We are a family of 4 and we stayed in 39A, a shared dorm cottage on the cliff. This room is a good size and I loved the huge windows with the amazing ocean view. This cottage has a wonderful deck overlooking the ocean, perfect for reading and spotting dolphins. We shared a bathroom with 39B. FYI 39B is a... More

The second Saturday of the month, there is a free tour offered. Our 'tour' guide was Laura who lived in these cottages with her family. She is the driving force that saved these cottages. She had lots of 'stories' to tell us. We also were able to go inside several of the cottages. The tour was excellent. The cottages are... More

I love staying here. It is so peaceful. A real throwback to another generation. No cars, great views. Beautiful walks on the beach. The accommodations vary. I also take my sleeping bag and just throw it on the bed not even bothering to make the beds with their bedding. No inside stove, a grill outside instead. A basic sized microwave... More

Quaint, dirty, crowded, rude, and who cares? This is a bad idea, poorly executed. Trying to preserve decaying buildings on the beach is a losing proposition and ultimately unsustainable. We had the absolute worst cabin, #45! Terrible doesn't do the "experience" justice. The "Emperor" has no clothes. Starting with a rude check in clerk to a dirty cabin to a... More

We snagged 38C, the tiniest room available but it has a small ocean-view window. The bed is okay for a friendly couple. The sound of the ocean at night is wonderful. Beware that the room is between two bathrooms so you can hear a lot of flushing. But for $65 a night, nothing compares.

My parents booked Cottage #18 (Sunset Bungalow) for my dad's 80th Birthday Slumber Party. They happened by chance the week before to get a one night cancellation in Cottage #18 which is a designated ADA handicap bungalow (you must show proof with handicap placard). Sitting high atop the bluff, the views of the ocean were magnifcent. After reading reviews of... More

Once you turn off the highway - a smile overcomes your face. You check in and are taken to your cabin. Turn your watch back to the 50s and relax. Sit on your deck - watch the ebb and flow of the ocean and allow the crashing of the waves to soothe your nerves. This is a place where less... More

This is our third stay at the Crystal Cove Beach cottages. This time, we were lucky to have #16 The Sand Castle. We arrived at 4:15 and were third in line for the electric cart that takes you and your belongings to the cottage--some people seemed to have checked in early though. As others have mentioned, logistics are a little... More

We love this beach, and the cottages are a nice option. But you really need to check the individual cottages before you book, especially if you care about privacy for you and your children, or if you like to read or work or whatever in bed. Some first floor "cottages" are little more than tiny converted garage-type rooms and are... More