The hype
Guests obsess over the decor and the 'smell' (MiN New York products), but often feel nickel-and-dimed by the high valet and resort fees.
Pendry Newport Beach
$319-550+/ night
Book this if You want a polished, scene-y resort vibe with a private club feel, but prefer being steps from luxury shopping rather than getting sand in your sheets.
Why People Love It
- The 'Elwood Club' social scene gives it an exclusive, members-only energy
- Interiors are a stunning 'coastal California moodboard'—think velvet, brass, and palms
- Walking distance to Fashion Island means world-class shopping is your pantry
Quick Take: It’s a glamorous city hotel masquerading as a beach resort—you're looking at a parking lot or a mall, not the waves, unless you squint from the top floor.
Reviewed by @platinumtrvl: I checked into the Pendry for a girls' weekend and was blown away. The room felt huge, the beds were like clouds, and having a full-sized tequila bottle in the minibar set the tone immediately. It’s the perfect spot if you want that polished Newport luxury vibe.
Guest Who Stayed Here Said
Reality check
Service can be 'slow' and 'aloof,' with multiple reports of forgotten requests and a pool area that sometimes feels 'grubby' with leaves and uncleared tables.
- You care more about a vibey pool scene and cocktails than swimming in the ocean
- You're planning a shopping spree at Fashion Island
- You want a hotel that feels like a private social club
Cleanliness & Maintenance
8.8
- Housekeeping: Generally reliable daily service, though some reports of missed dust or slow turnover times.
- Bathroom hygiene: Mostly sparkling marble, but watch out for slow-draining showers and the occasional report of grout issues.
- Maintenance: Freshly renovated feel, but 'clogged drains' are a recurring specific complaint.
- Linens & towels: High thread count, crisp, and plush. No major complaints here.
- Odors & scents: Lobby smells expensive (signature scent); rooms are fresh, though some hallways can trap food smells from room service.
Sleepability™
6.5MODERATE
0-4LOUD
4-7.5MODERATE
7.5-10SILENT
- Pool deck music/parties on weekends
- Hallway noise due to heavy doors slamming
- Street noise/valet commotion for lower floor rooms
Before you book
Good to know
- The 'Elwood Club' is private, but guests in suites often get honorary access—ask at check-in.
- There is a complimentary Cadillac ride-and-drive program (subject to availability).
- The hotel offers a shuttle to Crystal Cove State Park and Fashion Island.
What to pack
- Designer swimwear (the pool is a runway)
- Earplugs (for the weekend pool beats)
- A light jacket for the 'marine layer' evenings
Room Genie
Best picks
- Skyline or Coastal View rooms on high floors (avoid the 'Garden' view if you don't want to stare at the valet/parking)
- Corner Suites for maximum quiet and wrap-around balconies
Rooms to avoid
- Lower floor 'Garden View' rooms (often look at the driveway/valet)
- Rooms directly facing the pool if you plan to nap during the day on weekends
Room Request Genie – copy & paste
“I am a light sleeper and would love a room on a high floor (Skyline or Coastal view) away from the elevator and pool noise. A corner unit would be ideal if available.”
FAQ & Hidden tips
Everything you actually want to know before you book.
Is the hotel actually on the beach?
No. It is in Newport Center, near a mall. The beach is a drive or shuttle ride away.
Is the pool heated?
Yes, the pool is heated and open year-round, but it's more for lounging/socializing than laps.
How much is parking?
Valet is approximately $70 per night. There is no self-parking on-site.
What is the resort fee?
Expect to pay around $69.15 per night, which covers the shuttle, bikes, gym access, and in-room coffee.
Can I bring my dog?
Yes, it is pet-friendly with a $150 fee per stay.
Is breakfast included?
Typically no. Breakfast at 'The Pavilion' or the coffee bar is à la carte and pricey ($10-60/person).
Insider Tips
- ✨
Ask the concierge about the 'honorary membership' to the Elwood Club—it gets you into the private Viamara restaurant and pub.
- ✨
The 'Garden View' rooms are often just 'Parking Lot View' rooms; upgrade to Skyline if you care about what's outside the window.
- ✨
Walk across the street to the Newport Beach Civic Center Park to see the hidden sculpture garden—it's free and uncrowded.
5 things to know before you go
💡The 'ocean view' is distant—you are looking over office buildings and a mall to see it.
💡The shower drains are a frequent complaint (slow to drain/clogging).
💡You can hear the 'thud' of heavy room doors slamming from down the hall.
💡The pool service can be surprisingly slow, with guests sometimes waiting ages for a drink menu.
💡There is a 'secret' sculpture garden just a 5-minute walk away that most guests miss entirely.
Local Playbook
Map
See where Pendry Newport Beach is located and what's nearby.