Hotel Laguna

Question

I was married at the gazebo in front of Las Brisas 20 years ago..want to come back out to celebrate our anniversary this September. I know the hotel was revamped, but it looks like just restaurants are open and not the actual hotel to stay at. Any information on this? I called and left a message today, but haven't heard anything at this time. Any other hotels similar in the area with a similar vibe?

Thanks,

Shannon

Answer

Hi Shannon — what a lovely idea to celebrate your 20-year anniversary back in Laguna Beach! It’s completely understandable to wonder what’s going on with Hotel Laguna now. Here’s what I found, plus some alternative hotel ideas with a similar charming, historic-coastal feel.

What’s the status of Hotel Laguna?

Historically, Hotel Laguna is a landmark building (built in 1930).
The hotel closed in late 2017.
In 2019, the Laguna Beach Company entered a 99-year lease to restore the property.
In October 2021, the lobby and ground-floor restaurants reopened. The restored first floor includes a stylish lobby, a bar, and two restaurants — “Larsen” (named for local greeter Eiler Larsen) and a Japanese restaurant called “Fin.”
However — as of now, there is no clear confirmation that the hotel rooms are back in full operation. The city’s planning site still notes that Hotel Laguna “ceased operations” in 2017 and restoration is ongoing.
There was a legal dispute involving security and management, but as of May 2023, the city allowed occupancy again. Still, some reports suggest limited reopening, so room availability may be very limited or not fully back to past levels.
Also, recently (May 2025) the hotel came under scrutiny from the California Coastal Commission for allegedly blocking public beach access with sand berms and signage.

In short: you’re right to be cautious. The restaurants and lobby are open and beautifully restored, but the guestrooms may not yet be fully back in service or may be very limited. If you haven’t heard back from them, it’s possible they’re still in the process of scaling up or working through regulatory challenges.

Alternative hotels in Laguna Beach with a similar “historic / charming coastal” vibe

Here are several hotels nearby that might evoke a similar sense of nostalgia, charm, and ocean-front (or near ocean) serenity:

Casa Loma Beach Hotel (formerly The Inn at Laguna Beach) — A boutique cliffside hotel, redesigned with an artsy, intimate character, and very close to downtown Laguna and the beach.
Pacific Edge Hotel — A classic beachfront hotel in Laguna, offering laid-back coastal charm. (Mentioned in local planning docs.)
Seaside Laguna Inn & Suites — More modest but charming, with a good location near the water.

Recommendations for your anniversary trip:

When you call Hotel Laguna again, mention your anniversary and your desire to stay in a room if possible — sometimes legacy or landmark properties can make exceptions or offer advance notice before full reopenings.
Consider booking early (or asking for waitlist) at Casa Loma or Pacific Edge — these are very popular, especially in the fall.
Even if you don’t stay in the hotel, you can still dine at Larsen or Fin and enjoy the restored lobby and terrace — that could be a lovely way to revisit your special place.
Since coastal access is currently controversial, if beach time is part of your plan, double-check with the hotel about current beach access rules and whether there are any open public paths nearby.

I hope you are able to find a beautiful way to celebrate your anniversary — whether it’s in a newly reopened room at Hotel Laguna or at another lovely nearby hotel. Let me know if you want help comparing rates or finding packages!