Plan Your Holiday Party in Newport Beach
You can trust these O.C.-area hotels to create memorable seasonal events. Here’s the scoop on each property’s meeting space, along with details on what makes them all special.
Balboa Bay Resort
Think splendid views, versatile space, exceptional food, an expert staff, and a partnership with California’s PHG and Meritage Collection of luxury hotels and resorts that can afford plentiful partnership opportunities. Look for meeting areas to undergo renovations beginning this fall, and when arranging your event be sure to consider the chance to have one of the best seats around for Newport Beach’s Boat Parade and the 130-slip marina that can be used for experiences incorporating the bay.
Number of rooms: 159
Total meeting space: More than 21,000 square feet of indoor space, plus 20,000 square feet of potential space outdoors.
Typical event size: 50-500
For more information: balboabayresort.com
Fairmont Newport Beach
This hotel provides an ideal balance of elegance with an event team that excels at creativity. Among the fun holiday treats available here are candy canes dipped in chocolate and coated with toppings such as chocolate shavings and dried cranberries; peppermint and butterscotch bark; French macaron pops, in flavors from salted caramel to eggnog; and house-made caramel corn with smoked almonds and Fleur de Sel.
Number of rooms: 444
Total meeting space: 44,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor venue options, including The Bamboo Garden (which offers the perfect backdrop for a gala silent auction with its fireplace, fire pit and water feature) and the Garden Gazebo (a private oasis boasting a stone-paved pathway leading to a quaint gazebo surrounded by lush greenery and flowers).
Typical event size: 20-1,500
For more information: fairmont.com/NewportBeach
Hyatt Regency Newport Beach
At this intimate resort-style hotel, you’ll find outdoor event space that exudes a relaxed luxury beach house feel, along with genuine hospitality and tasty and creative menus. All indoor spaces (except the Plaza Ballroom) also feature an abundance of natural light and adjacent outdoor areas for cocktail receptions.
Number of rooms: 407
Total meeting space: 26,000 square feet, including the Amphitheater (seats 1,100); Oasis Courtyard (a large and flexible open space decorated with Parisian string lights); Garden (complete with a fire pit); and Plaza Arbor (a sizable area with built-in theaters, a fountain and tropical landscaping).
Typical event size: 200-300 people
For more information: newportbeach.hyatt.com
Island Hotel Newport Beach
Situated in Newport Center, this luxury coastal Five-Diamond property offers breathtaking city and harbor views. The hotel has been undergoing a grand reinvestment project, recently unveiling the new Oak Grill & Aqua Lounge; a revamped pool area; newly designed fitness center; and grab-n-go market.
Number of rooms: 295, including 83 suites (expect a redo of the guest rooms soon, with updated furnishings and décor).
Total meeting space: More than 23,000 square feet, including the largest ballroom in Newport Beach (8,710 square feet); ballroom foyer (3,936 square feet); Cabana Room (1,711 square feet); Balboa Room (750 square feet); and outdoor covered, heated and lighted Cabana Terrace (1,360 square feet). The Oak Grill’s private dining also are available for groups of four to 16 people.
Typical event size: 270-600
For more information: islandhotel.com
Newport Beach Marriott Hotel & Spa
At this O.C. hotel (which is celebrating its 40th anniversary in 2015), the longtime event team is made up of some of the area’s most knowledgeable and hospitable professionals. In addition, the A La Carte Dining Experience allows event attendees to order their entrée tableside and complimentary centerpieces and trees can be placed in holiday event spaces based on availability.
Number of rooms: 512 and 20 suites
Total meeting space: 25,000 square feet in two recently renovated ballrooms, plus 15,000 square feet of outdoor, flexible meeting space in two venues with sweeping views of the Newport Harbor, Pacific and Catalina Island.
Typical event size: 250-500
For more information: newportbeachmarriott.com
Carlton Hotel Newport Beach
In addition to complimentary parking, this hotel renders a prime locale close to shopping areas and shuttle service to and from nearby John Wayne Airport (but no noise disturbance). A chef is on hand to prepare a la carte meals using the freshest and finest ingredients California has to offer, and add to that an outstanding wine list highlighted by Californian varietals.
Number of rooms: 335
Total meeting space: 20,000 square feet of adaptable space, as well as outdoor areas.
Typical event size: 50-75
For more information: www.carltonhotelnewportbeach.com
The Resort at Pelican Hill
With its huge variety of settings and themes, this Forbes Travel Guide Five-Star Resort can offer groups numerous event concepts, along with chef-crafted dishes made using seasonal ingredients grown at The Irvine Ranch, handmade pastas and artisan gelatos.
Number of rooms: 332, including 204 single-story bungalows and suites, as well as 128 villas
Total meeting space: 23,200 square feet, including the 4,950-square-foot Rotunda Event Lawn, highlighted by an Italian rotunda and expansive terraces perched 300 feet above the ocean. The resort also is the exclusive caterer for the off-site venues including El Moro Beach in Crystal Cove State Park, Bommer Canyon and Mission San Juan Capistrano.
Ideal event size: 10-500
For more information: pelicanhill.com
*Photos Featured on main slide were provided by Balboa Bay Resort