KSL Capital Partners has acquired The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel, bringing the 373-room Dana Point resort into its hospitality investment portfolio following a major refurbishment. The transaction price has not been disclosed.
CoStar reported that the sale closed on 23 October. The Orange County Business Journal identified Strategic Hotels & Resorts as the seller. The property continues to be presented to guests under The Ritz-Carlton brand.
KSL acquisition follows refurbishment
The sale comes after a US$50 million renovation completed in 2025, according to the Orange County Business Journal. The work was unveiled in October last year, rather than being a new investment announced by the buyer.
The renovation reduced the room count from 396 to 373 as accommodation was reconfigured. It also introduced ten two-bedroom suites and refreshed the Club Lounge and spa, giving the incoming owner a property with recently updated guest facilities.
The hotel’s own website confirms the redesigned rooms and suites and the ten two-bedroom suite offering. Its current presentation emphasises ocean views, outdoor living features and a design drawing on Southern California and Spanish architectural influences.
Design rooted in the coast
Wimberly Interiors, part of WATG, worked on the accommodation and Club Lounge redesign. The design practice describes a coastal palette, warm timber finishes and a response to the resort’s Mission-style architecture.
That approach connects the refurbishment with the building’s existing identity rather than presenting it as a wholesale change of brand. The investment has altered the room mix as well as the visual character of the interiors.
The resort occupies a bluff above Salt Creek Beach in Dana Point, with views over the Pacific Ocean. Its existing offer combines accommodation with restaurants, spa facilities and spaces for meetings, weddings and other events.
An estimate is not the purchase price
Reporting about the transaction has included an estimate of approximately US$600 million from Atlas Hospitality Group president Alan Reay. The Orange County Register reported Reay’s assessment; neither buyer nor seller has disclosed the consideration paid.
CoStar said KSL declined to comment on the deal. No new capital expenditure programme has been announced alongside the ownership change.
Related reading
Source notes
- CoStar, 28 October 2026: transaction and closing date
- Orange County Business Journal: buyer and seller
- Orange County Business Journal, November 2025: renovation
- WATG: renovation design
- The Ritz-Carlton: current property and suite details
- Orange County Register: Alan Reay’s estimate, not a disclosed transaction price
