St. Regis Monarch Beach ONE MONARCH BEACH RESORT DRIVE DANA POINT, CALIFORNIA 92629 Property Type: Hotel, Guest rooms: 400   If you compare this beautiful resort to Bacara in Santa Barbara County, the look and feel is somewhat similar, though there are major differences. While Bacara has the beach on site, St. Regis has the Monarch Beach Golf Links course on site, with each property offering the other amenity equal distance or close to it. (Sandpiper Golf Course is next door to Bacara).   Both offer drive up valet service with St. Regis providing a huge, spacious entry that's incredibly grand. Massive  fountains provide a larger than life feel. The lobby is dark and intimate and highlights the views further on in the restaurants, lounges and patio overlooking the Pacific Ocean.  An interesting trend is lounges where people relax, talk and eat in a nontraditional manner. We saw this at the new Bar / Lounge in The Lodge at Torrey Pines and we likewise, saw three different groups of people eating food in lounge areas, while sitting in relaxing lounge chairs in St. Regis.    St. Regis decor is more formal than Bacara. It feels more like a county club while Bacara offers "beach outside the door" appeal.  St. Regis offers a botanical garden with several statues befitting the Huntington Library in San Marino.  What a contrast to see a classic bust perched on a hill above the greens and numerous sand traps of the Monarch Links Golf Course! For those who love beauty, art, flowers and golf, the setting combines and immortalizes the elements. It's not your typical golf course overview.    There's a beach path with golf carts that transport guests regularly to the beach.  In one location, there are also signs warning guests to beware of flying objects (golf balls).    All in all, St. Regis did a fine job of creating a look and feel to match the price of its accommodations. Considered one of the most exclusive properties in Orange County, frequent business travelers, Asians and Europeans and those with money to spend don't mind paying a bit more for the serene and elegant surroundings. As you might guess, the other property across Coast Highway is not taking this new competition lightly. The 5 star Ritz Carlton experienced a recent renovation.    Features and Amenities of SAINT REGIS MONARCH BEACH Express Check-out Heated Pool & Hot Tub on site Meeting Facilities Business Center Facilities Laundry/Valet Service Tour Desk/Concierge Air Conditioned Rooms AM/FM Clock/Radio, Data Ports Hair Dryer In Rooms Voice Mail, Cable Television Bar/Lounge on site Restaurant on site Golf and Tennis on site Fitness Center on site Most Rooms with Ocean Views DVD/CD Player with Library High Speed Internet Access, Web TV 30,000 sq.ft. Monarch Spa Access to Private Beach ClubsArea Attractions around SAINT REGIS MONARCH BEACH Located along the Pacific Coast Highway Disneyland, Universal Studios, Knotts Berry Farm, Catalina Island - via ferry from Dana Point Harbor   Restaurants nearby SAINT REGIS MONARCH BEACH    Aqua (4 Star) - on premises    Chianti - on premises    Club 19 - on premises    Monarch Bay Club - on premises    Pool Bar and Grill - on premises    The Crust & The Wine Cellar -on premises   Meeting Facilities at SAINT REGIS MONARCH BEACH Description of Meeting Rooms: Over 30,000 sq.ft. including 12,000 sq.ft. Ballroom, High Speed Internet Access & State-of-the-Art Audio/Video Equipment