Balboa Bay Resort

1221 West Coast Hwy, Newport Beach, CA 92663, Newport Beach, United States

4-star hotel

Guest rating: 4.5 / 5

Overview

Balboa Bay Resort is a 4-star upscale resort spread across 15 acres along the Pacific Coast Highway, overlooking Newport Bay in Newport Beach, California. The bayside setting combines a resort atmosphere with proximity to the city's beaches and harbor attractions. With a 4.5-star rating from nearly 2,949 reviews, it's positioned as one of the area's standout waterfront properties.

Rooms & Suites

Contemporary rooms include flat-screen TVs, minifridges, coffeemakers, and private balconies overlooking either the bay or the pool. Suites step up with soaking tubs and/or sofabeds, while one- and two-bedroom suites add kitchenettes or full kitchens, making them suitable for longer stays or travelers wanting more space.

Dining

The resort offers bayside dining across three distinct venues: a refined seafood restaurant, a casual coffee shop, and a hip gastropub featuring a patio with two fire pits. Around-the-clock room service is also available for guests who prefer to dine in.

Amenities & Recreation

On-site facilities include an outdoor pool, a beauty salon, and a posh spa. A resort fee covers gym access and in-room Wi-Fi, while parking is available for an additional charge.

Location & Surroundings

The resort sits about 4 miles from Corona del Mar State Beach and within roughly 2 kilometers of Newport Beach Pier, Balboa Island, and the Balboa Fun Zone. Other nearby points of interest include The Wedge, Sherman Library & Gardens, and Huntington State Beach, with Crystal Cove State Park and several Orange County museums and beaches a short drive away.

Best for

Balboa Bay Resort suits travelers seeking a relaxed waterfront getaway, thanks to its 15-acre bayfront setting, spa, and outdoor pool, as well as couples or groups wanting upscale dining options just steps from their room. It also works well for guests wanting easy access to Newport Beach's harbor attractions, including Balboa Island, the Balboa Fun Zone, and Newport Beach Pier, all within about 2 kilometers.

Travel tips

The resort is roughly 4 miles from Corona del Mar State Beach and within a short walk or drive of Newport Beach Pier, Balboa Island, and the Balboa Fun Zone, making a car or rideshare useful for reaching farther attractions like Crystal Cove State Park or the Bowers Museum. Note that parking is not included in the room rate, and a resort fee applies separately covering Wi-Fi and gym access, so budget accordingly. Some guests have mentioned ongoing construction near the property, so it may be worth checking current access routes before arrival.

What guests say

Guests frequently praise the resort's location, spacious and well-appointed rooms, and attentive staff, with individual employees singled out for courteous service at check-in and check-out. Morning dining in a relaxing setting is another recurring positive. On the negative side, some reviewers feel the service quality doesn't match the high price point, and there are complaints about an additional daily service charge added to the bill. A few guests also mentioned disruptions from power outages and construction affecting access to the property during their stay.

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