Where to Stay in Newport Beach: Modern Luxury Meets Coastal Style
Last Updated on March 3, 2026 by Lauren Belzer Sanford
Newport Beach has always felt like the sleek yet simple side of coastal California — where golden beaches meet glossy harbors and the energy is equal parts laid-back and luxe. Between the Balboa Peninsula’s beach-town charm, Lido Marina Village’s “boujee” boutiques, and the sparkling stretch of Newport Coast, this corner of Orange County blends surf culture with sophistication in a way that feels distinctly its own.
As a local, I’ve spent countless days in Newport Beach — coffee in hand along Pacific Coast Highway (PCH), shopping around Fashion Island, or catching the last bit of daylight over the water. It’s one of those places that somehow feels both cozy and elevated, like a mini escape that’s still close to home.
While neighboring Laguna Beach is known for its artsy, boutique-style stays, Newport Beach tends to lean more modern and luxurious (at least some parts) — think rooftop bars, poolside cabanas, and five-star resorts that embody true California glamor. Whether you’re looking for a stylish staycation or a coastal getaway with all the right details, Newport delivers that polished, sun-soaked kind of indulgence that makes every visit feel special.
While generally more limited than other coastal towns, here are my top recommendations for a stay in Newport Beach — each offering its own take on modern coastal luxury.
Lido House, Autograph Collection
Since its opening in 2018, Lido House has been one of my long-time favorites among Orange County hotels. A part of Marriott’s Autograph Collection, Lido House is a boutique gem tucked just between Lido Marina Village and the Balboa Peninsula. The hotel brings the charm of a classic beach house to life with an effortless coastal feel. Once the site of the city’s old town hall, it’s now a stylish stay not far from some of Orange County’s most popular beaches.
Lido House is not only home to gorgeous coastal rooms and suites, but also private cottages designed with stunning nautical details in collaboration with local designers. You can book a private cabana by the pool, enjoy spa treatments at Boost, head up to Topside (a rooftop bar loved by locals and visitors alike) for cocktails and sunset views. Oh, and for dinner, The Mayor’s Table is a fabulous on-site option for seafood lovers…refined, yet relaxed.
If you’re going to stay anywhere in Newport Beach, Lido House would be my top recommendation for the full experience!
Pendry Newport Beach
Sophisticated and stylish, Pendry Newport Beach brings a new level of luxury to Orange County. Opened in 2023, this property blends modern California cool with the laid-back energy of the coast. It’s the kind of place where everything feels curated yet relaxed at the same time. Rooms and suites are simple but warm, with thoughtful details throughout. You’ll find multiple dining options on-site — from SET Steak & Sushi to the glamorous Bar Pendry — plus a spa, fitness center, and a pool. And I can’t forget e-bike rentals and high tea at Viamara (don’t worry, you don’t need to be an Elwood Club member to book high tea).
Located within walking distance of Fashion Island and a short drive to the Balboa Peninsula, Pendry is ideal for a weekend of shopping, sunshine, and coastal indulgence. It’s the definition of contemporary Newport elegance — and easily one of the most elevated stays in Orange County.
The Resort at Pelican Hill
If you’re looking for the ultimate coastal escape, The Resort at Pelican Hill is pure Southern California luxury. Perched above the Pacific in Newport Coast, this five-star resort feels worlds away while being just minutes from Crystal Cove and Laguna Beach.
Inspired by the architecture of Italy’s seaside villages, Pelican Hill blends elegance with a breezy California simplicity. The bungalows and villas are spacious, each with private terraces, fireplaces, and ocean views that stretch for miles. It’s the kind of place where every detail feels thoughtful — from the circular Coliseum Pool lined with cabanas to the perfectly manicured golf courses overlooking the ocean.
Whether you’re indulging in a spa day, enjoying lunch under the palms, or watching the sunset with a glass of wine in hand, Pelican Hill makes it all feel elevated. For a special occasion or simply a luxurious weekend by the coast, this is the spot for a timeless Newport stay.
VEA Newport Beach, A Marriott Resort & Spa
Modern, social, and just the right amount of glam — VEA Newport Beach is where coastal style meets a lively, resort-like energy. Perfectly situated near Fashion Island, it’s a Spring 2022 addition to the Newport scene (formerly the Newport Beach Marriott Hotel & Spa), completely reimagined with elevated interiors, ocean-view terraces, and a pool that’s always buzzing with the best kind of weekend vibe. Pro Tip: If you’re a local, look for it on ResortPass for a day that feels like vacation in your own backyard!
I stayed here for a girls’ night staycation with a few friends, and it was a fun, easy getaway. We spent the afternoon lounging by the pool with cocktails in hand, then headed off to dinner off-site. Between the simple-but-stylish rooms, the relaxed-but-elevated atmosphere, and the location that puts you minutes from anywhere you’d want to go, it’s an ideal spot for a Newport weekend — whether you’re local or just visiting. VEA feels fresh, vibrant, and grown-up in all the best ways — perfect for a little staycation without ever leaving Orange County.
Bay Shores Peninsula Hotel
For something smaller, more personal, and right on the Balboa Peninsula itself, Bay Shores Peninsula Hotel is the boutique answer to Newport’s otherwise resort-heavy lineup. With just 25 individual rooms and suites, this is Newport Beach in a more intimate capacity — a coastal-chic property steps from the beach and the boardwalk, with the kind of character that larger hotels simply can’t replicate.
The rooms lean into a serene, coastal palette with little touches of soft pink, and the amenities are thoughtfully curated rather than sprawling: an all-day café, bike rentals for exploring the peninsula, beach day essentials, and The Penny Rooftop, a rooftop space with ocean views that is perfect for a morning smoothie or a sunset cocktail. It’s also part of the Pacifica Perks loyalty program, which is worth signing up for if you plan to return to Bay Shores or visit one of Pacifica Hotels’ other properties.
Bay Shores doesn’t have the glitzy energy of Pendry or the five-star grandeur of Pelican Hill — and that’s entirely the point. If you want to wake up, grab a coffee downstairs, walk two minutes to the sand, and spend the day at a pace that feels genuinely unhurried, this is your spot.
While Newport Beach might not have as many unique boutique hotels as its coastal neighbor, Laguna, it still offers high-quality stays that perfectly capture Newport Beach luxury. Here, the focus is less on bohemian hideaways and more on elevated experiences — think buzzing hotel bars, poolside cocktails, and sleek interiors that make every moment feel somewhat fancy. Whether you’re booking a weekend staycation or visiting from out of town, Newport Beach delivers that unmistakable blend of California style and seaside sophistication that keeps you coming back.