Marriott International and Aimbridge Hospitality to Transform Dana Point Resort Into JW Marriott Property

DANA POINT, Calif. — JW Marriott, part of Marriott International, and Aimbridge Hospitality announced Sept. 14 that the Laguna Cliffs Marriott Resort & Spa in Dana Point, California, will undergo a multi-million-dollar transformation and emerge as The Ocean Cliffs at Dana Point, a JW Marriott Resort. The phased renovation will reposition the blufftop coastal property through expanded event facilities, a new resort pool, a signature restaurant, and redesigned guest and public spaces aligned with JW Marriott's luxury brand standards.

The resort, located at 25135 Park Lantern above Dana Point Harbor and adjacent to Lantern Bay Park, has operated as a full-service coastal resort for nearly four decades. Aimbridge Hospitality continues as the property's operator under the new JW Marriott flag.

Renovation Scope and Design Vision

The transformation will introduce a new 6,000-square-foot ballroom and an expanded multi-acre event lawn repositioned adjacent to the existing Richard Henry Dana Ballroom, increasing the property's capacity to host larger groups and multiple simultaneous events. A new central resort pool, designed to maximize Pacific Ocean views, will serve as a social hub complemented by locally inspired food and beverage offerings and refreshed lounge areas.

The arrival experience will be redesigned, with a refined entry drive and porte cochere intended to establish a sense of coastal luxury upon approach. The lobby will connect through dining spaces to an expansive ocean-view deck, while pre-function meeting areas will be reimagined as indoor-outdoor environments. A signature chef-driven restaurant is also planned as part of the renovation.

Global hospitality design firms HKS and ROAM are leading the redesign, drawing on Dana Point's coastal heritage, its historic Lantern District, and the area's surf culture to reinterpret the property's Victorian-era architecture with a contemporary luxury aesthetic. Standout design elements include classic millwork, curated art pieces, and ocean-inspired accents throughout the resort. The property's 371 guest rooms will receive soft refreshes reflecting the reimagined coastal design palette.

Family-oriented amenities — including a recently renovated family pool area, cabana rentals, a Kid's Club, and a Splash Zone — will be retained, with new locally inspired programming added for multigenerational guests.

Ben Ly on the Property's New Chapter

Ben Ly, General Manager of The Ocean Cliffs at Dana Point, a JW Marriott Resort, framed the renovation as a response to the broader evolution underway in Dana Point.

"For nearly 40 years, this storied property has stood as a beacon overlooking Dana Point Harbor, calling both locals home and visitors to our shores to experience the quintessential Southern California coastal lifestyle," Ly said. "This renovation evolves the resort to be in tune with the rising tide here in Dana Point, complete with a refreshed design, new destination-style resort pool, a prominent signature restaurant concept, engaging experiences, and larger gathering spaces catering to both visiting guests and locals alike."

Strategic Positioning and Market Context

The rebrand moves the property from Marriott's upper-upscale tier into the JW Marriott luxury portfolio, a shift that supports higher average daily rates and a richer mix of group, leisure, and social event business. JW Marriott operates more than 95 hotels across more than 30 countries and territories, with a brand identity centered on wellness, experiential design, and mindful hospitality.

The timing of the renovation aligns explicitly with the ongoing redevelopment of Dana Point Harbor, a multi-phase project that includes new retail, restaurants, and marina improvements. The Ocean Cliffs property sits on the blufftop directly above the harbor, positioning it to capture incremental demand as the harbor district redevelopment delivers. The resort also offers walkable proximity to Doheny State Beach.

Long established as one of Orange County's primary destinations for meetings, weddings, and special events, the property's new 6,000-square-foot ballroom and expanded event lawn are designed to strengthen its competitive position in the regional group and social events market. The renovation represents a capital-expenditure repositioning of an existing asset rather than a change of ownership, with Aimbridge Hospitality remaining as operator.

About the Companies

Marriott International is a global lodging company with a portfolio spanning multiple brands across the luxury, premium, and select-service segments. JW Marriott is part of Marriott's luxury brand portfolio. Aimbridge Hospitality is a global hospitality management company operating properties across more than 80 lodging brands. Additional information on the renovated resort is available at oceancliffsresort.com.