Watch CBS News

Best Hotels With Luxury Beach Service in Southern California

HEADER_BeachService 610 header
(credit: Liz Laing)

The ultimate way to enjoy the view of the Pacific Ocean and beautiful beaches we've been blessed with in California is to stay at one of these luxury hotels and have a beach butler take care of your needs. Instead of hauling your own chairs and umbrellas, a comfortable area will be set up for you to relax and even order food and drinks at these luxury beach hotels.

002_StRegisMonarchBch
(credit: St. Regis Monarch Beach)

St. Regis Monarch Beach
One Monarch Beach Resort
Dana Point, CA 92629
(949) 234-3200
www.stregismb.com

The AAA Five-Diamond awarded resort, St. Regis Monarch Beach, is located near the sparkling shores of the Pacific in Dana Point and offers private beachfront access to Monarch Bay Club for guests via a short tram ride. Guests who want to be more active may choose to stroll along the walking path to the beach, which is about a mile away. Once you arrive, a St. Regis Surf Butler will set you up with your personal beach umbrella, towel, and chair service (complimentary for all resort guests) with a divine selection of food and beverages just steps away at the Monarch Bay Club. Book a private surf lesson, rent a body board or kayak to ride the waves for a great day in the sun. Lessons and equipment availability are based on favorable weather and surf conditions.

ritz carlton laguna niguel
(credit: Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel)

Ritz Carlton, Laguna Niguel
One Ritz-Carlton Drive
Dana Point, California 92629
(949) 240-2000
www.ritzcarlton.com

The iconic Ritz Carlton, Laguna Niguel sits gracefully atop a 150-foot bluff overlooking the Pacific Ocean with easy access to Salt Creek Beach below. It's a quick walk with an amazing view, though beach transportation is provided via a short shuttle ride, if you prefer. Exceptional service goes hand-in-hand with the Ritz brand and the Beach Butlers live up to this reputation offering personalized beach services. The guys will carry your seaside gear, set up beach chairs, umbrellas and towels, and provide water, along with a fine food and beverage service. They'll even build sand castles with the kids and loan out body boards for creating a memorable time on the beach. If you forget your sunscreen, the butlers are fully equipped with it, so you can reapply often. The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel offers many water sports, including a Billabong Surf Experience and eco-adventures for the entire family. Led by expert naturalists, the Eco-Adventure Center showcases Dana Point's natural wonders through unique excursions, like whale watching. Kids can learn how to ride the waves and body board at Salt Creek as a Beach Bonzai, while learning about rip currents and how waves are created.

Fairmont Miramar Hotel
(credit: Fairmont Miramar Hotel)

Fairmont Miramar Hotel & Bungalows
101 Wilshire Blvd
Santa Monica, CA 90401
(310) 576-7777
www.fairmont.com

The Fairmont Miramar Beach Club Concierge informs hotel guests about the latest seaside activities (and books them), offers beach cruiser bikes and route maps, facilitates seaside dining recommendations and reservations, and provides beach transportation. The concierge service can also reserve lounge chairs at the Miramar Pool Beach Club or reserve a spot on one of the Saint Tropez summer volleyball teams. In addition, Fairmont Miramar has introduced the Longboard Concierge, who offers guests one-hour lessons at the Santa Monica Pier on the new Vilebrequin Surf Skateboard, exclusively designed for bungalow guests. Speaking of bungalows, the newly renovated Bungalow One is super stylish and ready for booking. The fabulous million-dollar redesign by Michael Berman is a perfect blend of glamorous midcentury style and modern So Cal beach house.

casa del mar
(credit: Casa Del Mar)

Casa del Mar
1910 Ocean Way
Santa Monica, CA 90405
(310) 581-5533
www.hotelcasadelmar.com

The grand Hotel Casa del Mar was originally built in 1926 and remains as one of the most sophisticated beachfront escapes on the West Coast. This Santa Monica beach hotel offers plenty of ways to stay active or relax, whether that means doing yoga on the sand or getting a massage at the Palm Terrace pool deck. Take a bike ride along the beach bike path, just outside the hotel or thrill the kids and jump on some rides at the Santa Monica Pier. Summer activities at Casa del Mar include a new lineup of summer cocktails, an exclusive magic show in residency INSOMNIA, live music in the lounge, and pool and beach activities. The beach butler service is provided by Perry's Beach Butler, who will set-up your beach chair, table and umbrella at a designated time and location, deliver tanning products, chilled beverages and even food so that you never have to leave your towel.

hotel del coronado
(credit: Liz Laing)

Hotel Del Coronado
1500 Orange Ave
Coronado, CA 92118
(619) 435-6611
www.hoteldel.com

The wide stretch of shimmering white sand in front of Hotel del Coronado has consistently ranked as one of the top beaches in the United States and has a history of luring visitors to this seaside haven for recreation and relaxation. Now there is another fabulous reason to visit this beloved beach. The Del just unveiled Del Beach, a luxurious new waterfront set-up featuring plush daybeds with half-moon cabanas, cushioned lounge chairs and fringed umbrellas, a food and beverage service and recreational activities for the entire family. Kick back with a mai tai or margarita and watch the kids build a sandcastle or play in the interactive play area with a wooden boat and kids' toys.

The new service at Del Beach is open daily from sunrise to sunset and is managed by Boucher Brothers, a Miami-based hospitality management company. Discounted pricing is only available to hotel guests, though rentals and activities at Del Beach can be used by anyone. Beachfront recreational options include: renting a boogie board or kayak, taking a surfing or SUP (stand-up paddle) lesson, boating and biking. When hunger strikes, the resort has plenty of delicious dining options, including: Sheerwater, ENO Pizzeria & Wine Bar and 1500 Ocean for fine dining.

What are your favorite luxury beach hotels? Share in the comments below!
Liz Laing is a writer, web designer and photographer who lives in Los Angeles. Her latest projects may be followed on Liz Laing.
View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.