Hotel Laguna is a historic hotel located in the heart of Laguna Beach, California. Though the location and history of the hotel is wonderful and unique, the accommodations and night-time staff were not.

CONS:
No air conditioning units.
No screens on the windows which poses a potentially hazardous situation for small kids.
Water temperature of the shower goes from normal to scalding hot.
Ceiling fan is squeaky.
Every night, the club around the corner is blaring loud music until 2am, at 3am the street sweeper drives around the hotel alley way, and at 6am the garbage truck comes to take the trash away, which makes for a very loud night and no sleep.
The "continental" breakfast is meager and don't try the orange juice...it's just thick concentrate slush.
They charged us $200/night and that was a special rate...

PROS
Hotel is located directly on the beach with private access.

I will start by saying that this isn't the Ritz Carlton or the Montage or the St. Regis. It isn't swank by today's standards. It's best features are: old world, Spanish style charm; a prime location in the heart of Laguna Beach; and a room rate that's far less than other hotel rates in the area.

We upgraded slightly to a Coastline View room, facing north toward the public park and beach, for $210 before taxes and resort fee. It was worth the upgrade, as the view was really pretty, and the picture window opened all the way. (No screen, which seemed odd, but enhanced the view.) I can only imagine that an Ocean Front room would have offered a stunning view. I would not opt for a Village View room because of the constant noise of cars and people on PCH. Definitely upgrade to get the most out of your experience, especially since it won't break the bank to do so.

The room was not upscale, but it was comfortable and pleasant. The bathroom, however, did not have much going for it, with a lavatory style toilet, no counter space around the pedestal sink, and what we believed to be a beer opener on the wall. Enough said.

We did not take advantage of the on-site restaurant and bar for dinner or drinks, as we had other plans, but they looked inviting and had killer views. The free continental breakfast was in a stuffy little room and consisted of any coffee drink you wanted from a dispenser, juice and pastries. Eh. You should walk into town and get a better cup of coffee and breakfast.

The hotel is surrounded by an incredible array of restaurants and shops so you could walk, eat and shop forever. That is, when you're not lounging in front of the hotel on a comfy chaise in the So Cal sunshine. It's definitely a refreshing change of pace. You may feel like a 1930's starlet staying at Hotel Laguna, rather than a 21st century mogul.

Came here for a wedding the weekend of September 22, 2012. Rooms are over priced and severely outdated with no conditioning. I really don't want to hear from people that it's a older hotel and we need to enjoy the history of the hotel bla bla bla! Sorry! Update the rooms whoever the tacky owner is! I saw a ton Of the same comments that I am about to write! And the craftsmenship of the doors in the bathrooms with the wood chiseled out so the door can shut past the toilet was a plus! Ridiculous! What they are charging per night is a joke! Redo the windows and put some screens on for gods sake! The Mosquitos coming in we're a fantastic treat! Sadly they do weddings here. The brides have to get ready in rooms with no ac and swearing to death! Shame on the owner of this hotel! I read so many bad reviews! How sad for my friend and her family and Friends who stayed here this past weekend! Staff is ok they look just as miserable as the people who stay here!!!!!!!!

This property was built when one could buy up beachfront.

The good: The Pacific Ocean outside your windows. The restaurant with outdoor seating is amazing. The setting is unsurpassable. A sense of history. Be sure to check out the chronology in the form of pictures along the walkway to the restaurant.

The bad: The rooms are small and the bathrooms tiny. Not many electrical outlets. The parking lot is not owned by the hotel so if you arrive early you pay both for day and overnight. Although connected by a long ramp the parking is not convenient to the reception.