Leslie Mann and Mark McGrath Named Grand Marshals for the 106th Annual Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade
Comedic actress Leslie Mann and Mark McGrath, actor, songwriter and lead singer for the band Sugar Ray have been named as the first ever Grand Marshals for the 106th Annual Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade. Mann and McGrath have both called Newport Beach home since their childhood attending Corona del Mar High School and are looking forward to coming back to Newport Beach on opening night to take part in this historical and fun holiday event. www.christmasboatparade.com
Dine Newport Beach Venture Launched by The Newport Beach Restaurant Association and Newport Beach & Company
To create one cohesive and recognizable culinary brand for the city of Newport Beach, the Newport Beach Restaurant Association and Newport Beach & Company (the destination marketing organization) have jointly launched a new epicurean organization, Dine Newport Beach. This new year-round venture is designed to protect and nurture the Dine Newport Beach brand and plan and execute strategic marketing programs to drive awareness of, and boost the economic vitality to the culinary community. www.dinenb.com
New Newport Beach Hotel, Lido House Hotel
The Lido House Hotel project has just been approved by the city (September 2014) and, next needs to pass muster with the Coastal Commission. The 130-luxury boutique hotel will offer visitors four-star service in a stunning location close to Newport Harbor and the beach.
Open date, TBD. More information:
• 130 luxury boutique hotel rooms
• WK Grill for fresh California healthy cuisine
• Spa
• 4,000 square feet of indoor/outdoor meeting space including rooms, ballroom and lawn
• Newport nautical architecture style with cape cod influence
• 17 luxury suites with outdoor patios
• Rooftop deck & lounge offering harbor and ocean views
www.lidohousehotel.com
Lido Marina Village Renovation
Complete renovation of Lido Marina Village – a charming, pedestrian-friendly village at the entrance of Lido Isle:
• Renovating 116,000 square feet of boutique retail, restaurant and creative office space
• Includes 47 slip marina with docks and decks overlooking Newport Harbor, allowing an upgrade to the marina to attract upscale stores and restaurants to occupy desirable waterside space
• Retail leasing strategy to create an exciting tenant mix of ‘laid back luxe’ fashion and food, reflective of the comfortable and casual style of the upscale community surrounding the area
The project will continue into 2016, but will open in phases; the first phase will be unveiled in late 2015. www.djmcapital.com
Newport Beach Marriott Hotel & Spa Renovation
Newport Beach Marriott Hotel & Spa Set to Complete Third and Final Phase of Comprehensive Renovation This December 2014.
Phase I, which was completed in 2013, encompassed an outdoor space renovation centering around a stunning new 7,000 square-foot rose garden which has become a coveted spot for wedding ceremonies and receptions. The rose garden boasts breathtaking coastal views and multiple varieties of mature and colorful rose bushes.
Most recently, the Newport Beach Hotel & Spa put the finishing touches on a comprehensive refresh of all of its 512 guest rooms and 20 suites and concierge lounge completed in April of 2014.
The final phase of this project will be completed this December, and will meeting room renovations including new carpeting and wall coverings, new pre-function space furniture and meeting room chairs. The 25,000 square feet of meeting space is being redesigned to align with the sleeping roof refresh and bring an overall modern cohesiveness to the hotel.
Additionally, ENCORE Event Technologies has been brought in to manage all onsite audio/visual needs including the infusion of half a million dollars of brand-new state-of-the-art equipment.
The Newport Beach Marriott Hotel and Spa offers unparalleled beauty and relaxing luxury. Guests are invited to retreat to one of the hotel’s elegant guest rooms or suites and enjoy sweeping views of the Pacific Ocean, stylish decor, and plush furnishings. Facilities include Pure Blu, the hotel’s all-new spa which soothes the soul with innovative therapies, a saltwater lap pool, private cabanas, and a state-of-the-art fitness center. For dining and relaxation, guests may enjoy Sam & Harry’s Steakhouse, The Lounge at Sam & Harry’s, or Starbuck’s Coffee House.
Newport Beach Inaugural Sculpture Exhibit Opens
Ten pieces of artwork that were selected by a special panel of jurors for installation in the Newport Beach Civic Center Park Exhibition has officially opened. The works are comprised of ten unique sculptures and will be prominently showcased for a period of two years, beginning summer 2014 and ending summer 2016. www.newportbeachca.gov