Laguna Cliffs Marriott Resort & Spa
Hotel · Dana Point ·
Oceanfront restaurant, lounge, 2 pools, spa, gym, splash zone
Information
25135 Park Lantern, Dana Point, CA 92629 Get directions
Oceanfront restaurant, lounge, 2 pools, spa, gym, splash zone
25135 Park Lantern, Dana Point, CA 92629 Get directions
"Close to the marina, this resort features beachy, ocean-facing rooms with private balconies, ideal for soaking up sea views." - Cu Fleshman Cu Fleshman Cu is a freelance writer and editor with more than five years of experience. She has written for a variety of publications, including Afar, Matador Network, and Editoire. No matter where she is in the world, you can find her hunting for local eats and hiking trails. Travel + Leisure Editorial Guidelines
"In response to the incident, the Laguna Cliffs Marriott Resort & Spa said it has "zero tolerance for violence of any kind," noted that Tesar was an "independent contractor providing consulting services," and initially said it would be "examining appropriate next steps." The hotel later announced that it and Tesar "mutually agreed to end their relationship, effective immediately," added that the restaurant at the hotel remains open and plans to rebrand with a new upscale concept in late 2023, and had previously been told by Tesar that he would remain away from the property "until the strike is over." - Farley Elliott
"Located in Dana Point, the Laguna Cliffs Marriott Resort & Spa was the scene of a widely shared altercation in which chef John Tesar—staying on the property with his three children—was filmed yelling at picketing hospitality workers, using obscenities (including “take your union and shove it up your ass”), flipping off the camera, calling a worker “a lazy pendeja,” and breaking a protester’s drum; Unite Here Local 11 says the housekeepers, cooks, and other service staff were peacefully exercising their right to protest for higher wages and benefits and have filed an NLRB complaint after multiple aggressive incidents in the area, while the hotel issued a statement saying it has zero tolerance for violence, that Tesar’s actions are not reflective of its values, that it immediately removed him from the property and is reviewing appropriate next steps—though Tesar denies being removed and says he checked out that day and will avoid returning until the strike is over." - Farley Elliott
"John Tesar’s Outer Reef in Orange County celebrates the sea with raw preparations like razor clam tartare, geoduck sashimi, dry-aged tuna, shareable spot prawn ramen, roasted half lobster, kimchi-glazed halibut, and a black cod Milanese, operating inside the Laguna Cliffs Marriott Resort & Spa with seaside views and an upscale approach." - Eater Staff
"A long‑discussed coastal seafood restaurant from Chef John Tesar is opening this month inside the Laguna Cliffs Marriott Resort & Spa in Dana Point, with a planned April 29 debut as part of a multi‑million‑dollar renovation of the hotel property. Meant as an homage to his former Spoon Bar & Kitchen, Outer Reef focuses on the bounty of the sea, moving from raw preparations like razor clam tartare, geoduck sashimi, and dry‑aged tuna to grilled items and larger mains. Menu highlights include a shareable spot prawn ramen, roasted half lobster, kimchi‑glazed halibut, black cod milanese, housemade pastas and at least one steak. Tesar will oversee the restaurant while chef de cuisine Jayro Martinez (formerly of MhZh and the opening executive chef of Mayfield) runs day‑to‑day; expect water views and coastal ambiance, with dinner service to start (Thursday–Sunday, 5 p.m. to 10 p.m.), plans to expand to lunch and breakfast later, and reservations available on OpenTable." - Farley Elliott