There is a sweet new boutique hotel tucked into the hillside in Dana Pointacross from Capistrano Beach!
El Caminante Bar and Bungalows
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 solda citizen's group talked the city council to selling itto 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 motelbut from there everything was taken down to the studs!
Being an original motelcar parking is in the backwith the cutest dutch door entry!
By modern American standardsthe rooms are quite small size wisebut jam packed with aesthetics and comfort!
If you are a fan of Spanish tileyou are going to adore these bathrooms!
There is another sweet Dutch door in the frontthat leads to the private courtyardwhen you stay on the first floor!
The courtyard has as much square footage as the room itself!Complete with a couch and chairsmade in Mexico.
A gas burning outside fireplace means chilly sunsets can still be warm and cozy!
It's the utilitarian aesthetic detailslike the amazing tile throughout the property that has my designer heart beating fast!
The second floor rooms have unobstructed views of the oceanbut without the private courtyard.I would recommend a bottom floor for the added spaceandthe second floor if you want the better viewwith 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 locationoffering a gorgeous room at a fraction of other mediocre rooms in the area.
My favorite part of El Caminante Bar and Bungalowsis the alfresco dining and drinks!With just a limited menu right nowyou can sit either on the front patio with views of the oceanorin the cozy back patio that is nestled into the hillside.
Still to come is their rooftop patio which will sit above the carportand will offer truly spectacular sunset views!
On property there will also be an Airstreamwhich 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 breakerand only mention it to take into account.
El Caminante Bar and Bungalowsis a wonderful uplifting addition to Dana Point areaI for one can't wait to return!
As always my friends
I wish you love and joyas you style your life