
Balboa Bay Resort
Best for travelers who want a waterfront Newport Bay experience, on-site spa time, and boat or paddle rental from a private dock.
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Balboa Bay Resort is a waterfront Newport Beach resort centered on bay-view dining, a full-service spa, and harbor activities; read this if you want a coastal, spa-forward stay near Newport Harbor. The Westin Anaheim Resort is an upscale Anaheim property steps from the Disneyland area with large meeting capacity and family-friendly rooms; read this if you want convenience for Disney, conventions, or a polished city-adjacent stay.
Updated · about 15 miles (24 km) apart

Best for travelers who want a waterfront Newport Bay experience, on-site spa time, and boat or paddle rental from a private dock.

Best for guests who need easy access to Disneyland Resort, convention space, and a wide range of room types for families and groups.
When Balboa Bay Resort wins: pick Balboa Bay Resort if your priority is being on the water, using a full-service spa (Balboa Bay Spa), or accessing harbor recreation such as kayaks, paddleboards and boat rentals directly from the resort’s private dock.
When The Westin Anaheim Resort wins: choose The Westin Anaheim Resort when proximity to Disneyland, convention or meeting facilities, and a larger inventory of family-style rooms (studios, park/theme-views, 2-queen options) matter most.
Bottom line: both are upscale choices but serve different trips — Balboa Bay for coastal relaxation and waterfront dining, The Westin Anaheim for Disneyland-area convenience and big-group/meeting needs.
| Category | Balboa Bay Resort | The Westin Anaheim Resort |
|---|---|---|
| Overall vibe | Calmer, adult-leaning waterfront resort with spa and harbor activities | Larger, busy Anaheim resort focused on Disneyland-area convenience and meetings |
| Location | 1221 W Coast Hwy, Newport Beach — on Newport Bay, near Balboa Island and Fashion Island | 1030 W Katella Avenue, Anaheim — within a 15-minute walk of the Anaheim Convention Center and Downtown Disney® District |
| Size (rooms & scale) | About 159–160 rooms and suites (range of waterfront suites up to 3,000 sq ft) | 618 rooms (large hotel with many room-type variations) |
| Ages / audience | All-ages property but typically attracts an older/adult clientele; minimum check-in age 21 | All-ages property; family- and convention-friendly |
| Pools / water access | Heated 25-meter outdoor pool with cabanas, chair-side service and private dock recreation | Outdoor pool and hot tub; no private dock or bay access listed |
| Restaurants & bars | A+O Restaurant | Bar (waterfront), Bar nineteen48 (lobby lounge), Blend Cafe, Waterline Pool Bar | Four restaurants including Tangerine Room, coffee shop/cafe and a poolside bar; 24-hour room service available |
| Spa / wellness | Balboa Bay Spa with nine treatment rooms, eucalyptus steam room, signature facials and massages | Not published |
| Meetings & events | About 30,000+ sq ft of indoor/outdoor event space, multiple named ballrooms and waterfront lawns | 23 meeting rooms and banquet facilities, positioned for conventions and group events |
| Known for | Waterfront dining, marina activities and a seaside spa experience | Disneyland-area access, large meeting inventory, and many room types (park/theme views) |
| Parking & transport | Self and valet parking (surcharges), airport shuttle available for a fee, free beach/area shuttle | Self and valet parking (surcharges), preferred airport John Wayne (SNA) listed |
Balboa Bay Resort sits directly on Newport Bay with easy walking and driving access to local piers and island ferries.
Choose Balboa Bay for a coastal, harbor-centered location and quick access to Newport Beach attractions.
The Westin Anaheim Resort is positioned for guests who want to be close to Disneyland® Resort and the Anaheim Convention Center.
Pick The Westin Anaheim when proximity to Disneyland and Anaheim’s meeting/entertainment hubs is the priority.
Balboa Bay Resort offers a compact room inventory focused on waterfront rooms and spacious suites.
Balboa Bay suits travelers who want roomy waterfront accommodations and a boutique-feel inventory of suites.
The Westin Anaheim Resort has a large roster of room types aimed at families and groups.
The Westin is the practical pick for families or groups who need flexible room layouts and many units.
Balboa Bay Resort centers dining around waterfront views and a small set of on-site venues.
If bay-view meals and a refined lobby cocktail bar matter, Balboa Bay offers focused, waterfront dining choices.
The Westin Anaheim Resort lists multiple restaurants and 24-hour room service for convenience.
Choose The Westin for varied on-site dining and the convenience of late room service near the parks.
Balboa Bay Resort highlights a heated 25-meter outdoor pool plus direct access to harbor recreation.
If a long heated pool plus easy access to boating and harbor activities are essential, Balboa Bay is the clear choice.
The Westin Anaheim Resort offers an outdoor pool and hot tub suited to families and park-goers.
The Westin’s pool is practical for downtime between park visits and meetings but does not replace a waterfront experience.
Balboa Bay Resort emphasizes on-site Balboa Bay Spa and a quiet, grown-up lobby bar.
Balboa Bay is preferable for travelers prioritizing spa treatments and a quieter evening scene.
The Westin provides a 24-hour health club and casual bars suited to families and conference guests.
The Westin is best for guests who want robust fitness hours and straightforward food-and-drink options close to the parks.

Balboa Bay Resort — waterfront restaurants, private dock and boat/water-sport rentals.

The Westin Anaheim Resort — walkable to Downtown Disney® District and close to Anaheim Convention Center.

Balboa Bay Resort — full-service Balboa Bay Spa with nine treatment rooms and steam facilities.

The Westin Anaheim Resort — 618 rooms and 23 meeting rooms for conventions or large family stays.
The Westin Anaheim Resort — it's within a short walk of Downtown Disney® District and close to Disneyland® Resort; Balboa Bay is a 15–20 minute drive to Disneyland.
Balboa Bay Resort — the Balboa Bay Spa offers treatments, steam rooms, and nine treatment rooms; Westin’s listing does not publish a full spa in the supplied listing.
Both — Balboa Bay Resort has extensive waterfront event space and grand ballrooms; The Westin Anaheim Resort lists 23 meeting rooms and is positioned for conventions.
Balboa Bay Resort — direct marina access, private dock recreation and rentals for boats, kayaks and paddleboards.
Explore how Balboa Bay Resort stacks up against other hotels nearby:
vs. sites like Expedia, Hotels.com and other OTAs ·