Tripadvisor gives a Travellers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travellers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.
Tripadvisor gives a Travellers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travellers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.
Set on 504 acres by the Pacific Ocean in Newport Beach, The Resort at Pelican Hill(R) features: 128 two-, three- and four-bedroom villas with magnificent coastal views and an unparalleled array of appointments, immersing guests in the absolute finest of everything; 204 luxuriously appointed bungalow guest rooms and suites with private terraces; a rejuvenating Five-Star spa with a menu of the world's most celebrated therapies; world-class restaurants, including Andrea serving authentic Northern Italian cuisine; an iconic "Coliseum Pool," one of the largest circular pools anywhere with tiered decks and luxurious cabanas; and Pelican Hill Golf Club with 36 dramatic holes by Tom Fazio, nearly all with ocean panoramas. A Five-Star, Five-Diamond destination, Pelican Hill has earned acclaim as the 2012 Grand Resort selected by Andrew Harper's Hideaway Report; as Conde Nast Traveler Readers' Choice Awards Top Southern California Resort (2013 & 2012), Top U.S. Resort (2011), Top-Rated Golf Resort Worldwide (2012) and Top-Rated California Resort Spa (2012); in Travel + Leisure's "Top 100" World's Best Hotels (2011 Readers' Poll), and with two courses ranked among Golf Digest's America's 100 Greatest Public Golf Courses (2011).
Star ratings are intended to indicate the general level of features, amenities, and services to expect. This property is classified according to Giata.
Places to stay are graded on a 0-100 scale. The higher the grade, the easier it is for travellers to find restaurants and things to do within walking distance.
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Many guests at The Resort at Pelican Hill commend its serene atmosphere, enhanced by elegant decorations and stunning views, along with its immaculate cleanliness and wide array of amenities that include a luxurious spa and diverse dining options. The rooms are often celebrated for their spaciousness, although occasional calls for updates are noted.
While service is typically regarded as professional, some guests have experienced slow responses. Opinions on value are divided, with praise for the resort's offerings contrasting with concerns over high costs.
Atmosphere
Tranquil
Rooms
Spacious
Value
Expensive
Cleanliness
Pristine
Service
Inconsistent
Amenities
Top-notch
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A return to Pelican Hill is definitely on our list! Overall, the resort was beautiful, with well maintained grounds and was elegantly decorated for the holidays - including an afternoon complimentary hot chocolate bar in the main lobby.
After Christmas with the extended family, the main goal for our trip was to relax and recharge. For our three night stay we found there were enough dining options that we didn't need to leave the resort, including a wide selection of in-room dining, which is one of our very favorite hotel amenities when looking to relax. The quality and flavor of the food was consistently exceptional, with The Pelican Grille providing one of the best meals we've had in a long time.
We stayed in the Villas, which was a ten minute walk from the main property. Car service is available, but you'll miss the on-demand stoplight for crossing the road, so we'd recommend making the walk to experience it at least once. The Villas have their own check in and amenities but we found them to be a little lacking. The pool bar closed several hours early and the pool area was unkempt and not lit the night we came down to use the hot tub.
We cuddled up in the cozy robes and used the fireplace in our living room pretty much non-stop throughout our stay. You can also order extra fluffy blankets to enhance the experience.
Standout - the level of service you expect from a luxury property.
Spa - the spa is somewhat dated, but they have a renovation planned for 2025. We booked a couples massage, but heads up that the spa facilities themselves are not co-ed and swimsuits are optional. Amenities include a steam room, sauna and large saltwater spa. There are several add-ons available with the massages. One spa hunter got a little carried away and tried the Himalayan rocks, cranial massage and hair oil treatment #worthit. If you'd like to make a day of it, you can order food and drinks in the spa. There is no outdoor access or a designated spa pool.
Standout - The eucalyptus spray in the showers was so relaxing we bought a few bottles to replicate the experience at home.
Relaxation mission accomplished!
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Date of stay: December 2024
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Trip type: Travelled as a couple
Room Tip:Dinner at the Pelican Grille is a must!
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Weeks of catastrophic fires in our beloved city of Los Angeles left my wife and me feeling depleted and in need of rejuvenation. We decided to head to Newport Beach for a stay at Pelican Hill, which proved to be exactly the cure we needed.
Everything about this resort is top-notch, from the superb staff to the beautiful grounds, the spectacular views, the excellent food, the spacious, well-appointed rooms, and the overall atmosphere of peace and relaxation.
Everyone on the staff whom we encountered was friendly, professional, and genuinely solicitous of our needs. I didn't get all of their names, but I'd like to offer my sincere thanks to Tara and Madison at reception, Carson the shuttle driver, and everyone at the the Concierge desk and at the wonderful spa.
Of the many resorts we've visited and enjoyed, only a few have stood out as exceptional, as places to which we intend to enthusiastically return. The Resort at Pelican Hill is one of these incredibly special places.
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Date of stay: January 2025
Value
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Sleep Quality
Trip type: Travelled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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My wife and I just finished a great 4 night visit to Pelican Hill. After reading some of the other reviews, I have the following comments:
The service, for the most part, was superb. At check-in they gave us a phone number to text and all of our service requests - room service, shuttle service, housekeeping requests - were immediately responded to and handled. One of the best service experiences I’ve ever had at a resort. I will agree the poolside service is slow, which is really puzzling as there are numerous waiters and waitresses working the pool, yet when I needed a drink or the check it seemed like forever before our waitress came back by. I can’t believe they were overwhelmed with customers given how many servers there were.
We stayed in a bungalow and yeah, the furnishings are outdated, but it was certainly spacious, comfortable and functional. It took me some time to find where they had hidden some plugs but the rooms definitely need an upgrade to accommodate all of today’s device charging needs. We loved that we could park our car right out front and access it whenever needed without navigating valet parking. Shower water pressure was not great but not bad. And, unlike many of the place we stay, the resort has not installed AC thermostats with motion detectors that cause the AC to shut off in the middle of the night.
The pool is awesome, and the crowd there is generally pretty upscale. Generally. The good news is, unlike many resorts with great pool situations, Pelican Hill doesn’t sell day passes. The food by the pool is fine, it is what it is. Guests who complain about the poolside food need to recalibrate their expectations.
We didn’t play golf or go to the spa or fitness center so no comments there.
We will definitely come back!
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Date of stay: August 2024Trip type: Travelled solo
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Pelican has long been one of my most favorite resorts I have ever stayed at. I was there over Presidents weekend with my family to play golf and relax. This was our 5th time there over the past 10 years.
While the sights and sun of Newport coast never grow old, unfortunately the resort itself is trending hard in the wrong direction.
The fine dining restaurant on site Andrea has remained closed post-covid. The only option now is the Colosseum, which lacks any inspiration or decent level of service whatsoever. We waited 30+ min one morning just get greeted and get coffee going. It felt like Europe where you feel like you need to get your order in when someone is actually speaking to you since you may not see them again for a while [and it was very normal volumes, not slammed whatsoever]. This service issue was the same at breakfast and dinner time, and also felt the same at the Grill in the golf club house. Not to mention a boring, dated menu with nothing exciting of note. Quality is passable at best. It just blows my mind that for a resort of this calibre, sitting in one of the wealthiest pockets of planet earth, with countless exotic cars rolling thru the valet, that they roll out this very mediocre food/service situation! What is going on here?!
Bunglow rooms are now feeling dated. The size and architecture still make up for that bit, but getting tired. We also had to call and ask for the room to be cleaned 2/3 days.
Golf course is a well run operation. Easy shuttle over/back (2 min). They get a ton of play, but the views are spectacular and it is quality resort style golf. Fun holes even if it wont make any best of list. Poa greens were very soft and bumpy with the recent rains.
I love the hotel dearly, it is one of my favorite destinations but this underwhelming go around may have us looking at other options next time we are in the area.
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Date of stay: February 2024
Value
Location
Service
Trip type: Travelled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Almost everything at this resort exceeded our expectations. The room was large and well maintained. The service was outstanding from the moment we arrived until the time we checked out -- even the housekeeping services attend to the tiniest details. The common facilities (main building, Coliseum pool and grill) are positioned in prime locations and enjoy spectacular views of the Pacific. You'll also be impressed with the Spa facilities that are included with your resort fee.
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Date of stay: February 2024
Value
Location
Service
Trip type: Travelled with family
Room Tip:The fitness facility isn't quite up to the resort's high standards-- it's adequate but could use...
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Exceptional service begins with extraordinary leadership, and Danielle de Beaubien exemplifies this at The Resort at Pelican Hill. As the Rooms Manager, her dedication to excellence shines through in every aspect of our stay. From the moment we checked in, Danielle's warm welcome set the tone for a truly unforgettable experience. Her attention to detail ensured that every aspect of our accommodation exceeded our expectations, from the luxurious amenities to the pristine cleanliness. Throughout our stay, Danielle's professionalism and genuine care for guests' satisfaction were evident, making us feel valued and appreciated at every turn. Her expertise in hospitality management is evident in the seamless operation of the resort, ensuring that every guest receives the highest level of service. It's clear that Danielle's leadership is instrumental in creating the unparalleled atmosphere of luxury and relaxation that defines The Resort at Pelican Hill. Five stars are simply not enough to commend Danielle and her team for their outstanding commitment to excellence.
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Date of stay: March 2024
Value
Rooms
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
Trip type: Travelled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Gerard Widder, General Manager at The Resort at Pelican Hill
Responded Apr 25, 2024
Thank you for recognizing Danielle's service excellence, Kristin!
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Overall this is a beautiful resort. I don't give 5 stars unless the venue has EXCEEDED by expectations. The staff here were all wonderful and the views are spectacular if you get the right room (Premium Ocean View King). Our reservation was incorrect, so had to spend a night in a room without a view. Once we got into the room, it was very nice. Large bathroom with plenty of towels and amenities. Living area and a nice patio which has lights for the evening. You might want to take some beverages with you. I requested a bottle of Oyster Bay SB (maybe $15 at the store) - and it was $81!! Quite a markup!! The pool is nice (like bath water -- needs to be cooler) and the service at the pool and also at the Coliseum Grill were excellent. Nice choice of different foods. We ordered breakfast room service which was prompt, but felt like we were eating at a diner. The food was just plopped on a plate -- didn't look very appetizing -- could have much more detail to how food is served. Overall - I would give this a 4 stars since we did experience some issues. Also told that the points would be added to my Marriott account - and 8 days later -- nothing. Try finding how to add them on the Marriott website --- quit a challenge.... You only have 10 days to request.... Overall a beautiful place, but not sure that we would go back.
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Date of stay: August 2024
Value
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Location
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Service
Sleep Quality
Trip type: Travelled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We love The Resort and everyone here. At The Resort, you get to relax and enjoy the resort life while getting to experience home away from home. Our family never wants to leave when we come here. After every stay, our daughter is always asking us when are we coming back. We've stayed at both the bungalows and the villas, and they are both amazing! Bedding is very comfortable, and they do a great job with cleaning especially during this time. I like that at both the villas and the bungalows, you can drive up to your room rather than having to park in a parking structural or valet like at other hotels or resorts. The ceilings are very high and open, which makes it very inviting. At the main building is the Coliseum Pool, and the views are expansive! The pool is heated, so no matter when you come here, you can always enjoy a swim and relax by the pool. The pool is a short stroll from the bungalows. The resort is lined with trees, rose bushes, lemon trees, and beautiful landscaping. When you stay at the villas, you get your own parking garage. There is a washer and dryer for your convenience. This side of The Resort is a little more private, and the experience is definitely worth the splurge. Whenever we come here, we always do breakfast at the Coliseum Pool & Grill. The food is great, and you get to enjoy amazing coastal views. The architecture is also stunning! If you just want to stay in the room and relax, definitely give their room service a try, and have your breakfast or lunch out on your private patio. The Resort also offers complimentary shuttle rides to The Crystal Cove. The Beachcomber Express Tent can set up chairs and umbrellas for you on the beach, and little kids get complimentary sand toy bags, so you're basically all set for the beach. The one thing that definitely stands out at The Resort is their exceptional services. Danielle is the sweetest person and really is the epitome of hospitality!
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Date of stay: January 2022
Rooms
Location
Service
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Gerard Widder, General Manager at The Resort at Pelican Hill
Responded Feb 8, 2022
Thank you for the review and for highlighting the various options available to guests visiting the Resort! And what can we say about Danielle that you and others haven't already acknowledged. She's a rock star and truly does define attentive, thoughtful, personalized hospitality. We hope you return again soon, Gerard and team Gerard Widder Managing Director
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This place is outstandingly gorgeous. No doubt about it. The staff outside the doors to greet and help you and drive you/shuttle you around were ALL very personable and genuine and professional. The food we had at the Coliseum Grill was well presented and tasty. Our room was beautiful- see my photos. Lovely huge clean bed, fireplace, huge bathroom with deep tub and separate glass enclosed shower, Pelican embroidered towels, robes, slippers. Great coffee in the room machine, and a great hot water pot for tea, which I enjoyed. Huge balcony with views down upon golf course and then the ocean. We loved it UNTIL we sat for a few minutes out there and wow, the traffic noise is not minimal but quite substantial and loud. THAT is the reason I would give this rating 4.5 out of 5, but half stars are not an option. Because we spent a couple hours each day out on the patio (super comfy lounge chairs) but had to listen to really loud car engines roaring the whole time. And then, at 5:30am 2 mornings we had to listen to loud machines grooming the golf course. Usually at posh resorts we enjoy more peaceful setting so all I am saying is, this place is fab but look out if you are in the ocean view rooms and suites in the 400s. And the beautiful, round pool with coliseum surrounding it is absolutely breathtaking, not to mention the jacuzzi. It is in a beautiful spot, too with amazing views and I think the water is saline treated rather than chlorine, which we appreciated. The resort shuttle took us to Fashion Island, which was fun for a few hours, to shop and eat. And we did an excursion in to Corona del Mar to ride eBikes there and in Balboa. And took resort shuttle to Crystal Cove state beach and ate at the Beachcomber, and took the sidewalks back (walked). Also visited Tanaka Farms in/near Irvine for a farm to table dinner. Lovely area. Just busier and noisier than what I have grown accustomed to.
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Date of stay: May 2022
Rooms
Service
Trip type: Travelled on business
Room Tip:Watch for traffic noise in the 400s rooms and suites, if you are going to spend any time out on...
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Gerard Widder, General Manager at The Resort at Pelican Hill
Responded Jun 3, 2022
Aimee, Thank you for providing a thorough, well rounded review of your visit. We appreciate all of the favorable mentions but regret the noise that you experienced. There are plenty of options that would provide the serene/quiet environment that you are accustomed to and we would be happy to assist with coordinating the next time you visit. Hope you have a wonderful North East summer and enjoy Candlewood Lake. Gerard Widder Managing Director
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Casual Elegance. Lovely property. Spacious accommodations. Private patio for lounging and dining. Short walk to Crystal Cove. Concierge will also transport to and from beach if you're not up for the walk. We dined at the Coliseum Restaurant for breakfast, lunch and dinner over the course of our stay. Every meal was delicious and the staff was consistently pleasant and on the ball. Gorgeous views from various points of the property. Housekeeping snuck in and out keeping our room in tip top shape and replenishing water and other necessities. Bike rentals available which I highly recommend for a fun day of exploring. Lovely property!
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Date of stay: April 2022
Location
Service
Sleep Quality
Room Tip:Ocean View rooms if available
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
There are more places to choose from in the Newport Beach area.
PRICE RANGE
C$1,661 - C$2,299 (Based on Average Rates for a Standard Room)
ALSO KNOWN AS
pelican hill hotel newport beach, hotel at pelican hill, at pelican hill hotel
LOCATION
United StatesCaliforniaOrange CountyNewport Beach
NUMBER OF ROOMS
332
Prices are provided by our partners, and reflect nightly room rates, including any mandatory fees. Taxes not included. Please see our partners for more details.
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