Built on 172 spectacular acres of hillside stands a Tuscan tribute to style, comfort and resort lifestyle. From it's daunting bluff location, just opposite nearby Ritz Cove, the hotels offers an impressive 400-rooms and elaborate Robert Trent Jones 18-hole golf course overlooking Dana Point. A long stone motor-court leads inside a bustling lobby are decorated in warm California colors utilizing floral upholstery and modern Italian design. Dinning choices range from the outdoor Pool Bar and Grill, all-day dining at Crust or Club 19, or the ultimate gourmet experience at Michael Mina's Stonehill Tavern. The hotel offers a six-acre club on Salt Creek Beach complete with food and beverage service and equipment rental, sadly it's accessed via large golf carts that force too much face-to-face time with impatient 3-year olds.  On colder days an ornate Italian palazzo style pool with lounge, private cabanas and ever-attractive cabana staff cater to a fickle clientele of mostly pale, overweight guests who never seem to have enough towels or fast enough service. 

The Room:

The hospital-size structure features a semi-circle design that optimizes views from all room categories. Guest accommodations offer luxuries like exclusive high thread count linens, down duvets, ocean views, wood shutters and fresh flowers in every room. The décor is surprisingly modern for a luxury hotel, decorated like a Manhattan apartment with dark wood tables, thick drapery and striped club chairs that are both stylish and comfortable. Bathrooms are well equipped with marble floors and double-basin sinks, with separate shower and deep-soaking tub easily separated from the main sleeping area with double doors. Room service is a bit on the slow side, perhaps due to the hotel’s size, meaning that late-night orders should be skipped and morning breakfast should be ordered in advance.