My husband and I stayed at the Carriage House over Memorial Day weekend while visiting Orange County for a friend's wedding. We drove in very late the night before and stayed at another hotel because we didn't want to inconvenience the B&B. The next day they let us check in before the normal time. We were greeted by Lesley upon our arrival and discovered that she and her husband Andy have family ties to Kauai, our absolutely favorite place in the world, so we had lots to talk about.

Our room (Lilac time on the first floor, facing the courtyard) was lovely, bright, and surprisingly big with a separate living room. There was a carafe of white wine in the fridge, and plenty of healthy snacks plus candy in a basket in the living room. We were out and about most of the day, but we enjoyed the delicious breakfasts followed by walks to the beach, only a couple blocks from the B&B. The atmosphere was friendly and laid back, and we chatted with several other guests at breakfast. We met two very nice couples who had been meeting up quarterly at the Carriage House for the past 10 years because it was halfway between their respective homes in Pasadena and San Diego. They were very gracious even though one couple normally stayed in Lilac time, which we had taken!

When we checked out, Lesley gave us both hugs and it felt perfectly normal, like we were part of the family. We look forward to the opportunity to stay at the Carriage House again.

My spouse and I were looking for a Bed and Breakfast for over the 4th of July Weekend; I found The Carriage House on accident and what a find it was. We booked the Mandalay Suite, which has 2 bedrooms, a living room kitchen and dining room. This room was definitely worth every dime we paid. It was very spacious, very bright and very clean. We're from Arizona and you can imagine what a treat it was to be able to open the windows.

Your Innkeepers are Andy and Leslie; Leslie was out of town so Andy ran the show. We called him after arriving at John Wayne Airport; he was expecting us when we arrived. He showed us the room, helped us with out luggage and gave us the grand tour. In the fridge was some wine, and there were snacks in the dining room. There is daily maid service and you get fresh sheets, glasses, wine, towels and snacks.

The B & B is two blocks from the beach; you can see if from the balcony. Andy gave us towels and offered me a boogie board. He gave us all the tips about getting around Laguna Beach, which included the free trolley; we also go the tips on the best streets to go to beach. The B & B is on Cress, and Brooks is one block over and a far better beach then Cress.

The area is very quiet with an occasional ambulance on the PCH (Pacific Coast Highway). Even for 4th of July and the entire city being packed, we had a very relaxing weekend. I would recommend The Carriage House to anyone.

A few tips:
1. The beach is two blocks from the B& B all down hill, which means you have to come up hill to come back,
2. While we had a great parking space at the B & B, I would not drive your car to the beach unless you know for sure you will get a parking space. .
3. There is a very friendly dog on site, his name is Finn. You'll hardly know he's there.
4. There are several excellent restaurants with in walking distance. I recommend K’YA; it’s a totally different dining experience.

Have a great time.

My family and I stayed at the Carriage House during our March break. It is a lovely historical bed & breakfast and the rooms have a vintage fell and are quaint. We stayed in the Mandalay suite which was large with a fully equipped kitchen, two bedrooms a living room and bathroom. We had lots of space, just like our own little cottage.

The bedding was clean and clean towels were provided daily. What was not so great was that the room was very dusty and in dire need of a thorough deep cleaning. Upon our arrival we noticed pet hair on the carpets. Light fixtures, light switches, the television and furniture were all very dusty and dirty as well as the vanity in the bathroom. Also, the heater was saturated with dust as well. Needless to say, we were sneezing during our stay. I wouldn't say the suites were filthy, but did require extra elbow grease. The building is from the 1920's so it is old but the walls were in need of fresh paint and wood windows and moldings in need of again a thorough cleaning. Carpets are worn.

The kitchen was fully equipped, however, when I began using utensils for cooking I noticed the drawers inside and utensils were sticky. The cookware was not very clean so we had to wash everything. I took the tea kettle from the stove to make some hot tea and there was old water sitting inside the kettle. The water had particles of mold in it. The shower and tub are very, very worn and the sundries provided could have been presented better.

On a positive note. We enjoyed the treats provided daily, snacks, fruit, wine.

The owner's of the inn were very nice. On the website they have their picture. A picture of a couple between mid-thirties to forties but when we arrived I was surprised to see they were actually about 15 to 20 years older than the photo. Not that we minded at all but I think an updated photo would be better represented.

They provide beach towels, chairs and umbrella which was great, however, when we arrived at the beach the umbrella was broken so my husband managed to tie up the broken pieces and made it work. When we returned and told Leslie, she was aloof and said that that was the only one they had and someone broke it and it is what it is.

Overall, we had a nice stay. I would not say it was a top notch B&B. I have been to many where the rooms are immaculate and gourmet breakfast is served. At breakfast I noticed the table setting had some dirty spoons, glasses and small plates. For the price I feel that the quality of the inn should be kicked up a notch. If they can get their hired help to really clean the rooms and give them the attention they desire I think their guests would appreciate it.

April 2006
What a wonderful place to stay! Amazing location and a friendly welcome from our hosts even though we arrived late after driving from Los Angeles in terrible rain. My teenage daughters enjoyed the experience as well and nothing was too much trouble for our hosts. Great to be able to sit outside for breakfast and every morning there were fresh cakes/breads to try including the home made granola.
Thank you Leslie for a wonderful five days.