Aurelia - San Clemente Beach

When we got home, an eight-hour drive away, I unpacked and realized my jewelry bag was missing. It held gold pieces with diamonds, silver pieces, and many of my favorite unusual pieces collected on trips. I estimate the loss at at least $2,000, and I’m heartbroken. I called the hotel, and they said they’d check with the housekeeper. She said she hadn’t seen it, but I’m convinced she took it. We had kept the blue Do Not Disturb tag in the room card slot the whole time, although the hotel knew we’d be away in San Diego on Tuesday. They have a master key that can access every room. I called the OC Sherriff Dept, and they told me to file a report when the San Clemente Police Dept opens Monday. I’ll have to travel back to San Clemente to report it in person, and I don’t expect to see my jewelry again. I’ve never had anything like this happen, and I feel violated. I have no photos to share because the jewelry is gone. Beware, I wouldn’t stay here unless you don’t mind the risk of being stolen from. We stayed four nights, from Saturday, October 18, checking out Wednesday, October 22, 2025. At check-in they demanded cash and a deposit, and also copied my credit card. We also saw a couple of sketchy guys around the property a few times, openly smoking pot one evening and banging on the coke machine. I mentioned it to the man at the front desk, but it didn’t seem to faze him.

He treats guests like they’re criminals, asking for a $250 cash deposit plus ATM fees and taking a copy of your credit card. There’s no customer service. He doesn’t care about your concerns or complaints, and he’ll lie just to get you off his case. It’s ridiculous that he acts so picky while running the hotel into the ground like a slumlord.

The staff, location, and convenience are fantastic. The building is very old and needs an update. The AC units are falling apart, some door keys don’t work, and springs sticking out of the bed can cut you. Aside from those problems, everything else was OK.

The rooms are basic but have what you need: a firm king bed, a table and two chairs, a pair of end tables, plus a small microwave on top of a small fridge. There’s no closet, and the only drawers for clothes are in the end tables. The bathroom and shower sit behind a sliding barn-style door. We had to track down coffee pods and body wash during our stay, and the WiFi isn’t secure. There are four Rodeway networks anyone nearby can use, so I’d bring your own router if you want a private connection. We were told at the glass-enclosed check-in desk that the hotel was under new ownership. It’s branded Rodeway, so don’t count on seeing a Hotel Avenida sign. I still hadn’t seen one by the third night of our five-night stay. If all you need is an affordable bed and bath near the ocean, this place is in a great spot. I’d recommend it as a simple place to sleep and shower before heading out to enjoy the area.