When organizing our visit to California during the recent Disney Social Media Conference, we planned a visit to Huntington Beach and a beachside escape. The Shorebreak Hotel definitely delivers, located right on the Pacific Coast Highway with the deep sandy shores of Huntington Beach and its famed Pier a mere steps away.
The beach location isn’t the only thing that will entice families about the Shorebreak Hotel. The boutique hotel transports you to a beachside cottage with its airy light throughout, seaside colour scheme and loads of surf motif everywhere your eye wanders. Even with the check-in and lobby on the second floor felt like you were out in an open area, natural like flooding in.
Guest are even treated to a piece of salt water taffy at the check-n desk or a glass of cool lemon water to cool down, perfect after our drive into town.
An even nicer treat was the news that we were being upgraded to a two-room suite, with two bedrooms and a common area in the middle. This gave the kids and parents their own spaces to relax, including a separate television and bathroom. Traveling as a family these are little luxuries we take for granted at home. The bathrooms in both rooms were especially nice with real soaker tubs (these things were deep) and a two-person shower stall in the main bathroom.
The large windows, sliding doors and peek-a-boo openings gave the room an open feel. I couldn’t help but smile from the beach rules posted on the bulletin board and my husband was all about the Tiki Bob lamp in are sitting area.
Our oversized balcony was a corner unit that faced Huntington Beach. Even with the traffic on the Pacific Coast Highway just below our window, I didn’t notice any sound in the room. Someone gave that great thought when planning the rooms.
Booking a hotel with a pool is usually a priority when it comes to our family trips but who needs a pool when you have a huge beach right across the street. The sandy shore of Huntington Beach is so deep you’ll never want for a spot. Plus the beach gives you sand to make castles, waves for jumping, and surfers to watch, something no pool can deliver. After a morning at the beach you can just head back to the Shorebreak to change and then head out to grab a bite.
Along with the beach being right out your door, some great family dining options also surrounds the Shorebreak Hotel. Walk down the Pier to Ruby’s Diner for a burger and their delicious handmade milkshakes, including their famous prune. Enjoy a slice of Duke’s famous Hula Pie, the closest you’ll get to Hawaii. Take a short drive up the Pacific Coast Highway for a visit in the famous Don the Beachcomber, home of the Mai Tai.
You can also enjoy a meal right onsite at the Shorebreak Hotel. We enjoyed a breakfast at Zimzala’s restaurant and bar. The staff was very friendly, talking to the kids about the beach, skateboarding, and even my son’s long hair. The menu offered a varied choice of dishes, from an assorted fruit plate for my youngest to thick challah French toast. The children’s brunch menu had traditional items for kids but it was nice to see options like toasted brioche and monterey jack for the grilled cheese and flatbread with carmelina tomatoes. I still think my son picked the prize with his order of chillaquiles. My only disappointment was not having more time at the Shorebreak Hotel to enjoy another meal.
When the beach doesn’t draw you in, you can drive down the coast to Newport or Laguna Beach or surprise the kids with a visit to Disneyland (just a thirty minute drive away).
The small size, location, and fun surf feel throughout the Shorebreak Hotel make for a perfect stop for families visiting Huntington Beach. Hopefully we’ll be back again soon.
Thank you to the folks at Shorebreak Hotel for their hospitality.