Planning a trip to Newport Beach? With so many hotels to choose from, it can be hard to pick the right one.
Some cater to those with larger budgets. While others favor campers. But mid-range hotels like the Newport Beach Marriott Hotel & Spa tend to get overlooked.
Like Goldilocks and the three bears, the Resort at Pelican Hill is too expensive. A dorm room at Crystal Coves Beach Cottages is too cheap. But the Marriott Newport Beach is just right.
The Newport Beach Marriott Hotel & Spa is the perfect hotel for travelers who want a value luxury experience at an affordable price tag. If you happen to be in town during Newport Beach Restaurant Week, this is a great base.
I spent the night here before the Newport Boat Parade. My only regret, I didn’t plan a longer stay.
Newport Beach Marriott Hotel & Spa: Best Newport Beach Hotel Without the Luxury Price Tag
The smoke-free Newport Beach Marriott has 513 rooms including 19 suites. Marriott Bonvoy Platinum Elite, Titanium Elite, and Ambassador Elite members get free upgrades to rooms with Concierge Lounge access.
Pro-tip: You don’t need to be elite to get treated like one. For an extra $30 to $40 a night, you can book a Concierge Lounge room.
As a Category 5 hotel, free hotel nights costs 30,000 to 40,000 points per night.
You can earn points and free nights from cards like the Marriott Bonvoy Bevy™ American Express® Card and the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card.
Location
With so much to do at and around the hotel, the Marriott Newport Beach is a great spot for a staycation, short getaway, or long trip.
The hotel is a great base for exploring. You’re a short drive to Laguna Beach, Balboa Island, and Disneyland.
Across the street from Fashion Island, you can shop until you drop without the long commute. The serious shopaholic can shop until your arms are laden with bags, drop them off at the hotel, and continue charging your course through Fashion Island, conquering one store at a time until you arise the victor, run out of money, or grow weary.
OC Delivery Express will deliver your purchases to your Orange County hotel letting husbands forgo their purse and bag holding duties and escape to the golf course.
Spa
Photo courtesy: Pure Blu Newport Beach Marriott Hotel
Aren’t into shopping or have just Kondoed your closet? Then relax at Pure Blu spa. Whether you spend the day or pop in for a treatment, you can enjoy unlimited use of the spa facilities including both a wet and dry sauna and private pool. Had I known the hotel offered a full-service spa, I wouldn’t have slept in. Next time I’m going to spend the day at Pure Blu.
Pure Blu Spa waiting area
Pro-tip: The daily hotel resort fee includes access to the spa.
Valet and Self-Parking
As I pulled up to the Newport Beach Marriott Hotel & Spa a small crowd of valets eagerly awaited. It was like walking into a middle school dance, smiles plastered on their faces hoping they’re the one picked.
But ever the heart breaker (not!), I dashed their hopes by pulling forward and self-parking for $29.
Staying one night with a small overnight bag I couldn’t justify the $36 charge for valet parking. But had I planned to shop, valet parking would have been worth it to avoid the hassles of trying to get all the bags back to my car.
Room
Whether it’s a suite or standard room, you’re treated to a restful slumber at the Newport Beach Marriott Hotel & Spa.
Sink into bliss in the 300 thread count sheets on the beds of every room. If the silky sheets don’t lure you into bed, the Marriott Bed might.
The soft yet firm mattress cushioned me in a cozy embrace. I hit the snooze button several times.
I loved that the standard room had a bathtub. Some hotels only include a tub if you book a suite.
This is one of the reasons the Newport Beach Marriott Hotel & Spa is a good choice for families. Because it’s so much easier to wash your little ones in a tub.
Another plus was the robes. Being able to slip out of your clothes and into a robe after a long day is a treat.
Pools
There are two outdoor pools at the Newport Beach Marriott Hotel & Spa: the Harbor Pointe and the Harbor Landing. Pool hours are daily from 7 am to 10 pm.
During my stay, the hotel closed the main pool for construction. But I was able to snap a photo through the gate.
The fire pit near the main pool is a great spot to relax after a day of sightseeing, shopping, or other activity.
Fitness Center
The hotel has a decent sized fitness center with enough equipment to help you maintain your exercise routine.
Food
Except for Starbucks, there is only one option for meals at the Newport Beach Marriott Hotel & Spa. The Hook & Spear restaurant serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
The restaurant features local ingredients and sustainable seafood in a casual setting.
I enjoyed a delicious Acai & Berry bowl for breakfast that was almost too pretty to eat.
Pro-tip: During the low (off-peak) season the breakfast buffet is not available.
Newport Beach Marriott
900 Newport Center Drive
Newport Beach, CA 92660
949-640-4000
Check rates and reviews: Marriott | TripAdvisor
You can earn free nights and points with cards like the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card, and the Marriott Bonvoy Bevy™ American Express® Card.
Conclusion
When you’re looking for where to stay in Newport Beach, consider the Newport Beach Marriott Hotel & Spa. It’s a value priced hotel that offers a luxury experience for less that’s close to the beach, shopping, and more.
Marriott Bonvoy elite members will appreciate the Concierge Lounge as will those who choose to pay a nominal fee to upgrade their room.
With two outdoor pools, you can choose where you want to sunbathe.
You can enjoy free pampering because access to the full-service Pure Blu Spa is included in your daily resort fee.
Remember to pay for your stay with your Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card and earn 6X points for every $1 of eligible purchases spent at participating Marriott Bonvoy hotels.
Disclosure: As is common in the travel industry, my stay was provided for review purposes. All opinions are 100% mine.
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