Why The Waterfront Beach Resort, a Hilton Hotel is Officially My New Favorite OC Staycation Spot

One thing I love more than vacationing? Staycationing. The reason being is that most of us on a daily basis focus on venturing off somewhere else without even really acknowledging that there are really unique, unparalleled experiences closer than you think.

I recently stayed at The Waterfront Beach Resort, a Hilton Hotel in Huntington Beach and was absolutely blown away at not only how stunning the resort was, but at all of the impressive amenities, genuinely great hospitality and awesome things that the hotel had to offer in the heart of Huntington Beach! It’s a luxury hotel that effortlessly exudes that SoCal vibe we all cannot get enough of.

The resort is beach-luxe, as I’d like to describe it. The walls of the hotel are decked with surfboards, murals of banana palm leaves and the entire hotel radiates with natural sunlight. Not to mention I have a newfound obsession with Offshore 9, the latest addition to the exciting renovations that have taken place at the oceanfront resort. The Waterfront has seriously stolen my heart and is officially my new favorite OC staycation spot. Here’s why…

THE SUITE

I was so blown away when I first walked into my room - I had an oceanfront suite with a wrap around balcony! The views were to dieeeee for!!! I literally felt like I was on an island. The room was super spacious with such fun notes of the ultimate California cool vibe. From the crisp decor, colorful accents and nautical white shutters, it really makes you feel like you’re completely immersed in all the highlights of California in one space.

THE PERFECT PLACE FOR MEETINGS AND EVENTS

When walking around the hotel, I couldn’t believe how much there was on the property that is offered to guests. Not only can you stay there with friends and family, but it’s also a truly beautiful spot for meetings, events and even weddings! As someone who has a professional background in events, I absolutely loved this and immediately started envisioning all of the stunning events that could be had at the resort outside with the unparalleled view of the palm trees, sunset and the ocean. With such a large, yet intimate space it really makes for a one of a kind event location that would bring any vision come to life.

DRIFT SPA

The most relaxing experience that quite honestly “drifts” you away into a relaxing oasis. From the moment I stepped into Drift Spa, I was given a warm welcome and asked to pick out a special shell from the giant clam shell bowl that I was drawn to. I took a moment to meditate on it and set my intention for my journey at the spa - so cool! Once I was done and began my experience inside, I brought the shell with me along the way. I had the most amazing, relaxing facial.

Drift Spa’s revitalizing facials soothe and brighten tired skin, cleanse your pores, conquer fine lines, and nourishes your skin from the inside out. The spa uses marine-infused ingredients for a refreshing glow - love! To seal in the results, I spent some time in the Himalayan Sea Salt Sauna! This was a truly life changing experience. Himalayan salt has so many benefits and you really do feel lighter and more refreshed even after just one session. It was the perfect way to conclude the whole experience and set the tone for the rest of my stay. This is the first hotel I’ve been to that has a Himalayan Sea Salt Sauna (and the only one that I know of in the area) so definitely put this on your must-do list when you stay here.

OFFSHORE 9 ROOFTOP LOUNGE

Offshore 9 is located on the 9th floor atop the new Twin Dolphin Tower and boasts full panoramic views of the Orange County coastline paired with hand crafted cocktails and delicious bites. There is no doubt in my mind that this is going to be THE hotspot for the summer. The rooftop menu features coastal-inspired farm to table dishes including Seared Ahi Tuna, Seared Scallops, Cheese and Charcuterie Boards, the Offshore PB&J with Chipotle Strawberry Jelly, and more.

I fell in LOVE with the mouthwatering Duck Fat Roasted Almonds (the perfect app) and the Devil Went Down to Mexico cocktail: Serrano & basil-infused Blanco, Casamigos Mezcal, fruit rouges, lime, agave, black sea salt and tajin. I really loved how inventive everything was and how the selections were undeniably satisfying in the most delightful way.

Between the impeccably breathtaking view (at sunset it was just phenomenal), the yummy bites and my to-die-for cocktail, I was in absolute heaven. Offshore 9 really is the perfect spot to wind down and soak in the beautiful ambiance.

HENRY’S RESTAURANT

Introducing… Henry’s! The Waterfront Beach Resort, a Hilton Hotel, finally unveils a new oceanfront fine-dining venue, Henry’s Restaurant, as the latest installment in the award-winning property’s mega-expansion. Opening soon! Henry’s Restaurant will offer a premier culinary adventure through locally-inspired farm to table creations by Chef de Cuisine Kenny Seliger. Situated steps from the sand, the new dining outlet will showcase innovative seasonal menus with a range of land and sea options, accompanied by an extensive California-centric wine selection. I was lucky enough to test out a few items from the new menu before the restaurants opening, and I can genuinely say I was so impressed. With every dish, you could just taste the creativity, passion and dedication in every mouthwatering bite.

Signature dishes will include Mussels on the Rocks with a Bok Choy Puree, Sustainable Kanpachi Bowl with Omega Blue Kanpachi Sashimi and House-made Kimchi, Burrata and Asparagus with Almond Pumpernickel Soil, New York Steak (PS - this is THE steak you need to try. It comes with 3 insanely delicious seasonings- my favorite being the Black Sea salt) or Mangalitsa Pork Chop with Fresh Wasabi Root and Black Sea Salt, and Testaroli Pasta with a Cream of Kale Sauce. End the meal with decadent desserts such as Milk Chocolate Mousse with a Caramel Filling or Pomegranate Mousse with Chocolate Crumble.

THE AREA

As if the resort isn’t incredible enough, it’s actually walking distance from the beach, the Huntington Beach Pier and Pacific City (the ultimate for waterfront shopping, dining and entertainment). There is truly nothing like the Orange County Coastline, and the resort has by far some of the best views of it I’ve ever seen. Just few moments of walking outside could land you 1,850 feet into the Pacific Ocean on the iconic Huntington Beach Pier, one of the longest recreational piers on the West Coast. Some other fun destinations in close proximity are the International Surfing Museum and the Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve. The options are endless!

The Waterfront Beach Resort is hands down a local gem with so many impressive aspects that culminate to one incomparable experience. The hotel offers so much more than just a place to stay, but a true escape into a SoCal utopia all in one place. The hotel incorporates the best elements of SoCal and makes it its own with luxury, beauty, California cool accents, fabulous hospitality and a true understanding of how to give its guests the ultimate stand-out SoCal stay.

Photo Credit: The Waterfront Beach Resort Hotel, a Hilton Hotel