Newport Beach is well known for its awe-inspiring resorts and hotels like the Newport Beach Marriott Bayview, or the Hyatt Regency Newport Beach hotel, but the hidden gems of our destination are the chic compilation of one-of-a-kind Newport boutique hotels, many situated right on the sand in the middle of the area’s popular beach scene. Being able to fly to and from John Wayne Airport makes it easy to check out — and then check in to — these small boutique hotels for an intimate experience you’re not soon to forget. Be sure to visit the websites for updated rates when visiting the Newport coast.

Lido House

Its Cape Cod charm and coveted location on the legendary Lido Isle, which has made Lido House one of the most stylish and desirable boutique hotels in Orange County. Well-appointed rooms and suites are designed with a tasteful nautical influence that reflects the city’s laidback yet sophisticated beach culture. Bring a bed and breakfast vibe to your stay with in-room dining from the seasonally inspired Mayor’s Table restaurant before indulging in some much-deserved rest and relaxation at Boost Spa. Other on-site amenities include Newport Beach’s only rooftop bar, a boutique cafe serving coffee and ice cream, a fitness center, and a saltwater pool with private cabanas.

Bay Shore Peninsula Hotel

An unrivaled locale just steps away from the popular 18th Street beach has helped propel the Bay Shores Peninsula Hotel to its status as one of Trip Advisor’s top 10 best-hidden gems in the entire U.S. At this friendly family-owned hotel, guests are treated to fresh-baked chocolate chip cookies in the lobby every afternoon, as well as trips to the rooftop deck via the original 1960s caged elevator and complimentary beach equipment. In addition to its regular guest rooms (each decorated with surf-themed artwork by renowned surfer and artist John Severson), special accommodations include The Bay Suite featuring two bedrooms, a kitchen, a living room, and a large private sundeck.

Newport Beach Hotel

For visitors who want to be as close to the beach as possible, the Newport Beach Hotel is about as close as it gets. Just mere seconds from walking out the door, you’ll be dipping your toes in the water, and because it’s so close to the water, the hotel provides guests with lots of beach toys from boogie boards to beach chairs and even the use of its beach cruiser bicycles. There are 15 rooms (all on the second floor), including many with oceanfront views, jetted spa tubs, and fireplaces.

Newport Channel Inn

Upon checking into the family-owned Newport Channel Inn, just across from the beach, each guest is given a map tour of the area’s nearby restaurants (think Eat Chow, Big Belly Deli, Cappy’s Café and Spaghetti Bender), as well as bike- and surf-rental shops and much more. Once you’re settled into one of the hotel’s rooms (all of which are being updated with new bedding and window treatments), you might want to grab a towel, boogie board, chair, and umbrella and head to the beach; take in some bird watching, or enjoy the park with your family. The front desk also can provide discounted tickets for many local attractions including Disneyland and ferry to Catalina Island.

Doryman’s Oceanfront

Its classic Victorian design is just one detail that makes Doryman’s Oceanfront Inn  — across from the Newport Beach Pier — stand out from the crowd. Once an old bunkhouse for local fishermen, the inn has since been transformed into a boutique hotel offering 11 distinct ocean-view rooms including special touches such as handmade, custom canopy beds; sunken bathtubs crafted from imported Italian marble; hand-carved antique furniture; and gas-burning fireplaces. There’s also a rooftop terrace for sunbathing and sunsets.

Balboa Inn The Resort

Next to the boardwalk — and about a block away from Newport Harbor — Balboa Inn The Resort offers up to 40-plus guestrooms ranging from deluxe rooms to family-style suites to romantic ocean-view suites with fireplaces and Jacuzzi tubs. You won’t want to miss the ocean views from the sundeck and oversized Jacuzzi pool, as well as the terrace of the Siena Italian Restaurant & Bar.

Holiday Inn Express Newport Beach Hotel

Well-traveled visitors will recognize these famous hotel brands right away. The Holiday Inn Express Newport Beach Hotel— on the historic Mariner’s Mile, across from the harbor — is within walking distance to numerous restaurants, shops and entertainment venues, and of course, the ocean. Here you can always count on signature services from the complimentary breakfast bar to an on-site fitness center.

Best Western Hotel

At the Best Western Hotel, you’ll want to be on the lookout for updates that will give the front desk, lobby, and guest area a new sophisticated, modern, and chic feel. And of special note, says General Manager Angélica Rivera, not many folks know about the beach across from the hotel because it doesn’t offer “public” access, but it can be accessed through houses right across from the hotel and there is no real parking in the area so only locals and hotel guests go.

Little Inn By The Bay

Last, but surely not least, don’t miss the Little Inn by the Bay, conveniently located on Balboa Peninsula and just a stone’s throw away from the beautiful pacific ocean and Newport Harbor. This property embodies every sense of the phrase boutique hotel in Newport beach. Although the water is just minutes from your doorstep, you may find it difficult to leave one of the 18 charming and newly renovated rooms at the Inn.

FAQ

Where is Fashion Island Located?

Newport Beach’s premier shopping destination is located above Coast Highway between Jamboree Road and MacArthur Boulevard. Fashion Island is in close proximity to the Back Bay and Newport coast, just 5 minutes away from Corona del Mar State Beach Park.

What Golf Courses Are In Newport Beach?

Pelican Hill Golf Club offers two award-winning Newport golf courses designed by Tom Fazio, each boasting panoramic ocean views and holes that bring players next to the water’s edge. Other golf courses in Newport Beach include the beginner-friendly Newport Beach Golf Course and nine-hole Back Bay Golf Course at the Hyatt Regency Newport Beach.

How Far is Laguna Beach from Newport Beach?

Laguna Beach is a scenic 11-mile drive from Newport Beach. Head south on Coast Highway to travel between these Orange County seaside enclaves. You’ll enjoy some of the most picturesque views that Newport Beach has to offer, including the pristine sandy beaches of Crystal Cove State Park.

How Far is San Clemente from Newport Beach?

San Clemente is located approximately 24 miles down the coast from Newport Beach, easily accessible via Pacific Coast Highway or the Route 73 toll road. Driving to Orange County’s southernmost city along the Newport coast takes travelers through two of Southern California’s most charming beach towns, Laguna Beach and Dana Point.

*Photo Credit: Jon Edwards
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