The Most Budget-Friendly Hotels to Book in Laguna Beach

X marks the spot at this affordable inn, with Treasure Island Beach just a five-minute walk away. If you’re after a change of scenery, downtown Laguna Beach is also on the doorstep, with art galleries, shops, restaurants and bars to whet the appetite. Head back to the Laguna Beach Lodge for a siesta in your room, where the interiors certainly don’t look budget, with lofty ceilings, contemporary furnishings, light wood flooring and circular headboards. Head back out to catch the final rays of the day around the palm-fringed pool.

This Spanish-style hotel might be home to some rich history, but you don’t need deep pockets to stay here. After opening in 1929, it became one of the hottest spots in Laguna Beach with Hollywood stars and local celebrities enamored by the cocktail bar and amazing ocean views. Back then, rooms came in at $3 a night, and the stays today are still a steal. Rooms follow a surf or Spanish theme, so you can drift to sleep surrounded by surf-inspired art pieces or say hola to a more Mexican vibe.

Not just a cheap hotel in Laguna Beach, Laguna Brisas is very nearly on the beach, being just 99 steps from the shore. Here, low-cost doesn’t mean cutting back on quality; all rooms feature free high-speed wifi, flat-screen TVs, mini-fridges, coffee makers and air conditioning. Grab your phone and head to the rooftop swimming pool, which has a colorful seaside mural, for a photoshoot or to the terrace, which offers equally photogenic views of Catalina Island and the Pacific.

This harborfront hotel has rates that won’t give you that sinking feeling. Admire the battalion of yachts from your bedroom balcony or get a closer view with a stroll along the jetties. If the waters look tempting, head back for a plunge in the hotel pool or a soak in the jacuzzi. As the sun sets, grab a cold beverage from your mini-fridge before sampling some seafood at one of the harbor restaurants.

With a stunning rooftop bar, direct beach access, balconies with ocean views and a pool, this place isn’t your average cheap hotel in Laguna Beach. From the moment you step into the hip boutique spot, you’ll get swept away by the photogenic charm. Sunlight-filled rooms feature minimalist light wood furnishings with a ‘60s twist. Striped scatter cushions, plantation shutters and wicker seats inject a touch of retro chic. After enjoying a fun-filled day in the sun don’t miss the free wine reception which takes place every night in the lobby or on the terrace. If you’re late you’ll have to make do with the complimentary milk and cookies, which still taste grand.

This boutique hotel lives up to the name, with prime positioning next to the Pacific and a whitewashed exterior that would fit in on any Mediterranean coastline. The ocean theme continues throughout the property, with shades of blue and white washing over the spacious bedrooms and stretching to the poolside parasols. The smart lobby, however, features sandier tones, mirroring the beach beyond.

Feel at home at this smart hotel, which serves apartment-style suites that won’t break the bank. Rooms come with kitchens, dining areas and work stations, making it the perfect spot for an extended stay. Start your day with a stint in the gym or dip in the outdoor pool before digging into a wholesome complimentary breakfast at the ground-floor restaurant. Once you’ve fueled up, take a 10-minute taxi ride down to Laguna Beach or explore some of the other local attractions. Come nightfall, there are free evening socials at the hotel, where you can cozy around a fire pit.

Fall in love with the French cottage feel at this purse-friendly boutique hotel. Half of the property is covered with leafy vines, while beds of boxwoods and shrubs and a pergola complete the traditional French country garden look. Moving inside, the interiors are playful, with pops of color and eclectic furnishings. But you won’t be spending too much time indoors, with a staircase behind the property leading you to the shores of Agate Street Beach.

After a complete remodel, this coastal no-frills inn has renewed swagger. Rooms are now fit for the modern traveler, with microwaves and refrigerators so you can rustle up your favorite snacks during your stay. Hit the lobby for a free cup of coffee whenever you fancy, and in the mornings, Danish pastries and orange juice are added to the mix. After boosting your energy levels for the day, the beach is just a five-minute stroll away.

Zoom to the airport in just 15 minutes when you stay at this conveniently located Laguna Beach cheap hotel. A colorful pool area is at the center of things, with an eye-catching mural drawing on the artistic roots of the neighborhood. The modern rooms feature more neutral tones, with a fresh feel. There are chic light-up mirrors in the bathroom – certainly not your standard budget hotel feature – and plenty of storage space for luggage. Other perks include free breakfast and a complimentary shuttle to the town center.