Waldorf Astoria Monarch Beach Resort

Arrival: We took the Metrolink from LA Union Station and arrived at San Juan Capistrano Station (students ride for free thanks to the Metrolink Student Advantage Pass program). We then took a Lyft to the resort ($12 to $20 one-way for the Lyft ride). The valet staff were welcoming and helpful. Checked in on the Hilton apps and the process was seamless we walked straight to our room. We were upgraded to a fireside terrace garden view room (Rm 139) because of an existing HHonors membership. The kids wanted to make s’mores, and I want to be away from the foot traffic so the room met our expectations. We particularly enjoyed the guest room amenities, such as the posh bathroom with compartmentalized toilet, vanity kits, toiletries of Aesop, mini-fridge for storage, air conditioning/heater, warm toned lighting and the workspace. I am delighted that the Waldorf Astoria Hilton ball pen writes so smoothly! I just wish to have received a hand written letter/note from the hotel management. I do collect and keep this kind of ink-on-paper mementos as I travel. Incidents and Solutions: In general the staff are professional and charming, and they represent very well of the establishment and the Hilton brand. Big thanks to Eric and the security team for finding and returning my niece’s lost phone within 10 minutes of reporting. I remember Eric from last year; he’s consistently amazing. Also big thanks to the housekeeping team. I accidentally turned on the “PRIVACY” button without knowing since checking in to the room. When I found out my hiccup the following day around 2:15pm, I turned off that “PRIVACY” button, and switched on “MAKE UP ROOM.” A housekeeping attendant came shortly to confirm with me and then managed the room. I also appreciate the complimentary turndown service conducted in the evening. The staff’s attention to details and guest comfort is top-notch. Dining: Bourbon Steak was out of my price range, so we didn’t go there but I must say its wine cellar/display is spectacular looking. Aveo Table + Bar had decent a-la-carte food and the service was excellent — the place was packed for breakfast but we were attended to by a team and the food came timely (thanks to Darlia, Kelly, Liliana and Thomas). Part & Parcel Market’s pizza was made-to-order with fresh local ingredients; it’s delicious and filling for three people (again, amazing staff there). Moreover, the Monarch Bay Beach Club gave me a Cape Cod vibe — cozy, exclusive, soothing nature and aquatic elements. The service was great as expected (thanks to Allison, Diego, and others on the team) . An advantage of eating on the premises is that I don’t have to carry my wallet around because I can simply bill my purchases to the room. A disadvantage is pricey, but the hospitality and ambiance are worth it to me. Personal Reflection: For the holiday season, the premises are tastefully decorated — grand, polished and festive. The resort regularly offers a range of activities. I missed out on the wellness activities because the kids wanted to go to a petting zoo nearby at the time the wellness classes were scheduled. On the other hand, the heated pools and jacuzzi/spas are nice, especially for cool nights — in the mid 50s degree Fahrenheit — at Dana Point and you stare into the vastness of the night sky. The 6-minute tram ride to the Monarch Bay Beach Club is a must. Being at the Salt Creek Beach itself is therapeutic. If I am to visit again in the future, I will try the Singing Bowls Meditation wellness class and golf (there’s a seasonal “Kids Play Free After 3PM” offer with the purchase of an adult round). Overall, I had a great, relaxing experience at this resort, and the children enjoyed their time very much as well. WA Monarch Beach Resort & Club delivered above and beyond, and I appreciate that.

The resort is beautiful and well maintained. The rooms were comfortable with a lot of attention to detail. The bathrooms were spacious and nice, and I really liked the shampoo and conditioner, The service was mostly good, though when we arrived there was no one at the front desk for at least 5 minutes, and another quest was already waiting. Housekeeping was thorough and responsive. As others have mentioned, the food is very expensive, as is any other service offered, so be prepared to pay a lot. The part and parcel cafe was the best place to get coffee, and the sandwiches were not bad. I loved all of the trails walking down to the beach and around Dana point. The whole area is very nice and well maintained. It is quite a way to the beach from the hotel, so that is not very convenient. The pool was nice, but it was too cold when we were there to really enjoy, so we only used the hot tubs.

We had overall a nice time at this property, but I had a bad experience at the end. The property itself is beautiful and in a lovely location.Our toddlers loved riding the beach tram. Food was pretty good although pricey which is to be expected for a WA. The staff was very friendly and upgraded us to a fireplace terrace room as Diamond members which was very nice. However, upon checking out, they charged me for the final night’s parking twice (at $70/night). They said because I used a Hilton free night certificate I couldn’t consolidate that night’s reservation with the rest of my stay, which is fine. On our last day we ate at one of the restaurants and charged to the room so there was about $114 charged to my room that last night including the $70 parking fee. The morning I checked out they charged another $70 which would be a duplicate parking charge. When I returned home, I called their guest services desk and mentioned the extra charge asking them to reverse it. They said the extra charge would drop off within 10 business days of checking out. Two weeks after I had checked out I called back twice to follow up, leaving a voice message about my case and no one contacted me. I was forced to dispute the charge on my credit card to get the $70 back. I did not expect this lack of service from a WA and I would expect a much higher level of customer care from this brand. It was a disappointing way to end the trip and now I am leery about staying at another WA.

I cannot say enough good things. What a pleasant surprise this hotel was! It is really beautiful in a slightly more modern way. Public spaces are all wonderful and accessible. Rooms are large, spacious and were spotless. Having stayed in the Ritz several times (never ever again it is filthy) and Montage a few times (nice but rooms starting to feel tired) this is our new hotel when we go to Orange County. We have family there so are there a few times a year. Unfortunately, it fell very short in the restaurant experience. Aveo was a colossal disappointment and super overpriced. A glass of cakewalk wine $32.00!! Breakfast is overpriced a buffet *nice but nothing out of this world was nearly 80.00 a person. It was most certainly not an 80.00 per person buffet. That aside, everything else was wonderful, great pool, beautiful spa..just hope they revamp their Aveo, with a better menu, higher quality food that warrants the price tag- will revisit for sure!

I redeemed my annual Hilton FNA for a standard king at WA Monarch Beach this past wknd. I was lucky to prepay $200 back in June using my Jan-Jun Amex Aspire credit (I guess they stopped allowing this). I will use my Jul-Dec $200 credit for this stay. A few days before arrival, I was proactively upgraded to a one bedroom suite. Day before arrival, I was upgraded to a fireside resort view. I didn’t mind the smaller room since it was just my husband and I, celebrating our wedding anniversary. The patio fire pit was actually more special, in my opinion. It was a sold out night due to a holiday wknd and also a wedding. Cash price is typically $1000+. We arrived around 3pm and our room (118) was ready. There was a lovely amenity dessert waiting for us in the room. We dropped off our belongings and headed to the spa for our 4pm appts. Sadly, the outdoor jacuzzi at the spa pool was not heated, boo. So hubby and I went back to our lounges to relax. Massages were ok, nothing spectacular. I texted the hotel to ask about the Diamond F&B benefit but no response. I went to front desk to ask after dinner. It’s $50 daily. We used it at Part and Parcel, their on-site cafe. Our phone wasn’t working in the room, neither was our Nespresso machine. Had to call front desk from my own phone. I asked about a late check out, they offered 1PM. After all the issues, they honored a 2PM late check out. We would consider returning but the $70 valet parking seems extreme.