The Heartfelt Battle for Heritage: Mo Honarkar's Commitment to Hotel Laguna

In the center of town sits the historic Hotel Laguna, a landmark that has graced Laguna’s shoreline – and tourist shop postcards – for over a century. Today, the coastal icon is in the midst of a heartfelt battle led by local businessman and philanthropist Mohammad Honarkar, or “Mo,” as the locals call him. His struggle goes beyond personal interests or business affairs; it's a fight for the soul of Laguna Beach. 

Simply put, Mo lives and breathes Hotel Laguna, so much so that he has put his entire real estate investment portfolio on the line to see his vision become a reality. 

Born in Iran, Mo has called Laguna home for over 45 years. His deep affection for the town is evident not just in his words but in his actions. Since selling his company, 4G Ventures in 2016, he has spent years building and renovating local mainstays such as The Hive, Seven-Degrees, Terra, 14 West, the Royal Hawaiian, and a number of luxury apartments, nurturing a unique appreciation for Laguna’s heritage and a strong desire to protect it.

However, it was Hotel Laguna that became the focus of Mo's vision as he saw the potential to restore the historic establishment to its former glory. His dream went beyond mere business – it was about preserving the charm of a bygone era, about creating a space that served as a testament to Laguna's rich history. 

While the hotel sat vacant for years and many investors spoke about taking on the task, Mo was the one to step up, put his money where his mouth is, and tackle the battles head on.

And the fruits of his labor are evident. 

Hotel Laguna went from being an eyesore in the heart of downtown, to a revitalized hotspot that hosts two restaurants, Larsen and Fin, which stand as some of the swankiest and expansive beachfront dining areas in all of Orange County. While not yet open as a hotel, the lobby and restaurants alone have become a hotspot for tourists and locals alike, ushering in a new era of elegance and charm.

The path to restoring Hotel Laguna, however, has been fraught with challenges and media fodder. A legal complaint lodged by Mo reveals the extent of these obstacles. A lender, who was also a business partner, has allegedly engaged in illegal actions that now threaten Mo's vast property portfolio. Initially seen as a supportive collaborator, the partner has turned adversarial, potentially undermining Mo's efforts for his own benefit.

And the struggle extends beyond this legal dispute. Narratives within the local community have also thwarted Mo's efforts. These sentiments have posed significant roadblocks, making it difficult for individuals like Mo to drive positive change.

Yet, in the face of adversity and as the legal battle unfolds publicly, Mo remains undeterred and continues to advocate for his vision. His dedication to his community and enduring love for the historic hotel stand testament to his character as he fights for justice.

His journey is a compelling reminder of the intricate dance between preserving history and navigating the complexities of modern business and city politics. 

Mo Honarkar's saga is more than just a business dispute; it's a story about the heart and soul of a community, a tale of a man willing to risk it all to protect the heritage of the town he loves. His efforts have already begun to resurrect the charm and elegance of Hotel Laguna – which, now more than ever, stands as a beacon of hope for our future.