The Laguna Cliffs Marriott resort will become a 371-room JW Marriott in Dana Point

The Laguna Cliffs Marriott Resort & Spa, which has overlooked Dana Point harbour in California for nearly forty years, is set to become The Ocean Cliffs at Dana Point, a JW Marriott Resort. JW Marriott and operator Aimbridge Hospitality presented the project on 14 September 2026: a central swimming pool, a ballroom, a chef-led restaurant and 371 refreshed rooms, all without closing the resort.

A JW Marriott without closing the resort

The resort is not closing. Work is progressing in three phases: first the event lawn and pool, then the ballrooms, lobby and restaurants, and finally the entrance driveway and porte-cochère. Each part will be delivered at a different date, and no end date has been announced. Main areas remain accessible, and any changes to schedules or access will be notified in advance. During construction, bookings are still made under the name Laguna Cliffs Marriott. The press release mentions a “multi-million dollar” investment, without a specific figure.

A large pool at the heart of the resort

The first phase creates a large central pool in the middle of the property, with a locally inspired food and beverage offering, redesigned lounge areas and views of the Pacific. The family areas, already renovated, will not change: the family pool, rental cabanas, Kid’s Club and Splash Zone remain as they are. The images published at this stage are project renderings; no photos of the finished spaces exist yet.

A lobby, a café and a chef-led restaurant

The second phase involves the lobby, ballrooms and restaurants. JW Marriott has announced a signature restaurant led by a chef, whose name and identity are not yet known, as well as an updated spa. HKS and ROAM firms are reinterpreting the decor based on Dana Point’s painted cottages, its historic Lantern District and its surf culture. The 371 rooms will be refreshed, with the press release referring to light touches rather than a heavy renovation.

A 557 m² ballroom facing the harbour

The project adds a 6,000-square-foot ballroom, approximately 557 m², and expands the multi-acre event lawn, relocated next to the Richard Henry Dana Ballroom. The construction coincides with the ongoing restoration of Dana Point harbour, which the resort overlooks. The general manager is Ben Ly. JW Marriott is expanding elsewhere in the United States: see the JW Marriott Detroit Water Square or the acquisition of Grande Lakes Orlando.