Marriott International is bringing its JW Marriott brand to Dana Point, California, with plans for a multi-million-dollar transformation of the existing Laguna Cliffs Marriott Resort & Spa.
Following the renovation, the 371-room property will become The Ocean Cliffs at Dana Point, a JW Marriott Resort, introducing upgraded accommodation, new dining, expanded event facilities and a new central resort pool.
The property, which overlooks Dana Point Harbor and the Pacific Ocean, has operated as a coastal resort for nearly four decades.
The renovation will be carried out in phases as the resort transitions into the JW Marriott portfolio.
371 rooms to be refreshed
All 371 guest rooms will be refreshed as part of the project, with interiors drawing on Dana Point’s coastal heritage and Southern California’s seaside architecture.
Global hospitality design firms HKS and ROAM have been appointed to redesign the property.
The new design will take inspiration from local elements including Dana Point’s painted cottages, the historic Lantern District and Southern California surf culture, while retaining aspects of the resort’s existing architectural identity.
Changes will extend beyond the guestrooms to the arrival area, lobby and public spaces.
The redesigned lobby will connect with new dining areas and an ocean-view deck intended for both guests and social gatherings.
New resort pool and signature restaurant planned
One of the most significant additions will be a new central resort pool positioned to take advantage of the property’s Pacific Ocean views.
The pool area will include refreshed lounge spaces and new food and beverage options.
A new chef-driven signature restaurant is also planned as part of the transformation, although Marriott has not yet announced the restaurant concept or chef.
“For nearly 40 years, this storied property has stood as a beacon overlooking Dana Point Harbor,” said Ben Ly, General Manager of The Ocean Cliffs at Dana Point.
He said the redevelopment will introduce a new destination-style pool, signature restaurant and larger gathering spaces designed for both visitors and the local community.
The existing family facilities will remain part of the resort experience, including a recently renovated family pool, cabana rentals, Kid’s Club and Splash Zone.
JW Marriott expands meetings and events facilities
Meetings, weddings and events will also be a major focus of the redevelopment.
Plans include a new 6,000-square-foot ballroom, upgraded meeting facilities and a significantly expanded multiacre event lawn.
The lawn will be relocated next to the Richard Henry Dana Ballroom, allowing the resort to accommodate larger groups and multiple events at the same time.
Pre-function areas will also be redesigned as indoor-outdoor spaces, reflecting the property’s coastal setting.
The changes are intended to strengthen the resort’s position in Orange County’s meetings, weddings and events market alongside its leisure business.
Laguna Cliffs begins new chapter under JW Marriott brand
The project represents a repositioning of the existing Laguna Cliffs Marriott Resort & Spa rather than the construction of a new resort.
The property sits on a bluff overlooking Dana Point Harbor, close to Lantern Bay Park and the Southern California coastline.
Once the transformation is complete, the resort will operate under Marriott International’s JW Marriott luxury brand as The Ocean Cliffs at Dana Point, a JW Marriott Resort.
Laguna Cliffs Marriott Resort & Spa is currently operated by Aimbridge Hospitality, which is working with Marriott on the property’s transition.
Marriott has not announced a specific completion date for the full renovation.
