The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel

Lucas is the absolute best of the best. If you don’t have him as your valet guy, you’re missing out on the full experience. That guy knows what’s up. If you want the full experience, Lucas is involved. That guy needs a raise. Love Lucas! And the driver, zafir, he is AWESOME. They have the best staff ever - but specifically Lucas the valet and zafir the driver.

Location, view, food, staff

It was our wedding day, after the reception we tried to check in using Apple Pay what just about every business uses. The room had already been booked and paid for using a credit card yet we returned away and had to wake up one of our wedding guests to bring another bag That had the rest of our cards in it in order to check in. Made the end to our wedding night, a complete catastrophe.

The Ritz Carlton Laguna Nigel met my very high expectations. The views are breathtaking. The renovation was well done. The rooms are stocked with great amenities. The grounds and common areas are also incredibly beautiful and well maintained. Having the beach butlers to help set up an area on the beach is a great feature. The Eco Adventures team helped to make our stay perfect. We went on a hike with Natalie and whale watching with Quinn. Their knowledge of the property, area, and animals was top-notch. I learned so much and had a great time. The food on property was excellent. If you are looking for a unique dining experience, I recommend Kahani. The curry sampler was delicious and allowed us to try a variety of curries. The staff is so kind and personable. I cannot wait to book a return trip.

This hotel is situated right above the beach, making it a short 5-minute walk away and offering beautiful views. We were here to meet up with around 20 other family members, and the hotel was spread out enough and offered enough variety, between the pools, beach, and various dining establishments, to keep us occupied and happy. We loved getting breakfast or lunch at Young's beach shack, just near the beach, for a lovely water view and more casual environment. The large pool at the hotel is really the only pool worth considering as the smaller one is very sleepy. We enjoyed the restaurant at the pool for relaxing lunches. The only negatives, hence the 4-star, were a handful of staff who weren't very friendly or helpful, and the random towels or French fries we saw day after day (not picked up or on the floor), which seemed below the standard for this hotel. Otherwise, it's a lovely location, right on the trolley stop (if that's helpful).

Went with my husband, toddler and dog. We stayed for a weekend and I think they are just very busy around this time due to weddings. I would recommend to try to upgrade to maybe better than a standard view as our room was all the way down the far end of the hotel with parking lot/valet view. Also, I thought the crib and pet amenities would be ready, but I had to call for it, and the pet amenities were sold out so I had to call again in the morning to get it. Some treats, a bowl and a little toy. Pet fee is $350. The room though is nice, with a couch and chair. Bed seems small for a king but it was comfortable. It’s a Simmons bed made for ritz Carlton. The shower is great, I like the toiletries and the Dyson hair dryer. The best part of the hotel is the grounds, the views are beautiful. There’s beach being so close and there’s a nice beach access trail that we strolled with my toddler and dog. There’s a beach hut shack and the food was good. We did not really try the hotel restaurants as there was only one that was dog friendly. The room service food was so-so but it was prompt. The market cafe has good pastries and I liked their matcha latte. There’s a beach hut deli that is walking distance from hotel with a pet friendly patio that was good also. Front desk was easy to reach through app but just walking around the hotel in general, it’s hard to talk to a staff member. The bellmen and housekeeping were very nice though, and these are who we ended up asking questions to. Overall, stay was average. I think it is the location and grounds as to why it’s pricey. Otherwise, not sure if anything else stands out.

A pretty expensive place to stay but everything about it is wonderful - except for the cost. Great for special occasions. Just above Salt Creek Beach, a fun place to watch surfers. There is a shuttle to get you to and from the beach which is down a steep walkway. There is also a service that provides beach chairs and umbrellas for the beach. A nice touch.

Passed by for a day on my way to vegas. Never disappointed at the ritz. Staff will take care of you, room service is on point, rooms are clean.