
Balboa Bay Resort
Best for guests who want bayfront rooms, private-dock recreation, and a quieter, more intimate Newport Harbor setting.
Prices in other currencies are estimates. You’re charged in USD.
Balboa Bay Resort is a waterfront Newport Beach resort with bay views, yacht-club history, and a quieter, service-focused vibe; read this if you want a marina-side stay with on-water activities and larger suites. The Waterfront Beach Resort, A Hilton Hotel is a Hilton-branded beachfront resort in Huntington Beach with direct ocean access, pools, and family-friendly resort features; read this if you want Pacific Ocean beaches, easy access to Main Street/Pacific City, and big-brand consistency.
Updated · about 5.0 km apart

Best for guests who want bayfront rooms, private-dock recreation, and a quieter, more intimate Newport Harbor setting.

Best for travelers who want beachfront access, multiple pools and water features, and Hilton-brand consistency near Huntington Beach attractions.
When Balboa Bay Resort wins: choose Balboa Bay Resort if you prioritize a quieter, bayfront setting, on-site marina recreation (boat/kayak/Duffy rentals), larger suites and venues for small-to-medium events, and a polished, adults-leaning atmosphere.
When The Waterfront Beach Resort wins: choose The Waterfront Beach Resort if you want direct ocean/beach access, more pools and kid-friendly water features (waterslide, multiple hot tubs), on-site family services and larger guest capacity under a major hotel brand close to Pacific City and Main Street.
Bottom line: pick Balboa Bay Resort for a refined Newport Harbor experience with marina activities and bay views; pick The Waterfront Beach Resort for a beachfront, full-service Hilton property with multiple pool features and easier access to Huntington Beach’s surf-and-beach scene.
| Category | Balboa Bay Resort | The Waterfront Beach Resort, A Hilton Hotel |
|---|---|---|
| Overall vibe | Quieter, bayfront, yacht-club history; leans adult | Larger, beachfront, family-friendly resort with active pool scene |
| Location | Newport Bay / private dock access; near Balboa Island and Fashion Island | Oceanfront in Huntington Beach; steps from Pacific City and Main Street |
| Size (rooms) | About 159–160 rooms | 437 guestrooms |
| Ages / audience | All ages welcome but tends toward an older/adult clientele; minimum check-in age 21 | All ages; family amenities and children’s services available |
| Pools & water features | One heated 25-meter outdoor pool + hot tub; poolside cabanas/day beds for rent | Two outdoor pools, three hot tubs and a waterslide; pool cabanas (surcharge) |
| Beach access | Waterfront on Newport Bay with private-dock recreation (not oceanfront) | Direct ocean/beach access with beach sun loungers and umbrellas |
| Restaurants & bars | Multiple on-site outlets including A+O Restaurant | Bar, Bar nineteen48, Blend Cafe, Waterline Pool Bar | Three restaurants, a coffee shop and multiple bars (including poolside bar) |
| Spa & fitness | Balboa Bay Spa with nine treatment rooms; 24-hour fitness center with Peloton and MIRROR | Full-service spa and wheelchair-accessible fitness center; 24-hour front desk |
| Watersports / recreation | On-site Recreation Center with boat, kayak, paddleboard and Duffy rentals from private dock | Surfing/bodyboarding, windsurfing and sailing nearby; walkway to water |
| Meetings & events | Extensive event space (~30,000+ sq ft) including multiple ballrooms and waterfront lawns | Ballroom and banquet facilities; business center and meeting rooms available |
Balboa Bay Resort sits on 15 waterfront acres overlooking Newport Bay with a private dock and easy access to Balboa Island and Fashion Island.
Choose Balboa Bay for a quieter harbor setting and close access to Newport’s marina attractions.
The Waterfront Beach Resort is a Hilton-branded beachfront property in central Huntington Beach within steps of Pacific City and a short walk to Main Street.
Choose The Waterfront for immediate ocean/beach access and proximity to Huntington Beach attractions.
Balboa Bay Resort offers roughly 159–160 rooms and a range of suites including bay-view and large presidential suites.
Pick Balboa Bay for larger suites and rooms oriented to bay views and entertaining.
The Waterfront Beach Resort has 437 guestrooms with private furnished balconies or patios and standard Hilton-style room amenities.
Pick The Waterfront if you want more room inventory and predictable Hilton room standards.
Balboa Bay Resort focuses on waterfront California cuisine and intimate bars.
Choose Balboa Bay for waterfront dining with a refined, local-restaurant feel.
The Waterfront offers three restaurants, a coffee shop, and multiple bars including a poolside bar and beach-adjacent dining.
Choose The Waterfront for more on-site dining variety and casual beachfront options.
Balboa Bay Resort centers on a heated 25-meter outdoor pool and private-dock water activities.
Pick Balboa Bay if you prefer a heated lap-length pool plus direct marina access rather than ocean surf.
The Waterfront Beach Resort offers a traditional beachfront resort pool setup with multiple pools, hot tubs and a waterslide.
Pick The Waterfront for a classic oceanfront pool experience with family-friendly water features.
Balboa Bay Spa and a 24-hour fitness center focus wellness services in a quieter setting.
Pick Balboa Bay for a full-service spa and low-key evening programming aimed at adults.
The Waterfront has a full-service spa and fitness offerings, plus more active poolside evenings by the beach.
Pick The Waterfront for accessible spa services along with livelier beachside evening activity.

Balboa Bay Resort — private dock and Recreation Center offering boat, kayak, paddleboard and Duffy rentals.

The Waterfront — two pools, waterslide and three hot tubs plus beach loungers and family services.

Balboa Bay Resort — extensive meeting and event space, multiple ballrooms and waterfront lawns.

The Waterfront — Hilton-branded property with high guest capacity and predictable service model.
The Waterfront Beach Resort has direct ocean/beach access; Balboa Bay Resort is waterfront on Newport Bay (private dock), not oceanfront.
The Waterfront is more family-oriented with multiple pools, a waterslide and children’s services; Balboa Bay is family-friendly but tends to attract an older/adult clientele and emphasizes marina activities.
Yes — Balboa Bay offers on-site marina rentals (boats, kayaks, paddleboards, Duffy boats) while The Waterfront provides easy access to surfing/bodyboarding and nearby sailing/windsurfing options.
Balboa Bay Spa is described with nine treatment rooms and specific signature treatments; The Waterfront has a full-service spa as well, but Balboa Bay’s treatment-room count is published.
Explore how Balboa Bay Resort stacks up against other hotels nearby:
vs. sites like Expedia, Hotels.com and other OTAs ·