If you’ve been looking for the Fashion Island Hotel in Newport Beach lately, you might’ve noticed something weird. It basically disappeared. Or, well, it didn't vanish into the Pacific, but the name on the building sure did. It’s one of those things that catches travelers off guard because for years, that tower was the literal definition of Orange County luxury. You’d pull up, see the palms, and know you were exactly where the money is.
The reality? The "Fashion Island Hotel" is now the Pendry Newport Beach.
It’s a massive shift. We aren't just talking about a new coat of paint or some different towels in the bathroom. When the Irvine Company decided to hand over the keys to Montage International, the whole vibe of the property shifted from "corporate-chic luxury" to something much more exclusive, social, and, honestly, a bit more expensive. If you haven't been back since the rebrand, you're looking at a totally different beast.
The Identity Crisis of Newport’s Most Famous Tower
Newport Beach is a funny place. It’s obsessed with status but also deeply tied to its own history. For a long time, the property at 690 Newport Center Drive was the Four Seasons. People still call it that. Then it became the Fashion Island Hotel, which felt right because you can literally walk across the street and drop five figures at Neiman Marcus or Bloomingdale's.
It served a specific purpose. It was the place for high-end weddings, big business conferences, and people who wanted to be near the coast without actually getting sand in their shoes. But as the travel market changed, that "grand hotel" energy started feeling a little stiff. It was formal. Maybe too formal for a town where people wear $400 flip-flops.
Then the Pendry took over.
What they did was interesting. They kept the bones—it’s still that iconic 20-story limestone tower—but they gutted the soul of it. They added The Elwood Club, which is a private members' club tucked inside the hotel. This is the new trend in high-end hospitality. It's not enough to just be a guest; you have to feel like you’re part of an inner circle. If you’re looking for that old-school Fashion Island Hotel vibe, you’ll find the geography is the same, but the "exclusive" dial has been turned up to eleven.
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What Happened to the Amenities Everyone Liked?
People used to rave about the pool at the Fashion Island Hotel. It was a classic OC scene. Now, it’s been reimagined as a more "resort-style" deck. It’s still a place to see and be seen, but the service model has shifted. They’ve leaned heavily into the "social club" aspect.
Dining and Late Nights
Remember Oak Grill and Aqua Lounge? They’re gone. In their place, you’ve got Bar Pendry and SET Steak & Sushi. Honestly, SET is a vibe. It’s handled by Clique Hospitality, and they know how to make a room feel electric. It’s less about the "power lunch" now and more about the "power dinner" that turns into drinks that turn into... well, you get it.
- SET Steak & Sushi: High-end, modern, very "Newport."
- The Elwood Club (Members only): Has its own pub, cabaret, and restaurant.
- Vibe Check: It’s louder. It’s younger. It’s more curated.
You’ve still got the proximity to the mall. That’s the one thing that never changes. You can still walk to the Apple Store or grab a steak at Fleming’s. But the hotel itself no longer feels like an extension of the mall; it feels like a destination that happens to be next to one.
The Room Situation: Is it Still a Good Value?
"Value" is a relative term in Newport Beach. Let’s be real. You aren't staying here to save money. When it was the Fashion Island Hotel, you could often snag a room for a price that felt reasonable for a five-star experience.
Now? Pendry is a premium brand.
The rooms have been refreshed with a lot of navy, gold, and marble. They feel "residential," which is the industry's way of saying they don't look like hotel rooms. They look like a very expensive apartment in Corona del Mar. If you’re booking a stay, you need to be aware that the price floor has risen. You’re paying for the brand, the bedding, and the fact that you’re staying in the hottest spot in the city right now.
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Why the Change Matters for Business Travelers
If you’re a corporate traveler who used to book the Fashion Island Hotel for its proximity to the Newport Center offices, things are different. The Pendry still caters to business, but it’s less "stuffy boardroom" and more "creative meeting."
They still have massive ballroom space—over 58,000 square feet of it. That hasn't changed. Newport Beach is still the hub for the OC's financial and real estate titans. But the "after-hours" scene at the hotel is much more intense now. If you’re someone who wants a quiet, anonymous stay where you can work in the lobby without being distracted by a DJ or a social club crowd, you might find the new iteration a bit much.
However, if you’re looking to network? This is the place. The Elwood Club has brought in the local power players. You’re more likely to run into a tech CEO or a real estate developer at the bar now than you were three years ago.
The Local Perspective: Is it Better?
Locals in Newport are picky. They liked the old hotel because it was "theirs." It was where they had charity galas and holiday brunches. There was some worry that the Pendry would be too "LA" for Orange County.
Surprisingly, it’s worked.
The Pendry managed to keep the local crowd by making the hotel a social hub. They didn't just build a place for tourists to sleep; they built a place for the neighbors to drink. That’s a smart move in a town like Newport where local loyalty is everything. The Spa Pendry is also a massive upgrade. It’s become a go-to for locals who want a high-end treatment without driving down to the Montage in Laguna.
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Misconceptions About the Location
One thing that people always get wrong about the Fashion Island Hotel (and now the Pendry) is the "beach" part of Newport Beach.
You aren't on the water.
If you look at the photos and see the ocean, that’s because the hotel sits on a hill. You have a great view of the Pacific, but you aren't walking to the sand. You’re in the "Newport Center" area. To get to the actual beach or the pier, you’re looking at a 10-to-15-minute drive depending on how bad the traffic is on PCH.
- Reality: It’s an urban-resort feel.
- Proximity: You are steps from world-class shopping.
- Transport: The hotel usually offers a shuttle or house car to take you down to the water or nearby areas.
How to Do Newport Right If You're Staying Here
If you’re planning a trip and were searching for the old Fashion Island Hotel, here’s the play.
First, embrace the change. Don't go expecting the old-school Marriott-style service. It’s more boutique now. Second, book a room on a higher floor facing West. Those sunset views over the harbor and Catalina Island are genuinely some of the best in California. You don't want to be staring at the parking structure or the back of the mall.
Third, make a reservation for dinner before you even check in. The restaurants here get packed with locals, especially on Thursday and Friday nights. If you think you can just wander down and get a table at SET, you’re probably going to end up eating room service.
Actionable Steps for Your Next Visit
If you're looking to book or visit the former Fashion Island Hotel site, keep these specific points in mind to make the most of the experience:
- Check the Brand: Search for Pendry Newport Beach instead of Fashion Island Hotel to get the most accurate rates and availability.
- Join the Program: Look into the I Prefer hotel rewards or specific Pendry programs. Since they aren't part of a massive chain like Marriott or Hilton, you need to use their specific loyalty channels for upgrades.
- Transportation: Don't bother renting a car if you’re just there for shopping and dining. Between Uber and the hotel's house car, you'll save a fortune on valet fees, which are notoriously steep in Newport Center.
- Timing: If you want the "Newport experience" without the chaos, visit in September or October. The weather is still 75 degrees, but the summer crowds have cleared out of the mall across the street.
- The Spa: If you aren't staying at the hotel, you can still book a treatment at Spa Pendry to get access to the facilities for the day. It’s a "hack" to experience the luxury without the $600+ night room rate.
The Fashion Island Hotel might be a name of the past, but the location is actually more relevant now than it has been in a decade. It’s evolved. It’s shinier. It’s definitely more expensive. But in a town like Newport Beach, that’s exactly what the people want.