 pm onwards
For fitness enthusiasts, there is also a gym located on the property.
Last but not least, there is a spa. After living in Asia for countless years, I can never go back to massages in the US due to quality and prices. Here is a picture I found on the internet.
Service
Service at the Waldorf Astoria Monarch Beach ticked all the boxes for a five-star hotel. The doors were open, the staff were friendly with smiles on their face, and overall, it was a good experience. I wouldn't say it was above and beyond necessarily, but I also didn't ask for anything, so I can't comment here.
Final Thoughts
Whether you are looking for a staycation in Orange County or a vacation to warmer weather in California, the Waldorf Astoria offers a great option for high-end spenders. The property is chic and modern, with a beautiful pool along with countless amenities. The rooms are spacious, filled with comfortable beds, and deep soaking bathtubs will make sure you are in for a great night's rest.
A couple of additional details to note:
Compared with the Ritz, Montage, and Pelican Hill, I would definitely put the Waldorf Astoria over the Ritz and the Montage. Especially since it is quite a significantly cheaper chunk with larger rooms. The other properties have direct beach access, which Waldorf doesn't have. Pelican Hill, on the other hand, has a more rustic and old charm but is simply breathtaking.
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