Dana Point, CaliforniaMonarch Beach
Waldorf Astoria Monarch Beach
Pacific blufftop playground
Monarch Beach Dana Point, California
Renovated
2022
Price
$$$$
Rated for
Luxe Wellness ResortOutside the door
The house
HiltonPacific blufftop playground
Terraced Mediterranean grounds spill down a coastal bluff, where fountain courtyards, infinity pools, and sprawling lawns overlook the Pacific.
What it’s good at
Remarkable
Dedicated text concierge service, evening turndown with monarch chocolates, and deep soaking tubs across the guest suites.
Remarkable
A palatial spa offering cryotherapy, eucalyptus steam rooms, a dedicated outdoor lap pool, and oceanfront fitness classes.
Remarkable
A sprawling coastal bluff campus with championship golf, a private beach club tram, and three distinct swimming pools.
What they say
Forbes Four-Star
Forbes Travel Guide
2026
Surrounded by 175 acres of tropical gardens and exotic flowers, the Dana Point hotel feels a world away from buzzy SoCal life.
Tucked away
A place apart: the property is the destination.
Perched in Dana Point, the estate sits minutes from whale watching charters at the harbor and scenic drives along the Pacific Coast Highway.
The rooms
Coastal tones dress spacious interiors, while ground-floor fireside terraces feature private fire pits and marble bathrooms provide deep soaking tubs.
The pools
Bring a swimsuit.
The main infinity pool looks straight out over the Pacific, and a separate lap pool sits beside the spa.
The spa and gym
The spa includes cryotherapy suites and eucalyptus steam rooms, and the athletic club runs outdoor spin classes.
Dogs stay too.
Restaurant
Monarch Bay Beach Club
This oceanfront dining room sits right on the sand, serving coastal seafood and California wines beside the surf.
Bar
33 North
This fireside lounge takes its name from the 33rd parallel, mixing craft tequila cocktails against sunset ocean views.
At the table
AVEO Table + Bar prepares Latin-inspired Mediterranean plates, and Part + Parcel bakes fresh morning pastries.
How it began
Opened in 2001 atop Monarch Bay and later revitalized, the blufftop resort is now owned by the Yuhaaviatam of San Manuel Nation.
Good to know
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Waldorf Astoria Monarch Beach
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Dana Point
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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.