Hotel Joaquin, Laguna Beach
From Roadside Motel to Design-Forward Escape
Why DNA Hotels Loves It
● A beautifully reimagined 1940s roadside motel that captures the spirit of Southern California’s mid-century beach culture through timeless, residential design.
● Interiors by Studio Robert McKinley blend vintage furniture, handcrafted materials, curated local art, and tactile natural finishes into one of California’s most soulful boutique hotels.
● A refreshing digital detox where record players replace televisions, adventure meets relaxation, and Laguna Beach’s creative heritage takes centre stage.
From Roadside Motel to Coastal Retreat
Perched above Shaw’s Cove on one of Southern California’s most picturesque stretches of coastline, Hotel Joaquin tells a story of reinvention. What began life as the modest Sunburst Roadside Motel has evolved into one of Laguna Beach’s most distinctive boutique hotels, transforming a place once designed for overnight stopovers into a destination guests find difficult to leave. Developed by Auric Road, the hospitality group behind Palm Springs favourite Korakia Pensione, the 22-room retreat embraces a slower, more intentional way of travelling, where thoughtful design encourages guests to disconnect from modern distractions and reconnect with California’s relaxed coastal lifestyle.
A Modern Interpretation of California Beach Culture
New York-based Studio Robert McKinley approached the redesign with remarkable restraint, drawing inspiration from 1950s Southern California surf culture, the understated elegance of St. Barth’s, and Laguna Beach’s long-standing artistic community. Rather than creating another polished luxury hotel, the designers sought to preserve the property’s intimate scale while introducing layers of warmth, character, and craftsmanship. White-painted timber exteriors, exposed rafters, reclaimed terracotta, natural stone, white-oiled oak, aged brass, Moroccan and Mexican tiles, and soft neutral palettes create interiors that feel collected rather than decorated. Every space carries the relaxed confidence of a private beach house that has evolved naturally over time.
Rooms Filled with Personality
No two guestrooms are alike. Individually curated with vintage finds, bespoke furniture, carefully selected books, original artwork, and handcrafted textiles, each room tells its own story. Local artists including Sage Vaughn and Danny Fuller contribute works that strengthen the hotel’s connection to Laguna Beach’s creative identity, while woven wall hangings, natural materials, and tactile finishes create spaces that feel calm, intimate, and deeply personal. One of Hotel Joaquin’s most memorable touches is what it deliberately leaves out. Televisions have been replaced by vintage Marantz record players and an extensive vinyl collection, inviting guests to slow down, listen, read, and simply enjoy the atmosphere. It is an increasingly rare gesture that perfectly reflects the hotel’s philosophy of meaningful disconnection.
Life Between the Pool and the Pacific
Although the interiors invite lingering, the resort is equally connected to its spectacular surroundings. The swimming pool, shaded terraces, and landscaped gardens provide peaceful places to unwind, while nearby Shaw’s Cove offers easy access to paddleboarding, surfing, scuba diving, hiking, and Laguna’s famous tide pools. An on-site Adventure Director helps guests experience the coastline from a local perspective, reinforcing the sense that Hotel Joaquin is not simply a place to stay, but a gateway to the destination itself. Throughout the property, communal spaces encourage spontaneous conversations and slow afternoons, striking a careful balance between private retreat and social connection.
Mediterranean Flavours by the Sea
At the heart of the hotel sits Saline, the all-day restaurant that reflects the same effortless philosophy found throughout the property. Inspired by Mediterranean coastal cooking, the menu celebrates fresh seafood, seasonal produce, and vibrant European flavours shaped by the Pacific setting. Originally led by chef Leo Bongarra, Saline became known for beautifully executed sharing plates, while its relaxed atmosphere and indoor-outdoor setting capture the easy rhythm of dining beside the California coast. Like the hotel itself, the restaurant avoids unnecessary formality, allowing exceptional ingredients, thoughtful design, and genuine hospitality to take centre stage.
Why It Works
Hotel Joaquin proves that thoughtful restoration can create something far more compelling than a brand-new luxury hotel. By preserving the soul of a humble roadside motel while introducing sophisticated design, local craftsmanship, and an atmosphere of effortless Californian living, it offers one of Laguna Beach’s most authentic boutique experiences. Stylish without pretension, nostalgic without becoming retro, and quietly luxurious in every detail, Hotel Joaquin captures the enduring appeal of Southern California at its very best.
