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

by Anthony Losanno
Residence Inn San Juan Capistrano 1

Advertiser & Editorial Disclosure: The Bulkhead Seat earns an affiliate commission for anyone approved through the links below. This compensation may impact how and where links appear on this site. We work to provide the best publicly available offers to our readers. We frequently update them, but this site does not include all available offers. Opinions, reviews, analyses & recommendations are the author’s alone, and have not been reviewed, endorsed, or approved by any of these entities.

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.

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.

Residence Inn San Juan Capistrano Rate

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.

Residence Inn San Juan Capistrano Map

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.

Residence Inn San Juan Capistrano 2

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.

Residence Inn San Juan Capistrano 3

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

Residence Inn San Juan Capistrano 4

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

Residence Inn San Juan Capistrano 5

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

Residence Inn San Juan Capistrano 6

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

Residence Inn San Juan Capistrano 7

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.

Residence Inn San Juan Capistrano 8

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

Residence Inn San Juan Capistrano 9

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.

Residence Inn San Juan Capistrano 10

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

Residence Inn San Juan Capistrano 11

Studio, 1 King, Sofa Bed (124)

There are 130 suites at the hotel.

Residence Inn San Juan Capistrano 12

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

Residence Inn San Juan Capistrano 13

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

Residence Inn San Juan Capistrano 14

Pots and pans

Residence Inn San Juan Capistrano 15

Glasses and mugs

Residence Inn San Juan Capistrano 16

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

Residence Inn San Juan Capistrano 17

A small table and chairs were next to the refrigerator.

Residence Inn San Juan Capistrano 18

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

Residence Inn San Juan Capistrano 19

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

Residence Inn San Juan Capistrano 20

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

Residence Inn San Juan Capistrano 26

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.

Residence Inn San Juan Capistrano 21

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.

Residence Inn San Juan Capistrano 24

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

Residence Inn San Juan Capistrano 22

The shower was fine with good water pressure and temperature.

Residence Inn San Juan Capistrano 25

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

Residence Inn San Juan Capistrano 23

The toilet was rather close to the shower.

Residence Inn San Juan Capistrano 27

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.

Residence Inn San Juan Capistrano 28

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.

Residence Inn San Juan Capistrano 29

The fire pit was close to my room.

Residence Inn San Juan Capistrano 30

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

Residence Inn San Juan Capistrano 31

A basketball court was next to the grills.

Residence Inn San Juan Capistrano 32

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

Residence Inn San Juan Capistrano 33

An ATM was located across the hall.

Residence Inn San Juan Capistrano 34

 

Residence Inn San Juan Capistrano 35

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

Residence Inn San Juan Capistrano 36

It offered towels and water.

Residence Inn San Juan Capistrano 37

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 that I can redeem at any Marriott hotel with a redemption level at or under 85,000 Marriott Bonvoy® points. Rates & fees. Terms apply.

User Generated Content Disclosure: The Bulkhead Seat encourages constructive discussions, comments, and questions. Responses are not provided by or commissioned by any bank advertisers. These responses have not been reviewed, approved, or endorsed by the bank advertiser. It is not the responsibility of the bank advertiser to respond to comments.

Advertiser & Editorial Disclosure: The Bulkhead Seat earns an affiliate commission for anyone approved through the links above This compensation may impact how and where links appear on this site. We work to provide the best publicly available offers to our readers. We frequently update them, but this site does not include all available offers. Opinions, reviews, analyses & recommendations are the author’s alone, and have not been reviewed, endorsed, or approved by any of these entities.

1 comment

Patrick February 27, 2024 - 12:17 pm

I’ve stayed there several times as I have family in the area. A few notables that you failed to mention (or maybe I just missed)
1. Parking is not free
2. There can be train noise depending on what side of the hotel you are staying on.
3. There is a Costco less than a mile away
4. The beach is only about 5 minutes away.

Reply

Leave a Comment

Related Articles