The hype
Guests are blown away by the landscaping and the sheer scale of the rooms, but many feel the service hasn't bounced back to pre-pandemic levels.
Resort At Pelican Hill
$800-1,500+/ night
Book this if You want a massive, gated Italian villa compound where you never have to leave the property—and you have the budget to ignore the $30 hamburgers.
Why People Love It
- The Coliseum Pool is genuinely world-class and circular (136 feet diameter)
- Bungalows start at 847 sq. ft., making them larger than most NYC apartments
- Two Tom Fazio-designed golf courses with ocean views from nearly every hole
Quick Take: It’s a stunning architectural beast currently in an awkward 'white label' limbo between independent glory and future St. Regis branding, so expect 5-star grounds with 4-star service consistency.
Reviewed by @imflyingto: I’ve stayed at many California resorts, but the scale here is different. My villa felt like a private estate. Watching the sunset over the golf course from my terrace was the highlight. Definitely a splurge, but perfect for a special anniversary.
Guest Who Stayed Here Said
Reality check
Long wait times for the internal shuttle (to get from bungalows to the pool/lobby) are a frequent frustration, and the food prices often feel unjustified for the quality.
- You are a golfer who prioritizes course views over beach access
- You need a multi-bedroom villa with a full kitchen for a family reunion
- You want total privacy and a parking spot directly in front of your room
Cleanliness & Maintenance
8.5
- Housekeeping: Generally reliable daily service, though recent reviews mention occasional missed turndowns or forgotten amenities.
- Bathroom hygiene: High standard. Marble is usually gleaming, but watch for grout issues in older bungalows.
- Maintenance: Mostly excellent groundskeeping. Interiors of some bungalows are showing wear (scuffed furniture, tired carpet) pending the renovation.
- Linens & towels: High quality, heavy, and plentiful.
- Odors & scents: Lobby smells expensive (signature scent); some older rooms can have a faint musty/sea-air smell if closed up too long.
Sleepability™
8SILENT
0-4LOUD
4-7.5MODERATE
7.5-10SILENT
- Landscaping crews (leaf blowers) early in the morning
- Wedding events near the main lawn/Coliseum pool on weekends
Before you book
Good to know
- Valet parking is mandatory but typically included in the resort fee for guests (verify this at check-in as policies shift).
- The 'beach access' is a shuttle ride to Crystal Cove State Park, not a private hotel beach.
- Villa guests have their own exclusive pool and clubhouse, which is often quieter than the main Coliseum pool.
What to pack
- Driving loafers or upscale sneakers—the property is huge and hilly
- A light jacket for evenings; the coastal breeze gets chilly even in summer
Room Genie
Best picks
- Bungalows in the 100s block (closest to the main pool/lobby, best ocean views)
- Villas on the South side (often have better light and views than North side)
Rooms to avoid
- Bungalows near the main drive (road noise)
- Ground-floor units if you are sensitive to footsteps above (though most bungalows are single-story, some villas are stacked)
Room Request Genie – copy & paste
“I would appreciate a Bungalow in the 100s block for the ocean view and proximity to the Coliseum Pool. Please ensure the room is not near a main service road.”
FAQ & Hidden tips
Everything you actually want to know before you book.
Is it a St. Regis yet?
Not fully. It's managed by Marriott under a 'white label' status until the full St. Regis conversion finishes around 2027. Don't expect full brand standards yet.
Can I walk to the beach?
Technically yes, but it's a long, steep hike down a hill to Crystal Cove. Use the free resort shuttle instead.
Is the pool heated?
Yes, the Coliseum Pool is heated to ~82°F year-round.
Are pets allowed?
Yes, dogs are welcome, but the fee is steep—around $350 per stay.
Is there an adults-only pool?
There is a pool area near the Rotunda often cited as 'adult,' but recent reports suggest it can be neglected or closed. The Villa pool is quieter but restricted to Villa guests.
What is the resort fee?
Approximately $105 per night, covering parking, shuttle, wifi, and pool access.
Insider Tips
- ✨
The Villa Clubhouse has a small restaurant/market that is often less crowded than the main spots.
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You can text the concierge for shuttle pickups, but allow 15-20 minutes buffer time.
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If you are staying in a Villa, you can have your kitchen stocked with groceries before arrival.
5 things to know before you go
💡The 'adult pool' area near the Rotunda is sometimes described as having an 'abandoned kids club' vibe nearby.
💡You might spot 'birth tourism' stays—long-term guests in Villas utilizing the proximity to top medical facilities.
💡The gym is surprisingly small and average for a resort of this size (though it has Pelotons).
💡Cell service can be spotty in certain deep pockets of the resort; rely on Wi-Fi calling.
💡The 'ocean view' from some lower-tier bungalows is more of a 'sliver of blue over a roof' view.
Local Playbook
Map
See where Resort At Pelican Hill is located and what's nearby.