Five Laguna Beach hotels undergo renovations

Five Laguna Beach hotels undergo renovations, here's a highlight of what to expect.

Hotel Laguna (949-494-1151) has recently completed a property-wide renovation that includes a makeover of the former Terrace Café, now named OceanView Bar  and Grill; Lobby Gallery, with rotating artwork; and, most notably, behind-the-scenes photos from the Pageant of the Masters as design accents in the newly renovated guest rooms.

Ocean View Bar and Grill

Inn at Laguna Beach (800-544-4479) recently completed a multi-million dollar renovation which included all 70 guest rooms, the lobby, meeting rooms, and the pool and pool deck. They are also the first hotel in Laguna Beach to implement 100 percent renewable wood key cards, completely eliminating plastic key cards. The Nordic birch wood, used for the key cards, is harvested from certified sustainably managed forests in Europe which reduces the carbon footprint by lowering CO2 emissions. These PVC-free biodegradable wood key cards also help reduce oil-based plastic waste.

Laguna Riviera (949-494-1196) Undergoes Facelift and Beachfront Upgrade - This beach front resort has remained in the hands of one family since its inception in 1948 and offers guests a choice of over 40 rooms and a 1,500 square foot classic 1930s beach bungalow. New pathways to the beach for guests and the opening of sun drenched terraced patios with direct beach access of the Beach Bungalow will result in an additional space for family gatherings, small weddings or company parties. Over the last two years, Laguna Riviera has completed a facelift of the guest rooms. The new room style reflects the attitude of the resort owners and preserves the iconic beach feel of the property. Original paintings and murals adorn the walls of much of the property exemplifying the inspired nature of the artist community for which the city is renowned. A unique, heated salt water pool, Finlandia sauna and bubbling salt water hot tub round out the host of amenities for guests.

Pacific Edge Hotel (800-843-6895), recently unveiled The Deck on Laguna, a 160-seat open-air beachfront restaurant. Guests can nosh on casual beach fare, sip on freshly made cocktails, or catch a sunset. Guests visiting The Deck on Laguna can relax on lounge chairs in the sand, store paddleboards at the beach valet, take a surf lesson, or rent a cabana. The property also recently added five fully private beachfront (indoor/outdoor) cabanas (that open out to a deck with direct access to the beach) and offer a menu of “extras,” including a masseuse, mobile airbrush spray tanning, manicure/pedicure, and a personal photographer/videographer. Available for day use only and you don't have to be a hotel guest to take advantage of this special pampering. Each cabanas can accommodate up to eight people.

Pacific Edge Cabana

 Surf and Sand Resort and Spa (800-524-8621) recently completed its $3 million property refreshment that included guest rooms and suites (including three penthouses overlooking the sea), the pool deck, Aquaterra Spa and Splashes Restaurant. These new design elements have transformed this idyllic oceanfront resort to a more modern aesthetic. The resort features 167 guest rooms that sit terraced above the sea. Its newly remodeled pool, with a modern-chic design, features new cabanas, chaise lounges, a mosaic tile wall designed by a local artist and a newly added poolside bar.

Stepping Back in Time

Hotel Laguna was the first hotel in Laguna Beach, opening its doors over 100 years ago. The original structure burned down only 60 days after opening and was rebuilt in 1888. A more modern structure was built in 1928 and they re-opened their doors in 1930, as the structure that we know today. In 1985, Hotel Laguna was refurbished and became known to locals as the ‘Grand Old Lady.’

The hotel features several amenities that will make your stay convenient and comfortable. Home to two award-winning restaurants, Claes Ovation, a gourmet dining establishment with views of Main Beach, and  OceanView Bar & Grill a casual dining spot with seating both inside and out.  As part of the hotel, visit  the exclusive bath and body shop, Bubbles of Laguna for gifts, bath salts and other souvenirs. There is also a section of the hotel lobby that has been recently transformed into an Art Gallery, ‘The Group of Four,’ highlighting four skillful southern California artists.

On my recent stay at the hotel, I thoroughly enjoyed taking a leisurely walk down the “Historic Hall” just off the lobby of the hotel. Here, the walls are lined with historic photos of Laguna Beach dating back as far as 1898. There are several photos of the Hotel from the ‘30s thru to present day. In some, you can see the old neon “Hotel Laguna” sign that used to sit up on the roof that I remember seeing as a kid. This was removed in 1996. I particularly enjoyed gazing at the photos of the hotel from the 1940s when it was the hideaway for the Hollywood elite including Lauren Bacall and Humphrey Bogart. Along with the hotel photos, are memorable moments in Laguna history. You can find photos including  the 1936 Laguna Beach Rose Parade float that won first place, a picture of President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s motorcade on PCH in 1938, the old Laguna pier in 1927, pictures of the infamous Laguna greeter Eiler Larson and images of the world-renowned plein air painter, William Wendt at work. The historic hall is truly one of the gems of Laguna that you don’t want to miss.

Hotel Laguna offers a variety of accommodations for the perfect relaxing getaway, including mini suites, corner ocean front rooms, garden view and village view rooms and even connecting family suites. On my stay I enjoyed one of the mini suites that was spacious and had a walk-in closet, tub, and king size bed. The suite featured a flat screen TV and framed photography from the famous Pageant of the Masters.  With any stay, guests can enjoy a complimentary continental breakfast, access to the full service private beach club, complimentary high-speed wireless Internet and valet parking at $10.00 per day.

Hotel Laguna is located right on the Pacific Ocean and is just steps from downtown restaurants and shops. With its European flare and long standing history, the ‘Grand Old Lady’ is the perfect escape for your next getaway.

By Anne-Marie S.

Music in Laguna

Laguna Beach Live is a non-profit organization dedicated to bringing the top talent in  classical, jazz, chamber music  to Laguna Beach. Throughout the year a variety of concerts are hosted in town that attract visitors from all over the state and country.

The signature event is the week long festival that just wrapped up last month, The Laguna Beach Music Festival. This year was the 10^th anniversary of the festival and it was spectacular. Edgar Meyer, Sam Hawood, The Calder Quartet, The Calidore Quartet and Joshua Bell were just some of the featured artists. The festival continues to bring music lovers of all ages together in  Laguna Beach. The entire week the town is buzzing with talk of all the artists and what spectacular new music can be heard. Beyond the professionals that are featured, local musicians also play at Hotel Laguna, roundtable discussions artists are open to the public, and even a fundraiser for future music festivals featuring one of a kind painted  “artful violins”.

Enjoy music throughout the rest of the year with events like Gospel Brunch on March 11th, Blues at the Beach on June 9th and Bluegrass and BBQ  on September 16^th.

Enjoy Jazz Wednesdays which happen in the Winter and Summer months at Hotel Laguna. It is an intimate atmosphere where you can enjoy some to the top jazz musicians from the surrounding Los Angeles area. First Sundays is a FREE series showcasing chamber music at the Laguna College of Art + Design.

Be sure to visit and attend one of the concerts hosted by Laguna Beach Live for you will surely be captivated by the beauty of the music. We are lucky to have such a dedicated organization in Laguna Beach that brings the culture of music to our town!

By Anne-Marie S.

The Perfect End to Summer…

It was one of those summer evenings in Laguna Beach that make you forget about all of the worries in life. It was the perfect night to head to Jazz Wednesdays at Hotel Laguna. Jazz Wednesdays are put on by Laguna Beach Live, a non-profit organization dedicated to bringing excellent music to the Laguna Beach community.

Jazz Wednesdays are held June through September at the historic Hotel Laguna’s Rose Garden. Surrounded by blooming rose bushes and the ocean breeze, you won’t find a better place in Southern California to enjoy an evening jazz concert. This evening, the very talented Sal Cracchiolo and Melanie Jackson Quartet  played the sounds of Latin Jazz. As I looked around I saw everyone grooving to the music. Toes were tapping and heads nodding to the beat. Melanie Jackson’s voice was incredible. I was amazed at how she brought the emotion of the music alive through her voice. And I don’t think you can find a better Latin Jazz trumpet player than Sal Cracchiolo. As the sun slowly set and the music filled the air, I took a deep breath and knew that this possibly could be the perfect way to end the summer.

Laguna Beach Live holds a variety of concerts throughout the year. In addition to Jazz Wednesdays, they host First Sundays (October-May), a free outdoor concert at Laguna College of Art + Design. They also feature Big Band concerts, and an annual music festival presented in conjunction with the Philharmonic Society.  

Upcoming Events:

Semana Flamenka: Fiesta Laguna
Happening on September 21 in the Hotel Laguna Rose Garden, this promises to be a magical evening of flamenco featuring selected artists from the Semana Flamenka ensembles, as well as other artists from around California. This event is co-presented by the Barclay. Advanced ticket purchase is recommended due to the limited capacity of the venue. Tickets are $10 in advanced and $15 at the door. Contact Irvine Barclay Theatre at 949.854-4646., ext 1 or email at tickets@thebarclay.org

Billy Childs Ensemble & Calder Quartet                                                                         Happening on October 1 at the Laguna Beach Artists’ Theater. Billy Childs is a Grammy award-winning jazz musician who brings a powerful combination of jazz and classical style ensembles. Tickets are $25-35 for adults and $15 for students. VIP tickets are available for $50 and include a meet and greet with the artist.

The 10^th Anniversary of Laguna Beach Music Festival 

A weeklong music festival, February 6-12, 2012. This festival includes performances by Joshua Bell, the Calder Quartet, Edger Mayer and many more! Buy your advanced tickets now! 

By Anne-Marie S.