Whether you are a surfer or not, there’s something about a Southern California beach vacation that hits the spot. With seemingly never-ending summers, and miles of beaches, travelers have a long list of great locales to drop their towels on the sand. The hip and contemporary Kimpton Shorebreak Resort stands out among the crowd thanks to a location that’s walking distance not only to great surfing, but just about everything else in Huntington Beach.
Located steps away from the Huntington Beach Pier, and the intersection of always-hopping Main Street and Pacific Coast Highway, the resort features 157 guest rooms and suites, some of which boast ocean views.
The property’s playful personality comes across when you first step into the lobby. Chalkboards offer a daily surf report and reminders about important events like the resort’s nightly wine hour and s’mores. Along with ping pong, there’s a foosball table, fruit infused water and comfy chairs where you can relax in the sunshine. It’s a place where guests enjoy hanging out and relaxing.
My Deluxe Queen room was located on the fourth floor. The bed took up a good portion of the colorful space, but the desk was ideal for spreading out and charging electronics. The balcony didn’t provide much of a view, but made it easy to fill the room with natural light and fresh air. Room 457 is located quite close to the elevator; the noise was notable, so light sleepers should consider requesting a room further down the hallway.
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The bathroom has a single sink, vanity with plenty of space for two, and a spacious walk-in shower. Shampoo, conditioner, and shower gel are provided in large, re-fillable bottles.
The room features a well-stocked minibar with a small amount of refrigerator space for guest use. There is no coffee maker in the room, but complimentary coffee and tea is served near the front desk, 6 am to 9 am on weekdays, and 7-10 am on weekends.
Onsite restaurant, Pacific Hideaway serves daily brunch and dinner alongside a fun cocktail list. (At the very least, you should stop it to get a look at the restaurant’s colorful mural, Frida.) A complimentary wine hour takes place in the lobby every evening from 5-6 pm.
There’s a yoga mat in every room, but the resort gym is worth a visit at some point during your stay. Spacious by hotel standards, along with an assortment of free weights, cardio equipment, and Peloton bike, there’s a climbing wall.
Pets are welcome, free of charge, at Kimpton Shorebreak. Unlike a majority of properties, there are no pet size restrictions.
Kimpton Shorebreak Resort is 20 miles from Disneyland. The closest airport, John Wayne Airport (SNA), is an 11 drive. Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) is nearly 37 miles away.
Rates for a Deluxe Queen room start at $279. The property also charges a daily $35 resort fee that includes beach cruisers, surfboard lockers, nightly s’mores, gym access and more. Valet parking is $35 per night. Wi-Fi is complimentary for IHG® Rewards Club members; it costs $12.99 a day for those not enrolled in the program. Make your reservation directly with the hotel or compare rates at Hotels.com or another online booking site.
Review and photos by San Francisco Bay Area travel writer and television correspondent Dana Rebmann. Her stay was organized by Visit California and Visit Huntington Beach, but as always her thoughts and opinions are her own.
