Montage Laguna Beach

What the classifiers highlight

On a rocky bluff above white sand, arts-and-crafts architecture and stone gardens frame rooms with 400-thread-count linens, marble baths and ocean-view balconies. Forbes calls it the only Five-Star hotel in Laguna Beach and names Studio's modern French tasting menu among Southern California's best. MICHELIN points instead to the canyon views and the 20,000-square-foot spa with its own oceanfront pool.