The large, luxurious and upscale Marriott Laguna Cliffs Resort offers every conceivable amenity plus a great location, on a hill overlooking a city park (Lantern Bay), with Dana Point Harbor and the Pacific Ocean just beyond - about 0.4 miles from the hotel. The resort's 376 rooms & suites are spread over several blocks, most with fine views of the extensive landscaped gardens, one or other of the two outdoor pools, and the ocean. For dining, the AAA Four Diamond-rated Marriott has the Vue restaurant (open all day), while cocktails and live entertainment are provided by the Commodore Lounge on the top floor, from where many miles of the coastline are in view. Amongst the numerous other facilities are the 14,000 sq ft Spa at Laguna Cliffs, a fitness center, business center, tennis court, whirlpool and 55,000 of indoor/outdoor event space. The property is reached via the Pacific Coast Highway, one mile from I-5.

Holiday Inn Express Dana Point Harbor sits on a hillside alongside the busy Pacific Coast Highway (CA 1), about 0.4 miles from the Pacific Ocean, close enough for many of the 86 rooms to have partial sea views. Accommodation includes 34 two-room suites with a private balcony, some containing a hot tub bath. Other facilities are the expected outdoor pool (rather small), sundeck, good quality free continental breakfast including hot items, an exercise room and guest laundry. Dana Point Harbor lies due south, and Doheny State Beach is just to the east; both are within easy walking distance of the hotel.