
Laguna Cliffs Marriott Resort and Spa
Best for families and groups who want a large resort with multiple pools, a big spa and lots of on-site activities.
Prices in other currencies are estimates. You’re charged in USD.
Laguna Cliffs Marriott Resort and Spa is a full-service bluff-top resort in Dana Point with family-friendly pools, a large spa and extensive event space — read this if you want a traditional resort with on-site wellness and activities. Kimpton Shorebreak Huntington Beach Resort is a Kimpton lifestyle beach hotel steps from Huntington Beach Pier — read this if you want a lively, surf-town stay within walking distance of the sand and Main Street.
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Best for families and groups who want a large resort with multiple pools, a big spa and lots of on-site activities.

Best for travelers who want to be steps from Huntington Beach Pier, Main Street dining and a livelier beach-town scene.
When Laguna Cliffs Marriott Resort and Spa wins: Choose Laguna Cliffs for multi-generational or family trips, big weddings or conferences, or if you want a full-service spa and multiple pool experiences on a coastal bluff near Dana Point Harbor.
When Kimpton Shorebreak Huntington Beach Resort wins: Choose Kimpton Shorebreak if you want to stay in the heart of Huntington Beach, walk to the pier and Pacific City, or prefer a boutique/lifestyle hotel with surf culture and easy beach access.
Bottom line: Both hotels work for Orange County coast stays, but they serve different trip goals — Laguna Cliffs is a classic full-service resort (spa, pools, event space); Kimpton Shorebreak is a compact lifestyle property for beach-and-town exploration.
| Category | Laguna Cliffs Marriott Resort and Spa | Kimpton Shorebreak Huntington Beach Resort |
|---|---|---|
| Overall vibe | Full-service bluff resort, family-focused with dedicated kids' programming and events space | Lifestyle boutique hotel, surf-town energy and walkable to the pier and Main Street |
| Location | Cliff above the Pacific near Dana Point Harbor and Doheny State Beach (short walk) | Steps from Huntington Beach Pier and Main Street, beachfront access nearby |
| Size (rooms) | 378 guest rooms and suites across 4 floors | 157 individually decorated guestrooms |
| Ages / family friendliness | All-ages; children's splash zone, seasonal kids' day camp | Family-friendly (children 17 and younger stay free in parents' room per listing); not adults-only |
| Pools | Two heated outdoor pools (Del Mar Pool with Kid's Splash Zone; Laguna Pool with adult atmosphere) + whirlpools | Not published |
| Restaurants & bars | Lantern's Edge (signature California/Mediterranean), Barrel & Brews, seasonal Del Mar Pool dining; multiple on-site dining outlets | Pacific Hideaway (on-site restaurant), 1 bar/lounge, daily breakfast available for a fee and a complimentary reception |
| Spa & wellness | The Spa at Laguna Cliffs — 14,000 sq ft, separate men's/women's lounges, Swiss showers, multiple treatment rooms | Not published |
| Meetings & events | Extensive — ~53,000 sq ft total; large ballrooms, outdoor lawns for weddings and conferences | Conference space 12,449 sq ft with 9 meeting rooms |
| Parking & fees | Resort fee applies; valet and self-parking available (fees apply); in-room Wi‑Fi may carry a fee | Resort fee: USD 52.29 per night; self and valet parking available (surcharges); breakfast and parking have additional fees |
| Nearby highlights | Dana Point Harbor, Doheny State Beach, whale-watching departures, harbor trails | Huntington Beach Pier, Pacific City, Main Street dining and shopping |
Laguna Cliffs sits on a bluff above the Pacific near Dana Point Harbor and Doheny State Beach.
Choose Laguna Cliffs if you want ocean views from a bluff and easy access to Dana Point Harbor activities.
Kimpton Shorebreak places you steps from Huntington Beach Pier and Main Street businesses.
Choose Kimpton Shorebreak if you want to be in the middle of Huntington Beach’s pier and Main Street scene.
Laguna Cliffs offers a wide range of room types and suite options, many with ocean or pool views.
Laguna Cliffs gives more variety and larger inventory for families and groups.
Kimpton Shorebreak has 157 individually decorated guestrooms and several ocean-view/ oceanfront studios and suites.
Kimpton Shorebreak focuses on boutique, design-forward rooms with some oceanfront options in a compact footprint.
Laguna Cliffs has multiple on-site dining venues that serve breakfast through dinner and seasonal poolside options.
Laguna Cliffs offers more on-site dining choices geared to resort guests and events.
Kimpton Shorebreak offers Pacific Hideaway and an on-site bar/lounge, plus a nightly complimentary reception.
Kimpton Shorebreak centers dining around one signature restaurant while leveraging the surrounding beach-town food scene.
Laguna Cliffs places emphasis on its pools and cliff-side setting.
Laguna Cliffs is the stronger pick for guests who want distinct pool spaces for families and adults plus quick harbor/beach access.
Kimpton Shorebreak’s main draw is immediate access to Huntington Beach and the pier.
Kimpton Shorebreak is best if you want to spend most of your time on the beach and in the pier/main-street neighborhood.
Laguna Cliffs has a large, full-service spa and an on-site fitness center with scheduled classes.
Pick Laguna Cliffs for an on-site, full-service wellness program and a calmer evening environment tied to resort facilities.
Kimpton Shorebreak matches beach activity with a lively local scene rather than a large on-site spa.
Kimpton Shorebreak is the pick if you want beach activity and walkable nightlife; spa-goers should expect off-site or nearby spa options.

Laguna Cliffs — children's splash zone, seasonal kids' day camp, multiple pools and family-sized rooms.

Kimpton Shorebreak — steps from Huntington Beach Pier and Main Street for surfing and local dining.

Laguna Cliffs — a 14,000 sq ft on-site spa with extensive treatment and relaxation facilities.

Kimpton Shorebreak — Kimpton branding, surf-culture positioning and a compact, design-led hotel footprint.
Laguna Cliffs. It has two heated pools including a Kid's Splash Zone, a seasonal kids' day camp and family-sized rooms.
Kimpton Shorebreak — it’s steps from Huntington Beach Pier and a short walk to Main Street and Pacific City.
Yes. The Spa at Laguna Cliffs is a full-service 14,000 sq ft facility with treatment rooms and separate lounges.
Yes. Both accept children; Kimpton’s listing notes children 17 and younger stay free when using existing bedding and Laguna Cliffs explicitly provides children’s programming.
Explore how Laguna Cliffs Marriott Resort and Spa stacks up against other hotels nearby:
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