Indulge in massages, body treatments, and facials at the spa. Hit the golf course before unwinding in one of the 3 outdoor swimming pools.
Dining and Entertainment Options
Savor delectable meals at Pelican Grill or enjoy room service. Grab drinks at the bar or sip cocktails by the pool.
Convenience and Comfort
Stay in elegant guestrooms with fireplaces and flat-screen TVs. Benefit from complimentary wireless internet, concierge services, and a business center.
Pamper yourself at The Resort at Pelican Hill and book your stay now to experience luxury in Newport Beach.
✦HAPPI HIGHLIGHTS
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Incredible staff
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Beautiful location
At the hotel
Popular amenities
66 listed
24-hour front desk
Accessible shuttle
Assistive listening devices available
ATM/banking
Ballroom
Banquet hall
Beach towels
Bicycle rentals nearby
Boat tours nearby
Breakfast available (surcharge)
View all amenities
Pools & wellness
Full-service spa
Pool hoist on site
Pool umbrellas
Steam room
Wheelchair-accessible pool
Wheelchair-accessible spa
Dining & drinks
Food and water bowls
Snack bar/deli
Wheelchair-accessible on-site restaurant
Fitness & outdoors
Fitness facilities
Free beach shuttle
Garden
Golf cart
Golf clubs (equipment)
Golf driving range on site
Golf lessons on site
Golf lessons with a pro
Golfing on site
Hiking/biking trails nearby
Optional golf privileges
Terrace
Wheelchair-accessible fitness center
Rooms & comfort
Turkish bath/Hammam
Safety & cleanliness
Fireplace in lobby
Smoke-free property
Visual alarms in hallways
Getting around & access
Elevator
No accessible shuttle
Valet for wheelchair-equipped vehicle
Wheelchair accessible
Wheelchair accessible parking
Wheelchair-accessible public washroom
Wheelchair-accessible van parking
Guest services
Concierge service
Luggage storage
Safe-deposit box at front desk
Tours/ticket assistance
Services & essentials
Computer station
Conference space
Electric car charging station
Free WiFi
Front entrance ramp
Gift shops or newsstand
Housekeeping on request
Internet access in public areas - high speed
Kayaking nearby
Limo or town car service available
Newspapers in lobby (surcharge)
Parasailing nearby
Porter/bellhop
Pro shop
Shopping on site
Stair-free path to entrance
Surf lessons - nearby
Swimming nearby
Well-lit path to entrance
Review in focus
162 reviews
10/ 10
I lived in Laguna Beach for two years & never stayed at or visited Pelican Hill. This was a HUGE mistake.
Pelican Hill is one of the nicest resorts i've stayed at
The hospitality is impossible to beat. You have a whole team of people ready to assist you just to make your experience better
We played golf, went to the Coliseum Pool, visited the spa, walked around the property & ate nice dinners on resort property.
Pelican Hill is a MUST stay if you're in the Newport/Orange County area.
Also special shoutout to Ethan at the front desk. He was very accommodating & gave us a nice rate to upgrade to a suite (worth it).
I will absolutely be back next time i'm in California!
jakegT6670HD · Friends getaway · 2026-04-10
The guest experience
Loved most
Incredible staff
Beautiful location
Worth knowing — Temperature issues in room · High valet parking fee
How guests scored the stay
Service10.0
The staff was incredible, especially the front desk, who were very apologetic about the issue.
Location10.0
The resort is in a beautiful location, ideal for golfers and visitors alike.
Amenities9.6
The pool and dining options were outstanding and well appreciated.
Overall Experience9.6
Overall magical experience with family, despite some issues.
Cleanliness8.6
Temperature issue in room 323 affected the comfort, indicating a lapse in overall cleanliness.
Room Quality8.6
Room 323 had temperature issues but was described as oversized with great views.
Value for Money8.6
High valet parking fee and lack of self parking may affect perceived value.
Food and Beverage8.6
Food was described as average, which may detract from dining experience value.
Live guest feedback
Guest reviews
Mixed experiences
75% of 20 recent stays rated 8+
10/10: MUST STAY IN ORANGE COUNTY!
10/10
jakegT6670HD · Friends getaway · 2026-04-10
“I lived in Laguna Beach for two years & never stayed at or visited Pelican Hill. This was a HUGE mistake.
Pelican Hill is one of the nicest resorts i've stayed at
The hospitality is impossible to beat. You have a whole team of people ready to assist you just to make your experience better
We played golf, went to the Coliseum Pool, visited the spa, walked around the property & ate nice dinners on resort property.
Pelican Hill is a MUST stay if you're in the Newport/Orange County area.
Also special shoutout to Ethan at the front desk. He was very accommodating & gave us a nice rate to upgrade to a suite (worth it).
I will absolutely be back next time i'm in California!”
Not Worth the Money
4/10
Toupee · Family · 2026-04-01
“Shocked this place gets such good reviews. Staying here now and disappointed. For $1.738 / night spend your money elsewhere - the Ritz Laguna Niguel would have been cheaper and Montage only $200 more per night. When the paying these rates expect much better.
Grounds are gorgeous but rooms are dated. Feels like grandma’s house - dark lighting and drab. Clearly hasn’t been updated since original build almost 20 years ago now. Tile floors and granite out of the 90s (must have bought at discount when developed). For this price, that’s crazy. On plus side, rooms are large. Just ugly. I get this is Tuscan countryside style - but you can do that still with a much needed refresh that doesn’t make you feel like stepping back to 2005. Also disappointing we got an “ocean view” room (338) with smallest glimpse of the ocean. Technically ocean view but not by much and again for that price - not worth it.
And the service was bad. Ordered a drink at pool this afternoon and never came. Pool wasn’t that busy so no excuse. We finally left to hit the beach after an hour with no drink. After being gone all day, just got back to room at 5:30 and still no maid service.
Lastly - the gym may be the saddest part of this place. In a basement with old carpet floors. Have seen better gyms at a Courtyard. For a supposed 5 star resort downright embarrassing.
Place has a lot of potential - just save your money until they redo it and turn it into a St Regis in a few years. Wouldn’t think about staying here again until they freshen it up.”
Valet Parking Service
2/10
samangf · Family · 2026-03-31
“I had expected to wake up and truly enjoy my vacation at a luxury property like The Resort at Pelican Hill, but unfortunately, my experience was significantly diminished by extremely poor service over a situation that should never have been an issue at this level of hospitality.
Today, I ordered lunch from an outside restaurant and clearly instructed that the delivery be left at the front desk. This was a deliberate request based on my need for privacy, and it should have been simple to accommodate.
Instead, the delivery driver was stopped by a valet parking employee identified as Travis. He explicitly told the driver not to follow my instructions and insisted that the driver call me.
I was on the phone during the entire interaction and heard the conversation firsthand. The driver made multiple attempts to explain my instructions—including my privacy concerns—but Travis refused to comply.
As a result, I was forced into an unnecessary and intrusive situation where I had to take a phone call and repeat my personal preference simply to satisfy a valet employee. This was both disruptive and inappropriate. I do not understand why I was required to justify a reasonable and clearly communicated request to a valet attendant, particularly when it has no relevance to his role.
This behavior was not only unprofessional but also deeply disrespectful. It clearly showed a lack of regard for guest preferences and basic courtesy. As a guest, my requests should be prioritized—especially when they are reasonable and easy to accommodate. It is certainly not the role of a valet parking attendant to override or dismiss a guest’s clearly stated preference.
This incident completely ruined my day. It was incredibly frustrating to deal with such unnecessary conflict and poor attitude, especially at a resort that positions itself as a luxury destination.
This conduct reflects a serious breakdown in service standards, professionalism, and respect for guest privacy. A valet employee should not be overriding, dismissing, or interfering with a guest’s clearly stated preferences.”
Birthday celebration!
10/10
Justin_SoCal · Friends getaway · 2026-02-23
“I went for a birthday trip and they did not let me down. Completely A+ in everything they did. Shaun the main bar bartender was such a great guy. Thank you Ethen for the upgrade, the room was great. Outstanding service by the housekeeping staff!”
This place is perfect
10/10
LMJ-Victoria · Business · 2026-02-16
“Everything you could want in an experience & more.”
California Dreamin
10/10
Brandon4268 · Couples · 2026-02-02
“We stayed here over a weekend for a staycation. From the moment that you enter the property, it is as if you are whisked away to an Italian paradise. From the stunning ocean view lobby to the guard gated rooms, every detail is perfect. The spa offers complimentary access to guests of the resort to use the facilities such as the steam room, sauna, & whirlpool. The spa lounge offers complimentary truffles which are nothing short of perfect! One thing that truly makes this a stand out property is that it does not feel like a hotel, it feels like a home away from home. The rooms are large & thoughtfully designed with high quality furniture & accents. The gas fireplace was a very nice touch. Every staff member that we encountered was genuine & always willing to help. We are already talking about returning!”
Great views
6/10
Svrusername · Couples · 2026-01-20
“I visited this resort recently and, unfortunately, left quite disappointed. Charging $50 for parking (self parking) Felt excessive and set the tone for what turned out to be an overpriced experience overall. The restaurant was underwhelming. there were several mistakes throughout the meal, giving the impression of poor organization rather than a premium dining experience. The food itself was so-and-so: not bad, but certainly not good enough to justify the prices being charged. That said, the views were genuinely great and are probably the resort’s strongest asset.”
the best
10/10
aN8013QX · Family · 2026-01-15
“Always an incredible resort with attentive and friendly staff! Very family friendly, especially for littles. The pool at the villas is wonderful.”
Exceptional Service Recovery by Management
10/10
Tomandjad · Family · 2026-01-09
“I am updating my previous review to reflect the outstanding follow-up I received from the resort's management.
After reading about my disappointing experience regarding the heating and service issues, Danielle, the Sr. Rooms Operations Manager, reached out to me personally. She did not make excuses but instead took full ownership of the situation. She genuinely apologized and offered an arrangement for my family.
My family visited and had a fantastic time. They reported that the golf course condition was impeccable, the staff were incredibly kind, and the dinner at Pelican Grill was delicious with a great atmosphere.
While every hotel can make mistakes, true luxury is defined by how they resolve them. Danielle and her team proved that they truly care about guest satisfaction. I appreciate their effort to turn a negative experience into a positive memory.”
Excellent service with beautiful rooms!
10/10
mrscj81 · Family · 2025-12-26
“My family came here to celebrate my mother and husband’s birthdays. While the weather was mostly not in our favor with the rain, the excellent service and beautiful rooms made our experience top tier. The staff were friendly and knowledgeable. The manager, Val, went the extra mile to ensure that our stay was magical and wonderful in advance of our trip. The rooms have high ceilings with great views.”
Worst Experience
2/10
F4079XZtomg · Family · 2025-12-26
“I have stayed at The Resort at Pelican Hill at least 25 times over the years and have also spent considerable time at the pool and restaurants. Unfortunately, my most recent experience was deeply disappointing and a stark contrast to what this property once represented.
When Donald Bren owned the resort and Gerard was the General Manager, Pelican Hill was truly exceptional—elegant, warm, and one of the most beautiful hospitality experiences anywhere. Sadly, that standard no longer exists. Today, it feels like a typical luxury hotel, lacking the attention to detail, hospitality, and guest care that once set it apart.
During my recent stay in a villa, the experience was especially frustrating. We were not accommodated with a late checkout, were forced to move rooms, and there was no meaningful effort made to ensure our comfort or satisfaction—even after expressing concerns. Rather than feeling valued as long-time guests, we felt like an inconvenience.
To make matters worse, our interaction with Madeline in the Villas was extremely disappointing. She was rude, dismissive, and unwilling to help, which is unacceptable for a resort that positions itself at this level.
Pelican Hill was once a place I enthusiastically recommended to friends and family—many of whom have stayed here regularly as well. Unfortunately, after this experience, I will not be returning, and I will be sharing my experience honestly with others.
It’s genuinely sad to see what was once an extraordinary destination lose the very qualities that made it special.”
Amazing Ocean Views On the South Side Villas
10/10
colino925 · Business · 2025-12-19
“I stay in a 3 room villa on the south side and a 2 room villa on the north side. Both were amazing. The south villa had the better view but the north villa felt more isolated and peaceful. The staff was very helpful and the amenities were incredible. If you can you should stay here. The golf course is incredible as well.”
The most beautiful resort I have been too
8/10
ronfort · Business · 2025-09-30
“This is truly a world-class resort. The staff was incredible, the pool outstanding, and the on-property dining options were delicious. If you’re a golfer, you’d be hard pressed to find a more beautiful location.
The only downside was the temperature in my room (323), which never dropped below 75 degrees. We called maintenance the first night and were told it was functioning as designed. By day three, I stopped by the front desk and they could not have been more apologetic, assuring me it would be looked at immediately. Unfortunately, it was still not working properly when we checked out.”
Greay
10/10
PeteLiddle · Family · 2025-09-18
“Amazinggggggggggggg!!!! The best hotel and resort! Treat yourself and go the whole hog with the suite! Would defo recomend.”
Thank you!
10/10
TrailBlazer816257 · Family · 2025-09-17
“My thanks to Pelican Hill Resort Villas for providing our family of 8, ages 2-68, with a magical three-day weekend. Anyone can see the beauty of the property on the internet, but the stellar hospitality must be experienced. A special thanks to Ms St Pierre❤️”
Guest review
10/10
Micaela · family · 2025-09-16
“Superb service ”
SHOCKING 50.00 VALET PARKING
4/10
DanielleB176 · Friends getaway · 2025-09-15
“WOW, 50,00 VALET PARKING AND NO SELF PARKING AVAILABLE AT ANDREA . ALL OUR FAVORITE REGULAR EMPLOYEES ARE GONE. THE PLACE WAS DEAD LIKE A GHOST TOWN. THE FOOD WAS AVERAGE AND SAME MENUE LIKE OTHER PLACES”
Guest review
10/10
FIKRA · family · 2025-09-13
“Wonderful as always! ”
Guest review
10/10
Robert and Lisa · partner · 2025-09-06
“wonderful resort with oversized rooms, ocean views, and incredible golf courses. ”
Excellent resort
10/10
gl389 · Family · 2025-09-05
“Pelican Resort was wonderful!
Glad we choose this property to celebrate my birthday! The staff were wonderful, very helpful and exemplary treatment of Marriott elites. We truly appreciated the wonderful upgrade, spacious suite and the scrumptious breakfast provided.
We cannot wait to go back! We live locally, but do once a month staycations and this property will be one of those on repeat.
We would like to give a very special thank you to all the wonderful staff. Most especially to these amazing staff:
Manager on duty- approved our check in after we explained the wallet/cc issue since it was left at home (very much appreciated the understanding!)
Lyni /Ve /Ethan and the text team- very helpful and empathetic front desk team. Check in issue resolved quickly and was very emphatic with the situation, also quickly sorted out our billing/credit issue. We also appreciated the quick app chats/text responses! Very helpful.
Ramon/ Manny and the entire in room dining team- super helpful staff, very gracious and really took care of our needs before/ during and even after the food delivery! A++ all around!
Gina and the Male housekeeping staff-He ( we forgot his name) promptly delivered the water and blankets we requested. Very courteous man and even offered to fill the fridge for us ! Talk about exemplary service!
Coliseum pool Mgr and staff- my wife cannot remember their names but want to extend our thanks. She was taking pics/videos by the upstairs cabanas and the manager discreetly and kindly approached her to see if interested in renting a cabana and to extend any assistance needed, afterwards another staff member also approached her and asked again if she needs anything else. Very pro active approach, and made her feel welcomed even when she was not renting one. Thank you!
Spa team- very discreet, always cleaning in the background. Everyone was very courteous, including the check in team and the helpful young lady who informed my wife the driver has arrived for pickup.
Andrew- Shuttle driver went above beyond to ensure my wife was escorted to the pool and spa timely. Thank you!
A room for improvement to note- the in room dining options can be expanded and the food made tastier. The portions were huge but taste can be improved.
We truly appreciate the Pelican team in making sure my birthday and first stay at the resort was wonderful. Thank you for making it truly special. We will definitely come back and have since recommended it to our family and friends.
The GM at this resort is blessed with such a caring and exemplary team.
BN”
