BookResorts™ is an independent travel network offering over 100,000 hotels worldwide.is an independent travel network.

Balboa Bay Resort Newport Beach, California
Book Now Or call, 24/7+1 (888) 605-1350
Rooms & Suites Dine & Drink Activities Spa Gallery FAQs
Ready to book?Lowest online rate, free perks and upgrades.Book nowCall 24/7 · 888-605-1350
Hotel comparison guide

Balboa Bay Resort vs The Resort at Pelican Hill

Balboa Bay Resort is a bayfront Newport Beach property focused on waterfront dining, harbor recreation, and a compact, service-oriented experience; read this if you want easy access to boating, Balboa Island, and a classic Newport harbor stay. The Resort at Pelican Hill is an ultra-luxury coastal Newport Beach resort with large grounds, golf, and Italianate scale; read this if you prefer a secluded luxury estate with multiple pools, resort-wide amenities, and on-site golf.

Updated · about 7.8 km apart (4.8 mi)

King bed and balcony with marina view in a guest suite at Balboa Bay Resort

Balboa Bay Resort

bayfront · harbor recreation · intimate waterfront

Best for easy access to harbor activities, waterfront dining, and a compact, walkable Newport Bay location.

See rooms & suites
The Resort at Pelican Hill, Newport Beach, California

The Resort at Pelican Hill

ultra-luxury · golf · grand Italianate scale

Best for a resort-style luxury escape, on-site golf, extensive pools, and larger villas/bungalows for families or groups.

Quick Verdict: Balboa Bay Resort vs The Resort at Pelican Hill

When Balboa Bay Resort wins: choose Balboa Bay Resort if you want direct access to Newport Harbor, on-water rentals and deliveries, a single heated 25-meter pool with chair-side service, and intimate waterfront dining steps from your room.

When The Resort at Pelican Hill wins: choose Pelican Hill if you want an estate-scale luxury resort with golf, multiple outdoor pools, large bungalows and villas, and a wider set of resort services and facilities.

Bottom line: Balboa Bay is the better pick for a compact, bay-centered Newport Beach stay focused on boating, walkable peninsula attractions, and waterfront restaurants; Pelican Hill is the better pick for a sprawling, ultra-luxury resort experience built around golf, multiple pools, and larger accommodations.

Call +1 (888) 605-1350Book Balboa Bay Resort

Balboa Bay Resort vs The Resort at Pelican Hill – At a Glance

Side-by-side facts for Balboa Bay Resort and The Resort at Pelican Hill
CategoryBalboa Bay ResortThe Resort at Pelican Hill
Overall vibeIntimate bayfront resort, polished service, harbor activity focusUltra-luxury, estate-scale resort centered on golf and resort amenities
LocationOn Newport Harbor near Balboa Island, piers, and peninsula attractionsNewport Coast (Pelican Hill area), near Pelican Hill Golf Course and Crystal Cove State Park
SizeAbout 159–160 rooms on 15 waterfront acres332 guestrooms (plus bungalows and villas) on a large resort estate
Ages / audienceAll-ages resort but often attracts an older/adult clientele; minimum check-in age 21Family-friendly per supplier listing (not adults-only)
PoolsOne heated 25-meter outdoor pool plus hot tub; cabanas/day beds availableNumber of outdoor pools - 3 per supplier listing
Restaurants & barsA+O Restaurant | Bar (waterfront), Bar nineteen48 (lobby cocktail lounge), Blend Cafe, Waterline Pool BarPelican Grill and at least one other restaurant plus coffee shop/cafe and poolside bars (2 poolside bars listed)
Spa & wellnessBalboa Bay Spa with nine treatment rooms, eucalyptus steam room; 24-hour fitness centerSpa services on site, steam room/Hammam, fitness facilities, fitness classes
Known forHarbor recreation, on-water rentals/delivery (Onboard Provisions), intimate waterfront eventsGolf (Pelican Hill Golf Course), expansive resort grounds, large villas and bungalows
Event & meeting spaceExtensive event space (~30,000 sq ft), multiple ballroom and waterfront lawn optionsConference space and banquet hall available (supplier listing), limo/town car service
Parking & accessSelf and valet parking (surcharges), EV charging on site; free beach shuttle availableValet, limo/town car service, free beach shuttle listed

A Look Inside Balboa Bay Resort

Balboa Bay Resort: rooms & suitesRooms & suitesBalboa Bay Resort: pools & beachPools & beachBalboa Bay Resort: diningDiningBalboa Bay Resort: spa & wellnessSpa & wellness
See all photos →

Location: Balboa Bay Resort vs The Resort at Pelican Hill

Balboa Bay Resort – Location

Balboa Bay Resort sits directly on Newport Harbor with easy walk or short drive access to Balboa Island, piers, and local waterfront attractions.

  • Address: 1221 W Coast Hwy, Newport Beach, CA — located on 15 waterfront acres overlooking Newport Bay.
  • Close to Balboa Pier, Balboa Island ferry, Newport Beach Pier, Fashion Island, and local harbor museums.
  • Good for guests who want quick access to boating, harbor restaurants, and peninsula walking/biking.

Choose Balboa Bay for a central, harbor-front Newport Beach location and easy access to harbor activities.

The Resort at Pelican Hill – Location

The Resort at Pelican Hill is in Newport Coast near Pelican Hill Golf Course and Crystal Cove State Park, set on a larger resort property.

  • Address: 22701 Pelican Hill Road S, Newport Beach, CA; supplier lists proximity to Pelican Hill Golf Course and Crystal Cove.
  • About a 10–20 minute drive from central Newport harbor areas depending on traffic.
  • Better for guests who plan to use on-site golf or want a resort set back from the busy harbor peninsula.

Choose Pelican Hill for a quieter, estate-style location with easy access to golf and coastal parks.

Rooms: size, types, and layout

Balboa Bay Resort – Rooms

Balboa Bay Resort offers roughly 159–160 rooms and suites, many located directly on the water with bay views and a range of suite sizes.

  • Room types include: Room (Newport), Room, Courtyard Area, Room, Bay View, Standard Suite, Superior Suite (Courtyard and Bay View), Executive Suite (Governor), Presidential Suite, Premium Room (Beachfront).
  • Suites available up to about 3,000 sq ft per the resort’s materials; many rooms have balconies or patios overlooking the harbor.
  • Accessible rooms are available; check specific room descriptions before booking.

Balboa Bay suits travelers who want bay-view rooms and waterfront suites in a compact hotel footprint.

The Resort at Pelican Hill – Rooms

The Resort at Pelican Hill offers a large inventory including bungalows, suites, and multi-bedroom villas for larger groups.

  • Room types listed include many Bungalow configurations (Garden, Partial Ocean, Ocean View), Premium Bungalows, multiple Suite types, and Villas (2–4 bedrooms).
  • Rooms feature private patios/terraces and some include fireplaces per the supplier listing.
  • Villas and multi-bedroom options make Pelican Hill a strong choice for families or groups needing separate bedrooms and living space.

Pelican Hill is better if you need larger accommodations — bungalows and villas give separate bedrooms and private terraces.

Dining & drinks: waterfront vs resort dining

Balboa Bay Resort – Dining & drinks

Balboa Bay Resort centers dining around its bayfront restaurant and small collection of bars and cafes.

  • A+O Restaurant | Bar provides waterfront California coastal cuisine with indoor/outdoor seating and a daily happy hour.
  • Bar nineteen48 is a lobby cocktail lounge with live music and signature cocktails; Blend Cafe covers coffee and grab-and-go items.
  • Waterline Pool Bar offers seasonal poolside service; in-room dining and Onboard Provisions (boat delivery) are available.

Pick Balboa Bay for intimate waterfront meals, easy boat delivery, and a short list of well-located restaurants and bars.

The Resort at Pelican Hill – Dining & drinks

Pelican Hill has a broader resort dining program spread across its estate, including Pelican Grill and poolside outlets.

  • Supplier listing names Pelican Grill and a coffee shop/cafe plus two poolside bars and room service during limited hours.
  • Poolside and in-resort options let you stay on-property for most meals; the property supports in-room dining and a coffee shop for casual needs.
  • Dining options are geared toward resort guests with multiple venues across the grounds.

Pelican Hill offers more spread-out resort dining choices and poolside bars suitable for longer on-property stays.

Pools & signature amenity: harbor pool vs multiple resort pools and golf

Balboa Bay Resort – Pools & signature amenity

Balboa Bay Resort’s public-facing pool is a heated 25-meter outdoor pool focused on a relaxed bayfront pool experience.

  • Heated 25-meter outdoor pool open daily from 8:00 AM to 10:00 PM; hot tub available.
  • Chair-side service, lounge seating, and rentable day beds/cabanas; Waterline Pool Bar serves cocktails and snacks seasonally.
  • Private dock and Recreation Center provide motor-boat, kayak, paddleboard, and Duffy boat rentals from the harbor.

If you want a single, well-appointed bayfront pool plus direct harbor access and rentals, Balboa Bay fits well.

The Resort at Pelican Hill – Pools & signature amenity

Pelican Hill’s signature resort features include multiple outdoor pools and a well-known golf course adjacent to the property.

  • Supplier listing reports three outdoor pools and two poolside bars across the resort grounds.
  • Pelican Hill Golf Course is nearby/on-property access (featured amenity) with driving range and lessons listed.
  • Resort-scale pool spaces and golf make on-property leisure the centerpiece of many stays.

Choose Pelican Hill for multiple pool options and integrated golf facilities if resort-based recreation is your priority.

Wellness & nightlife: spa, fitness, and evening options

Balboa Bay Resort – Wellness & nightlife

Balboa Bay Resort provides a full-service spa, a 24-hour fitness center, and a compact nightlife/dining scene centered on the lobby lounge and waterfront bar.

  • Balboa Bay Spa: nine treatment rooms, eucalyptus steam room, locker rooms with set hours; spa open to non-guests Mon–Thu.
  • Fitness center open 24 hours with Peloton bikes and MIRROR interactive system.
  • Bar nineteen48 and A+O support live music and evening events on select nights.

Balboa Bay balances a serious spa and 24-hour fitness with low-key evening options rather than a late-night scene.

The Resort at Pelican Hill – Wellness & nightlife

Pelican Hill lists spa services, fitness classes, and evening poolside bars, with a quieter resort evening tone than a city nightlife district.

  • Spa services on site with treatment rooms, steam room/Hammam listed; reservations required for treatments.
  • Fitness offerings include classes and on-site fitness facilities.
  • Evening options are resort-focused (restaurants, bars, and lounges) rather than urban nightlife.

Pelican Hill provides comprehensive spa and fitness programming within a resort environment, not a downtown nightlife scene.

Who Wins? Best Pick by Travel Style

Best for boating & harbor rentals
Hotel lobby check-in desks with chandelier and central floral display at Balboa Bay Resort

Balboa Bay Resort

Balboa Bay Resort — private dock, Onboard Provisions (boat delivery), and on-site watercraft rentals make harbor access immediate and easy.

Best for on-site golf and resort scale
The Resort at Pelican Hill, Newport Beach, California

The Resort at Pelican Hill

The Resort at Pelican Hill — Pelican Hill Golf Course adjacency, multiple pools, and villas/bungalows across a large estate.

Best for an intimate waterfront dinner
Seating area with blue upholstered chairs and mirrors in the Balboa Bay Resort lobby

Balboa Bay Resort

Balboa Bay Resort — A+O Restaurant | Bar offers direct bay views and a concentrated waterfront dining scene.

Best for large villas and multi-bedroom stays
The Resort at Pelican Hill, Newport Beach, California

The Resort at Pelican Hill

The Resort at Pelican Hill — offers multi-bedroom villas and spacious bungalows that suit families or groups.

Frequently asked questions

Balboa Bay Resort vs The Resort at Pelican Hill: FAQs

See all FAQs →
Which hotel is better if I want to spend time on a boat or do harbor activities?

Balboa Bay Resort — it has a private dock, a Recreation Center for motor boats/kayaks/paddleboards, and Onboard Provisions delivery to boats.

Which resort has more pools and resort-wide activities?

The Resort at Pelican Hill — supplier listing shows three outdoor pools and a broader set of resort amenities including golf.

Are either of these resorts adults-only?

No — both resorts accept families. Balboa Bay typically attracts an older/adult clientele and requires a minimum check-in age of 21; Pelican Hill is listed as family-friendly by the supplier.

Which is more convenient for visiting Balboa Island and Newport Pier?

Balboa Bay Resort — it sits on Newport Harbor and is close to Balboa Island, Balboa Pier, and nearby harbor attractions.

More Balboa Bay Resort Comparison Guides

Explore how Balboa Bay Resort stacks up against other hotels nearby:

Large outdoor swimming pool with rows of loungers at Balboa Bay Resort
Book your stay

Waterfront Dining, Pool & Fitness Included

  • Lowest rate guarantee
  • Complimentary perks & upgrades
  • 24/7 concierge
Check availability Call 888-605-1350
Offer terms

Price comparison & offer terms

These terms apply to the price comparison, Lowest Price Guarantee, free perks and concierge service shown on this site.

How we compare rates

The nightly rate shown is the lowest nightly rate we found for Balboa Bay Resort after searching every available night up to 12 months in advance, based on single occupancy (one guest). We compared that rate with publicly available rates on other online travel agencies (OTAs), such as Expedia, Hotels.com and similar sites, and show the price difference we found. We don't name the specific site each comparison came from.

Rates and availability change constantly. The rate for your dates, room type and number of guests may be different. The full price, including taxes and fees, is shown before you confirm.

Lowest Price Guarantee

Free perks & upgrades

24/7 concierge

General

BookResorts may change or end these offers at any time. These terms are in addition to our Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy. BookResorts is an independent travel agency and is not affiliated with Balboa Bay Resort.
Legal

Terms & Conditions

Last updated: January 1, 2026

Please read these Terms carefully. They contain important information about limitations of our liability and the resolution of disputes through binding arbitration and a class action waiver (Section 16), and our right to change these Terms (Section 18).

1. Acceptance of these terms

These Terms & Conditions (the “Terms”) govern your access to and use of BookResorts and any booking you make through us. By using the site or making a reservation, you agree to these Terms. If you do not agree, please do not use the site.

2. Definitions

“We,” “us,” and “our” refer to BookResorts, operated by SVH Tours & Travel Services, Inc. “You” refers to the person using the site or making a reservation. A “Supplier” or “Travel Provider” is the hotel, resort, or other provider that supplies the travel services. “Travel Services” means the room stays and related services made available through us. “Content” means text, descriptions, images, reviews, and other material on the site.

3. Who we are

BookResorts is an independent online travel agency that acts as an intermediary between you and Suppliers. We are not a hotel, and we are not owned by, affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by any hotel or brand featured on the site. When you book, your reservation is made with the Supplier through us as agent.

4. Eligibility & use of the site

You must be at least 18 years old (or the age of majority where you live) and able to enter a binding contract. You agree to use the site only to make legitimate reservations for yourself or for someone you are authorized to act for, to provide accurate and complete information, and to inform any other traveler of the terms that apply to their reservation.

5. Bookings & confirmation

All reservations are subject to availability and to the rate rules, restrictions, and policies shown at the time of booking. A reservation is confirmed only when you receive a confirmation from us. You are responsible for reviewing the rate rules (including cancellation terms) before you book.

6. Prices, fees, taxes & currency

Prices are shown in the currency indicated and include applicable taxes and fees unless stated otherwise; the total is displayed before you confirm. Our price may include a service fee and may differ from the rate offered directly by the Supplier. Currency conversions, where shown, are estimates. Certain taxes or resort fees may be collected by the Supplier at the property.

7. Cancellations, changes & refunds

Each rate carries its own cancellation policy, shown before you book (for example, non-refundable, or refundable up to a stated deadline). Refund eligibility and timing follow the policy attached to the rate you select. Service fees may be non-refundable. Failure to check in (“no-show”) may result in forfeiture of the amount paid, per the rate rules.

8. Your responsibilities

You are responsible for having valid identification and any required travel documents (such as a passport or visa), and for complying with the Supplier’s policies, including minimum check-in age, occupancy limits, deposits, and identification requirements. You are responsible for the accuracy of all guest information you provide.

9. Suppliers & third-party services

Suppliers are independent third parties. We are not liable for the acts, errors, omissions, representations, warranties, or negligence of any Supplier, or for the quality, condition, or safety of the travel services they provide. Any dispute regarding your stay or the services delivered is between you and the Supplier. Supplier terms and policies apply in addition to these Terms.

10. Third-party links

The site may contain links to third-party websites provided for your convenience. We do not control and are not responsible for those sites, and a link does not imply endorsement. Your use of any linked site is at your own risk and subject to that site’s terms.

11. Intellectual property

The site and its Content (excluding third-party trademarks) are owned by BookResorts or its licensors and are protected by law. Hotel names, logos, and trademarks are the property of their respective owners and are used only to identify the property being booked. You may not copy, scrape, or reuse any Content without permission.

12. Prohibited conduct

You agree not to use the site for any unlawful or fraudulent purpose; not to make speculative, false, or fraudulent reservations; not to use automated tools to access or scrape the site; and not to interfere with the site’s operation or security.

13. Reviews & user content

If you submit reviews or other content, you grant us a non-exclusive, royalty-free license to use, display, and distribute it in connection with our services. You are responsible for what you submit, and we may remove content at our discretion.

14. Disclaimers

The site, its Content, and the travel services are provided on an “as is” and “as available” basis, without warranties of any kind, whether express or implied, including as to accuracy, availability, or fitness for a particular purpose. We do not warrant that listings, prices, or descriptions are error-free.

15. Limitation of liability

To the fullest extent permitted by law, BookResorts will not be liable for any indirect, incidental, special, punitive, or consequential damages arising out of or connected with your use of the site or any booking. If we are found liable, our total liability will not exceed the greater of (a) the fees you paid to BookResorts for the booking at issue, or (b) US$100. This limitation reflects the allocation of risk between us.

16. Dispute resolution

We want to resolve any concern quickly and fairly. Before pursuing a formal claim, you agree to first contact our support team at 888-605-1350 or support@bookresorts.com and give us 60 days to resolve the matter informally. If we are unable to resolve it, any dispute will be handled by the state or federal courts located in California, as set out in Section 17 (either party may still bring qualifying claims in small claims court).

17. Governing law & venue

These Terms are governed by the laws of the State of California, USA, without regard to conflict-of-laws rules. Any permitted court action will be brought exclusively in the state or federal courts located in Los Angeles County, California, and you consent to their jurisdiction.

18. Changes to these terms

We may update these Terms from time to time. The version in effect at the time of your booking applies to that booking. Your continued use of the site after changes take effect means you accept the updated Terms.

19. Force majeure

We are not responsible for any failure or delay caused by events beyond our reasonable control, including severe weather, natural disasters, pandemics, strikes, government actions, or Supplier closures.

20. Miscellaneous

If any provision is found unenforceable, the remaining provisions stay in effect. Our failure to enforce a provision is not a waiver. These Terms are the entire agreement between you and us regarding the site.

21. Contact

Questions about these Terms or a reservation? Call our support team, available 24/7, at 888-605-1350.
Legal

Privacy Policy

Last updated: January 1, 2026

This Privacy Policy explains how BookResorts collects, uses, shares, and protects your personal information when you use our site or make a booking. For the purposes of applicable data protection law, the data controller is SVH Tours & Travel Services, Inc. (operating as BookResorts).

1. Information you provide

When you search, book, or contact us, we collect information such as your name, email, phone number, billing and payment details, the names and details of other guests, your travel dates and preferences, and the content of your communications with us.

2. Information we collect automatically

When you use the site, we automatically collect technical and usage data such as your device and browser type, IP address, approximate location, pages viewed, referring URLs, and interactions with the site, using cookies and similar technologies.

3. Information from other sources

We may receive information about you from Suppliers, business partners, fraud-prevention services, and (if you choose to connect one) social media platforms.

4. How we use your information

We use your information to process and manage bookings; communicate with you about reservations; provide customer support; personalize your experience; send marketing where permitted (with the ability to opt out); analyze and improve the site; prevent fraud and secure our services; and comply with legal obligations.

5. How we share your information

To complete a booking, we share necessary details with the relevant hotel and room Suppliers and with payment processors. We may also share information with service providers who support our operations, with advertising and analytics partners, with our corporate affiliates, in connection with a business transfer, with authorities where required by law, and with your consent.

6. Cookies & tracking

We use essential, performance, functional, and advertising cookies and similar technologies. You can manage non-essential cookies through your browser and through our cookie settings. For more detail, see our Cookie Policy.

7. Your privacy rights

Depending on where you live, you may have the right to access, correct, delete, or restrict the use of your personal information, to data portability, and to opt out of marketing.

EEA/UK (GDPR): You may access, rectify, erase, restrict, or object to processing of your data, withdraw consent, and lodge a complaint with your local supervisory authority. We process data based on your consent, the performance of a contract, our legitimate interests, and legal obligations.

California (CCPA/CPRA): You may request to know, delete, or correct your personal information, and limit the use of sensitive personal information, without discrimination. We do not sell or share your personal information as those terms are defined under California law, so no opt-out is necessary. To exercise any of your rights, contact us at support@bookresorts.com; we verify requests before responding.

8. Data retention

We keep personal information for as long as needed to provide our services and to meet legal, tax, accounting, and dispute-resolution obligations.

9. Security

We use reasonable technical and organizational measures to protect your information. However, no method of transmission or storage is completely secure, and we cannot guarantee absolute security.

10. International transfers

Your information may be processed in countries other than where you live. Where required, we put appropriate safeguards in place (such as standard contractual clauses) for those transfers.

11. Children’s privacy

The site is intended for adults and is not directed to children. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 18 without appropriate consent.

12. Third-party links & social features

The site may contain links to, or features from, third-party services. We are not responsible for the privacy practices of those third parties; please review their policies.

13. Changes to this policy

We may update this policy from time to time. The “last updated” date above reflects the current version, and we will provide notice of material changes where required.

14. Contact us

Questions or privacy requests? Reach our support team, available 24/7, at 888-605-1350 or by email at support@bookresorts.com.
About BookResorts · Independent since 1993

A better way to book your hotel

BookResorts is a full-service, independent travel agency connecting travelers to unforgettable stays since 1993. Detailed hotel information, competitive all-in rates and 24/7 concierge support, all in one place.

Est. 199330+ years
100K+Hotels & resorts
200+Countries
24/7Concierge
This is not the official website of Balboa Bay Resort. BookResorts is an independent travel agency and is not owned by, affiliated with, endorsed by or sponsored by Balboa Bay Resort or its parent brand.

Why travelers choose BookResorts

Best available rates

We compare rates from top suppliers. Taxes and fees included, no hidden charges.

100,000+ hotels & resorts

200+ countries and 2,000+ cities, from all-inclusives to boutique stays.

24/7 concierge

Real travel specialists to build, change or help with your reservation anytime.

Full transparency

Honest details on every property: rooms, amenities and policies.

Trusted since 1993

Three decades as a full-service, independent travel agency.

Secure & protected

Every booking is handled securely and your information is protected.

How booking with us works

Questions about a reservation? Our team is here 24/7 at 888-605-1350.
Full details in our Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy.

Lowest Price + Free Perks

UsOthers
Nightly rate
Price guarantee✓
No hidden fees✓
Perks & upgrades✓
24/7 concierge✓
Check availability

vs. sites like Expedia, Hotels.com and other OTAs ·

Book by phone888-605-1350
Book nowLowest rates Call usAvailable 24/7
Photo viewer