1107 Jamboree Rd, Newport Beach, California, United States | (618) 248-8274
Within a five-minute walk of the dunes and five-minute drive to Fashion Island
Four room categories can cater to couples, groups, and families
Three distinct outdoor pools, including one with a waterslide
SHOR restaurant serves seafood and Californian fare indoors and out
Library Lounge offers coffee and pastries, then changes to bar and snacks
24-hour fitness center, YogaAway system for rooms, and tennis courts
Free shuttles to Fashion Island, Balboa Island, and John Wayne Airport
Wi-Fi, nine-hole golf course access, and bikes included with the resort fee
Home to the Newport Beach Jazz Festival and Summer Concert Series
Spacious and landscaped grounds include shuffleboard courts and giant chessboard
Vizcaino's Trading Post sells snacks and souvenirs
Pet-friendly (for a fee)
Not directly on the water
Charges for valet and self-parking
Daily resort fee
Some room wear and dated elements like popcorn-style ceilings
Thin walls have led to noise complaints
The upper-middle-range Hyatt Regency Newport Beach has a motel-meets-beach-resort vibe that's ideal for vacationing families and couples. The main building was originally built in the '60s, and the hotel now consists of several different buildings and amenities spread out over 20 prime acres near the Newport Dunes. The 408 rooms have a beachy vibe and were renovated in 2013, but there's already evidence of wear and tear, plus noise can be an issue. Still, with four resort-style swimming pools, an updated fitness center, two dining outlets, and a nine-hole golf course, most guests are more than happy. Expect to pay a daily resort fee and extra for parking. As an alternative, the Newport Beach Hotel is four minutes from the beach, but has higher rates and far fewer amenities.
Scene
Sprawling chain property with a beach vacation vibe
The Hyatt Regency Newport Beach is something of an icon in the area. When the property was built as one of the first resorts in the '60s (before it was a Hyatt), it was a favorite haunt of John Wayne. Today, the hotel has spread out from its original inn building to include four distinct room blocks (one block has exterior motel-style entrances) spread over 20 acres of garden grounds that are landscaped with palm trees and succulents. The occasional shuffleboard court or giant chess set provides fun for families. The back of the property overlooks Newport's Back Bay and Dunes. A large lawn and theater is home to the annual Newport Beach Jazz Festival and Summer Concert Series. Inside, the lobby has a contemporary beach vibe with a gas fireplace decorated with framed California snapshots and fun accents like surfboards and a VW Bus figure. Lots of different travelers stay here, but the hotel is especially popular with families and couples on vacation. Meeting rooms also draw local business travelers.
Location
Overlooks Newport's Back Bay and an eight-minute drive to Balboa Island
The Hyatt Regency Newport Beach has one of the best locations in the area, since it's close to Balboa Island, the Back Bay, and Fashion Island. The hotel is set back from Jamboree Road, so traffic noise isn't an issue.- Five-minute walk to Back Bay
Rooms
Range of beachy room types and views
With 408 rooms divided into four different room blocks, the hotel has a room type or layout for most types of travelers. Each has a similar contemporary beachy look with a neutral color palette, carpet, tan accent walls behind single king or double queen beds, and simple artwork. Popcorn ceilings look dated. Armchairs or small sofas are topped with light blue throw pillows. Closets provide space for hanging clothes and storing luggage. Standard features include a 37-inch flat-screen TV, telephone, robe, coffeemaker, mini-fridge, free bottled water, and free Wi-Fi. Bathrooms generally feature shower/tub combos, hairdryers, and KenetMD toiletries. Views vary from furnished balconies that can overlook the pools, grounds, or Back Bay. For groups, the Villa Suite has an outdoor plunge pool, indoor fireplace, and kitchenette. Note that one building block has motel-style exterior entrances and past guests have complained about wear and noise.
Features
Three resort-style outdoor pools, two dining outlets, fitness center, and area shuttles
Features are the highlight here, and they're well thought out and convenient. There are three resort-style pools, including one with a whirlpool for kids and an adult-only pool with luxe sun loungers and whirlpools. For dining, SHOR serves a varied seafood menu and offers both indoor and outdoor dining, plus breakfast buffets on weekends. Room service is served late, but not 24 hours. The Library Lounge has a coffee counter with specialty coffees, pastries, oatmeal, and breakfast burritos served to-go in the mornings. In the afternoon, the space transitions to a lounge with a full bar and casual menu. There's seating indoors in a contemporary living-style space, or outdoors on tables and chairs. The fitness center is open 24 hours and includes high quality Life Fitness cardio equipment, strength-training machines, and yoga gear to be used in guest rooms. There's also a tennis club and courts, bikes to borrow, and a nine-hole golf course covered in the daily resort fee. Wi-Fi is free throughout the property and there's dedicated meeting and event space. Both self-parking and valet parking cost extra. Free scheduled shuttles to the airport, Fashion Island, and Balboa Island are a nice perk. Vizcaino's Trading Post sells all sorts of souvenirs, beach gear, and snacks. Pets are welcome for a fee.