If you’ve ever driven down Pacific Coast Highway through Newport Coast, you’ve seen it. That massive, terracotta-roofed sprawling estate that looks less like a California hotel and more like a lost village from the Italian Renaissance. It dominates the hillside. Most people refer to it simply as the Pelican Hill Newport Beach resort, though its full legal name is The Resort at Pelican Hill. It is arguably the most ambitious luxury hotel project in Southern California’s history.
But here is the thing.
Newport Beach is packed with high-end stays. You have the Balboa Bay Resort with its harbor views and the Pendry over by Fashion Island. So, why do people fixate on this one? Is it just the Coliseum Pool? Maybe. It is a perfect circle, after all. Over a million hand-cut glass tiles line the bottom. It feels like swimming inside a piece of jewelry. Honestly, it’s kinda ridiculous. But when you are paying these rates, you sort of expect the ridiculous.
The Architecture is a Time Machine
The whole place was designed by Irvine Company chairman Donald Bren. He didn't just want a "nice" hotel. He wanted a tribute to the 16th-century Italian architect Andrea Palladio. You see this everywhere in the arches, the limestone, and the way the buildings are positioned to catch the light. It’s a very specific vibe. It’s not "modern chic." It’s "old world weight."
The villas and bungalows are spread out over 504 acres. That is a lot of ground. You basically need a golf cart—which they provide via their chauffeur service—to get anywhere. If you’re staying in a Bungalow Guest Room, you’re looking at about 847 square feet. That’s bigger than most New York City apartments. They have limestone fireplaces and private terraces.
But there’s a catch with the layout.
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Because the property is so vast, it can feel a little lonely if you aren't there with a group. It isn't a "social" lobby hotel. You don't go to the bar to see and be seen in the same way you might at a Hollywood boutique spot. People come here to disappear. They come here to sit on a balcony and look at the Pacific Ocean until they forget their email password.
Golf, Pelicans, and Tom Fazio
Let’s talk about the grass. The Pelican Hill Golf Club features two courses: Ocean North and Ocean South. Both were designed by Tom Fazio. If you’re a golfer, you already know that name. If you aren’t, just know that he’s the guy who makes courses look like they were naturally formed by the Earth, even though every mound was meticulously engineered.
The South Course is the one everyone talks about. It has several holes that run right along the cliffs. It's distracting. You’re trying to line up a putt while the ocean is literally crashing 100 feet below you. It’s hard to focus. Most players lose at least two balls to the scrub brush or the sea.
One nuance people miss? The environmental aspect. The resort uses a high-tech water management system to keep all that grass green without being a total drain on California’s resources. They have five underground cisterns that can hold millions of gallons of rainwater and runoff. It’s a boring detail until you realize how much water it takes to keep a Tuscan landscape alive in a Mediterranean-arid climate.
Eating at Pelican Hill Newport Beach
Dining here is an exercise in restraint. Or a total lack thereof.
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Andrea is the flagship restaurant. It’s famous for the tableside risotto. They bring out a giant wheel of Parmesan cheese, throw some rice in it, and stir. It’s theater. It’s also incredibly rich. If you want something less formal, the Pelican Grill at the golf clubhouse is actually where a lot of locals hang out. It’s got a massive circular bar and big TVs. It feels like a very, very expensive sports bar.
Then there’s the Caffe & Market. This is where you go when you realize you spent $200 on dinner and just want a $12 gelato for breakfast. Honestly, the gelato is some of the best in Orange County. They make it in-house.
What You Should Know About the Room Categories
- The Bungalows: These are the entry-level rooms, though calling them entry-level feels wrong. They are clustered in little neighborhoods. Look for the "Ocean View" designation. If it doesn't say "Ocean View," you might be looking at a very expensive view of a very nice hedge.
- The Villas: These are 2, 3, or 4-bedroom homes. They have their own private clubhouse and a separate pool. If you are traveling with a family or a small entourage, this is the play. You get a "villa butler." They aren't just there to fold your clothes; they basically run your life for the duration of your stay.
- The Estate Suites: These are the mid-ground. More space than a bungalow, less "I own a tech company" than a villa.
The Spa is a Fortress of Zen
The Spa at Pelican Hill has 23 treatment rooms. It has its own "Acqua Colonnades" with saunas, steam rooms, and soaking pools. It’s easy to spend four hours there and realize you haven't even started your massage yet. They use a lot of local ingredients—think rosemary and citrus—in their treatments. It smells like a very fancy garden.
One thing that’s different here compared to, say, the Ritz-Carlton in Laguna Niguel, is the sense of enclosure. At the Ritz, you feel the ocean. At Pelican Hill, you feel the estate. It’s a gated community for temporary residents. Some people find that comforting; others find it a little sterile. It depends on what kind of traveler you are.
Realities and "Gotchas"
It isn't perfect. No hotel is.
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Parking is valet-only for the most part, which is typical for Newport Beach. The walk from some of the bungalows to the main lobby is a trek. If it’s a hot day, you are going to want that shuttle. Also, the fog. This is coastal California. You can pay for a "Premier Ocean View" and spend your entire Saturday looking at a thick wall of grey mist. That’s just the Pacific being the Pacific.
Also, the price. Between the resort fee, the taxes, and the $18 cocktails, you can easily spend $1,500 in a day without trying. You have to be okay with that. If you’re checking the price of the sparkling water in the mini-bar, you’re going to have a stressful time.
Why the "Pelican Hotel" Search is Misleading
Interestingly, many people search for the "Pelican Hotel Newport Beach" looking for a beachside boutique experience. That isn't this. If you want to step out of your room and put your toes in the sand, you should probably look at the Doryman’s Inn or something right on the Balboa Peninsula. Pelican Hill is set back on the hills. To get to the actual beach (Crystal Cove State Park), the hotel has to drive you down in a shuttle.
It’s a five-minute ride, but it’s a ride nonetheless. The upside? Crystal Cove is one of the most beautiful, undeveloped stretches of coastline in the state. The hotel has a dedicated area there with chairs and umbrellas. It’s a nice perk, but it’s not "on the beach."
Actionable Steps for Your Stay
If you are actually going to book a stay at Pelican Hill Newport Beach, don't just click "reserve" on the first thing you see.
- Check the Event Calendar: This place is a wedding factory. If you stay on a Saturday in June, expect to see at least three brides. If you want peace, go on a Tuesday.
- Request a North-Facing Bungalow: Some of these have better sunset angles than the ones facing directly west.
- Book the Coliseum Suite: If you can swing it, these rooms overlooking the pool give you the best "people watching" while still being private.
- Eat at the Golf Club for Lunch: The views are arguably better than the main dining room, and the vibe is much more relaxed.
- Hike Crystal Cove: Don't just sit by the pool. Take the shuttle down to the state park and walk the bluff trails. It’s the best free thing you can do in Newport Coast.
The real value of Pelican Hill isn't just the bed or the bathroom—it’s the fact that for a few days, you feel like you live in a version of California that doesn't actually exist anywhere else. It’s manicured, it’s quiet, and it’s deeply, unapologetically luxurious. Just make sure you bring your walking shoes and a very healthy credit limit.