Photo: Courtesy of the property
Located in Orange County — approximately 40 miles southeast of Los Angeles — the coastal city of Newport Beach, California, is renowned for its beaches, boating opps, and swanky shops and restaurants. While the destination is home to a handful of luxury hotels, Balboa Bay Resort stands out for its ample amenities, upscale accommodations, and sweeping bay views. Here’s our official review of the property, which is also the only Forbes Four-Star, AAA Four-Diamond waterfront resort in Newport Beach.
The Look of Balboa Bay Resort
Perfectly perched along the waterfront on 15 scenic acres, Balboa Bay Resort looks like it’s been plucked out of the Mediterranean with its red, Spanish-tiled roof. Vacation vibes hit as soon as guests pull up to the porte-cochere, which is flanked by swaying palms and boasts a romantic gazebo and a brick driveaway. From there, it’s off to the bright and airy lobby, which features pops of blue in the form of plush couches, chairs, and throw pillows. Meanwhile, the on-site bars and restaurants have a beachy-chic aesthetic, especially the all-day waterfront A + O restaurant and bar, which is outfitted in ocean blues, crisp whites, and bright yellow accents along with beachy white-washed wood paneling and an expansive patio area dotted with resin stone tables, wicker chairs, and fire pits. Guest rooms and suites have a similarly coastal look and feel with a sleek neutral color palette and contemporary furnishings. The dark wood platform beds, private balconies, and marble bathrooms are just the icing on the cake. Select accommodations also offer free kayak or paddleboard rentals and in-unit fireplaces. Lastly, the pristine swimming pool is begging to be snoozed at with its bright white loungers, day beds, and cabanas.
The Vibe at Balboa Bay Resort
Beachy-chic and laid-back. While the property is sophisticated, it’s not at all stuffy. Instead, guests are encouraged to relax, unwind, and take advantage of the stunning surroundings, whether that’s lounging in a cabana, swimming in the pool, or partaking in land and water sports (rentals are available at the on-site recreation center).
Who Will Love Balboa Bay Resort
Just about anyone — families, couples, and friend groups — will love this expansive waterfront resort.
Who Might Not Love Balboa Bay Resort
Those craving a true beach escape should seek alternate accommodations. While the on-site, members-only Balboa Bay Club has a small private beach, it’s not accessible to hotel guests.
Best Amenity at Balboa Bay Resort
It’s a tie between the 10,000-square-foot spa and its signature treatments such as CBD massages and citrus body treatments — along with facilities such as whirlpools, steam rooms, and saunas — and the on-site recreation center, which offers kayak, stand-up paddleboards, and Duffy boat rentals.
What’s Included at Balboa Bay Resort
Your stay includes Wi-Fi, a welcome bottle of wine, sparkling wine hour from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. daily, two water bottles per day, evening turndown service, one-hour beach cruiser bike rentals, free umbrellas, towels, chairs, and boogie boards, and shuttle service within a two-mile radius. It also includes access to the three on-site bars and restaurants, the fitness center, pool, and Drybar salon.
Extra Fees & Costs You Should Know About at Balboa Bay Resort
The property charges a $40 nightly resort fee (excluding tax). Water sports rentals and valet parking are both available at an additional cost.
How to Get a Deal at Balboa Bay Resort
Visit the offers tab to view the latest deals and discounts, including 15% off stays of three nights or longer. The property is also a member of Preferred Hotels & Resorts, which means iPrefer program members will receive lower rates.
The Sweet Season
Beat the crowds — and enjoy lower rates on lodging — by visiting Newport Beach in the winter months, when temps hover between the low 50s and mid-60s. While it won’t be hot, you can pretty much count on the weather being nice since Newport Beach boasts over 270 days of sunshine annually.
In the Neighborhood of Balboa Bay Resort
The Newport Marina is less than a mile from the resort, while the Lido Marina Village shopping mall — home to swanky shops like Serena & Lily and trendy restaurants such as Nobu and Malibu Farm — is within a five-minute drive. Several parks, including Wyatt Park and John Wayne Park, are nearby, too.
Nearest Airport to Balboa Bay Resort
John Wayne Airport in nearby Santa Ana is about five miles away (approximately 15 minutes by car).
Nearest Public Transportation to Balboa Bay Resort
The Coast-Ent 1221 Balboa Bay bus stop is right outside the resort.
From swimming to spa-ing to boating, this beachy-chic waterfront resort offers something fun for everyone, and in chic, upscale environs.