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.

Sustainable Key Card introduced for Inn at Laguna Beach as part of Renovation

Renovated guest room

The Inn at Laguna Beach, undergoing a multi-million dollar renovation, is the first hotel in the city 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.

Sustainable Key Card

"We are the first and currently the only hotel in Laguna that has purchased this key," said Inn at Laguna Beach General Manager Peggy Trott. "With our hotel overlooking the Pacific coastline and direct access to the beach, we want to do everything we can to offer guests a memorable and environmentally conscious experience."

View from guest room

Sustainability plays a large role in the hotel's renovation, which includes all 70 guest rooms, the lobby, Pacific Room, Pacific Terrace, and the pool and pool deck. The renovation began February 29, 2012; the first two phases will be completed the week of April 22, with the third phase scheduled to be finished the first week of June.
Renovations:

• Guest rooms: The beach chic theme, both functional and reflective of an ocean front hotel, utilizes soothing warm colors, a mixture of bamboo and rattan furniture, and new carpet exuding a residential feel. Low VOC paint was used on the walls. Dual flush toilets and low flow, top-of-the-line, Speakman shower heads were installed in the bathrooms, along with new glass shower doors and 30% recycled material tiles throughout. There is also an in-room recycling program. A reusable aluminum water bottle is offered for guest purchase with an in-room refillable water station.
• Lobby: New furniture and fixtures.
• Pacific Room: This meeting space which accommodates up to 50 guests, has new furniture and carpet.
• Pacific Terrace on the 4th floor: New furniture and a fire pit.
• Pool Area and Deck: New red brick and a re-plastering of the pool with new pool tiles. (to be completed in phase 3)

"The sustainability aspect of the key card as well as the renovation aligns with our overall vision. It is a perfect match with the Inn at Laguna's participation in the international 'Clean the World' project," Trott said.

About Clean the World
Clean the World recycles hotel guest room hygiene items at its Recycling Operations Center and distributes them for humanitarian purposes with partnering nonprofit organizations. The items are distributed domestically and to children and families in communities around the globe. Laguna Beach became the first City nationwide in 2011 to adopt the program for all of its hotel properties. 

Laguna Beach Get Away

With the long sunny days of summer just around the corner, consider making Laguna Beach your getaway destination. With seven miles of pristine coastline and top-rated water quality, Laguna Beach is the ideal summer playground. Beyond our beaches, experience the colony of art that Laguna Beach was founded on. Opening soon: The Festival of Arts Pageant of Masters (July 3-August 31), Sawdust Art Festival (June 24-August 28) and Art-a-Fair (June 24-August 28) showcase compelling works of art by local and international artists. Don’t miss the Pageant of the Masters (July 7-August 31). This year’s theme: ‘Only Make Believe,’ will surely knock your socks off!

Make your visit an overnight stay at Inn at Laguna Beach located just above Main Beach on PCH. You’ll be only steps away from one of the most famous beaches in Southern California.

View of Main Beach from Inn at Laguna Beach

Inn at Laguna Beach sits perched upon a bluff above the Pacific

Inn at Laguna Beach is within walking distance to downtown shopping, galleries and restaurants. They offer free WiFi connection, complimentary continental breakfast, and a Friday night Manager Reception with food and beverage. You’ll love the laid-back island feel of this hotel and the comfortable spacious rooms and suites they offer.

Comfortable and spacious rooms

Can’t wait for summer? Book your stay before May 31^st and get ONE NIGHT FREE!

Grab your beach bag and head on down to Laguna Beach for some summer fun. We’ll see you at the beach!

By Anne-Marie S.