Hotel: Waldorf Astoria Monarch Beach, Dana Point, CA , 3/10-11, 2023
Room Booked: Resort View, King Bed (two rooms)
Rate: $657 (25% percent discount, and believe it or not, least expensive rate I could find by far, even with various Hilton corporate code eligibility - so with various FHR credits, a very good comparative value)
Early Check-in: Not used
Late Checkout: Not used, added additional night via FHR to previously booked 2-night award stays. This was a last second decision, otherwise would have booked FHR for last night instead of first.
Upgrade: One level to Pool View, but this was a Friday night (also Hilton Honors Diamond status but I don't think that means much today). Since facility is a fair distance from ocean across PCH, ocean view not that significant.
$100 Food & Beverage Credit: Yes. Offered as resort credit but cannot be used for retail purchases. Used for both rooms at Michael Mina- Bourbon Steak. We and my parents were quite pleased with this restaurant, though it is LOUD.
Breakfast: $80 per room. Used for light stuff and non alcoholic beverages at sundry store since previous night's dinner was a bit rich. Was surprisingly very easy to spend $160 there on snacks.
Comment: $55 daily resort fee/ $70 night for valet parking. Valet parking was very efficient.