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Waldorf Astoria Monarch Beach: Our Review of A Luxury Coastal Stay in Orange County
- Alyssa
- Jun 2
- 12 min read
Updated: 6 days ago
Just south of Laguna Beach sits Orange County a region known for its iconic coastline, upscale neighborhoods, and some of the most famous beaches in Southern California. Perched on a hill overlooking the Pacific, the Waldorf Astoria Monarch Beach is a luxury coastal resort featuring ocean-view pools, a full-service spa, multiple dining options, and even a nine-hole golf course.
Room rates at this property are typically steep, with standard rooms often starting around $900 per night. We used a free night reward from our Hilton credit card and decided to redeem it for the highest-value hotel we could find, and it paid off. Not only was our stay completely free, but we were also upgraded to a king suite with an ocean view. Below, we break down exactly what our experience was like: the room, amenities, service, and whether this property is truly worth the high nightly rates.
Disclaimer: This post does contain affiliate links, if used, we can earn a small commission from. These types of links help us continue making honest reviews for our readers
Location: Where the Waldorf Astoria Monarch Beach Is & What’s Nearby
The Waldorf Astoria Monarch Beach sits on a quiet coastal bluff in Dana Point, just south of Laguna Beach in Orange County. The resort overlooks the Pacific Ocean and the Monarch Beach Golf Links, offering a peaceful escape while still being close to major So-Cal attractions.
What’s Nearby
Monarch Bay Beach Club – Private beach area for hotel guests (shuttle required)
Laguna Beach – 10 minutes north
Dana Point Harbor – 8 minutes away (restaurants, whale-watching, shops)
Salt Creek Beach – 3 minutes by shuttle / 20-minute walk
Ritz-Carlton Laguna Niguel – Across the bluff
Local Shopping & Dining – Within 10 minutes (Dana Point & Laguna)
Disneyland – ~40 minutes
Los Angeles (LA) – 1–1.5 hours
John Wayne Airport (SNA) – ~30 minutes
Vibe & Setting
This part of Orange County is known for its quiet luxury, ocean bluffs, palm-lined driveways, and upscale neighborhoods. The resort feels secluded but not isolated, ideal for couples, spa-goers, and anyone seeking a calm coastal escape.
Getting to the Waldorf Astoria Monarch Beach
The Waldorf Astoria Monarch Beach is located in Dana Point, about an hour south of Los Angeles. Most travelers arrive through John Wayne Airport (SNA) or Los Angeles International Airport (LAX). Here’s the quickest way to choose the best airport for your stay:
John Wayne Airport (SNA) - Closest & Most Convenient
Distance: 22 miles
Drive time: 30–45 minutes
SNA is the easiest and fastest option. It’s small, clean, and simple to navigate, ideal for most domestic travelers.
Transportation Options
Uber/Lyft: ~$55–$70 (varies by traffic; avoid the 4–7 PM rush)
Taxi (California Yellow Cab): ~$83 with online booking available
Rental Cars: Eight on-site companies; weekly rentals ~$350–$500
Public Transit: Not recommended, requires multiple transfers and long walks
Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) - Best for International Flights
Distance: 63 miles
Drive time: 1.5–2.5 hours depending on traffic
LAX is the largest airport in Southern California and offers the most flight options, especially long-haul and international routes.
Transportation Options
Uber/Lyft: ~$110–$150+ (surges heavily during rush hour)
Rental Cars: Large centralized rental facility with free shuttles
Pro Tip: Try to land before 2:00 PM, anything after 4:00 PM can double your travel time.
Check-In, Exploring the Resort & Check-Out
Check-In Experience
Our first impression of the Waldorf Astoria Monarch Beach was the beautiful, palm-lined driveway leading to the entrance. The manicured lawns, coastal-style fountains, and grand façade immediately set the tone for a luxury stay. Valet was busy when we arrived, and after waiting a few minutes with no greeting, we left the keys in the car and headed inside with our luggage. The lobby was stunning, the moment we stepped through the doors, we could see straight out to the ocean through the French doors on the terrace. The check-in line moved quickly, and the team member assisting us was warm and informative. She walked us through the property layout, our Hilton Diamond perks, the on-site restaurants, and transportation options around the resort.
We were also surprised and excited to learn that we’d been upgraded from a standard king room to a king suite with an ocean view. Since we arrived around 2:00 PM (two hours before official check-in), the room wasn’t quite ready, but she gave us a pool card and map to enjoy the resort while we waited. She also contacted housekeeping directly to expedite the room check and tagged our luggage so it could be held for us.
Exploring the Resort While Waiting
With a bit of free time before our room was ready, we set out to explore the property. We wandered past the ocean-view pool, watched guests play lawn games on the green, and found a few relaxing vantage points overlooking the surrounding hills and coastline. Despite having a map, the layout was a little confusing, and we doubled back a few times while navigating the hallways and outdoor paths.
Fortunately, we hadn’t been exploring long before receiving a text that our suite was ready. Back at the front desk, the check-in line had grown, understandable since it was close to 4:00 PM, but we waited about 10 minutes before getting our keys. What did catch us off guard was discovering that the resort’s two wings (North and South) aren’t connected. Each wing has its own elevators, and it took us longer than expected to find the correct hallway. Eventually, we made it, but it definitely added an unintended adventure to our check-in experience.
Parking & Valet Costs
Parking at the Waldorf Astoria Monarch Beach is valet-only. There is no self-parking option.
Valet parking: $70 per night (plus tax)
Retrieval times: can be slow during peak check-in/check-out hours
During checkout, the valet area was extremely busy, and our car wasn’t ready despite messaging ahead. When it finally pulled around, the driving felt rushed, the valet braked hard, the mirrors were moved, and the seat was drastically shifted. For a luxury resort, the valet service left a lot to be desired and felt like one of the weaker parts of our stay.
If you’re arriving during busy hours, we recommend requesting your car early to avoid delays.
Check-Out Experience
As Hilton Diamond members, we automatically received a complimentary late check-out at noon, though standard checkout is 11:00 AM. We appreciated not needing to request it, the extra hour gave us time to sip espresso, enjoy the suite, and pack without rushing. We opted for digital checkout and texted the front desk for our final bill. It arrived instantly, and everything was accurate. Valet was backed up again when we left, with both departing and arriving guests crowding the front area. We waited about ten minutes before our car appeared, and the rushed handling confirmed the valet is one part of the stay that needs improvement.
Ocean-View Suite at Waldorf Astoria Monarch Beach:
First Impressions
We received a complimentary upgrade at check-in and stayed one night in a one-bedroom ocean-view suite. The room was enormous, far larger than we expected, with a separate living area, dining/work space, oversized bathroom, and a spacious patio overlooking the ocean and golf course. The suite was bright, modern, and decorated with coastal blues and creams. Nearly everything in the room looked new: clean linens, pristine furniture, and some of the fluffiest, cleanest carpet we’ve ever seen in a hotel.
Bathroom: Layout & Amenities
The bathroom in our ocean-view suite was enormous, easily the size of half a standard hotel room. It included:
A huge walk-in shower with three full-size Aesop bottles (shampoo, conditioner, body wash)
A deep soaking tub with a wooden bath tray, bath salts, and a shower cap
A double-sink vanity with large bottles of Aesop lotion and hand soap
A separate toilet room for added privacy
A full walk-in closet stocked with robes, slippers, extra linens, an umbrella, a safe, and an ironing kit
The tub filled extremely fast, there’s even a small sign warning guests not to leave it unattended. With the shutters open between the bathroom and bedroom, you can watch TV while you soak, which we loved.
Bathroom Cleanliness: What to Expect
While the bathroom itself was beautiful and spacious, the cleanliness didn’t fully match the luxury feel of the rest of the suite.
Here’s what we noticed:
Grime and mineral buildup on the showerhead
A few missed spots in the tub, including an orange residue ring
A stray hair left in the shower drain
None of these issues ruined the experience, but they stood out because the rest of the suite was immaculate. If the hotel improves consistency in bathroom cleaning, the guest experience would instantly elevate.
Bedroom, Seating Areas & Mini Bar
The bedroom felt like its own private retreat. It had:
A plush king-sized bed with coastal-style headboard
Bright white linens and perfectly balanced pillows
A sofa and coffee table positioned toward the ocean
A small table with two cushioned chairs (great for laptops or meals)
A dresser with a TV and an espresso machine
A fully stocked mini-fridge with snacks and drinks for purchase
The bed was an absolute standout, soft but supportive, with built-in reading lights and even a smart alarm/speaker on the nightstand. We slept incredibly well and appreciated how well the blackout blinds blocked the early morning light. The only drawback was that the mini fridge hadn’t been completely restocked after the previous guests, and a few snacks were missing.
Bedroom & Living Spaces
The bedroom and living areas were the star of the suite. The room was bright, coastal, and incredibly comfortable, one of the prettiest rooms we’ve stayed in.
Work & Relaxation Spaces
A cushioned two-chair dining/work table positioned by the window
A sofa and coffee table with a direct line of sight to both the ocean and the TV
A large dresser with a TV and espresso machine on top
Snacks and drinks available for purchase in the mini-fridge (ours was missing a couple of items, likely a restock oversight)
This setup made it easy to work, relax with room service, or sit and enjoy the view.
Sleeping Area
The bed was easily one of the highlights of our stay. The plush king-sized mattress was dressed in crisp white linens and topped with pillows that struck the perfect balance between soft and supportive. We both immediately sank into the bed and agreed it felt like the type of mattress you never want to get out of. The coastal-inspired headboard, covered in blue and cream fabric, added a bright, airy touch to the room, tying in perfectly with the resort’s oceanfront location. On each side of the bed were sturdy wooden nightstands with stylish lamps that gave off a warm, relaxing glow in the evenings.
Built into the headboard were two gold-accented reading lights, ideal for winding down with a book at night. One nightstand also featured a smart alarm clock that doubled as a speaker and charging station. It had USB ports, auxiliary inputs, and several sound options, which made it convenient to charge our devices without hunting down outlets. We slept incredibly well during our stay. The room stayed dark thanks to the blackout curtains, the temperature remained cool throughout the night, and most importantly, it was completely quiet. For a luxury resort, this was exactly the sleeping experience we were hoping for.
Hilton Diamond Member Benefits
As Hilton Diamond members, we received:
$50 in food & beverage credit ($25 per person)
A complimentary room upgrade to the ocean-view suite
Early check-in (based on availability)
Late check-out at noon
High-speed Wi-Fi
1,000 Hilton Honors bonus points
There was also a “complimentary amenity” at AVEO for Diamond members, but we never figured out what it was, if you’ve received it before, let us know in the comments because we’re curious!
The Patio & Sunset Views
The patio was one of our favorite features of the suite. It was spacious, with two chairs and a small table, perfect for relaxing or enjoying the sunset. The view stretched across the golf course, the surrounding hills, and the Pacific Ocean in the distance. Unfortunately, a guest below us was smoking cigarettes and marijuana throughout the day, and we had to keep the patio doors closed to prevent the smell from drifting into our room. This wasn’t the hotel’s fault, but it did affect how much time we spent outside. Still, the view itself was incredible, especially at sunset.
Amenities and Property at the Waldorf Astoria Monarch Beach
Dining & In-Room Dining Experience
We sampled several items from the in-room dining menu and enjoyed most of what we ordered. Our spread included the Caesar salad, chicken tortilla soup, turkey club sandwich, margherita pizza, chocolate chip cookies, and the Hazelnut Crunch Brownie.
The Hazelnut Crunch Brownie was easily the standout, though calling it a brownie is a stretch. It arrived as a rich chocolate mousse layered over a thin hazelnut base with passionfruit compote. The tropical acidity paired beautifully with the chocolate, and it was by far our favorite item of the night. The rest of the dishes were solid, though we weren’t big fans of the Caesar dressing. It was sweet, thick, and creamy, well-executed, but not quite our preference. Our total came to $188.81, but $50 was deducted thanks to our Hilton Diamond food credit.
Inside the Spa
The spa itself was peaceful and beautifully decorated, with low lighting and calming music. There were dedicated rooms for hair and nail services, and the entire space felt high-end, though the prices reflect that. A basic facial started at over $300, which was more than we wanted to spend for a short stay.
Finding the Gym (Not as Easy as It Sounds)
Locating the gym was surprisingly tricky. Signage led us partway there, then disappeared, and we wandered around for nearly ten minutes before asking the front desk for help. To access the gym, you actually need to enter the spa, check in at the spa reception desk, and then follow a long, dim hallway and two flights of stairs down (there is also an elevator). Because of this setup, gym hours are limited to 5:00 AM–10:00 PM.
Inside the Gym
Once we reached it, the gym was impressive:
Multiple Peloton bikes
A variety of modern machines
A separate lap pool and hot tub for workouts
A spacious yoga studio (classes included for hotel guests)
Complimentary fruit, water, and chilled towels
Recovery massage guns
Locker rooms for changing and storage
The gym & pool areas are also shared with private club members, though it was hard to tell who was who.
Beach Shuttle & Beach Club Access
The resort offers a complimentary shuttle to the Monarch Bay Beach Club, but there is no walking path, so the shuttle is the only way to reach the beach. Unfortunately, there is no set schedule, and the service runs “based on demand,” which led to long periods with no staff member present at the shuttle stand. After waiting for a while, we gave up and explored other parts of the resort. We were disappointed to miss the beach club, especially since it’s one of the biggest perks of staying here. If you’ve visited the beach club, let us know what you thought, we’re curious if it’s worth prioritizing for a future trip!
Housekeeping & Turndown Service
We were in our room during early evening turndown service. Although we declined full service, the team still brought extra water and chocolates. The housekeeping staff was incredibly warm and attentive throughout our stay, the kind of service you expect from a property at this level.
Events, Weddings & Meeting Spaces
Throughout the property, there are numerous event and meeting rooms, and we saw several morning conferences in progress as we explored. The wedding areas are especially impressive, dramatic staircases, grand fountains, and sweeping lawns. We even caught a rehearsal underway and couldn't help imagining how stunning the ceremony must be with the ocean as the backdrop.2
Pools, Lawn, & Outdoor Spaces
Just past the main pool area is a wide lawn with Adirondack chairs, lawn games, and ocean breezes. We played a round of cornhole before relaxing in the chairs, a peaceful break from the busier areas of the resort.
The main resort pool overlooks the Pacific Ocean and has food service, jacuzzis, and rows of lounge chairs. When we visited, it was extremely crowded, with nearly every chair taken, so we decided to skip swimming and attempt to check out the beach instead.
Verdict: Is the Waldorf Astoria Monarch Beach Worth Your Wallet?
We stayed one night at the Waldorf Astoria Monarch Beach using a free night reward from our Hilton Aspire credit card, a huge win considering the standard room rate hovers around $900 per night. With our Hilton Diamond perks, we also received a complimentary upgrade to an ocean-view suite and $50 in food credit, which made the stay feel even more luxurious. Our suite was beautiful: bright, modern, spacious, and thoughtfully designed, with a huge bathroom, multiple sitting areas, and a private patio facing the ocean. Aside from a few missed spots in the bathroom (which stood out only because the rest of the room was spotless), the suite felt well-maintained and high-end.
Across the property, the resort delivers on amenities, a stunning ocean-view pool, a full athletic club with Peloton bikes and a lap pool, a peaceful spa, and access to a private beach club. The biggest drawbacks were the inconsistent beach shuttle, which made it difficult to reach the beach, and the valet service, which did not meet expectations for a property in this price range.
Overall, we genuinely enjoyed our stay and would happily return for another one-night getaway, especially using points or a free night reward. The resort offers a taste of true Southern California luxury, but with high nightly prices, we personally wouldn’t pay full cash rates for a multi-night stay.
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