The Laguna Riviera is a Laguna Beach institution, and first opened its doors in 1948. It's been run by the same family ever since, and continues to honor the community's rich artistic heritage by displaying local artwork. The exteriors, for example, are painted with beach murals by famous surf mural artist, Ray Gonzalez and local artist, Lauren Shaw Helledge.

The lobby feels more like a family room, and has a large flat-screen TV, an expansive paperback library, and lots of seating. The overall feeling of the hotel is low-key, and it was once been popular with celebrities who wanted to lay low while enjoying a comfortable beach stay. Richard Nixon is reported to have stayed here and Pearl S. Buck used the hotel to pen a couple of her books. The hotel also sees its fair share of non-celeb regulars, and many families come here year after year.

The Laguna Riviera is located on the beach, in a safe neighborhood filled with boutiques, art galleries, and surf shops. A Ralphs Grocery is across the street and a juice bar/coffeeshop is half a blck away. Nearby restaurants include Okura Sushi, a block away. Orange County's John Wayne Airport is a 25-minute drive away without traffic.

Rooms here have a tranquil ambience, beige bedspreads, dark wood furnishings, and cream walls. All the rooms have refrigerators, fee Wi-Fi, and coffeemakers, and some have kitchens and fireplaces. Most rooms have their own decks and many have views of the beach and ocean; room 508 has a 180-degree view of the coast. No two rooms are exactly alike, and many guests fall in love with one particular room and request it year after year. Even the bathrooms vary a fair bit, and while all have hairdryers and luxury toiletries, only some come with tubs. There's also a house on the property available for rent.

For many guests, the hotel's biggest draw is its beachside location, and a small selection of beach toys are available for guest use. There are also wet and dry saunas, a saltwater pool with a retractable sunroof, a whirlpool, a two-grill barbecue area, and a game room with foosball, table tennis, and air hockey. Wi-Fi is free throughout the property and there's a computer station for guest use. A fresh continental breakfast is served every morning (no hot cooked items, though there is instant oatmeal) and is free for all guests.