John Wayne Airport (SNA): Approximate driving time is 30 minutes and distance is 21 miles.

Driving directions from SNA: Take I-405 (San Diego Fwy.) south to I-5 south. Exit to Crown Valley Pkwy. and turn right. After about 6 miles, turn left on Pacific Coast Hwy. Turn right on Ritz Carlton Dr. and the hotel is on the left.

Getting there: The best way to get to the hotel from the airport is by taxi (more than $36; fees subject to change without notice) or rental car. Private car or limousine service can also be arranged; contact the hotel for details.

Getting around: The hotel will shuttle guests to the beach and to Monarch Beach Golf Links. Taxis and car service are available for travel around the area, or guests can rent a car. Parking at the hotel is valet only ($16–25; fees subject to change without notice).

The Lobby Lounge - Feaures live piano entertainment and floor-to-ceiling windows with vistas of the Pacific. Serves light lunch and evening appetizers, desserts, and cocktails. Ideal sunset viewing.

The Library - Adjoining the Lobby Lounge and decorated with floor-to-ceiling, dark wooden bookcases and windows. Afternoon tea and evening cocktails are served by its fireplace.

The Club Grill & Bar - The hotel's romantic sweet spot and supper club, decorated with hunting prints and a marble-topped back bar, serves hearty American cuisine accompanied by a live jazz and blues quartet four nights a week. Dress code.

The Dining Room - An elegant dining experience in a classic European setting with fireplace and smaller party seating, with contemporary French cuisine. Á la carte menu or prepared course meals with wine pairings. The adjacent Wine Room is available for private functions. Dress code. Dinner only.

Dana Point Pool - Open seasonally for lunch, serving poolside drinks, hamburgers, hot dogs, and lighter salad fare.

The Ocean Terrace - Open seasonally from late morning to late afternoon, serves alfresco food and cocktails in a casual setting overlooking the Pacific.

Amenity highlights: Some employees have worked at the hotel since its opening, for almost two decades, which translates to experienced professional service. The 2-mile sandy public beach is conveniently accessed by a walking path—or hotel tram service can be arranged at the pool. Health club, tennis courts, and spa facilities and services, such as sauna, yoga and Pilates classes, are included in the resort fee.

Insider tip: Just 5.5 miles from the Ritz-Carlton is the Mission San Juan Capistrano, founded 200 years ago and site of the famous return of the swallows celebration in March. Today it serves as a monument to California's multicultural history and showcases 10 acres of gardens and historic sightseeing in and around its adobe walls.

A summer children's buffet is served at "kid-appropriate" height, and in-room robes in children's sizes are provided. Ritz Kids children's programs include beach activities, arts and crafts, or evening Kids Night Out events. Children's programs are complimentary excepting gratuity and meals.

The hotel showcases changing local art exhibits in a gallery-dedicated hallway off the main lobby, and its own collection of traditional prints and antiques is displayed throughout the hotel's public areas.

The hotel offers business services at any time by request, including copying, faxing, shipping, and public Internet access (fees may apply). The hotel offers cell phone rental through an offsite partner, by request.

Complimentary shuttle service is provided for golfers playing at Monarch Beach Golf Links across the street, an 18-hole championship course designed by Robert Trent Jones. Eight other course options within 15 miles include a driving range. The hotel provides complimentary golf bag storage.

The recreational activities listed below are available either on-site or near the hotel; fees may apply.