Step directly from your room onto the sand of Laguna Beach at this historic beachfront retreat, where oceanfront dining at Driftwood Kitchen and sunset drinks at The Deck pair with the constant sound of the Pacific surf.
Pacific Edge Hotel occupies a prime, multi-building footprint along South Coast Highway and Sleepy Hollow Lane, where its structures step directly down to the wet sand of Laguna Beach. Originally built between 1932 and 1967, and known for decades as the Vacation Village Hotel under the stewardship of the Haneline family, the property has long anchored the local coastline. Today, its layout spans eleven distinct buildings that house 125 guest rooms, blending mid-century seaside nostalgia with immediate ocean access. In August 2024, the property was acquired for 80 million dollars by Dune Drifter, a hospitality firm led by Cramer Williams and Chris Harrison, which initiated plans for a comprehensive 125 million dollar revitalization. This upcoming transformation is slated to add 25 guest rooms, construct a new subsurface parking garage, relocate the pool and spa, and introduce a brand-new cafe, all while preserving the historic beachfront footprint that makes the hotel a local fixture.
The culinary program at the property serves as a major draw for both overnight guests and Orange County residents, anchored by two celebrated oceanfront venues. Driftwood Kitchen, set in the historic former Beach House building, offers an ocean-to-table menu focused on fresh seafood, hand-shucked oysters, and seasonal steaks. The restaurant, along with its lively open-air neighbor, The Deck on Laguna Beach, was co-founded and long guided by the late executive chef Rainer Schwarz and restaurateur John Nye. Following Schwarz's tragic passing in April 2026, the culinary team continues to honor his legacy by preparing his signature coastal dishes, including crispy Spanish octopus with Bilbao chorizo and rich seafood cioppino. Guests can dine al fresco on the wooden balcony of Driftwood Kitchen or head down to The Deck, a vibrant open-air platform where locals gather for craft beers, California wines, and signature cocktails right above the breaking surf.
Accommodations at the hotel are designed to emphasize the immediate proximity of the Pacific, with many rooms featuring private balconies that look directly over the shoreline. Guest options range from classic, surf-inspired guest rooms in the Reef Tower to expansive coastal suites equipped with kitchenettes, ideal for longer seaside stays. The interiors lean into a relaxed, beach-chic aesthetic, utilizing light wood tones, rattan furniture, and large windows that let in the natural light and the sound of the tide. Beyond the rooms, the hotel provides curated beach amenities, including loungers, umbrellas, and beach towels set up directly on the sand by the staff. Whether watching the early morning swells from a private deck or enjoying a sunset cocktail as the tide rises, a stay here offers a seamless connection to the coastline, where the transition from your room to the ocean is a matter of steps.
Request a room in the Reef Tower for some of the most unobstructed ocean views on the property. For dining, make a reservation at Driftwood Kitchen to try their signature Spanish octopus, then head down to The Deck for a sunset cocktail alongside local residents.
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