Montage Laguna Beach

VIP Access

Choose dates to view prices

Where to?

Dates

March 2026

April 2026

Creator video - submitted by Two Outsiders Favorites

3 outdoor pools, pool cabanas (surcharge), pool umbrellas

Overview
Rooms
Location
Policies

Exceptional

Popular amenities

Hot tub
Pet-friendly
Free Wi-Fi
Restaurant

Explore the area

30801 South Coast Highway, Laguna Beach, CA, 92651

Place, Treasure Island Beach
‪1 min walk‬
Place, Victoria Beach
‪10 min walk‬
Place, Aliso Beach
‪10 min walk‬
Airport, Orange County, CA (SNA-John Wayne)
‪30 min drive‬

Curated for quality and service, VIP Access stays consistently receive our highest guest ratings.

Expect exceptional service
Extra savings and perks for BONUS+ members

Learn more about VIP Access

Room options

Egyptian cotton sheets, premium bedding, down duvets, pillow-top beds

Horizon View King

Exceptional

Partial ocean view
46 sq m
Sleeps 3
1 King Bed

Ocean View King

Very good

Ocean view
46 sq m
Sleeps 3
1 King Bed

Deluxe Ocean View King

Exceptional

Ocean view
46 sq m
Sleeps 3
1 King Bed

Horizon View Queen Queen

Exceptional

Partial ocean view
46 sq m
Sleeps 4
2 Queen Beds

Ocean View Queen Queen

Ocean view
46 sq m
Sleeps 4
2 Queen Beds

Deluxe Ocean View Queen Queen

Very good

Ocean view
46 sq m
Sleeps 4
2 Queen Beds

Horizon View King Suite

Partial ocean view
93 sq m
Sleeps 4
1 King Bed and 1 Double Sofa Bed

Ocean View King Suite

Ocean view
93 sq m
Sleeps 4
1 King Bed and 1 Double Sofa Bed

Deluxe Ocean View King Suite

Ocean view
93 sq m
Sleeps 4
1 King Bed and 1 Double Sofa Bed

Aliso Suite

Ocean view
111 sq m
Sleeps 4
1 King Bed and 1 Double Sofa Bed

Catalina Suite

Ocean view
260 sq m
Sleeps 4
1 King Bed and 1 Double Sofa Bed

Horizon View King Bungalow Suite

Ocean view
93 sq m
Sleeps 4
1 King Bed and 1 Double Sofa Bed

Deluxe Ocean View King Bungalow Suite

Ocean view
93 sq m
Sleeps 4
1 King Bed and 1 Double Sofa Bed

Sunset Suite

Partial ocean view
130 sq m
Sleeps 5
1 King Bed and 1 Double Sofa Bed

Villa Du Couchant

Partial ocean view
279 sq m
3 bedrooms
Sleeps 8
1 Queen Bed and 2 King Beds

Villa Du Soleil

Partial ocean view
279 sq m
3 bedrooms
Sleeps 8
2 King Beds and 1 Queen Bed

Villa Menton

Ocean view
279 sq m
3 bedrooms
Sleeps 8
2 King Beds, 2 Queen Beds and 1 Double Bunk Bed

Deluxe Ocean View Accessible Queen Queen

Ocean view
46 sq m
Sleeps 4
2 Queen Beds

Deluxe Ocean View Queen Queen Bungalow

Ocean view
46 sq m
Sleeps 4
2 Queen Beds

Villa La Mer

Ocean view
279 sq m
3 bedrooms
Sleeps 10
1 King Bed and 4 Queen Beds

Villa La Ciel

Ocean view
279 sq m
3 bedrooms
Sleeps 8
1 King Bed and 3 Queen Beds

Ocean View Accessible King

Ocean view
46 sq m
Sleeps 3
1 King Bed

Ocean View Queen Queen Bungalow

Ocean view
46 sq m
Sleeps 4
2 Queen Beds

Ocean View Accessible Queen Queen Bungalow

Ocean view
46 sq m
Sleeps 4
2 Queen Beds

Founders Suite

Ocean view
212 sq m
Sleeps 7
1 King Bed, 2 Queen Beds and 1 Double Sofa Bed

Horizon View Queen Queen Bungalow

Partial ocean view
46 sq m
Sleeps 4
2 Queen Beds

Villa La Cote

Ocean view
279 sq m
3 bedrooms
Sleeps 8
2 King Beds and 1 Double Bunk Bed

Ocean View King Bungalow Suite

Ocean view
93 sq m
Sleeps 4
1 King Bed and 1 Double Sofa Bed

Similar properties

Breakfast, lunch, dinner served; local cuisine, sea views

Pool
Hot tub
Spa
Pet-friendly

includes taxes & fees

17 Mar - 18 Mar

About this property

Montage Laguna Beach

Catch some rays at the beach or spend the day relaxing at Montage Laguna Beach's full-service spa. Then enjoy a meal at one of the hotel's 3 restaurants.

Montage Laguna Beach offers 258 air-conditioned accommodations with DVD players and minibars. Rooms open to balconies. Pillowtop beds feature Egyptian cotton sheets, down duvets and premium bedding. A pillow menu is available. 55-inch LCD televisions come with premium digital channels, first-run films and video game consoles. Bathrooms include a separate bath and shower with a deep soaking bath, bathrobes, slippers and designer toiletries.

This Laguna Beach hotel provides complimentary wired and wireless Internet access. Business-friendly amenities include desks and desk chairs, as well as telephones; free local calls are provided (restrictions may apply). Additionally, rooms include laptop-compatible safes and espresso makers. In-room massages and hypo-allergenic bedding can be requested. A nightly turndown service is provided and housekeeping is offered on a daily basis.

3 outdoor swimming pools and 2 hot tubs are on site. In addition to a kids' pool, other recreational amenities include a health club and a sauna.

The recreational activities listed below are available either on-site or nearby; fees may apply.

Guests can indulge in a pampering treatment at the hotel's full-service spa, Spa Montage. Services include hot stone massages, facials, body wraps and body scrubs. The spa is equipped with a sauna, a hot tub and a steam room. A variety of treatment therapies are provided, including aromatherapy, hydrotherapy and reflexology. The spa is open daily.

Our customers tell us that they can't get enough of the helpful staff at Montage Laguna Beach. During your stay, you're just a quick walk from Treasure Island Beach. You'll find features such as free WiFi in public areas, plus 3 outdoor pools and 3 restaurants. This property offers pet-friendly amenities, such as food and water bowls.

Free WiFi and wired Internet
Enjoy Mediterranean cuisine with ocean views at Studio Mediterranean, one of the property's 3 restaurants and 2 bars/lounges
Valet parking available for a fee
Take a swim in the 3 outdoor pools or soak in the 2 hot tubs
Indulge with hydrotherapy, massages or facials at Spa Montage
Services include babysitting, free food shopping service and a children's club
On-site recreation includes a gym, a steam room and a sauna
6 minutes by car from Victoria Beach and 10 minutes from Dana Point Harbor
Train station pick-up shuttle service available for a fee
Cats and dogs welcome for a fee
Pet-friendly amenities are available, including food and water bowls

Enjoy the umbrellas and sunloungers for a relaxing day at the beach. At Montage Laguna Beach, you can cool off in one of the 3 outdoor swimming pools and indulge in a pampering afternoon at the full-service spa.

There are 3 restaurants on site, as well as a coffee shop/cafΘ and a nearby corner/local shop. You can enjoy a drink at one of the bars, which include 2 bars/lounges and a poolside bar. A computer station is on site, and both WiFi and wired Internet are free in public spaces. This luxury hotel also offers a children's pool, a health club and a steam room. Parking is available for a fee. The property offers extended parking privileges.

Smoking is allowed in designated areas at this 5-star Laguna Beach hotel.

Studio Mediterranean – Overlooking the ocean, this fine-dining restaurant specialises in Mediterranean cuisine and only serves dinner. Guests can order drinks at the bar and enjoy al fresco dining (weather permitting). Reservations are required.

The Loft – Overlooking the ocean and pool, this restaurant specialises in American cuisine and serves breakfast, brunch, lunch and dinner. Guests can order drinks at the bar and enjoy al fresco dining (weather permitting). A children's menu is available. Open daily.

Mosaic Bar and Grille – This beach restaurant specialises in Californian cuisine and serves lunch and light fare. Guests can enjoy drinks at the bar. A children's menu is available. Open daily.

Lobby Lounge – Overlooking the ocean and pool, this lobby lounge only serves light fare. Open daily.

Bouchée – This coffee shop specialises in French cuisine. Open daily.

A complimentary food shopping service is offered and guests can order late-night fare from 24-hour room service.

Awards and affiliations

This property is affiliated with the International LGBTQ+ Travel Association (IGLTA) and welcomes lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex and asexual (LGBTQ+) guests.

The property is a member of Preferred Hotels & Resorts.

Property amenities

Internet

Available in all rooms: Free WiFi and wired internet
Available in some public areas: Free WiFi and wired internet

Parking and transport

Electric car charging station on site
Height restrictions apply for on-site parking
Area shuttle up to 3 mi
24-hour train station pick-up shuttle (surcharge)
Limo/town car service
Valet parking on site (USD 75 per night; includes in/out privileges)
Extended parking on site
Limited on-site valet parking
Wheelchair-accessible parking and van parking available

Food and drink

2 bars/lounges
3 restaurants
A coffee shop/cafe
A poolside bar
Coffee and tea in common areas
Private picnics

Restaurants on site

Bouchée
Lobby Lounge
Mosaic Bar and Grille
Studio Mediterranean
The Loft

Things to do

18-hole adjacent golf course
2 hot tubs
3 outdoor pools
Children's club
Children's pool
Designer stores
Evening entertainment
Fitness classes
Full-service spa
Games
Health club
Piano
Pilates classes
Sauna
Shopping
Steam room
TV in common areas
Yoga classes

Family friendly

3 outdoor pools
Babysitting (surcharge)
Children's club (surcharge)
Children's games
Children's pool
Children's toys
DVD player
Fenced pool
Grocery/convenience store
In-room cot
Laundry facilities
Soundproofed rooms
Stroller
Supervised activities for children (surcharge)

Conveniences

24-hour front desk
ATM
Free newspapers in lobby
Gift shop/newsstand
Grocery/convenience store
Guidebooks
Hair salon
Laundry facilities
Luggage storage
Safe at front desk
Vending machine
Water dispenser

Guest services

Concierge services
Dry cleaning/laundry service
Free grocery shopping service
Housekeeping (daily)
Multilingual staff
Porter/bellhop
Proposal/romance packages
Tour and ticket assistance
Turndown service
Wedding services

Business services

12,180 square feet of conference space
Computer station
Meeting rooms

Outdoors

Beach loungers
Beach towels
Beach umbrellas
Firepit
On the beach
On the waterfront
Outdoor furniture
Picnic area
Pool cabanas (surcharge)
Pool loungers
Pool umbrellas
Terrace

Full-service spa

Aromatherapy
Body scrubs
Body wraps
Detox wraps
Facials
Hot stone massages
Hot tub
Hydrotherapy
In-room massages
Manicures/pedicures
Prenatal massages
Reflexology
Sauna
Spa open daily
Steam room
Thalassotherapy

Accessibility

If you have requests for specific accessibility needs, please contact the property using the information on the reservation confirmation received after booking.
3 accessible parking spaces
Assistive listening devices
Braille/raised signage
Front entrance ramp
Grab bar in shower (81 centimetre high)
Lift (91 centimetre wide door)
Valet for wheelchair-equipped vehicles
Well-lit path to entrance
Wheelchair accessible (may have limitations)
Wheelchair-accessible concierge desk
Wheelchair-accessible gym
Wheelchair-accessible lounge
Wheelchair-accessible parking
Wheelchair-accessible path of travel
Wheelchair-accessible path to lift
Wheelchair-accessible pool
Wheelchair-accessible public bathroom
Wheelchair-accessible registration desk (122 centimetre high)
Wheelchair-accessible restaurant
Wheelchair-accessible spa
Wheelchair-accessible van parking

5 buildings
5 floors
Ballroom
Banquet hall
Built in 2003
Designated smoking areas
Fireplace in lobby
Locally-owned and organised tours and activities

Room amenities

Bedroom

Blackout drapes
Down comforter
Egyptian cotton sheets
Free cot
Hypo-allergenic bedding
Pillow menu
Pillowtop mattress

Bathroom

Children's robes
Deep soaking bathtub
Designer toiletries
Dressing gowns
Hair dryer
Separate bathtub and shower
Shampoo
Slippers
Soap
Toilet paper
Towels provided

Entertainment

55-inch LCD TV with premium digital channels
DVD player
First-run films
IPod dock
Netflix
Pay films
Video game console

Food and drink

24-hour room service
Champagne service
Coffee/tea maker
Espresso maker
Minibar
Restaurant dining guides

Air conditioning
Connecting rooms available
Desk
Desk chair
Free daily newspapers
Free local calls
Iron/ironing board
Laptop workspace
Laptop-compatible safe
Phone
Soundproofed rooms

Policies

Check-in

Check-in start time: 4:00 PM; check-in end time: midnight

Late check-in subject to availability

Express check-in available

Check-out

Check-out before noon

Contactless check-out

Express check-out available

Special check-in instructions

This property offers transfers from the train station (surcharges may apply); guests must contact the property with arrival details before travel, using the contact information on the booking confirmation

An adult aged 18 or older must assume all liability for the booking

Guests must contact the property in advance for check-in instructions; front desk staff will greet guests on arrival at the property

To make arrangements for check-in please contact the property ahead of time using the information on the booking confirmation

If you are planning to arrive after midnight please contact the property in advance using the information on the booking confirmation

Information provided by the property may be translated using automated translation tools

Access methods

Staffed front desk

Pets

Pets: USD 220 per pet, per stay
Only dogs and cats are allowed
Maximum 2 (weight limit: 40 lb per pet)
Food and water bowls are available

Children and extra beds

Children are welcome.

Kids stay free! Up to 2 children 18 years old and younger stay free when using existing bedding.

Rollaway/extra beds are available for USD 100.0 per night.

Free cots (infant beds)!

Payment types at the property

Important information

Fees

Guests will be asked to pay the following charges at the property:

Resort fee: USD 85.80 per accommodation, per night

The resort fee includes:

Business centre/computer access
Fitness centre access
Fitness/yoga classes
In-room bottled water
In-room coffee
Newspaper
Pool access

We've listed all charges provided to us by the property.

Optional extras

The fees and deposits listed below will be charged at the time of service, check-in, or check-out.

Valet parking fee: USD 75 per night (in/out privileges)
Pet fee: USD 220 per pet, per stay
Service animals are exempt from fees
Rollaway bed fee: USD 100.0 per night

This may not be a comprehensive list. Fees and deposits are subject to change and might not include tax.

You need to know

This property is managed by a professional host. The provision of housing is linked to their trade, business or profession.

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy

Government-issued photo identification and a credit card may be required at check-in for incidental charges

Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed

This property accepts credit cards, debit cards and cash

Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher and a smoke detector

This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios and terraces, which may not be suitable for children; if you have any concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm that they can accommodate you in a suitable room

Montage Laguna Beach offers transfers from the train station (fees may apply). Please contact the property on the number on the booking confirmation with your arrival details prior to travel. To arrange for check-in, guests must contact the property in advance of arrival using the information on the booking confirmation. Guests arriving after midnight must make advance arrangements by contacting the property using the information on the booking confirmation. Guests must contact the property in advance for check-in information. Front desk staff will greet guests on arrival at the property. An adult age 18 or older must assume all liability for the booking.

If you cancel your booking, you'll be subject to the host's cancellation policy. In accordance with EU regulations about consumer rights, property booking services are not subject to the right of withdrawal.

We should mention

Reservations are needed for massage services and spa treatments. For reservations, contact the hotel before arrival using the contact information on the booking confirmation.
Up to 2 children aged 18 years old and younger stay free in the same room as the parent or guardian when using existing bedding.
Registered guests are the only ones allowed to be in guestrooms.
Connecting/adjoining rooms are subject to availability and can be requested by contacting the property at the number on your booking confirmation.
This property welcomes guests of all sexual orientations and gender identities (LGBTQ+ friendly).

Property is also known as

Laguna Beach Montage

Montage Laguna Beach Hotel

Montage Hotel

Montage Hotel Laguna Beach

Montage Laguna Beach

Montage Laguna Beach Hotel Laguna Beach

Montage Resort Laguna Beach

Montage

Montage Laguna Beach Hotel

Montage Laguna Beach Laguna Beach

Montage Laguna Beach Hotel Laguna Beach

Montage Laguna Beach Reviews

9.4

Exceptional

9.6/10

Cleanliness

9.6/10

Staff & service

9.4/10

Amenities

9.6/10

Property conditions & facilities

10/10 Excellent

Mohamed

29 Nov 2025

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities

The staff were great everyone were very friendly and welcoming

Stayed 1 night in Nov 2025

10/10 Excellent

Piper

27 Nov 2025

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities

Everything here is top notch. The staff is beyond amazing. It’s expensive, but worth the cost if you’re looking for a special trip. Amazing beach and pool. Visit Hannah at the salon for a beautiful blowout. Loved everything about our trip/ we will be back next year.

Stayed 4 nights in Nov 2025

10/10 Excellent

Anca

24 Nov 2025

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities

Top notch service!

Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2025

10/10 Excellent

Joshua

10 Nov 2025

Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Mitchell

31 Oct 2025

Stayed 4 nights in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

Deborah

Travelled with family, Business traveller

30 Oct 2025

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities

Everything was excellent, staff, room, service and food.

Stayed 1 night in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

Zorik

26 Oct 2025

Stayed 1 night in Oct 2025

6/10 Okay

Katie

26 Oct 2025

Liked: Cleanliness

Disliked: Staff & service

They should warn guests that come to stay during 4th of July or in general in the summer that huge areas of the resort will be closed for private events… also there was no hot water in our room for the first night so I took a cold shower. We had to remind them again to fix it

Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Michael

21 Oct 2025

Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

jill

18 Oct 2025

Stayed 1 night in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

John

16 Oct 2025

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Michael

11 Oct 2025

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities

Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

Cyndi

Travelled with family

9 Oct 2025

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities

Everything was amazing! Thank you

Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2025

4/10 Poor

Maryna

24 Sept 2025

Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities

Stayed 1 night in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

samira, SANTA MONICA

19 Sept 2025

Stayed 1 night in Sep 2025

6/10 Okay

Irakli

Travelled with partner

11 Sept 2025

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities

Property made us to pay extra 1,200 USD which was not refunded.

Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Lisa

Travelled with pets

9 Sept 2025

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities

Has an amazing time at this hotel. Everything was exquisite and exceeded expectations. Got a room upgrade and the large room with full on ocean view was incredible. Large balcony beautifully furnished. Gorgeous room with sitting space and the bathroom has the most fabulous bathtub. Separate walk in shower, WC and double vanity in a large space was really a standout. Even better than the four seasons hotels we have stayed at. Front desk staff super helpful and special acknowledgment to David at front desk who went above and beyond to make this stay absolutely perfect! My dog was welcomed by staff and guests alike and we will come back asap!!! Thank you Montage Laguna Beach!!

Stayed 1 night in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Miguel

Travelled with family, Travelled with family and small children

8 Sept 2025

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities

One of the best

Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Rob

6 Sept 2025

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities

Stunning place

Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2025

6/10 Okay

Marina

Travelled with family and small children

2 Sept 2025

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities

Experienced quite a few service issues during our stay - luggage delivered 2 hours later - Upon booking and check in made sure there’s a crib in our room, entered no crib, told escort person, it wasn’t delivered until with the luggage 2 hrs later - Bathtub faucet had issues - restaurant couldn’t find breakfast reservation which we booked thru concierge - Requested sofa-bed made at turn down service but never done - Few large spiders - S’mores gram crackers staled - Room service inconsistency : missing items or different portion

Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Amy

Travelled with family

25 Aug 2025

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities

Beautiful!! One recommendation is that they greet you with a beverage. The rest is gorgeous!!!!!! Food was great.

Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

jacci

Travelled with family

21 Aug 2025

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities

Gorgeous Hotel and location.

Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Jamie

20 Aug 2025

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities

Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Michael

18 Aug 2025

Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

John

Travelled with partner

16 Aug 2025

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities

Excellent

Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2025

Montage Laguna Beach

Choose dates to view prices

Photo gallery for Montage Laguna Beach

Reviews

Popular amenities

Explore the area

Room options

View all photos for Horizon View King

Horizon View King

View all photos for Ocean View King

Ocean View King

View all photos for Deluxe Ocean View King

Deluxe Ocean View King

View all photos for Horizon View Queen Queen

Horizon View Queen Queen

View all photos for Ocean View Queen Queen

Ocean View Queen Queen

View all photos for Deluxe Ocean View Queen Queen

Deluxe Ocean View Queen Queen

View all photos for Horizon View King Suite

Horizon View King Suite

View all photos for Ocean View King Suite

Ocean View King Suite

View all photos for Deluxe Ocean View King Suite

Deluxe Ocean View King Suite

View all photos for Aliso Suite

Aliso Suite

View all photos for Catalina Suite

Catalina Suite

View all photos for Horizon View King Bungalow Suite

Horizon View King Bungalow Suite

View all photos for Deluxe Ocean View King Bungalow Suite

Deluxe Ocean View King Bungalow Suite

View all photos for Sunset Suite

Sunset Suite

View all photos for Villa Du Couchant

Villa Du Couchant

View all photos for Villa Du Soleil

Villa Du Soleil

View all photos for Villa Menton

Villa Menton

View all photos for Deluxe Ocean View Accessible Queen Queen

Deluxe Ocean View Accessible Queen Queen

View all photos for Deluxe Ocean View Queen Queen Bungalow

Deluxe Ocean View Queen Queen Bungalow

View all photos for Villa La Mer

Villa La Mer

View all photos for Villa La Ciel

Villa La Ciel

View all photos for Ocean View Accessible King

Ocean View Accessible King

View all photos for Ocean View Queen Queen Bungalow

Ocean View Queen Queen Bungalow

View all photos for Ocean View Accessible Queen Queen Bungalow

Ocean View Accessible Queen Queen Bungalow

View all photos for Founders Suite

Founders Suite

View all photos for Horizon View Queen Queen Bungalow

Horizon View Queen Queen Bungalow

View all photos for Villa La Cote

Villa La Cote

View all photos for Ocean View King Bungalow Suite

Ocean View King Bungalow Suite

Similar properties

Surf & Sand Laguna Beach

About this property

Montage Laguna Beach

Awards and affiliations

Property amenities

Internet

Parking and transport

Food and drink

Restaurants on site

Things to do

Family friendly

Conveniences

Guest services

Business services

Outdoors

Full-service spa