Waldorf Astoria Monarch Beach

A fantastic stay at Waldorf Astoria Monarch Beach to ring in the new year. A gorgeous property located in Dana Point. Received a warm welcome from Wilbur upon check-in. Upgraded from a standard room to a fireside resort view king room (proactively prior to arrival - noted on the app). 1pm early check-in accommodated (as well as an extended hilton diamond check out at 12pm). There's a list of daily activities (some complimentary, some for a fee) such as morning yoga, tequila tasting, wine tasting, e-bike tours. A convenient tram transported you to the exclusive beach club. Lunch was tasty, service attentive, and drinks at the oceanfront firepit offered a fantastic view. $50 F&B credit can be used at any dining outlet. We met up with family for dinner at Aveo Table and bar which was exceptional. Calamari appetizer was great, braised short ribs and fisherman's stew were phenomenal. Closely review your bill as our bill was combined with another table and we were significantly overcharged, but easily corrected. The room was spacious, comfortable and the firepit on the patio was a great place to hang out with visiting family. There are various pools and hot tubs with very attentive service. Parking $70 overnight, $35 day visit, $10 with restaurant validation. Valet only. Compared to the Ritz Carlton across PCH on a previous stay, our experience here was far superior (although the Ritz has better views). We were booked for 3 nights at the Ritz on a revenue stay and checked out after the first night. We would have gladly stayed at WA longer. Read less

I cannot emphasize enough how lovely our visit was, even though it was very brief. This was our first time taking our infant out of town overnight, and we were all kinds of anxious and uncertain about how he’d sleep. But from even before our arrival, the hotel team did everything they could to help ease the process. Upon arrival, we were told we had been upgraded to a lovely room with a fire pit as part of my Diamond perks. When we got to the room we saw a diaper pail and crib already set up. I had asked for the crib but not the diaper pail (didn’t think of it), and it was so incredibly thoughtful of the staff to include it because obviously, we needed one. They even included a little toiletries set for the baby, which was such a nice touch! Also, this is a pleasant surprise, but while I don’t usually like being on the ground floor (all the fire pit rooms appear to be ground floor), it ended up being really convenient to just step over the low wall dividing our patio directly into the garden rather than have to meander through hallways and elevators to get outdoors. And it was SO nice to sit outside by the fire with a book and bottle of wine after the baby fell asleep, I ended up staying out there for several hours. Valet and check-in were both smooth, and the gentleman at the check-in desk provided a map of the property along with an intro to the beach club, which was very helpful. There’s a tram from the hotel to the beach club that runs often but we opted to walk most of the way since the weather was great and the on-site golf course is one of the nicest public courses in probably all of Southern California. Part of the way there we got picked up by the tram (thank you Ron) and it was no fuss at all to load up our stroller and catch the ride the rest of the way to the beach club. The beach club is definitely worth a visit. It’s right on the sand, with unbeatable sunset views. The food is expensive of course and not the best I’ve ever had, but pretty good and service was excellent. Attentive but relaxed. Finally, just before we checked out there happened to be a yoga class at the fitness center so I figured, why not. Fitness classes are complimentary for hotel guests and since it’s a fully functioning athletic club that people can join rather than just a hotel gym, there’s a good number of classes everyday. All in all, we had zero complaints, and properties like this are why I choose Hilton where I can. We are in the Southern California area, and this property is definitely on my short list for a quick escapist weekend getaway. Read less

Although I have stayed here several times in the past, this current experience was so abysmal that I will never stay at this location or with the Waldorf Astoria brand again. The series of unfortunate events began pointedly at check-in. Because I booked through AMEX FHR, I am eligible for a room upgrade when available. When I began to inquire about the upgrade, the staff member immediately cut me off to state it would not be possible due to a wedding; however, the person checking in to my left with the same AMEX FHR benefits were provided the upgrade. I assumed I was unlucky regarding the upgrade, but I could not shake how rude the staff member was and hoped the remainder of the stay with change my experience. Unfortunately, it just got worse from there. Apart from one bellman, the staff members in the valet and pool were rude, snarky, and made it seem as if you are an inconvenience. Additionally, the hotel evidently did not plan for the higher occupancy for the wedding and holiday weekend as the cleaning staff were so understaffed we did not have a room cleaning until after 5 pm. Overall, I was so uncomfortable and unhappy I could not wait to return home, which is quite unfortunate if you are looking for a restorative and energizing weekend away. If you are considering staying at this hotel, I strongly advise you to consider otherwise as it is extremely likely you will be severely disappointed and upset. Read less

Another Update: Very nice surprise, not expected. I was literally expecting an ocean view room or fireside room for a night. I got one bedroom suite. When I opened the door, I gasped. It is very nice suite with an ocean view. But this was not the point that I was thrilled. Suite was nice, but there was a box of truffle chocolate with a handwritten note from Mr. Abreu. This is something that went beyond my expectation. Everyone in this resort should learn from him. He is the gem in this location. All others lack of service mind. Why is it so hard for them to smile…. Mr. Abreu, Thank you so much. You saved my trip. Until next time, Grace =============================================== Update: I was getting frustrated with the room and the service I received. Went to the front desk to spoke to the management. I finally received the Diamond recognition. Proper information about the resort credit. Gave me a cup of coffee and trying to make things better as we speak. Mr. Andrew Abreu was very nice, professional and gentle. He made everything better. Connected two reservations at a fingertip, changing the room (don’t know where yet). 10 stars for him. Very detail oriented and his smiles made everything better at once. ================================ Not too happy with the start. I travel a lot. When I say a lot, almost every other month around the world. Fan of Hilton hotels - Stay at Conrad and WA all the time. This one is a disappointing. 1. Never greeted properly. 2. Never recognized as a Diamond member. 3. Upgrade request was flat out denied and was quoted $300 some to upgrade. Today’s published room rate is $465. Once again, a Diamond member. When I emphasized it, he changed to resort view… 4. Denied of connecting reservation for the next night together. Asked to come back to the reception to ask next day. I asked him 3 times if I can stay in the same room for 2 nights. 5. Never informed properly about dining credit/breakfast information. 6. Front desk mumbled too much. Not a WA material. Not friendly, not professional. 7. When I asked for toothpaste, they sent me one. Size of ½ pinky. ONE. 2 people, ONE. 8. One of the sink in the bathroom is clogged. 9. Bathroom trash was not emptied from the previous people. I have not checked out the resorts yet, but I am not too sure if I made the right choice this time. Adding: Housekeeping brought me 2 more dental kit at 8:00am. Approx. 8.5 hours later after initial request. Shower drain is clogged. Collected about an inch of water and won’t go down. Pics. This guy Esmail told me he is “UPGRADING” my room to resort view. Does it look like a resort view to anyone? Read less

Arrival: We took the Metrolink from LA Union Station and arrived at San Juan Capistrano Station (students ride for free thanks to the Metrolink Student Advantage Pass program). We then took a Lyft to the resort ($12 to $20 one-way for the Lyft ride). The valet staff were welcoming and helpful. Checked in on the Hilton apps and the process was seamless we walked straight to our room. We were upgraded to a fireside terrace garden view room (Rm 139) because of an existing HHonors membership. The kids wanted to make s’mores, and I want to be away from the foot traffic so the room met our expectations. We particularly enjoyed the guest room amenities, such as the posh bathroom with compartmentalized toilet, vanity kits, toiletries of Aesop, mini-fridge for storage, air conditioning/heater, warm toned lighting and the workspace. I am delighted that the Waldorf Astoria Hilton ball pen writes so smoothly! I just wish to have received a hand written letter/note from the hotel management. I do collect and keep this kind of ink-on-paper mementos as I travel. Incidents and Solutions: In general the staff are professional and charming, and they represent very well of the establishment and the Hilton brand. Big thanks to Eric and the security team for finding and returning my niece’s lost phone within 10 minutes of reporting. I remember Eric from last year; he’s consistently amazing. Also big thanks to the housekeeping team. I accidentally turned on the “PRIVACY” button without knowing since checking in to the room. When I found out my hiccup the following day around 2:15pm, I turned off that “PRIVACY” button, and switched on “MAKE UP ROOM.” A housekeeping attendant came shortly to confirm with me and then managed the room. I also appreciate the complimentary turndown service conducted in the evening. The staff’s attention to details and guest comfort is top-notch. Dining: Bourbon Steak was out of my price range, so we didn’t go there but I must say its wine cellar/display is spectacular looking. Aveo Table + Bar had decent a-la-carte food and the service was excellent — the place was packed for breakfast but we were attended to by a team and the food came timely (thanks to Darlia, Kelly, Liliana and Thomas). Part & Parcel Market’s pizza was made-to-order with fresh local ingredients; it’s delicious and filling for three people (again, amazing staff there). Moreover, the Monarch Bay Beach Club gave me a Cape Cod vibe — cozy, exclusive, soothing nature and aquatic elements. The service was great as expected (thanks to Allison, Diego, and others on the team) . An advantage of eating on the premises is that I don’t have to carry my wallet around because I can simply bill my purchases to the room. A disadvantage is pricey, but the hospitality and ambiance are worth it to me. Personal Reflection: For the holiday season, the premises are tastefully decorated — grand, polished and festive. The resort regularly offers a range of activities. I missed out on the wellness activities because the kids wanted to go to a petting zoo nearby at the time the wellness classes were scheduled. On the other hand, the heated pools and jacuzzi/spas are nice, especially for cool nights — in the mid 50s degree Fahrenheit — at Dana Point and you stare into the vastness of the night sky. The 6-minute tram ride to the Monarch Bay Beach Club is a must. Being at the Salt Creek Beach itself is therapeutic. If I am to visit again in the future, I will try the Singing Bowls Meditation wellness class and golf (there’s a seasonal “Kids Play Free After 3PM” offer with the purchase of an adult round). Overall, I had a great, relaxing experience at this resort, and the children enjoyed their time very much as well. WA Monarch Beach Resort & Club delivered above and beyond, and I appreciate that. Read less