With their depressing almost-black walls, too-narrow hallways, and huge mirrors leaned against the wall behind the desks, the rooms are strangely disconcerting and certainly not worth the $400/nt you might pay with resort fee and tax. With the exception of the worthless from desk rep who did absolutely nothing to amend my disappointment with our room, (except to insist I would still be charged despite my refusing it immediately with my luggage still in the lobby,) the staff was sweet and we were eventually given a still-sub-standard/black-walled/mirror-leaning room with an ocean view... This hotel is NOT at the beach despite its name--one must take a shuttle there...and I am not surprised it has had financial ills. Banquet facilities, however, are gorgeous, according to local friends, and events arebeautifully well-served.

We have been coming to this hotel for 3 years in a row now. From the moment you enter the St Regis Monarch Beach you know you are in one of the finest hotels in all of the US. The portico and the reception area are stunning examples of neoclassical architecure redone in a not-over-the-top manner. The staff are as friendly and well trained as any staff I have encountered in hotels around the world. Rooms seem to be cleaned by elves, as our room has always been straightened and cleaned nearly everytime we leave the room (even for 20 minutes) though I have never seen a maid... Rooms are stylish, comfortable and a little "jazzy" in their decor, often with fine (but distant) views of the ocean. However, this is probably the only hotel in the world were the term "pool view" is not a negative - the garden and pool area of this hotel is a landscaping masterpiece which just glows at night. Everything at this hotel is fanatastic - service, food, rooms, pool, ambiance. The down-side? The golf course (while very challenging and scenic) is typically not in very good shape.

Nice local getaway beautiful property. Nice loung bar with live band on weekends.

I just returned from this beautiful property and was won over by the magnificent entrance and welcome area. The front desk agent promptly greeted us and you could tell he was genuine in appreciation of our business. The bellman took us to our room, which was upgraded due to my platinum amex. The room was great and a fine balance between comfortable luxury and modern ammenities and style. The pools and property are fantastic. Dana Point is gorgeous.

My reasons for not a perfect score: we requested an early check in on our reservation. I called two days before to see what they suggested, they said to call the day of and they could tell us. Called the day off and they said its a first come first serve basis and we had to be there in person. Just seemed inconsistent answers. The early check in was important to us as our time in the area was super short. They did however meet our request. Just wish I woulda been told the correct answer the first call. Next, the bellman took us to our room and couldn't get our keys to work. He used his master key to let us in and radiod the front desk, they allegedly activated the keys. After we got comfortable and set up in our room we went to go grab some breakfast. Went back to our room and our keys still didn't work. Our room was a ways away from the front desk and it was frustrating it wasn't fixed as stated already. Next the vallet service was hit and miss. The first time we needed our car we called and it was promptly ready, the next time we called it wasn't ready but it was parked closely up front so we walked to it but the keys weren't in it. Waited another ten min to get assistance from vallet to just get the keys. Finally at night we wanted room service. First call we were told they would call us back as the kitchen was busy. Fifteen minutes later we called back, was transfered, then hung up on. Third call we were again told within ten minutes we would get a call back. I just think there is a bit of confusion or chaos amoungst the staff.

However, every employee we encountered was fantastic and helpful. Made us feel like the joint was our own. The fresh flowers everywhere is so nice. I will be back for sure.