Best Western Plus Marina Shores Hotel

Hotel could definitely use a facelift but the location, free breakfast and friendly staff made up for it. We especially appreciated having a frig and microwave in our room. Finding a place where we could bring our dog was important and the daily fee was much less than other hotels we researched. Not too many grassy areas though. Balcony was something we really wanted but barely used it. Too noisy with super busy traffic directly in front of hotel. Couldn’t sit and enjoy the view because the balcony wall was too high to see over when sitting. Walking distance to Doheny Beach was a big plus. Lots of places to eat close by. Overall we enjoyed our 3 nights and would definitely go back. less

My stay at this property was due to my free night that I earned through a Best Western promotion. I was very impressed, for not only did they honor the free night on a Friday night, but I was given a spa room. Great customer service and a great room for a romantic getaway. Property was very clean and seemed very safe. less

This hotel has a perfect location to walk to the beach, walking trails, stores and many dining options. The rooms are fresh, clean, and large. The beds are comfortable. Bathrooms are OK with a jetted tub, however you have NO counter space. Be careful when booking your room and read the room details as all rooms seem to have a mini fridge but NOT all rooms have a microwave. There is a small pool at the hotel, however there are only 2 chaise lounges and a couple of chairs so access is very limited. All the days we were there the same couple always had the chaises so we did not use the pool area. This was fine as the beach is walking distance. Be aware however that because of social distancing you are not allowed to have any chairs or umbrellas or coolers on the beach. (It is okay if you lay a towel down to sit per the beach patrol and enforcement) We stayed during the time of Covid 19 so of course in these unprecedented times you can expect a few glitches. I originally booked a room with a microwave wet bar and mini fridge (I have food allergies so prefer to make some meals in my room and also due to Covid, dining options are limited) however upon check in, as I was unpacking I noticed there was no wet bar or microwave in our room. I called and then went down to the front desk where I learned that the room I booked was not available. Management stated that their system did not allow them to see the type of room which I booked. Also management believed I booked through a 3rd party website and I had to explain that I had booked directly through the BW site. Management did rectify the situation by having a microwave brought up to the room and discounting our rate. The other glitch was that the room rate we were charged was quite a bit more then the reservation amount in my confirmation letter (even after the discount given for room type downgrade) Again, another conversation with the front desk person which ended in frustration and time finding my confirmation email, and the screen shots I had taken of the accommodation and price I booked through the BW website. All this I then had to present to and explain again to the manager who was then able to rectify the situation after showing him this proof (Burden of proof was up to me) Also they do a limited room service during these times which also is fine with me as I never expect to have my linens changed daily and I am also fine with reusing my towel - However I left a note for housekeeping to please leave me a few coffee cups as well as replace a couple hand towels - towels were replaced but no coffee cups and also TP ran out in room with no backup available. Housekeeping did not even come by until after 3:30pm (I think they are also working with limited staff during this time) Breakfast on Mon and Tue consist of a grab bag which included 2 small pre packaged muffins, two bananas, two oranges. (My suggestion is skip the breakfast - there is a great restaurant called 'Stacks' across the street which you can phone in an order and pick up) The rest of the days they do serve an abbreviated hot breakfast which is served by staff in a go box (again if you don't have a microwave in your room to reheat, you will be eating cold eggs, and sausage) Despite these few glitches it was all in all a good stay due to the great location, comfortable bed. I would definitely come back to this hotel during "normal" times and give them another try. less

We were displaced from our home because of industrial cleaning of our downstairs d/t water damage so I figured- if we had to go to a hotel- why not try this one by the Surf Break? I was initially hesitant because we've stayed in Best Westerns before and NOT impreseed. I'm more a Hilton or Marriott Girl. BUT HOLY SMOKE this was AWESOME! OK, so I start with Grown up because I'm 45 with two teens and a hubbie. We stay in everything from Campers to hostels (when it was just my husband and I). This is literally less than a 0.5mile easy walk to Doheny Surf break (my favorite break in pretty much the world). It was QUIET and CLEAN and even a free breakfast! The motif is totally surf related and you look out your balcony to see the Iconic Dana Point bridge and can people watch all day long if it suits you. The staff bent over backwards to help you even with masks and gloves on. The breakfast Hostess was a SWEETHEART and really went out of your way to make you feel as at home as you could given the circumstances. Our room was ready early and they even gave us a microwave which was not standard in that room. I hate to write such a good review because that means it will be booked the next time I try and stay- but they deserve it. The ONLY down side is that the heat was not on in the advertised Heated Pool but why go to the pool whent he beach was right around the corner. Other than that- it's a WIN and so $$ Reasonable. less

A very nice hotel at a great location, walking distane to ocean, park, etc, and view of ocean with short distances to several attractions. Setting is a understandable cramped situation but well worth it. Great friendly staff with usual amenties. Will gladly stay here again. less