Laguna Beach, California
Renovated
2018
Price
$$$
Rated for
Design Luxe LocalOutside the door
The house
Common Thread HotelsUnplugged coastal refuge
An adults-only seaside bungalow where guests trade screens for vinyl records, ocean air, and fireside drinks in the living room.
“The public spaces and the 22 guestrooms are dressed with vintage pieces, books, record players, custom furniture and curated artwork…”
What it’s good at
Remarkable
Custom tapestries, vintage Parisian flea-market chairs, and record players replace televisions across the bright bungalow rooms.
Notable
Staff arrange custom picnics and beach gear at Shaw's Cove alongside Italian Anichini bed linens.
Notable
In-house adventure guides lead surf excursions to Rockpile Beach, complemented by artwork from Laguna coastal artists.
What they say
Also in Condé Nast Traveler, Wallpaper* and AFAR.
There’s an art-filled living room instead of a lobby; then, it’s straight outside to the blue-sky-meets-Pacific-Ocean panorama.
Right in the middle
Well-located: walkable to some things, a short ride to more.
A short walk leads directly down to the quiet sands, diving reefs, and tide pools of Shaw's Cove.
The rooms
Marantz turntables replace televisions alongside exposed rafters, hand-woven tapestries, and bathrooms trimmed in hand-painted tiles and brass fixtures.
The pool
Bring a swimsuit.
Double daybeds and chaises surround the heated outdoor saltwater pool tucked inside the central courtyard.
Restaurant
Saline
Seasonal French-Mediterranean fare and craft spritzes transition from the wood-paneled bar to a pergola-covered outdoor terrace.
Once a roadside motel, Joaquin now blends elements of St. Bart’s, the Mediterranean, and mid-century SoCal beach culture for an exclusive yet relaxed feel.
How it began
A two-year down-to-the-studs overhaul transformed this 1930s roadside motor lodge into a sunlit retreat inspired by mid-century surf culture.
Good to know
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Hotel Joaquin
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Our shorthand
How we rate hotels.
The medals
Gold
Extremely rare. Sets the global standard.
Silver
Brilliant execution. And we’re picky.
Bronze
They did this well. You’ll notice.
Listed
A defining trait. Makes the hotel what it is.
The eight vibes
Design
Built around a vision. Even the door handles have a designer.
Luxe
Cared for at every turn. The bath is drawn before you ask.
Local
It could only be here. You wake up knowing where you are.
Social
Where the city goes out. The bar is full and the night is young.
Heritage
A building with a story. Once a palace, a monastery, a station.
Wellness
You leave feeling new. Rest, sweat, soak and sleep like a stone.
Classic
The city grew up with it. Same rituals, same regulars, same bar.
Resort
A world of its own. Something to do from breakfast to nightcap.
The scene
Lively
Where things happen: restaurants, shops, people.
Central
Well-located: walkable to some things, a short ride to more.
Quiet
Away from the crowds. Getting around takes intention.
Secluded
A place apart: the property is the destination.