Laguna Surf Resort, Laguna Beach

Based on beautiful pictures posted on the internet, my wife and I secured a reservation at the Laguna Surf resort 4 months ahead, but when we arrived, we found that the resort had a “dark side.” Two-thirds of the condos overlook the ocean with private balconies that provide enjoyment of the beautiful ocean sights and sounds (they were the idyllic picture that drew us to the location). But we were given one of the other third, which are just across the hall and which we were told nearly always are given to those who aren’t owners and who didn’t reserve at least a year ahead. Our condo balcony door faced and was approximately 30 feet away from an extremely busy street (actually, State Highway 1, with a stop light and bus stop right outside our condo). We had been looking forward to a week of ocean peace and tranquility, but instead found ourselves bombarded with heavy traffic noise 24/7 (trucks, motorcycles, sirens, etc. continued all night every night); we felt like we were camping at a truck stop. Sleeping was very interrupted (or absent altogether), and the ambiance of our condo was the very opposite of peace and tranquility. The condo itself was very small, but livable, and would not have bothered us but for the noise. The internet portrayal of the resort gave no hint of the proximity of the street, and we felt very betrayed. In terms of the positives, we were situated right next to the beautiful Laguna Beach and nearby happenings, and the staff was courteous and helpful. So, we tried to stay out of our condo whenever possible, but with very little sleep and the horrible atmosphere in our condo preventing a daytime nap, we were completely exhausted by week’s end. We would have gone home much earlier except for the difficulty of arranging flights. Had we known of the possible conditions, we never would have reserved our vacation at the Laguna Surf, and we warn others to beware!