When I first heard of The Ranch at Laguna Beach, it was Travel Zoo–the site urged us to grab a good deal while we could, because when the property finished construction, we’d be paying five-star hotel prices. So princess with a peasant’s budget that I am, I jumped on it.

I almost missed the turnoff into the canyon that nestles the property. But once I got in, I’m like, “whoa.”

The mountains that surround The Ranch right below the golf course

The narrow roadway goes on a steep incline, and at to the right you see the bulldozers busy at work building what will soon be the lobby and spa. The management is turning what looked like a 1950’s motor inn into something so glamorously kitschy.

The official “Ranch” vehicle

And while the theme is 50’s motor inn/ranch, don’t think that means it’s campy (sorry; I had to do it. Just had to). The rooms are pure Orange County signature luxury with a warm, rustic flavor.

“Went to The Ranch at Laguna Beach and all I got was this spiffy hat…”

While the rooms are spacious and inviting, you probably won’t want to spend a lot of time indoors.  You’ll be mere yards away from this…

Laguna Beach

Not to mention that The Ranch has acres of natural beauty. If you’re not seduced by the 9-hole golf course (my swing is only decent when I’ve had a minimum of two beers), the grounds are lovely, full of local flora and fauna.

What’s in it for the Kids?

Lots, actually. There’s a junior golf clinic, surf lessons, and soon-to-be gardening and horticulture classes on the property’s vegetable garden–the products of which the chefs will often use to prepare California cuisine served up at the soon-to-be finished “Harvest” restaurant.

Kale at the Harvest Garden

Junior golf clinic in progress

What’s Missing

The construction has the plus of getting the discounted room rates, but that’s because of the ongoing construction. The Lodge, which will be the main gathering place housing the property’s main restaurant is still being built, and The Ranch provides a simple and limited menu, with a full bar. However, it’s currently all outdoors until the interior is complete. The spa also looks quite promising.

Our blog has been invited back for the unveiling, and will keep you updated when all this good stuff comes to fruition.