Casa Loma Beach Hotel Review: Worth the Splurge?

If you’re dreaming of spending a weekend beach-hopping in Laguna Beach, falling asleep to the sound of the waves, and starting your morning overlooking the ocean — do I have a hotel for you. 

A few months ago, I was able to spend a night at Casa Loma Beach Hotel, formerly known as The Inn at Laguna Beach. I’ve been to Laguna Beach countless times over my past few years of living in the Los Angeles area, but this has easily been one of the most special visits — seriously, this is a hotel I don’t think I’ll ever get over. 

I’m a chronic budget traveler, so I don’t normally recommend luxury hotels — but this one was special enough that I think it’s worth considering. Full disclosure: I stayed here for free, courtesy of the hotel’s PR firm, but I’ll be sharing my 100% honest thoughts here. I would never want you to spend your money on something I don’t think is really worth it.

So with that said: this hotel is expensive. But I’ll run you through exactly what you’re getting for your money (ocean-view rooms, thoughtful design, and overall atmosphere!), the big downside to consider, and why I ultimately do recommend it for a special Laguna Beach trip.

🐚 I don’t need to read more — I’m ready to book my stay 🐬

The location

Casa Loma Beach Hotel is overlooking Main Beach, in Laguna’s Downtown area. Although my favorite beaches in Laguna are further south, away from the main drag, you can’t beat just taking a little walk down the stairs before you reach the sand. My visit was also during the winter, so Main Beach was super peaceful, and way less crowded and chaotic than it typically is during the summer.

Casa Loma’s location also made it super easy to walk around Downtown, where you can explore all the different shops and art galleries, as well as other top things to do in Laguna, like the Laguna Art Museum, which is just steps away from the hotel.

This is a place where the location is part of the experience. You’re not just paying for the hotel, you’re paying for easy access and incredible views.

I love Laguna with all my heart, but as someone who typically visits on a day trip, the driving around and parking situation can be such a drag. But getting to stay right in the heart of the town made my time there a million times more relaxing.

The details I loved

THE VIEW

My husband and I stayed in a balcony ocean view room, which was seriously paradise. The balcony itself was fairly spacious, with a couple of regular chairs as well as a comfy couch, which was big enough to lie down on. 

THE ROOM

Apart from the view, the room was very spacious and comfortable for both my husband and me. In addition to the balcony space, there was a couch with a little table, and the bathroom area was also ideal for the two of us. I always bring a million skincare products with me, and my worst enemy in a hotel is a bathroom sink with no counter space, but that wasn’t the case at all here.

THE THOUGHTFUL TOUCHES

I honestly don’t think I’ve ever stayed in a hotel that felt as thoughtfully put-together as this one. Like, this hotel had me rethinking my entire life, questioning how I could get a job as a hotel vibe curator.

Everything from the scent of the hotel to the beachy playlist that you could listen to in your room and throughout Casa Loma (the hotel has its own radio station), as well as all the decor, felt intentionally curated for a design-forward, relaxing stay. The old-fashioned rotary phone was the cutest touch too. Everything also felt really elevated, from the bar ingredients to the drinks in the mini fridge. 

THE DESIGN

Casa Loma unveiled a massive $15 million renovation in 2024, and now, the 70-room hotel takes inspiration from the Mediterranean and the California coast. 

White, stone-like walls, wooden furniture, and lots of plants and organic shapes accent the entire hotel, and it all feels super airy and design-forward, but still warm. 

I’m not someone who tends to prioritize boutique design as much when I book accommodations, but after staying here, I really see how much beautiful design adds to the overall experience. Laguna is one of the most stunning places in the world, and has deep roots as an art colony, and Casa Loma really matches that energy. 

🌸 Ready to see if Casa Loma is worth the splurge for your trip? Check current rates and availability. 🎨

What I didn’t love

PARKING + OTHER FEES

Although I received free parking with my stay, there is normally a very hefty parking fee of $75 per night. If you’ll have a car during your visit, Laguna is notoriously super difficult to find parking, so you’re kind of forced into parking at the hotel. (There are a few public lots that offer overnight parking, but I’m not sure about the cost.)

(If you’re not sure if you’ll need a car, I’d consider if you’re hoping to explore areas beyond Laguna, like Los Angeles. If so, I would recommend renting a car. But if you’re just looking to spend a leisurely weekend in Laguna, then forego the car! Laguna has a walkable downtown, plus a free trolley for accessing beaches further south.)

Apart from the inflated parking price, there’s also a $40 resort fee, which again, feels excessive. It apparently covers access to the pool, coffee, WiFi, and the cookies that are in the lobby every evening. But with the expensive room cost, those amenities should just be included, in my opinion.

These extra fees would be my biggest hesitation about booking again — since you’re now dealing with a room rate + a $75 nightly parking fee + a nightly $40 resort fee + taxes.

More things to know before booking

Because I just stayed for one night and spent most of it frolicking around Laguna Beach, I didn’t take advantage of many of Casa Loma’s amenities.

But, they do offer a gorgeous heated pool, as well as a hot tub.

They also offer complimentary “beach amenities,” which I assume means beach chairs.

My husband and I opted to have dinner and breakfast at some of my favorite Laguna Beach restaurants, but they also have some onsite dining, which is open only to hotel guests, and seems to be more like snacks, rather than full meals. We did enjoy a charcuterie board and a bottle of wine, courtesy of the hotel, as well as a free welcome cocktail, and thoroughly enjoyed everything!

We also hung out for a while on the hotel’s rooftop, which was super peaceful, and had another gorgeous Laguna view.

Casa Loma does not have a fitness center or an onsite spa.

ADA accessible rooms are available, but you have to contact the hotel directly for more details.

Check-in is at 4 p.m. (we were able to check in a bit early though), and check-out is at 11. We were able to leave our car for a few extra hours after checking out.

☀️ Click this link to reserve your room — dreamy beach views are awaiting! 🌴

So, is Casa Loma Beach Hotel worth it?

Rooms usually start around $415 a night, plus taxes and whatnot (but you may be able to find a slightly lower price, depending on the night).

So, would I pay to stay at Casa Loma Beach Hotel? Yes — for the right trip.

It’s definitely not where I’d send someone looking for a budget-friendly place to sleep in Laguna Beach. But if you’re celebrating something, planning a romantic weekend, or simply want to make your Laguna trip feel extra special, I think Casa Loma is worth the splurge.

Laguna Beach is a place that’s all about relaxation and taking in the view, and Casa Loma Beach Hotel is definitely conducive to that, especially when you consider its super convenient location.

If you do stay here, I would say soak up as much time as possible in the hotel — make use of the pool, relax in the bar area and on the rooftop, and enjoy the view. 

It’s a hotel that you’ll be dreaming of long after!

💖 If Casa Loma sounds like your kind of Laguna splurge, check rates for your dates here. 🌊

🏄‍♀️ Reserve your room with beachfront views, incredible design, and lots of relaxing vibes 🏄‍♀️

Head to one of these Orange County guides next:

• 11 Best Beaches in Orange County, CA (From a Local)
• Best Things to Do in Laguna Beach (From a Repeat Visitor)
• Best Restaurants in Laguna Beach (Budget-Friendly Guide)
• Casa Loma Beach Hotel Review: Worth the Splurge?