18 Best Hotels in Orange County and Catalina Island, California

Near the entrance to both Disney parks, families love coming back to this hotel after visiting the parks to play in the Surfside Waterpark. The colorful fun splash zone, waterslides, and a heated swimming pool, is not typical of Courtyard by Marriott. Rooms with microwaves, mini-refrigerators, coffee makers, and sturdy bunk beds cater to groups and families. Room options include ADA suites, and spacious king suites with two sets of bunk beds. The double queen suites also have bunks that accommodate six people. The water park and some guest rooms overlook Disneyland's iconic Matterhorn; other rooms have views of the firework shows. There is a Life Fitness center open all day, and a Bistro that provides quick breakfast, lunch, and dinner items to sit and enjoy before heading back across the street to the Disney parks. A souvenir and mini-mart on the lobby level offers snacks, drinks, and Disney-themed apparel and accessories.

The most opulent of Disneyland's three hotels, the Craftsman-style Grand Californian offers views of Disney California Adventure and Downtown Disney. Guests enjoy sitting in the lobby in rocking chairs with a drink and small bites by a crackling fire. The orange-blossom tree theme guest rooms have wood floors, plenty of outlets for charging devices, and sleeping chairs and bench beds for families. Some guest rooms look out onto Downtown Disney, while others have views of the pools and woods. There are also club-level rooms and one to three bedroom suites with access to the hotel's concierge club. This elegant 6th floor concierge room offers helpful service, plus complimentary food, treats, drinks, and afternoon tea. Wine, desserts, and firework viewing is offered in the evening.

Restaurants include the refreshed Napa Rose, Hearthstone Lounge and Storytellers Cafe. Overlooking the multiple swimming pools is Craftsman Grill for all-day dining and Craftsman Lounge offering a lunch and dinner menu.

Tanya Stone Spa is inspired by the spirits of nature. When the spa was built, the designers repurposed the wood from this site to create the beautiful flooring.

Guests can enter both parks 30 minutes earlier than everyone else not staying at one of the Disneyland Hotels.

Fun Fact: There are hidden Mickeys and the faces of Chip and Dale in the pretty poppy theme carpeting throughout the hotel, and on a clockface of a grandfather clock near the Arts-and-Crafts-style wood-panel lobby.

The appealing Andalusian design of this sprawling resort incorporates arched courtyards, beautiful tiled fountains, and flickering firepits. Nearly all the spacious upper floor rooms have a balcony with ocean views. There are 12 deluxe rooms near the main pool with private firepits. This Hyatt Regency offers 57 two- and three-bedroom suites ideal for multigenerational families. Guests enjoy the exclusive beach access via a bridge over the Pacific Coast Highway and SHOR concession stand. Set up your beach chair and have food and beverages, wine and cocktails delivered to your chair. In the evening Hyatt Regency has bonfires in the sand for hot chocolate and s'mores. 

There are multiple pool areas including a swimming lagoon, bubbling whirlpools, three waterslides, a kiddie wading pool, and a seasonal snack bar. Watertable is the onsite eatery offering elevated fare for breakfast, brunch, lunch, and dinner. Enjoy a day at Pacific Waters Spa for a special body treatment, facial, or massage. There are 17 treatment rooms, a dry sauna, steam rooms, hot whirlpools, and waterfall showers. Other resort activities include swimming like a mermaid: rent a mermaid magic tail for a great core workout, plus during the summer a mermaid will meet and greet guests, and offer swim instruction and photo opportunities. Over at Slyders Pool there are three exciting waterslides, a children's wading pool, cabanas, two firepits and a hot tub. Families can feed the colorful koi fish near the entrance of the Pacific Waters Spa. Reserve a Pacific Views firepit at the heated lagoon-design Mankota's Pool during sunset. Order a mai tai or favorite beverage to sip while watching the sun dip into the sea.

This beloved resort-style low-slung Newport hotel offers 26 lushly landscaped acres overlooking the Back Bay. The casually elegant architecture appeals to travelers weary of high-rise hotels. Most rooms, suites and private 3+3 villas have patios or balconies. There's a complimentary 9-hole golf course for guests, and access to lighted tennis and pickle ball courts. One of the three swimming pools is a family pool featuring waterslides and a water play area for little ones. Take one of the complimentary cruiser-style bicycles and ride along the back bay on a paved bike nature trail for wildlife and water views. The signature SHOR American Seafood Grill offers a Southern California coastal-inspired menu. The first weekend in June, the resort is home to the annual Newport Beach Jazz Festival. This dog-friendly Hyatt has a $150 pet fee.

Just blocks from Disneyland and the Anaheim Convention Center, this newer luxury four-diamond hotel is the first and only JW Marriott in Orange County. Off the open lobby bar is a swimming pool terrace with cabanas to relax in after a day in the parks. The on-site dining includes Tocca Ferro Italian Chophouse, where the chefs grill proteins and makes their own pasta and sauces. The best sunset view spot at the resort is at Parkestry Rooftop Bar. Enjoy a cocktail and light bites while taking in the panoramic Anaheim views and Disney's firework show. Splurge to stay on the 10th floor for access to the Executive Lounge for a full breakfast in the morning and snacks and beverages throughout the day. A $30 daily destination fee is added to the room rate. It does include a $30 hotel food and beverage credit, enhanced high-speed Internet, and wine tasting for two at Tocca Ferro.

This Marriott Autograph Collection resort is located at the gateway of the exclusive Lido Island and three blocks from the beach. Modeled after a New England--style beach house, the Cape Cod decor is cheerful with hints of nautical from the high-gloss hardwood floors in the lobby to the blown-glass chandeliers in the restaurant. Miniature yacht models are found throughout, along with playful decor such as a partying mermaid and octopus mural near the elevator.

The lively rooftop named Topside is the only rooftop lounge in the area where locals and guests gather for sunset cocktails. There is a full service bar, and a vibrant sound system for live music.

Guest rooms offer comfy beds and flip-flops instead of slippers for a beach house vibe. There is a heated swimming pool and hot whirlpool to unwind and relax after a day at the beach or boating in nearby Newport Harbor. Five on-site cottages cater to families with two bedrooms, two and a half bathrooms, a full kitchen, washer and dryer, and rooftop views. Pets are welcome for a $150 per room, per stay fee.

The onsite Boost Spa is near the fitness center and pool area. Dine at The Mayor's Table Pacific Pub + Kitchen for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The restaurant partners with Champagne brand Piper-Heidsieck to make their own Champagne blend.

Built on a picturesque coastal bluff above the Pacific Ocean and Treasure Island Beach, this elegant Craftsmen-style resort features 30 acres of grassy lawns, soft sand beaches, and a stunning mosaic tile swimming pool. Decorated in sophisticated soft coastal colors, guest rooms, suites, and large cottages balance ease and refinement. Every room has an ocean view from its patio or balcony, and an extra-deep bathtub. Of the restaurants, The Loft offers sweeping panoramic ocean views and a refined California-inspired contemporary menu. Locals and guests enjoy lunch and sunset dining  at the newly refreshed Mosaic Bar and Grille. The lobby lounge is popular to greet friends for for pre-dinner and after-dinner drinks. This pet-friendly resort charges a nonrefundable $220 fee for well-mannered dogs and cats weighing under 45 pounds staying in patio rooms. The resort fee includes a complimentary Cadillac car rental program. 

Start your morning with yoga by the heated pool, or play 9 holes of golf on a picturesque course nestled between two canyons. There are ranch-style and two-story contemporary suites. Be sure to take a tour of Leo's Garden beyond the golf course to meet Farmer Leo and see what he is growing for the on-site dining options. Harvest restaurant offers seasonal fare with stunning canyon and golf course views. Take a stroll along a designated path to a pedestrian tunnel leading to Lost Pier, a barefoot café on the sand at Aliso Beach serving California cuisine among palm-fringed ocean views. 

On an oceanfront bluff with an unparalleled view of the Pacific Ocean, you'll find the Ritz's signature top-tier service. On-site dining options offering oceanfront views include renowned chef Richard Sandoval's Pan-Latin RAYA restaurant with its coastal cuisine and elegant ambiance; KAHANI, a modern Indian fusion culinary journey; and Taikun Omakase, offering a curated 16-course one-of-a-kind dining experience. Sunset cocktails are to be sipped at 180blu. Book a massage or facial at the newly refreshed two-story spa near the ocean-view fitness center. Stroll down perfectly manicured trails to the popular public white-sand beach or take one of the beach shuttles to Salt Creek Beach and walk along the picturesque coastline. This playful luxury resort has an on-site EcoAdventure Center to reserve a whale-watching trip, e-bike rental, surf lesson or round of golf.

Resort fees include a beach shuttle ride down to the beach with beach butler service. Guests have use of umbrellas, towels, and beach chairs; unlimited use of tennis and pickleball courts and rackets; discount golf tee times at Monarch Beach Golf Links. Pets are welcome for a $150 pet fee, per room for up to two pets. The main swimming pool has been recently refreshed. There are two new two-bedroom and two-bathroom ocean front penthouse suites. Some rooms have a firepit on the patio. This hotel is dog friendly.

Located on an exquisite stretch of beach with picturesque thundering waves, this is a luxury getaway for those seeking surf, sand, and sun. The new refresh in all the guest rooms and suites includes tranquil coastal colors, private glass balconies for even better ocean views, and plush beds within earshot of the calming sea The fully refreshed spa offers wellness massages and facials. Dine at the on-site Splashes Restaurant and Bar for endless ocean views and top-notch seasonal California fresh cuisine; start with a beverage at sunset on the outdoor deck before enjoying their signature lobster bisque, freshly shucked oysters, grilled seafood, and petite filet steaks. The inviting pool, whirlpool and deck area offers ocean views, and the staff are friendly and knowledgeable about local events. 

Centrally located, this newly renovated Marriott resort is across the street from the popular Fashion Island shopping-and-dining complex. Request a guest room with a balcony or sliding door facing the ocean. Not only will you appreciate the golf course views of the Newport Beach Country Club, but the rooms higher up also have spectacular Newport Harbor and Catalina Island vistas. There are plenty of ways to pamper yourself here: indulge in a massage at the full-service spa, drink cocktails at a poolside cabana, or the lounge with a digital aquarium ceiling. Enjoy breakfast, lunch, and dinner onsite at the hotel's VIEW Restaurant and Lounge.

Set on a hillside overlooking the Pacific Ocean, step into the Waldorf Astoria's grand lobby to take in an impressive view of the Monarch Pool, 18-hole Monarch Beach Golf Links, and the Pacific Ocean beyond. The extra large Monarch pool deck has luxury cabanas, and two infinity edge saline hot tubs angled for optimal views. Near the full service spa is another swimming pool for laps. The large refreshed guest rooms have spacious patios and balconies or balconies with views of the golf course, lush landscaping, or ocean. Some of the ground floor rooms have a private fire pit. Dining options include celebrity chef Michael Mina's Bourbon Steak, an elegant show-stopping restaurant serving modern, seasonally influenced seafood dishes and expertly prepared dry aged beef. The restaurant's wine selection is among the best along the coast, and the service is impeccable. Aveo Table + Bar highlights all-day Mediterranean cuisine or take a complimentary electric shuttle ride to the casual Monarch Cafe, a favorite for golfers and guests looking for casual fare. Stay on the shuttle for a ride through the golf course and monarch butterfly sanctuary garden to the private Monarch Bay Beach Club. It's a popular spot during the day and at sunset, offering coastal fare, craft cocktails and local beers. There are surf and paddle boards, beach volleyball, and plenty of chairs. The resort fee includes complimentary wellness classes with the sounds of waves crashing nearby, beach games and activities, house bicycles with self-guided tours, and discounted fees at Monarch Beach Gold Links. This is a pet-friendly property, however guests must pay a nonrefundable pet fee starting at $200.

This convention-friendly hotel near Disneyland Parks was designed by the same architect who designed the Mirage and Wynn hotels in Las Vegas. The ground-level heated swimming pool and hot whirlpool with fountain and cabanas infuse a Las Vegas vibes. The hotel nods to Anaheim's citrus roots, with live citrus trees and a lingering blossom scent throughout the hotel. Rooms have Westin Heavenly Beds with high-quality linens, rain showers, and many rooms have soaking tubs. The premium view rooms offer unobstructed Disney California Adventure roller-coaster and park views. There are seven food and beverage experiences from a gourmet grab-and-go market to fine-dining options. Rise Rooftop Bar is a popular spot at sunset and when fireworks illuminate the sky over Disneyland. You'll find live entertainment up here on certain evenings. 

This waterfront resort offers contemporary coastal elegance and one of the best harbor bay views, especially from the spacious bay-view guest rooms. Locals and guests gather at the lively A + O restaurant and bar to take in the pleasing sea breezes while overlooking million-dollar yachts. The resort offers a variety of land and sea wellness and enrichment activities. There is a sparkling swimming pool in the center of the hotel with poolside cabanas and daybeds. Rent a Duffy electric boat or stand-up paddleboard from the resort's private marina. The lawn area next to the marina is a popular spot for weddings, and there is a spa exclusive to hotel guests. Take one of the hotel bicycles for a spin to explore Newport Beach. Dogs are welcome with a non-refundable $200 one-time fee.

Pasea offers ocean views from almost every guest room, while balconies bring in fresh marine breezes. Rooms have super comfy platform beds and cozy robes that are essentially long hooded sweatshirts. The dramatic two-story lobby has doors that open to the expansive swimming pool and ocean beyond. Directly across the street is the beach and an 8-mile bike trail, and it's next to the Pacific City shopping and dining outdoor mall. The luxury Aarna Spa offers sauna and steam rooms, a couples suite and eight serene treatment rooms. There is also a private outdoor spa garden with cabanas. There are four culinary options from floor-to-ceiling Pacific Ocean views at Tanner's Restaurant, rooftop panoramic views at the rooftop Treehouse Lounge, and grab-and-go coffee, pastries, smoothies, and sandwiches at Blend Cafe. The Ninth Hour Pool Bar is open for lunch through sunset. The hotel also provides complimentary beach bikes, electric cruisers, and scooters. This property is very dog-friendly offering a designated Paw-Sea dog park, gourmet welcome treats, and dog-sitters. The non-refundable pet fee of $150 per stay includes cleaning, a take-home collar, leash, and dog toy, plus usage of a dog bed and dog bowls.

This sprawling resort is ideal for families, couples, and business travelers alike. Across the street is miles of beach, the iconic Huntington Beach Pier, surf shops, and paved bike paths. All guest rooms have private balconies and some offer views of Catalina Island. The all suite Dolphin Tower offers soothing cream and coastal blue colors with a blend with an elegant tropical vibe. The spectacular Offshore 9 Rooftop Lounge has been refreshed with a new retractable glass roof for spectacular sunset cocktails, appetizers, and panoramic views year round. There are two heated free-form pools—Driftwood Beach Club is family-friendly with water features, waterslides, and a Cabo Wabo concession stand, while the Huntington Pool at The Huntington Tower is adults-only with a hot tub and blazing fire pits. On-site dining includes Henry's Coastal Cuisine for creative fare in an elegant setting , and the new playful Sammy Hagar's Cabo Wabo Beach Club offering a taste of Baja California flavors. The hotel's large Drift a Waterfront Spa is a sanctuary to rejuvenate one's mind, body, and soul. Across the street is Waterfront Adventures on the Beach offering beach bikes, surf and sand toys, beach chairs, umbrellas, and beach bonfires to roast s'mores in the evenings. There is also a Cabo Wabo Sand Bar to wiggle your toes in the sand while enjoying elevated beach food. Next door is Pacific City, a popular shopping, dining, and entertainment complex.