The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel

Fantastic property on easily one of the most scenic places in the domestic USA. I applied a NUA to this stay and Bonvoy came through, exceeding expectations. In a pre arrival email chat with the front desk I politely asked for an upgrade to one of the oceanfront fire pit rooms. I had read about these rooms complete with S’mores making kits and the best views. Front desk was polite in its response, but basically said “Don’t get your hopes up”. Same response for an early check in. So, needless to say, I was elated to see that Bonvoy upgraded me to not only one of these rooms, but a suite. I arrived around noon and checked my luggage, went to lunch at the outside, oceanfront venue. Food and drinks were great with very good service. The front desk here is possibly the friendliest of any Ritz property I’ve stayed at. Same for the valets and bell hops. If you are kept waiting for even 30 seconds a heartfelt apology is offered. I got a text at around 2pm that my room was ready. The front desk expedited my check in and offered me a glass of champagne, which I declined. The bell hop was then off with my luggage. My friend and I stayed behind because we were eager to hit the beach. A short golf cart ride down a (steep) hill we were at the beach and took advantage of the amenity fee and got beach chairs, towels and an umbrella a stones throw from the water. Everything is set up for you by the staff. Note: this is a public beach, but the Ritz has chairs set up in various locations that you can choose. After the beach, we hit both pools and the hot tub, which was pure heaven. The suite was quite nice with two terraces and two full bathrooms. Watching the sunset over that cliff with the fire pit going was truly wonderful. Housekeeping came by a little later for turndown and made up the sofa bed, which my friend said was very comfortable. The next morning I had room service breakfast which was delicious and speedy. Overall, a great experience with outstanding service. The staff just could not do enough for you, and this was over the entire resort. Even walking the halls and grounds if you encounter a staff member they will step aside, smile and warmly greet you. Everyone seems happy to be there. Upon check out, we went into the gift shop for a memento of our stay. There were two lovely female staff members working who chatted us up and offered a Bonvoy member discount without us asking. Yes, the hard product (walls and trim) can be a little beat up and the carpets in some areas worn, but I would imagine it would be hard to keep those perfect in a property this popular with thousands of people coming through on a daily basis, as many people come just for the dining. Overall, it was the service and beautiful setting that set this property apart from other Ritz Carlton’s at which I’ve stayed. Thanks for a great experience. Highly recommended.

My wife and I just returned from 4 nights at the hotel. The $3200 per night suite (and that’s the convention rate!) wasn’t ready until 4:45pm. No flowers, no minibar or snacks (“we haven’t done that since the pandemic”); broken refrigerator; chipped paint in the kitchenette; loud hvac; tiny closet; inconsistent water pressure; shabby carpet; tired decor. Plumbing problem called in before 8am; still unaddressed when we returned to the room after 3pm. A zillion unguarded and unlocked entrances, including from public beach access, which is unnerving. Decent restaurant, great view and beautiful beach, but hey nature, not Marriott, gets credit for those last two. They appear to think the setting is all they have to provide.

Husband had planned a night in Dana Pt for our 35 wedding anniversary. Check in was at 4:00. We weren’t in our room until almost 6 because they didn’t have enough staff to clean. Ruined our dinner plans and our night. We are Titanium level members of BonVoy Club and hotel was aware, at booking, it was a special night for us but we were last to get our room. It was not the Ritz Carlton experience we are used to. In general the hotel is nice but dated and worn and the grounds not especially well maintained. Beautiful views though.

Champaign on reception was a nice touch. Downhill from there. Valet had told us to call ahead and our vehicle would be waiting. Did not mention that the phone would not be answered, and even when it finally was, there was no car waiting when we showed up. Explanation was that there too many cars to meet that expectation. Upselling attempt at front desk was not welcome, but a Marriott upgrade would have been. Irritating were numerous junk fees including delivery charges, service charges, administrative fees, and a resort fee. We avoided most by not using room service. Air conditioner was in room and made a lot of noise. We were there less than 24 hours, but that was too long. Not sure what they are running, but was definitely not a 5 star operation. On the positive side, the wedding portion was well done, and the service there did meet expectations.

We recently celebrated 4th of July Eve and more importantly, our son’s upcoming birthday, at The Ritz Carlton Laguna Niguel using a free night Marriott Bonvoy perk. This one has been on the hit list for a while and our ocean view room with a fire pit did not disappoint. Service: The Ritz out did themselves making our stay especially wonderful for our son. From the huge balloon bouquet waiting in our room to the beach toys to the s’mores kit at turn down service time he was over the moon. Activities: Swimming! Basketball! Ping Pong! We weren’t there long enough to take advantage of the ocean excursions or kids club but this one is clearly luxury made for the littles. And every turn hosts a romantic spot for adult couples to steal a special moment. Dining: We dined at 180blu for an ocean view lunch and Kahani for a delicious Indian birthday dinner. Cocktails & food were simply delicious at both and the service at Kahani was thoughtful and attentive. Only wish we had time to dine at their Omakase restaurant. She Said: This resort reminds me a lot of a Faust family favorite, the Ritz Carlton Half Moon Bay but with a So Cal vibe. Cant wait to come back and make more #rcmemories! He Said: Classic Ritz Carlton service, ocean view private fire pits, Indian, Omakase, multiple ocean view restaurants… it’s enough to make a grown man cry. But I’ll save the happy tears for Half Moon Bay. #thefaustslovetravel #thefaustslovelaguna #wanderlust #birthdayfun #birthdaytravel #california #californiacoast #lagunaniguel #luxurytravel #theritzcarltonlagunaniguel #rcmemories