Greer's OC | The latest in Orange County fashion, dining, and trends.

Hotel Maya Celebrates 50 Years as a Long Beach Icon

By Greer Wylder

July 27, 2025

This summer marks a major milestone for one of Long Beach’s most beloved waterfront landmarks. Hotel Maya, now newly independent, is celebrating its 50th anniversary—a half-century of hospitality that blends coastal California charm with Latin American influence.Since opening in 1975 as the Queensbay Hilton, the 199-room resort has become much more than a hotel. Nestled on 14 lush acres with sweeping views of the Pacific Ocean, the downtown Long Beach skyline, and the Queen Mary, Hotel Maya has welcomed generations of travelers and locals alike. Over the years, it has been the setting for weekend getaways, business retreats, and unforgettable…

Hotel del Coronado Unveils Restored Victorian Building

By Greer Wylder

July 16, 2025

The iconic Hotel del Coronado has completed the restoration of its legendary Victorian building, marking the final chapter in a $550 million revitalization led by Blackstone Real Estate.The transformation includes refreshed Victorian guest rooms, updated event spaces—including the historic Crown Room—and the return of the hotel’s original garden courtyard, complete with the recreated Naiad Queen Fountain.Two new dining destinations also debuted: Veranda, a coastal California concept inspired by the hotel’s original wraparound porch, and Nobu Del Coronado, blending Chef Nobu Matsuhisa’s signature cuisine with oceanfront views and modern elegance.This milestone caps off years of enhancements across the property, from new…

Studio Mediterranean Debuts at Montage Laguna Beach with Reimagined Coastal Dining Experience

By Greer Wylder

July 12, 2025

Studio, the signature restaurant at Montage Laguna Beach, has reopened as Studio Mediterranean—offering a fresh culinary and design identity inspired by the purity of Mediterranean ingredients and California’s coastal bounty.Perched cliffside with panoramic views of the Pacific, Studio Mediterranean blends the elegance of fine dining with the relaxed spirit of the seaside. The seasonal menu highlights responsibly sourced seafood from Greece, Spain, Italy and the California coast, along with fresh produce from regional farms such as The Ecology Center in San Juan Capistrano and Sam Cobb Date Farm in Desert Hot Springs.Leading the kitchen is Executive Chef Dennis Efthymiou, a…

Surf & Sand, Laguna Beach Unveils Property-wide Transformation

By Greer Wylder

June 22, 2025

Truly one of the most special hotels in Orange County, the Surf & Sand in Laguna Beach, an iconic oceanfront resort, has completed its highly anticipated property-wide transformation, unveiling redesigned guest rooms and suites, a striking new lobby and lounge, refreshed dining and spa experiences, and upgraded conference and event spaces.The reimagined Surf & Sand highlights one of Southern California’s most picturesque stretches of coastline, with panoramic ocean views featured throughout the resort.The redesigned 165 guest rooms and suites each feature private balconies with sweeping Pacific views. The new look emphasizes light-filled spaces with custom furnishings, Italian marble finishes, and…

A Catalina Day Trip: Ocean Views, Island History, and Memorable Stops

By Greer Wylder

May 21, 2025

We recently took a day trip to Catalina Island, and we’re already looking forward to our next visit. With sweeping ocean views, fascinating local history, and a true sense of escape just an hour from the mainland, this island getaway delivered from start to finish.Getting There: Catalina ExpressWe started the day with Catalina Express, departing from the Downtown Long Beach terminal. The ride to Avalon takes about an hour, and we upgraded to the Commodore Lounge—which was absolutely worth it. With priority check-in and boarding, roomy leather-trimmed seats, panoramic windows, and a complimentary beverage and snack, it was an easy…