Unicorn R.
Yelp
Magical Stay at Le Petit Pali -- A Hidden Gem in Laguna!
We had a truly magical stay at Le Petit Pali in Laguna Beach. From the moment we arrived, we were welcomed with sparkling wine and warm, genuine smiles -- the perfect start to a charming Laguna Beach coastal getaway!
This hotel is incredibly dog-friendly. They provided our pup with a cozy dog bed, food and water bowls, and even little dog biscuits -- such a thoughtful touch that made us feel right at home.
The rooms are small but full of personality and style -- beautifully decorated, cozy, and well-priced compared to staying at the Montage next door. We especially loved the cute Smeg fridge and the snack selection available for purchase.
The hotel bar offered healthy and delicious snacks -- I enjoyed fresh vegetables with hummus, and there was also guacamole with gluten-free corn chips available (I didn't try the chips, but the veggies were fantastic!).
After settling in, we took a short walk through the beautiful gardens of the Montage (just across the street!) and down to Treasure Island Beach. It's the closest beach and absolutely breathtaking. Dogs are allowed on the beach during summer before 9 a.m. and after 6 p.m., which was perfect for evening walks.
For breakfast, we dined at the Montage -- wonderful experience. We also visited C'est La Vie in downtown Laguna Beach, where we found delicious gluten- and dairy-free options and a gorgeous ocean-view patio. We even met the chef, Charlie -- so friendly!
There's a free trolley stop right in front of the hotel, making it super easy to explore. We didn't use it since we had our car and a service dog, but it's great for those without pets (note: non-service animals aren't allowed on the trolley). Parking downtown was very manageable, and we loved browsing the cute local shops.
Nearby, RAPPORT Coffee had fantastic matcha, and Z Pizza next door surprised us with really tasty gluten- and dairy-free pizza -- a must-try for anyone with dietary restrictions!
We also dined at Sapphire at The Pottery Place and attempted to try The Cliff Restaurant, but weren't impressed. The Cliff was overcrowded, and no one ever came to take our order, so we left. At Sapphire, the food was mediocre and we were crammed into a tiny table right next to strangers, even though many other tables were available -- we won't be returning there.
Next time, we'd stick to meals at the Montage, pizza at Z, and French fare at C'est La Vie -- all were delightful.
Overall, we had a wonderful, relaxing, and joy-filled stay. Le Petit Pali is a hidden gem, and we'd happily return again and again. Highly recommend!