Name: Best Western Plus Marina Shores Hotel
Address: 34280 Pacific Coast Highway, Lantern District, Dana Point, California, United States of America, Dana Point, Orange County, US
Price range: US$107–US$540 per night
Rating: 8.28

What guests think

At Best Western Plus Marina Shores Hotel, travellers consistently praise the walkable location near the beach and marina and the friendly staff, while noting the older building shows wear, occasional odors, and noise from the Pacific Coast Highway.

Breakfast is widely considered a plus with plenty of options, though some found it average or crowded and coffee hit or miss. Rooms vary from small to very spacious suites with in-room jetted tubs; decor is dated, and some bathrooms have high tubs or awkward layouts. Facilities are basic, with a very small pool, tight paid parking, and handy EV charging; check-in can be delayed, and housekeeping is sometimes inconsistent. Overall, expect a practical, no-frills stay.

Facilities

Cleanliness

Rooms

Service

Location

Dining

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AI-generated summary based on recent guest reviews

Facilities

Facilities are basic: tight paid parking, a very small pool that some found unheated or not well maintained, and a compact gym with mixed upkeep. EV charging is available and appreciated.

Related guest reviews

6

Misty

20 Jun 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

The room had a weird odor to it and the staff said the pool was heated but it was not

6

carolyn

10 Jul 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

I liked the comfy bed and the nice breakfast !! The room was a little narrow but was comfortable and nice ! What was most disappointing was there was no hot tub Just a small pool that was all sandy on the bottom ! Also some upgrading is needed on carpeting pretty shabby But the price was unbelievably affordable !! 411$ for two nights The 15$ a night parking was a little annoying ! No valet !!

8

Patricia

24 Jun 2025

·

Stayed 6 nights

The room was nice with a big jetted tub and a tv in the bathroom. The breakfast wasn’t great, though. A big plus was free charging of the Tesla we rented but they did charge $15 per day to park.

10

Victor

18 Jun 2025

·

Stayed 3 nights

nice location ... parking spots are TIGHT

6

miles

27 Jun 2023

·

Stayed 4 nights

Parking spaces are too small; especially for SUV's.

6

Nicole

6 Jul 2025

·

Stayed 3 nights

Location was great. Room was clean and beds were comfortable. Parking is a nightmare with small tight spots. The pool was tiny. The staff at check in and the night staff were nice. You have to pay $15 a day for parking. We checked out a day early to visit another location and the person behind the desk was very rude stating “you will not get a refund or receipt!” when I didn’t even ask for a refund. We won’t be coming back next time we’re in this area.

10

Evelina

15 Jun 2023

·

Stayed 3 nights

We stayed 3 nights on a mini-vacation. The property is a little dated, but clean. The staff was extremely friendly and accommodating. The hot free breakfast was different every morning and the microwave is available if necessary throughout the day. The coffee machine is also available, all day. We had plenty of parking and area felt safe to walk. A bit noisy since it's located on PCH. We closed the windows and were able to sleep. Beds were comfortable. Vanity area in bathroom was small. The gym is small, no more than 2 guests can use it comfortably. Location was GREAT! Walking distance to a safe beautiful beach. Many fast food and unique dine-in restaurants within walking distance. Free summer trolly was available at multiple stops and no driving was necessary. San Clemente outlet shopping area is within a 10 minute easy drive. The Mission of San Juan Capistrano and Los Rios historic district is nearby, easy drive. Highly recommend the hotel for price and location. Will return!

8

Samuel

21 Apr 2025

·

Stayed 3 nights

Good location. Nice parking area and electric vehicle charging is included.

6

Robert

22 Mar 2023

·

Pool was closed. That happens. But the gym is in bad repair, is not secure, had no water, no towels, the elliptical only works for two minutes then shuts down. The staff was friendly. Rooms are dark - small windows out onto a fake balcony .

8

Elizabeth

13 Jul 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

Overall good experience with the hotel. The front desk was porfessional. Two things that could have been better. The description of the pool says it is heated but it was not a heated pool. My other comment is on thr breakfast. It is always nice to have a free breakfast but some of the items for breakfast were bland. The scrambled eggs too watery. The texture didnt feel like eggs. There could have been more fruit. The location of the hotel was good. Overall good experience

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Cleanliness

Cleanliness is mixed, with repeated reports of musty or smoke odors, stained carpets/furniture, and occasional mold or maintenance issues, alongside many comments that rooms were clean. Housekeeping can miss details like refilling toiletries.

Related guest reviews

4

Jessica

24 Jul 2024

·

Stayed 3 nights

The rooms had an overwhelming smell of mold. I understand that the hotel is old but this was ridiculous. We had to open our windows and sliding doors to air out the room in order to be in there.

4

Jack

11 Apr 2025

·

Stayed 4 nights

We almost left the second day. This property has so much potential, but an obvious lack of basic upkeep has you feeling like you're in a fleabag hotel with a partial view (from some rooms) The furniture and decor was old and worn and full housekeeping is "by request" They desperately need to overhaul this property and bring it up to the level of the location. If dark and dingy is the theme you're going for, this hotel is for you. On the upside, the location is very central, including the marina, and many food options are walkable. The bed was comfortable too.

6

Ruben

25 Feb 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

Second time staying at this hotel as our first experience was good. We arrived 15 minutes before check in and were told that a $25 early check in fee was going to be applied. I declined and waited in my car for 15 minutes. I should have known that it was going downhill from there. Got to the room opened the door and our sense of smell was assaulted by funk stail air. Turned the AC on opened the sliding glass door to air out the room. Opened up the fridge and it smelled like something died in it. Good thing we only stayed 2 nights/1day. If Cleanliness is not high on your standards then this place is for you.

4

Kate

6 Oct 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

Mold/mildew scent in rooms and stains on curtains and opening in the ceiling. Staff was friendly but place was a dump.

4

Amie

25 Jul 2025

·

Stayed 5 nights

We turned the air conditioner off because it blew out smelly, dingy air. I thought I had smelled urine, but could have been from the air conditioner? I luckily packed a large garbage bag and used it as a cover to the ottoman that was gross and stained before daring to put luggage on it. The couch and side chair was also stained. We loved the location and the staff were great, but I wouldn't stay there again. The place needs a major overhaul. Also I never saw anyone actually in the pool... the water was freezing cold.

6

juan

20 Jul 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

Nice hotel in a nice area. We selpt well and the breakfast was good. Nothing special but satisfying. Our issues were with the cleanliness of the room. Carpet was a bit old and dirty and there was a musky smell. With that being said, it served it's purpose and we enjoyed our weekend. We would stay here again.

6

scott

16 Feb 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

Rooms had a strange smell

6

Anna

29 Jun 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

Very old place, mold in bathroom

6

Andrew

20 Oct 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

Good location. Small room with uncomfortable beds. Walking through the hotel, it does not feel or smell clean. The floors have stained carpet and the smell of smoke was strong. Breakfast was okay but not great. The breakfast area is way too small and it was hard to find a table for 4 people. I feel like we paid way too much for these compromises.

4

Elizabeth

19 Aug 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

Arrived slightly after check in, only 1 room was available due to housekeeping being behind and was informed 2nd room would be 2 hours later. The one room we did have was nearly out of toilet paper and soap and body wash was empty, so clearly housekeeping didn’t do thorough job on cleaning the one “ready “ room.

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Rooms

Rooms range from small to very spacious suites; decor is older, beds are often comfortable, and many include in-room jetted tubs. Street-facing rooms can be noisy, and some bathrooms have high tubs or awkward layouts.

Related guest reviews

8

Pamela

30 Jan 2024

·

Stayed 2 nights

The Best Western Plus Marina Shores is an older, but well-kept property. Rooms, bathrooms, and common areas were clean. Water temp and pressure in the morning were very good. Room had a nice little balcony. We asked for an extra housekeeping visit due to a spilled coffee incident and that was accommodated without hesitation. Starbucks and McDonald's across the street and many other food options also nearby. Walk to the marina is about a mile but do-able for adults.

8

LOUISE

5 Nov 2024

·

Stayed 3 nights

Stayed for a couple of nights for a festival on the beach. Great walking location. Amazing bakery across the street and other nice restaurants in walking distance. Room was very dated and a bit noisy, but it was a good location for what we needed. Bathroom desperately needed a remodel however water pressure was good and water was hot. Staff were nice at check-in. Definitely expensive for standard of hotel but that goes with the demand on the time we were there.

2

Tillie

14 Aug 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

Hotel only has pillows with feathers so had to bring my own pillows due to allergies to feathers. The room and bed smelled like an animal has went to the bathroom on right at the head of the bed. Requested for a quiet room but ended up on the noisy side of the building right by a main highway.

6

Robert

22 May 2023

·

Stayed 2 nights

It was very noisy. The hotel is right on PCH and at night cars race back and forth along the highway

8

Michelle

26 Jul 2025

·

Stayed 4 nights

The bed was comfortable and loved the jetted hot tub in the room. Great location!! Very clean. Shower was luke water. Wished the room was cleaned at least one more time during the 4 night stay.

4

Norma

14 Oct 2024

·

Stayed 5 nights

Don’t get a room facing street. It’s super loud. Road noise. Only positive is location

8

Shannon

6 Aug 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Front desk staff was very nice, got a free upgrade & welcome gift since it was our Anniversary. Very convenient location, could see the beach from our balcony. Love the jetted big bathtub and comfy bed. We have stayed here 4 or 5 times & it's a favorite :)

8

Sandra

9 Sept 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

Check in person was efficient, but not friendly or welcoming. You have to park in between support posts, so it was a little tricky. The room was spacious, and the bed was comfortable. There were stains on the loveseat. We had a balcony, but it overlooked a busy street. Overall the stay was fine, and worked for our purpose of going whale watching from Dana Point.

8

yvonne

8 Oct 2025

·

Stayed 3 nights

Hotel was nice and in a good area for getting to beach, marina, restaurants and bars. We were here for a wedding which was about 7 mins drive away. Hotel breakfast had good selection, would be nice to have proper cutlery, plates etc rather than plastic & paper. Suite was large and had loads of space. Only negative would be the room was getting dated and the drapes were ripped. The pool is very small with only one sunbed and some chairs. Other than that the staff were very nice and helpful.

8

Tamara

21 Jul 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

This Best Western was really nice I gave it four stars only because the bathroom was dangerous. It’s is convenient to get to, parking was super easy, and the staff was really nice. The bathroom was pretty to look at but when you were on the toilet the toilet paper roll was in your side. The bath tub has a step to get into the nice jacuzzi tub it was getting out of the shower that was a little scary. Hopefully the other room have a better set up. I would still stay here again it was a wonderful weekend

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Service

Service is generally friendly and helpful, and issues are often resolved quickly. Check-in may be delayed (sometimes posted at 5 pm), and a few guests reported reservation mix-ups or curt interactions.

Related guest reviews

10

Karen

18 Jun 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

I’m currently on pilgrimage to all 21 missions with the Church and this dusty pilgrim needed a break from sleeping in my car! I was allowed a VERY early check in and I am eternally grateful. ❤️

10

Tommy

18 Jul 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

We had an issue at check-in that held us up for about 30 minutes. We were scheduled to arrive on July 17 and then check out on July 18 and coming back on July 23 and staying until July 25. When we arrived, the girl at the front desk told us that the July 17 date had been changed to July 16 and we were no-shows. I told her we never changed anything. We were not in town on July 16. We then called hotels.com and they confirmed that our reservation was in fact for July 17 but it took quite a long time for them to work it out which we kind of thought was upsetting. if you had another room available and I’m showing you a confirmed reservation receipt just give us the room and that’s it, but it seemed to take a very long time And we had someone waiting for us that had given us a ride. So we weren’t happy about that. And we had a reservation for five days later and we’ve stayed at this hotel several times when coming to visit our son.

8

Elizabeth

24 Dec 2023

·

This was a great budget stay. The rooms aren't fancy, and nothing seems that new, and you can definitely hear everyone in the hallway... BUT it's in a nice location. The staff is super friendly. Breakfast has tons of options. A few things we appreciated- water bottle refill station, electric vehicle charging, big fridge in the room.

6

Nicole

6 Jul 2025

·

Stayed 3 nights

Location was great. Room was clean and beds were comfortable. Parking is a nightmare with small tight spots. The pool was tiny. The staff at check in and the night staff were nice. You have to pay $15 a day for parking. We checked out a day early to visit another location and the person behind the desk was very rude stating “you will not get a refund or receipt!” when I didn’t even ask for a refund. We won’t be coming back next time we’re in this area.

10

Andrew

12 Jul 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

Large room and clean. Staff gave free parking and goody bag for slight delay of room not being ready for check in

8

Matthew

22 Jun 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

The air conditioning went out in one of the rooms we had booked but the staff was very accommodating and within 20 minutes had us moved into a different room. Mechanical issues happen from time to time and they reacted were well.

2

William

26 Jun 2023

·

Stayed 2 nights

I had called the day before my stay to see if I would be able to get early check in cause I had a wedding rehearsal dinner that day at 3pm. I spoke to a employee and he had told me yes, My room should be ready by 11am. I thought perfect and my wife and I could get ready there. If I was not able too we would have gotten ready at our house before heading down to the area. Well turns out when we got there around 12:30 all the cleaning people were on lunch and our room was not ready. My wife had gone inside to ask some girl working behind the counter what the ETA was and she said "Well check in is not until 5pm so we are on track" We sat in the parking area for 2 hours in our car hoping our room would be ready. At about 2:30 we decided to get our clothes out of the car and go to the 2nd floor bathroom and get ready there. My wife did her hair in the lobby. I guess you get what you pay for. The staff in the breakfast area each morning were awesome and super friendly. BUT the folks behind the counter obviously do not enjoy what they do and should look for a new job.

10

Miguel

20 Dec 2024

·

Stayed 2 nights

This location is centrally located on PCH and is near areas of interest for the family. The staff is professional, friendly and caring.

2

Kathryn

29 Nov 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

We checked in and when we opened our hotel room door, there was a man and a woman in the shower. The room was double booked and they gave us this other couples room key. We then got another room. This room had terrible cigarette odor like someone smoked a pack a day in there. We went back down and got a refund and went to another hotel.

10

Stella

16 Aug 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

We arrived a couple of hours earlier. The male staff member, Mike, helped us with an early check-in. After I requested to change to a non-roadside room for quietness, he immediately accommodated my request. My stay was enjoyable.

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Location

Excellent, walkable location near Doheny State Beach, the marina, and restaurants, with a seasonal trolley nearby. Road exposure on Pacific Coast Highway brings noticeable traffic noise for some rooms.

Related guest reviews

10

Jody

31 May 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

It isn’t at the Marina but it is close and convenient and the free trolly runs close.

10

Felipe

4 Aug 2025

·

Stayed 4 nights

Great location, large rooms, easy walk to the beach and good value for the rate.

8

aaron j

10 Dec 2023

·

Stayed 3 nights

Close enough to walk to Doheny beach and marina area. It’s all lit up with festive Christmas lights.

8

Grant

26 Mar 2023

·

Stayed 1 night

Conveniently located within a couple walking blocks of Dana Point Harbor and Doheny Beach.

8

Carol

22 Jul 2025

·

Stayed 3 nights

Location of walking distance from the beach is perfect! The staff was friendly. Is was clean.

8

Shelly

31 Mar 2024

·

Stayed 3 nights

This hotel is situated in a decent location with dining options and parking behind the hotel. It was nice to have the beach really close to us.

8

Natalie

20 Jul 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

Great location

10

William

24 Nov 2024

·

Stayed 2 nights

Great location for this historic hotel

8

Samuel

21 Apr 2025

·

Stayed 3 nights

Good location. Nice parking area and electric vehicle charging is included.

8

Diane

24 Jun 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Worked great for a night. Close to everything from beach, to restaurants to coffee shops. Hotel was clean and easy check in and out.

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Dining

Breakfast is frequently praised for variety and hot options. Some guests found it average or crowded, and coffee quality varied.

Related guest reviews

10

Kathleen

10 Jul 2024

·

Stayed 2 nights

We got the room with the jacuzzi tub and it was great. We had a good stay and the breakfast was really good.

4

Pamela

26 Jul 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

The breakfast was terrible. The room was clean but not in good shape and the outlets didn’t work. It was pretty depressing.

10

Christine

14 Mar 2025

·

Stayed 12 nights

We had a nice stay, we booked a suite Very comfortable, location near restaurants and the beach, staff were friendly and helpful, breakfast was included, which was excellent, warm and cold buffet style.

10

Margaret

12 Jun 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

The breakfast was amazing with such a kind and friendly staff.

10

Dennis

28 May 2024

·

Stayed 3 nights

Very clean establishment. Breakfast in the morning each day was very good clean respectful area. Would stay here again, close to everything. Whale watching is just down the road walkable.

8

Angeli

14 Jul 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Decent insulation from the noise of PCH but I was able to occasionally hear my neighbor laughing. The breakfast was OK but the coffee served was awful tasting.

10

Evelina

15 Jun 2023

·

Stayed 3 nights

We stayed 3 nights on a mini-vacation. The property is a little dated, but clean. The staff was extremely friendly and accommodating. The hot free breakfast was different every morning and the microwave is available if necessary throughout the day. The coffee machine is also available, all day. We had plenty of parking and area felt safe to walk. A bit noisy since it's located on PCH. We closed the windows and were able to sleep. Beds were comfortable. Vanity area in bathroom was small. The gym is small, no more than 2 guests can use it comfortably. Location was GREAT! Walking distance to a safe beautiful beach. Many fast food and unique dine-in restaurants within walking distance. Free summer trolly was available at multiple stops and no driving was necessary. San Clemente outlet shopping area is within a 10 minute easy drive. The Mission of San Juan Capistrano and Los Rios historic district is nearby, easy drive. Highly recommend the hotel for price and location. Will return!

10

jeanette

14 Jul 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

Loved this place. Breakfast amazing. Will definitely stay again.

6

Andrew

20 Oct 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

Good location. Small room with uncomfortable beds. Walking through the hotel, it does not feel or smell clean. The floors have stained carpet and the smell of smoke was strong. Breakfast was okay but not great. The breakfast area is way too small and it was hard to find a table for 4 people. I feel like we paid way too much for these compromises.

8

Elizabeth

13 Jul 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

Overall good experience with the hotel. The front desk was porfessional. Two things that could have been better. The description of the pool says it is heated but it was not a heated pool. My other comment is on thr breakfast. It is always nice to have a free breakfast but some of the items for breakfast were bland. The scrambled eggs too watery. The texture didnt feel like eggs. There could have been more fruit. The location of the hotel was good. Overall good experience

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AI-generated summary based on recent guest reviews

Month	Average price
January	US$120
February	US$126
March	US$156
April	US$148
May	US$156
June	US$177
July	US$227
August	US$179
September	US$225
October	US$145
November	US$131
December	US$122

Su	Mo	Tu	We	Th	Fr	Sa
				1 $111	2 $195	3 $207
4 $108	5 $111	6 $112	7 $127	8 $128	9 $293	10 $347
11 $119	12 $120	13 $120	14 $120	15 $140	16 $180	17 $208
18 $109	19 $120	20 $120	21 $120	22 $120	23 $203	24 $200
25 $112	26 $107	27 $120	28 $120	29 $112	30 $160	31 $149

Su	Mo	Tu	We	Th	Fr	Sa
		1	2	3	4	5
6	7	8	9	10	11	12
13	14	15 $143	16 $123	17 $180	18 $297	19 $277
20 $148	21 $119	22 $112	23 $129	24 $540	25	26
27	28 $119	29 $112	30 $119

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Monthly average prices

About this property

Location

Room options

Standard Room, 1 King Bed, Refrigerator

Standard Room, 1 Queen Bed, Fireplace (Larger Room)

Standard Room, 1 King Bed, Accessible, Refrigerator (Larger Room)

Standard Room, 1 King Bed, Refrigerator (Larger Room)

Standard Room, 2 Queen Beds, Refrigerator

Suite, 2 Queen Beds, Balcony (With Sofabed)

Suite, 1 King Bed, Accessible, Refrigerator (With Single Sofabed)

Standard Room, 2 Queen Beds, Refrigerator (Larger Room)

Suite, 1 King Bed, Jetted Tub

Suite, 1 King Bed, Balcony (With Sofabed)

Guest reviews

Very good

Who stays here?

What guests think

Property policies

Check-in instructions

Good to know

Optional extras

FAQs about Best Western Plus Marina Shores Hotel

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