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BEST WESTERN PLUS Marina Shores Hotel: Traveler Reviews

2.5 of 5
34280 Pacific Coast Highway, Dana Point, CA 92629
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BEST WESTERN PLUS Marina Shores Hotel
Ranked #5 of 9 hotels in Dana Point
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37 reviews from our community

    Trip type
Traveler rating
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    10
    7
    1
    0
Date Rating
Las Vegas, NV
Contributor
15 reviews 15 reviews
9 hotel reviews
Reviews in 8 cities Reviews in 8 cities
7 helpful votes 7 helpful votes
“Dana Point Get Away”
4 of 5 stars Reviewed January 2, 2013

Our family planned a quick getaway for New Years to Dana Point or so we though, actually I forgot to make the reservation! After finding out the hotel we normally stay at was booked I started looking around and found this hotel. We’ve seen this location before but always remembered it as a Holiday Inn Express. Happily my search found rooms available so our trip was saved!
When we arrived the first thing we noticed was how clean the exterior of property was. The parking area was a little cramped but manageable. The receptionist was very pleasant and attentive, within minutes we had our room keys.
The room was nicely appointed with 2 LCD TV’s, a setting area, two very comfortable queen beds; it was nice to find a small refrigerator for guest use. The room was quiet with very little road or adjoining room noise. A full hot breakfast is offered, the area is very small for the number of people trying to eat as well as they were always out of food so people were standing around waiting to be the first for the next pans of food. We opted to pass on the food so we can’t offer any comments on the quality but one could surmise since there was a line it must have been good food.
There is a pool and small work out facility located on the end of the building, no hot tub.

My only minus is the fee for parking, at $10/night it's not a deal breaker but it is self park.

Overall this location is perfect for a family or couple wanting a reasonable location to stay in Dana Pont. We will be back and this may just be our regular hotel when we visit the area.

  • Stayed December 2012, traveled with family
    • 5 of 5 stars Value
    • 4 of 5 stars Location
    • 4 of 5 stars Sleep Quality
    • 4 of 5 stars Rooms
    • 4 of 5 stars Cleanliness
    • 5 of 5 stars Service
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Ask doug5702 about BEST WESTERN PLUS Marina Shores Hotel
This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Peter C, General Manager at BEST WESTERN PLUS Marina Shores Hotel, responded to this review
January 3, 2013
Dear Doug,

I'm glad your search for a last minute New Years getaway brought you to our doors and even happier that you're now considering the Marina Shores Hotel as your "go-to" location when you return to Dana Point. Our resolution for 2013 is to stop being the best kept secret on the beach and become the best known value ... and letters like yours really drive the point home to all Trip Advisor shoppers.

Thanks again for the kind words and please accept our best wishes for a wonderful new year to you and your family.
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Desert Hot Springs, California
Senior Contributor
29 reviews 29 reviews
11 hotel reviews
Reviews in 18 cities Reviews in 18 cities
5 helpful votes 5 helpful votes
“Good Location and Comfortable”
3 of 5 stars Reviewed January 1, 2013

This renovated Best Western has lovely rooms with whirlpool tubs, comfortable beds and free Wifi. A hot breakfast is also included. I found the front, facing PCH a bit noisy and the bright lights outside weren't quite blocked by the blackout curtain but the location in Dana Point really can't be beat. The hotel was beautifully decorated for the holidays and staff were very pleasant. If you are partially disabled, though, you won't be able to get into the very large, deep tub (I couldn't) and so request a disabled room with shower. The hotel was very good value for money, especially with the three night stay internet and manager's discounts added in.

  • Stayed December 2012, traveled solo
    • 5 of 5 stars Value
    • 4 of 5 stars Location
    • 5 of 5 stars Sleep Quality
    • 5 of 5 stars Rooms
    • 5 of 5 stars Cleanliness
    • 5 of 5 stars Service
Was this review helpful? Yes 1

Review collected in partnership with Best Western

Ask Marilyn H about BEST WESTERN PLUS Marina Shores Hotel
This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Peter C, General Manager at BEST WESTERN PLUS Marina Shores Hotel, responded to this review
January 2, 2013
Dear Marilyn,

In this day and age, isn't it great to find something you can still call a "good value"? We're really glad you enjoyed your time with us and truly appreciate your using Trip Advisor to spread the word.
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Yucca Valley, California
Senior Contributor
23 reviews 23 reviews
16 hotel reviews
Reviews in 15 cities Reviews in 15 cities
20 helpful votes 20 helpful votes
“Good location”
5 of 5 stars Reviewed January 1, 2013

I wanted to do an overnight get away and didn't know anything about this area so after a quick search I found this place.
It was inexpensive and in a very good location, close to the beach and marina and just a stones throw away from Laguna Beach. Restaurants are everywhere around it and an easy walk to get to. Or just a short hop in the car.
The hotel looks like it has recently been re-done so everything was nice and new looking.
I was in a suite and it was very nice. The bedroom was in the back with a desk/work station and comfy bed, and a balcony with a chair.
The room out front was the living room area that doubled as a second bedroom with the sofa bed. Both rooms had televisions and a door that could be closed between them. There also was a mini-fridge. The wireless internet worked like a charm.
The room was very clean and there were more than enough towels.
Breakfast was a bit more than the normal "free continental" that is usually offered. There were eggs, bacon, potatoes, the usual pastries and bread, fruit, cereal and a pancake machine to make fresh pancakes.
I did have a problem with this hotel in that during the middle of the night someone checking in had been given keys to my room so I was woken up to the noise of the door unlocking and trying to be opened. I immediately called the front desk to alert them and was told it was just clerical error. But in the morning while checking out an apology was given and they took a bit off my bill for the inconvenience.
But even with that I would not hesitate to stay here again, and will the next time I need to have a little get away.

  • Stayed December 2012, traveled with family
    • 5 of 5 stars Value
    • 5 of 5 stars Location
    • 5 of 5 stars Sleep Quality
    • 5 of 5 stars Rooms
    • 5 of 5 stars Cleanliness
    • 5 of 5 stars Service
Was this review helpful? Yes 1
Ask debbie92284 about BEST WESTERN PLUS Marina Shores Hotel
This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Peter C, General Manager at BEST WESTERN PLUS Marina Shores Hotel, responded to this review
January 2, 2013
Dear Debbie,

Glad you enjoyed your getaway at the Marina Shores Hotel. We are just introducing a fantastic new package deal that includes the room, a bottle of chilled champagne when you check in, dinner for two at one of the areal restaurants and a wine tasting tour at a local winery. The next time you want to get away from it all, just give us a call for more details.
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Lincoln, Nebraska, USA
1 review
1 helpful vote 1 helpful vote
5 of 5 stars Reviewed December 31, 2012

  • Stayed December 2012, traveled with family
    • 5 of 5 stars Value
    • 5 of 5 stars Location
    • 5 of 5 stars Sleep Quality
    • 5 of 5 stars Rooms
    • 5 of 5 stars Cleanliness
    • 5 of 5 stars Service
Was this review helpful? Yes 1

Review collected in partnership with Best Western

Ask ELIZABETH Z about BEST WESTERN PLUS Marina Shores Hotel
This review is the subjective opinion of an individual traveler and not of TripAdvisor LLC nor of its partners.
Peter C, General Manager at BEST WESTERN PLUS Marina Shores Hotel, responded to this review
January 2, 2013
Hi Elizabeth,

We thank you for your wonderful endorsement and are glad you enjoyed your stay. You're 100% correct, our location just a block off the beach and so close to all the great restaurants makes the Marina Shores best value in Dana Point. Hope we see you back soon.
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of TripAdvisor LLC nor of its partners.
Visalia, California, United States
Reviewer
3 reviews 3 reviews
Reviews in 2 cities Reviews in 2 cities
2 helpful votes 2 helpful votes
“Loved it”
5 of 5 stars Reviewed December 29, 2012

We didn't have high expectations for this place but were incredibly surprised. The room was lovely, well appointed, and had a gorgeous jacuzzi tub with bath salts provided. There was also a tv to watch while in the tub. A refrigerator in the room, with a large screen tv completed the surprise. Breakfast was fine and free, along with a coffee pot in the room for late night beverages.I would return anytime to this hotel. It was great!

  • Stayed December 2012, traveled with family
    • 5 of 5 stars Value
    • 5 of 5 stars Location
    • 5 of 5 stars Sleep Quality
    • 5 of 5 stars Rooms
    • 5 of 5 stars Cleanliness
    • 5 of 5 stars Service
Was this review helpful? Yes 1
Ask Florence K about BEST WESTERN PLUS Marina Shores Hotel
This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Peter C, General Manager at BEST WESTERN PLUS Marina Shores Hotel, responded to this review
January 2, 2013
Dear Florence,

Thank you for the great review. Hopefully the next time you stay with us you WILL have high expectations. :-)

Glad you enjoyed your time with us and we hope you have a great New Year!
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
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Additional Information about BEST WESTERN PLUS Marina Shores Hotel

Also Known As:
Holiday Inn Express Dana Point Harbor - Doheny Beach Hotel
Holiday Inn Express Dana Point Harbor - Doheny Beach Hotel Dana Point
Holiday Inn Express Dana Point
Holiday Inn Dana Point
Dana Point Holiday Inn
Address: 34280 Pacific Coast Highway, Dana Point, CA 92629
Phone Number:
Region: United States > California > Orange County > Dana Point
Amenities:
Business Center Fitness Center Free Breakfast Free High-Speed Internet Kitchenette Pets Allowed Suites Swimming Pool Wheelchair access
Hotel Style:
#3 Family Hotels in Dana Point
Price Range: $$
Hotel Class:2.5 star (2.5*)
Official Description (provided by the hotel):
Welcome to the Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites Dana Point Harbor, Doheny Beach. Conveniently located on Pacific Coast Highway and minutes to Laguna Beach, San Clemente, San Juan Capistrano, Camp Pendleton, the Ritz Carlton, St. Regis, and the Montage Resort and Spa. Our AAA rated hotel features 34 comfortable two-room suites with partial ocean views from their balcony and 8 spacious king suites with Jacuzzi tubs for two. All rooms (with the exception of ADA Rooms) have Jacuzzi tubs. All rooms have two phones with voice mail; one with speaker. We are conveniently located 1 block from the Dana Point Harbor and Doheny State Beach, known for its fine beaches, recreational activities, specialty shops, restaurants and fine art galleries. Whale watching excursions are offered in Dana Point harbor during the California Gray Whale migration. The hotel is located just two miles from both San Juan Capistrano and San Clemente, four miles from Laguna Beach. Weekly rates available based on a 7 night stay. Contact the hotel directly for details and rates. ... more   less 
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