From the moment I arrived the service quality was evident. The staff was excellent though as in any case ask better questions. If you want a cookie - you may want to ask for a description first. The largest plate of cookies will arrive and at no small cost when you only wanted a cookie. That aside the location was lovely. Happened to be there during the "surfing Santa" contest which was great fun. The restaurant offered a solid and hearty breakfast though the rest of our meals were covered by our conference. And those meals were excellent even when cooked for the masses. Very impressed with the banquet facilities. The bar was popular and a bit expensive for my tastes though again the service was spot on.

The standard by which most other hotels should be measured.....the service is so exceptional that it's hard to put words to describe.....amazing views and an overall exceptional choice....one of my top 3 (perhaps #1) hotel in the US

I have stayed here several times on business when in this part of California.

The rooms oddly are small but if you get a ocean front room. who cares!

I highly recommend this hotel .

The Rooms are the only disappointment at this nearly flawless resort right on a cliff over the Pacific Ocean near Laguna Beach. The lobby is beautiful (albeit overly fragrant), the views are SPECTACULAR from the Restaurant, 180Blue Bar, Ocean-View rooms and lobby bar. The grounds are superb with a nice hilly stroll to the beach below. Restaurant was also superb and service was Ritz-Carlton Caliber. HOWEVER, this hotel lose a full star for the rooms. We upgraded to an ocean view room with balcony. The view was great, but the small room is getting old and is noisy. The old wood doors fit poorly, so you hear each conversation that walks by... we were on the main lobby floor right by the 180Blue Bar and heard way too much clatter. Our neighbor had a yapping do--which is allowed at the Ritz. They were either never home or made no attempt to quiet el yapper. And you could smell the dog. And the dog seemed miserable. People? Do your dogs really want to vacation with you if it means locking them in a small hotel room for hours and hours a day. I can answer that, "No" the do not. They bark and whine and wake your neighbors.

We really enjoyed the hotel, but due to lack of sleep--I am returning with a head cold. Not the ideal Laguna experience. We love this hotel and if we return, we would ask for a better room or location. Comparing this property to others in the OC. I think this Pelican Hill is absolutely awesome, up in Newport Coast. I think the Montage in Laguna is close to the Ritz in most regards and the St. Regis is a full step down from the Ritz.

The 180Blu patio at Ritz has the best view, great service and in the evening--allowed us to smoke Cigars. It's amazing when you are from the Midwest or South or Central US--the California view of the cigar smoker is so negative, yet they allow "illegal" drugs to be prescribed. So twisted, yet a beautiful state.

We enjoyed the common areas of the Ritz, we just wish it were quieter.