Pacific Edge 050

Step into the lobby of the Pacific Edge Hotel and you're greeted by the warm ocean breeze, vases of beach glass, a mural of ocean waves, and a hearty welcome from the laid-back and friendly hotel staff. The mission of Pacific Edge, after all, is to offer folks the "Laguna Beach experience" as quickly, simply, and completely as possible.

For visiting families, what this means is accommodations right in the heart of Laguna Beach - and right on the ocean - without the expense and fuss that often accompany such a fabulous location. Pacific Edge is an older complex of eight buildings, kind of funky, and far from luxurious, but full of heart and family-friendly amenities. The property boasts great views, a fun retro feel, a huge variety of room types, a fabulous restaurant, a beautiful deck area right at ocean's edge, two pools, and affordability.

This is the place to stay if you want to settle in with your family - whether for a night or a week - and have the option of a spacious room, suite, or apartment with a kitchenette (or a full kitchen!) and a couch (or an entire living space!) that invites you to sprawl out and read a good book while watching the sunset from your deck. It's the kind of place that you can haul out all the kid gear and toys and let them play without worrying that they're going to break an expensive lamp or scratch the fine wood furniture. It's the kind of place where you feel like you're, well, like you're at the beach! Easy, comfy, simple.

Pacific Edge has a huge variety of room types and the staff is happy to help guests reserve the room or combo of rooms just perfect for their situation. Many families love the very affordable Seas Building, which offers two connecting rooms with kitchenettes. Ask for a village room with a connecting ocean-facing deluxe room. Another fabulous family option is a one-room apartment with a pullout couch for the kids, full-size kitchen, and plenty of space to stretch out for a very comfy long-term visit. (Two-room apartments are also available). Or splurge a little and stay in one of the ocean front junior suites and delight in having a deck area to sit and watch the sun set in the evening or play some board games with the kids. (One advantage of the Seas building is that the quieter of the two pools is located outside this building, and it affords families a chance to splash and play without the commotion of the more popular pool and Jacuzzi.)

One great option for families traveling together or for extended families, is what the Pacific Edge calls "Reunion Solution," - which is a beach-front junior suite, with two rooms directly behind it. Families can share a huge deck, fireplace, Jacuzzi tub, and amazing view.

Finally, for that "presidential feel," go ahead and book the Villa, a two-floor beauty of a house, with two bedrooms, dining area, living room, and a closet large enough for a family of three! (The Villa is perfect for honeymooners or traveling CEOs.)

Pacific Edge has 130 rooms to choose from. Something for everyone. And because it is a Joie de Vivre hotel, it offers that unique experience-based, location-based, quality.

No matter which building you stay in, or what kind of room, we highly suggest requesting a room with a kitchenette. There is a Ralph's and a Whole Foods located within blocks of the hotel so you can stock up on snacks. Be sure to order the "Kitchen Kit" when you book your room. The kit includes some pots and pans, dishware, and silverware.

Rooms are decorated in upbeat hues of blue, gold, green, and brown, with a fun retro floral theme. Beds are comfy and offer a variety of pillow types. Bathrooms are clean and basic, without a lot of flair, save for the tile floors and spa-quality toiletries.

Room amenities include: free Wi-Fi, flat screen television with cable (Disney, Discovery, ABC Family) and pay-per-view movies and Disney Channel on demand, keurig coffee makers, hair dryers, and air conditioning. Rollaway beds and pak-n-plays are available by request. Also, in the summer months, ask about the Ocean Institute's "Ocean in Motion" van, which brings science into the hotel lobby, inviting kids to meet some living sea creatures and learn more about ocean life. What a great, free amenity!

Also, the hotel staff is eager to help arrange surf lessons or paddle boarding.

Our favorite amenity, by far, though, was this: wanna go to the beach? You simply call the front desk and let them know. They'll meet you there with a couple chairs and umbrella. Then you can sit back, watch your kids make sandcastles, and relax. Or, if you prefer the less sandy option, wander to the beautiful deck, just next to the Beach House Restaurant, and spend some easy time with the kids relaxing on the comfy lounge chairs, watching the playful dolphins that most certainly will swim past you.

If you're reading this after May, 2010, ask about the five private cabanas that are like no others you've ever seen! Each of the five surf-themed cabanas has a private indoor and outdoor space with air conditioning, private bathrooms with showers, flat screen televisions, and virtually every amenity one could want for a day at the beach. The cabanas also offer a menu of extras for guests to order, including a masseuse, mobile airbrush spray tanning, manicure/pedicure, or a personal photographer/videographer.

Hungry? The Beach House restaurant has been a fixture in Laguna Beach for more than 30 years. It is a beautiful place to sit and watch the waves. Restaurant service is also available in all of the rooms and also on the deck. A children's menu is available.

One word of caution: because the hotel is comprised of so many buildings, it can be very confusing when guests first arrive. The registration desk is easy to find, but the valet/bellman is around the block. Pull in, check, in, drive around back, and have the valet park the car, handle the bags, and show you to the room. Don't try to navigate it all yourself, especially if you're arriving late and juggling some kids. We tried to save the valet fee and ended up exhausted, pushing the luggage cart ourselves and trying to find our room in the dark!

Sound great, but you're not sure when to visit? Laguna Beach hosts several art festivals, which you can check out online. They always offer some hands-on crafts for kids. As well, every summer, Laguna Beach is home to the Pageant of the Masters, an event in which famous artworks are brought to life in a unique and beautiful way.

No matter when you stay, you are guaranteed dozens of great restaurants, countless art galleries, schools of playful dolphin, and some very yummy gelato and chocolates!

Other nearby attractions include the Pacific Marine Mammal Center (ask the staff about Sunday afternoon tours just for Pacific Edge guests!) and of course, Disneyland, located a few towns over in Anaheim.

Check the website for special offers and promotions!