We used Marriott Vacation Club (MVC) points to book 5 nights in a 2-bedroom unit at the Newport Coast Villas in Southern California. This was my second stay at this property, and honestly, I had forgotten how beautiful it is. We arranged for other family members to join us prior to boarding a cruise ship to celebrate my mother-in-law’s 90th birthday.
The opinions provided in this review are our own and represent our personal experiences.
Overview
Newport Coast Villas is situated along Highway 1, south of Los Angeles, in Newport Coast. The closest airport is John Wayne airport in Orange County (SNA) and is a 15-minute drive from the resort. I have also flown into Los Angeles (LAX) and rented a car. Travel time, depending on traffic, is about one hour. If you have a choice, choose SNA over LAX. SNA is much closer and easier to navigate.
The beauty of the hotel and its location will have you in constant awe. When you arrive at the front of the hotel for check-in, you might wonder how you found yourself staying in an Italian villa. The grounds are well kept, lots of tropical flowers and shrubs are placed throughout. Large, Italian-like statues and water features grace the front lawn.
The views of the Pacific Ocean are stunning. And, the sunsets, well, nothing compares to the multiple colors of red, orange, and pink you will see most nights. I cannot overemphasize how beautiful this property is and the views it offers.
Villas
Location
There are 700 2-bedroom units. No studios or 1-bedrooms are available. The property is terraced so the higher up you stay, the better your views of the Pacific Ocean. We stayed in Building 4200 on the 2nd floor, where we watched the sunset every evening over Catalina Island. The downside to staying in this building is the distance to the main pools, café, lobby, etc. While my husband and I could make the walk down and up the hills, it was a no go for my mother-in-law. But a call to the front desk had a golf cart there within minutes to pick us up and drive us back when we were ready.
One of the biggest draws of Marriott Newport Coast Villas is the stunning views of the Pacific Ocean and surrounding hills. When choosing a building, consider which direction it faces and what kind of view you’ll have from your room or balcony. Buildings closer to the ocean will have more expansive views, while those further back may have obstructed views. Keep in mind that some buildings may also have views of the resort’s pools or gardens, which can be just as beautiful.
Furnishings
The decor of each villa is standard. We felt the furnishings, artwork, carpeting, tile, and bedding were top notch. The kitchen is equipped with a stove, oven, microwave, coffee pot, toaster, a few pots/pans, silverware, glassware, and dishes for six people. We did not arrange for housekeeping during this stay but could have by calling the front desk. There is a dining table that comfortably seats six people, and an L-shaped sofa great for lounging and watching television. A balcony off the living room has a table with 4 chairs. A stacked washer and dryer are located just inside the front door.
Bedrooms
The master bedroom has a king bed, whirlpool tub, 2 sinks, and a walk-in shower with dual shower heads. The 2ndbedroom has a queen bed and pull-out sofa. There was direct access to a full bath, which also served as the guest bathroom. Both bedrooms have a television.
Outside each building area are several large grills for cooking up burgers and steaks. The area also provides several Adirondack chairs for lounging, gazing out at the ocean, and watching the sun set.
MVCs is planning a remodel and update to the décor of the villas, although I’m not certain the time frame. A walkthrough of one of the model villas displays a much lighter and brighter living environment. One of the best features is the redesign of the master bedroom, which removes the large whirlpool tub, includes a large, lovely walk-in shower, and a better arrangement for privacy of the toilet area.
Amenities
Typical of most MVCs, the Newport Coast Villas are a family-oriented resort, with plenty of activities to keep kids and adults busy. And there are no daily resort fees! Woohoo! The property boasts 5 pools and several heated spas. Three of the pools are located near the lobby, while the other two pools are up at the top of the hill near Building 4200.
There are gaming areas, including shuffleboard, video arcade, pool and ping pong tables, an outdoor, oversized chess set, a playroom for kids, and a basketball court. Each day offers a new calendar of activities for everyone to enjoy, so be sure to look at the daily schedule of events!
Shuttle Service
Shuttle service – The resort has shuttles that run frequently and drop you off at various places on the property, including the pools. Complimentary shuttles are also available to take guests off property to Crystal Cove, the Crystal Cove Shopping Center, and Laguna Beach and Fashion Island. We took the shuttle to Crystal Cove (~5-minute drive from hotel) and enjoyed a wonderful lunch on the beach. We discourage you from driving to Crystal Cove. Parking there is limited. NOTE: The main shuttle stop that will take you to these locations is situated near the circle drive that leads to the front of the hotel and lobby. Each shuttle location has designated pick up and drop off times so pay attention to the schedule.
Parking
Unlike many large resorts, parking at Newport Coast Villas is included with your villa rental. There is one parking spot for every villa and you will be able to park in front of the building you’ve been assigned to. If you plan to have other guests with a car visit during your stay, speak with the front desk so you can ensure they follow the guest parking rules.
Internet
Complimentary high-speed Wi-Fi is provided with the villa rental and is available across the property.
Dining
Lunch and dinner dining options are limited to the La Vista Pool Bar & Grill, located next to the main pool. Even though we only ate there one evening for dinner, we found the food and drinks to be good. The Marketplace is an option for purchasing Starbucks © Coffee, snacks, drinks, and other necessities, including a limited supply of groceries.
If you have a car or want to Uber, there are plenty of restaurants you can enjoy within a 5-mile radius. When we stay in a MVC, we tend to visit a major grocery store early to purchase breakfast foods and lunch items, and save dining out for dinner, or eating leftovers.
Conclusions
We think Marriott’s Newport Coast Villas provide tremendous value, especially if you are traveling with family or friends. The villa accommodations and the grounds are well maintained and lovely. The views of the Pacific Ocean from nearly every vantage point are mesmerizing. We promise you will never want to go home!
NOTE: This hotel is not located on the beach, but across Highway 1. It is possible to walk from the hotel to the beach (crossing Highway 1), but the hike up the hill from the beach is a monster. Don’t say we didn’t warn you!
If you have any questions about staying at the Newport Coast Villas, please contact us at travelwiththecrows@gmail.com. We’d love to hear from you!
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