Staying at Casa Loma Beach Hotel in Laguna Beach feels a bit like being in Tulum, Mexico. The white plaster walls, chunky wood furniture, soaring ceiling, and new bar in the reception lobby, lead out to exquisite Pacific ocean views and Main Beach beyond.
Located in the heart of Laguna Beach, this newely renovated oceanfront boutique hotel is just steps from art galleries, museums, shops, and an array of international dining venues.
Entering the lobby, one immediately notices the striking relief sculpture of a sun-worshiping goddess. Bathed in light, she symbolizes the natural wonder of the Pacific Coast that lies just beyond the glass windows and doors.
Beachside sand, terracotta clay, and seaside green color tones offer a soothing sanctuary during the day for guests to sip coffee while working on their laptop. Later in the day, guests approach the small bar top to order a craft cocktail, glass of wine or beer to enjoy with a cheese or charcuterie board.
Above the lobby there are curved archways and an inviting booth-style sitting area for guests to work during the day or hang out as the sun sets.
When Marc & Rose Hospitality took over the former The Inn at Laguna Beach, they hired Electric Bowery, a Venice based architecture and interior design firm, along with graphic design agency LAND and outdoor design firm ORCA.
“Marc & Rose Hospitality is proud to bring together such a talented team of partners to re-enliven this Laguna Beach landmark,” said John Grossman, President of Marc & Rose. “We sought out not only partners, but like-minded friends who share our artistic passions and pursuits. The story of Casa Loma is revealed in the details—the intentional design choices capture a spirit of retreat both familiar and imaginative, thoughtfully curated with our favorite things by our favorite people.”
Comfortable Rooms
There are 70 comfortable guest rooms featuring a soft round edge custom bed, curving sofa, eye-catching fixtures and built-in desk. Bathroom fixtures are by SKLO, and bath amenities are by D.S. & DURGA Toiletries.
Rooms have organic seascape shape lighting by Kassandra Thatcher, and there are ceiling fans above pillow-top mattress beds fitted with luxurious European linens. Custom robes in each guest room are created by Guatemala-based textile manufacturer Luna Zorro. This artisan company also makes the stylish sun hats displayed in the lobby’s retail shop.
There is a bespoke beverage cocktail bar in the room, and complimentary tea and Canyon Coffee pour-over set up. Rooms also have a Tivoli Model One Radio with Casa Loma’s custom radio station for a curated auditory experience.
Guest Room Balcony
There are 38 rooms with a private balcony or patio, many overlooking towering palm trees, the Pacific Ocean, South Laguna abd Main Beach below. Some rooms overlook the hotel's sparkling heated swimming pool.
Poolside Rooms
Each of the pool level rooms have a patio and glass gate for direct access to the pool deck. New lounge chairs and cabanas are available for guests to use while at the heated pool and after enjoying the warmth of the bubbling whirlpool.
Artful Hotel
Starting in the parking structure and throughout the hotel, art is everywhere one looks. According to Grossman, “LAND was enlisted to make the entire hotel one large immersive art experience – from the lobby mural, to the hand-painted canvas tapestries in select guest rooms, to the custom screen-printed and numbered framed original artworks. Every aspect of Casa Loma, including the handcrafted wooden furniture and its vintage lobby sound system, feels organic to the space and its surroundings, but precise in its placement and design.'
Iconic Walks
Right outside the hotel is the Heisler Park Walk, a popular one-mile paved path that connects Heisler Park to Main Beach. The path begins at Casa Loma Beach Hotel above the Lifeguard Tower at Main Beach. Take the stairs down to one of the picturesque coves. Diver's Cove is a local favorite for snorkeling, scuba diving, and tide-pool exploring.
Along the walk one might see a plein air artist set up with an easel and chair painting the beautiful surrounding scenery.
When the tide is low, guests can walk south on the sand to explore tide pools and watch skimboarders glide across the shore break. Fun Fact: Laguna Beach is the birthplace of skimboarding. In the 1920's, lifeguards invented a wooden plank to float on between coves.
Complimentary Cookies
There is always complimentary fruit infused water available next the bar top, and a variety of fresh baked cookies by Rye Goods are displayed in the evening. This is a nod to the tradition that The Inn at Laguna Beach offered to guests.
Event Venue
Up on the top floor, the Pacific Terrace rooftop is a popular gathering space later in the evening when fire pits are lit and the area provides a romantic vibe.
During the day, there is a small meeting room nearby for groups to use. The terrace is just steps away for breakout sessions and receptions. The rooftop terrace is an ideal celebration spot under the California sunshine or during a starry night for up to 80 people.
Pets
Two dogs that are 40 pounds and under are welcome. Guests need to sign a pet waiver and pay a non-refundable $100 pet fee at check-in. Service dogs will have the fee waived.
Nightly Amenity Fee
There is a $35 fee per evening stay. Parking is $45 per vehicle, per evening.
Casa Loma Beach Hotel is the second of two Marc & Rose Hospitality hotel in Laguna Beach on Pacific Coast Highway. Their other hotel Laguna Beach House is just a few blocks away. The firm currently operates 14 hotels and restaurants including the restored La Playa Hotel in Carmel-by-the-Sea.
Casa Loma Beach Hotel room rates start at $499. Summer and holiday season the rate is higher.
