Hyatt Regency Newport Beach

The Hyatt Regency Newport Beach is something of an icon in the area. When the property was built as one of the first resorts in the '60s (before it was a Hyatt), it was a favorite haunt of John Wayne. Today, the hotel has spread out from its original inn building to include four distinct room blocks (one block has exterior motel-style entrances) spread over 20 acres of garden grounds that are landscaped with palm trees and succulents. The occasional shuffleboard court or giant chess set provides fun for families. The back of the property overlooks Newport's Back Bay and Dunes. A large lawn and theater is home to the annual Newport Beach Jazz Festival and Summer Concert Series. Inside, the lobby has a contemporary beach vibe with a gas fireplace decorated with framed California snapshots and fun accents like surfboards and a VW Bus figure. Lots of different travelers stay here, but the hotel is especially popular with families and couples on vacation. Meeting rooms also draw local business travelers. 

The Hyatt Regency Newport Beach has one of the best locations in the area, since it's close to Balboa Island, the Back Bay, and Fashion Island. The hotel is set back from Jamboree Road, so traffic noise isn't an issue.

• Five-minute walk to Back Bay 
• Four-minute drive to shopping and restaurants at Fashion Island
• Nine-minute drive to Balboa Island
• 10-minute drive to Newport Beach
• 12-minute drive to John Wayne Airport 
• 40-minute drive to Disneyland
• 60-minute drive to LAX

With 408 rooms divided into four different room blocks, the hotel has a room type or layout for most types of travelers. Each has a similar contemporary beachy look with a neutral color palette, carpet, tan accent walls behind single king or double queen beds, and simple artwork. Popcorn ceilings look dated. Armchairs or small sofas are topped with light blue throw pillows. Closets provide space for hanging clothes and storing luggage. Standard features include a 37-inch flat-screen TV, telephone, robe, coffeemaker, mini-fridge, free bottled water, and free Wi-Fi. Bathrooms generally feature shower/tub combos, hairdryers, and KenetMD toiletries. Views vary from furnished balconies that can overlook the pools, grounds, or Back Bay. For groups, the Villa Suite has an outdoor plunge pool, indoor fireplace, and kitchenette. Note that one building block has motel-style exterior entrances and past guests have complained about wear and noise. 

Features are the highlight here, and they're well thought out and convenient. There are three resort-style pools, including one with a whirlpool for kids and an adult-only pool with luxe sun loungers and whirlpools. For dining, SHOR serves a varied seafood menu and offers both indoor and outdoor dining, plus breakfast buffets on weekends. Room service is served late, but not 24 hours. The Library Lounge has a coffee counter with specialty coffees, pastries, oatmeal, and breakfast burritos served to-go in the mornings. In the afternoon, the space transitions to a lounge with a full bar and casual menu. There's seating indoors in a contemporary living-style space, or outdoors on tables and chairs. The fitness center is open 24 hours and includes high quality Life Fitness cardio equipment, strength-training machines, and yoga gear to be used in guest rooms. There's also a tennis club and courts, bikes to borrow, and a nine-hole golf course covered in the daily resort fee. Wi-Fi is free throughout the property and there's dedicated meeting and event space. Both self-parking and valet parking cost extra. Free scheduled shuttles to the airport, Fashion Island, and Balboa Island are a nice perk. Vizcaino's Trading Post sells all sorts of souvenirs, beach gear, and snacks. Pets are welcome for a fee.