Hotel Review: Residence Inn by Marriott Dana Point San Juan Capistrano

I had to be in San Juan Capistrano last week for some offsite meetings in my company’s California office. I had never been to San Juan Capistrano, but it’s quite lush and beautiful with Spanish Mission style buildings throughout the area. The Residence Inn by Marriott Dana Point San Juan Capistrano is a short distance from my office and worked well for the two nights I was there.

Anthony’s Take: I was pleasantly surprised at how nice this property was and all that it offered. As mentioned, the location was perfect for my office, but it’s also good if you’re looking for a quiet place to relax. The hotel has a pool, fire pit, outdoor grills, and more. I liked the decor and it did not feel like other Residence Inns.

Booking

The room was booked on a rate that my company had negotiated. It was actually the same as the Member Rate Flexible and cost $175 per night. If you’re looking to redeem Marriott Bonvoy® points here, redemptions cost between 23,200 and 46,000 points per night.

Transportation to/from the Hotel

I took an Uber Comfort from the airport to the hotel. It was late and Ubers were surging. The 23-mile drive took around 27 minutes and cost $132. On the way back to the airport, the time was around the same but the Uber Comfort cost around $56.

Location

The hotel is located close to many stores and restaurants. You can also get to the charming downtown area with just a short ride. I found a Starbucks about a mile away and was happy to have one nearby.

Check-in

I arrived around 11:00 PM and my room was ready. The agent told me that no upgrades were available and asked if I needed a late checkout (I did not). There were several larger suites for sale, but I did not feel like arguing. He told me my room had a nice patio and that I would like it. I chose 500 Marriott Bonvoy® points as my welcome amenity (the other choice was an item from the market). The agent printed my keys and I was on my way to the room a moment later. I can’t remember the last time I stayed on the ground floor of a hotel.

The lobby is open, but feels cozy thanks to several fireplaces and the way that the seating is arranged.

I liked the seats directly across from the check-in desks.

It all had a rustic feel to it. Complimentary water was found here.

One fireplace (it was too warm for it to be on).

The back of the lobby held the dining area where the complimentary breakfast is served. I was not present either day of my stay for breakfast, so I can’t comment on the quality or variety offered.

There are plenty of tables available to accommodate a good number of guests.

Elevators were to the right of the check-in desks. I didn’t need to use them because my room was on the same floor as the lobby.

My room was down the hallway across from reception. The hall was clean and well maintained.

Studio, 1 King, Sofa Bed (124)

There are 130 suites at the hotel.

The suite opens with a kitchenette to the left. It has a dishwasher, microwave, range, and refrigerator.

The cabinets were filled with a random collection of cooking tools and dishes.

Pots and pans

Glasses and mugs

The microwave was full size, but the range had only two burners.

A small table and chairs were next to the refrigerator.

The living room area was to the right. It held a couch and armchair as well as a desk.

The room was bisected by the TV. It served as separation between the living room and bedroom area.

The bedroom was across from the living area. It held a king-sized bed and two end tables.

A closet was to the left of the bathroom door. It held blankets, an iron and ironing board, and some hangers. The room did not have a safe.

The bathroom was to the left when facing the bed. It held a vanity with lots of counter space, a glassed-in shower, and a toilet.

A bar of soap and two makeup remover wipes were near the sink.

The shower was fine with good water pressure and temperature.

Shampoo, conditioner, and body wash were in large bottles mounted in the shower.

The toilet was rather close to the shower.

The patio was accessible from the living room. My only complaint was that it was close to the common areas without much separation. It had two chairs and a small table.

Public Areas & Amenities

The hotel lobby is where you’ll find most of the amenities. On this floor, there is a 24-hour mini market, guest laundry, fitness center, outdoor pool, barbecue grills, fire pit, and more.

The fire pit was close to my room.

I like that there are grills for longer-term guests who wish to cook outdoors.

A basketball court was next to the grills.

The mini market is located next to reception. It offered snacks, drinks, some frozen meals, other food, and sundries.

An ATM was located across the hall.

The fitness center was down the left hallway. It wasn’t large, but adequate.

It offered towels and water.

Coin operated laundry machines were also available for guest use.

Overall Impression: The Residence Inn by Marriott Dana Point San Juan Capistrano is a fine choice if you need to be in the area. I was surprised at how nice I found the property. Housekeeping forgot to service my room, but the front desk quickly gave me towels upon my request. I love the outdoor area in the back with the pool and fire pit. It was quiet during my visit and a nice place to relax.

Anthony’s Credit Card Pick: When I’m staying at a Marriott hotel, I want to maximize my points earned. My card of choice is the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant^® American Express^® Card. With it, I earn six Marriott Bonvoy® points for each dollar spent at hotels participating in the Marriott Bonvoy® program. It also includes up to $300 statement credits per calendar year (up to $25 per month ) for dining in restaurants worldwide. Plus, a free night award every year after my card renewal month that I can redeem at any Marriott hotel with a redemption level at or under 85,000 Marriott Bonvoy^® points. Learn more. For rates and fees of the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant^® American Express^® Card, please visit here. Terms apply.

Terms apply to American Express benefits and offers. Enrollment may be required for select American Express benefits and offers. Visit americanexpress.com to learn more. Opinions, reviews, analyses & recommendations are the author’s alone, and have not been reviewed, endorsed or approved by any of these entities.