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El Caminante Bar and Bungalows.


 
There is a sweet new boutique hotel 
tucked into the hillside in Dana Point
across from Capistrano Beach!




Featuring 
' Effortless Beachside Luxury '
and 
Al Fresco dining.
All done with timeless Spanish Design!





The best part of this 'new hotel'
is it has been completely reimagined 
from it's former self as a homely motel 
that was so rundown it was number 8 as worst motels in America!

On the block to be torn down and property sold
a citizen's group talked the city council to selling it
to be updated and reimagined!








And updated and reimagined it has been!
With no attention to detail overlooked!

They had to keep the same footprint as the original motel
but from there everything was taken down to the studs!

Being an original motel
car parking is in the back
with the cutest dutch door entry!





By modern American standards
the rooms are quite small size wise
but jam packed with aesthetics and comfort!










If you are a fan of Spanish tile
you are going to adore these bathrooms!





There is another sweet Dutch door in the front
that leads to the private courtyard
when you stay on the first floor!





The courtyard has as much square footage 
as the room itself!
Complete with a couch and chairs
made in Mexico.





A gas burning outside fireplace means chilly sunsets can still be warm and cozy!








It's the utilitarian aesthetic details
like the amazing tile throughout the property 
that has my designer heart beating fast!




The second floor rooms have  unobstructed views of the ocean
but without the private courtyard.
I would recommend a bottom floor for the added space
and
the second floor if you want the better view
with no one walking above you.




The drawback of the property is that it's located across 
busy Pacific Coast Highway.
But the prices to stay are also reflective of the location
offering a gorgeous room at a fraction of other mediocre rooms in the area.





My favorite part of 
is the alfresco dining and drinks!
With just a limited menu right now
you can sit either on the front patio with views of the ocean
or
in the cozy back patio that is nestled into the hillside.

Still to come is their rooftop patio which will sit above the carport
and will offer truly spectacular sunset views!

On property there will also be an Airstream
which will serve morning coffees!








We enjoyed bites and drinks on the front patio.






The food and drink prices were excellent considering the outstanding aesthetics.

A glitch might be finding a parking place for the bar as the hotel has limited parking for guests.
There is ample public parking across the street complete with a pedestrian bridge.
But be forewarned there is no sidewalk currently in front of the property.
( I think that's a question for the city)

I definitely don't think the parking situation is a deal breaker
and 
only mention it to take into account.

is a wonderful  uplifting addition to Dana Point area
I for one can't wait to return!



As always my friends

I wish you love and joy
as you style your life








2 comments:

  1. Looks WONDERFUL!Im thinking of heading down that way in August/September ! A great find!
    Thanks for sharing!
    Xxx

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Oh I hope we get to meet up this time when you're down! I'd love to have you over for lunch or dinner my friend! XOX

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