Despite being right on the busy South Coast Highway, this historic boutique inn (built in the 1920s and 1940s) feels miles away from the bustle. Several buildings nestled into a hillside are surrounded by lush landscaping. Flowering, potted plants are seemingly around every turn as tile paths wind through the maze of plants to cozy hideaways serenaded by water trickling softly from fountains. Weathered wooden steps lead up to a small bell tower that affords ocean views. A lovely courtyard offers outdoor dining options for breakfast. No one under 18 is allowed to stay here -- it’s geared toward couples seeking a relaxing and romantic getaway. And for couples, the quiet, Mission-style inn doesn’t disappoint. Lovely hardwood floors and ceiling beams envelope impressive antiques throughout the public spaces. Books are seemingly everywhere on the many coffee tables and in recessed bookcases, inviting guests to linger and relax in the comfortable nooks both inside and out. 

The Casa Laguna Inn & Spa is situated on a hillside directly across the South Coast Highway from the ocean. It's about one mile south from the many shops, restaurants, and galleries in downtown Laguna Beach. A couple of restaurants are also within a brief walk of five minutes or less. For those who prefer to take public transit, there's a bus stop a one-minute walk from the front door. During summer, a free trolley that goes to downtown Laguna Beach stops at the hotel every 30 minutes. 

• Two minute drive to Lovely Victoria Beach (10- to 15-minute walk)
• Four-minute drive to 1,000 Steps Beach
• Five-minute drive to downtown Laguna Beach
• 25-minute drive to John Wayne Airport
• 30-minute drive to Newport Beach
• 45-minute drive to Disneyland
• 65-minute drive to Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)
• 75-minute drive to San Diego International Airport
• 75-minute drive to Universal Studios Hollywood

Each of the 22 rooms at Casa Laguna at the inn are individually decorated. Decor is sophisticated but playful, with white walls painted shades of blue, yellow, or green below the chair rails, often with matching drapes. Nice hardwood floors are partially covered by simple rugs in soft earth tones. Most rooms have a distinctive stamped ceiling resembling pressed tin patterns. And most rooms are furnished with dark wood desks and nightstands and padded headboards, often topped by colorful canopies. The Balboa Suite has two brown leather armchairs. 

Bathrooms feature small white marble-top vanities and nice walk-in showers framed by white tile, with rainfall showerheads and clear glass doors. Past guests have given high marks to the comfortable beds that feature down comforters among seven layers of bedding. Some rooms have gas fireplaces and private balconies. Standard amenities include robes, mini-fridges, flat-screen TVs, and minibar menus for snacks and bottled water. 

As a historic property, room sizes vary, but all rooms have only one bed (a king or queen), as a maximum of two people per room is allowed. Rooms are clean and come in five categories. The standard or Courtyard Rooms are on the small side but are still large enough to be comfortable. The Deluxe Ocean View rooms are located on the upper levels for better views (not all rooms offer ocean views). The largest room is the stand-alone Cottage (900 square feet), with a separate entrance and separate living and bedroom spaces. Rooms nearest the highway can hear traffic noise, and room-to-room noise can be heard as well. 

This cozy inn has features that a geared toward couples seeking a relaxing getaway near the beach. The small spa offers several types of treatments, including couples massages, body scrubs, and a two-person soaking tub that overlooks the ocean. The spa has indoor and outdoor treatment areas as well. The heated outdoor pool is surrounded by loungers and lush landscaping that graces the entire property. Guests can enjoy their cooked-to-order breakfast (not included in room rates) in the lovely outdoor courtyard or an indoor dining room. Free coffee and tea are also available in the lobby. Each evening, there's a free wine and cheese reception. A daily service fee includes a free daily newspaper, free Wi-Fi, free all-day beverage bar, and free on-site parking. Please be aware, however, that when completely booked, the cramped parking area can accommodate only about 60 percent of the guests. But, free street parking surrounds the inn. Loaner beach chairs and towels are offered, and there is a business center with Internet access and a printer. Pets are welcome with a surcharge.