Newport/Irvine Hotel Help (pixarmom et al)

[rmass82]

OK
So we are definitely wanting to see Newport Beach for our 2 days we have before entering Anaheim. We are though having difficulty with our hotel search. There are 5 of us so most hotels want us to book 2 rooms which we cannot afford. We have 3 nights Sept 30-Oct 3, 3 kids aged 9, 7 and 4. I have spent countless hours on the net searching hotels. We will not have a vehicle, may rent but not sure if this will happen.
We want to stay where there is a pool(definite) and an included breakfast is a bonus. I have narrowed down our search to the Ramada Inn and Suites Newport, Embassy Suites Irvine-Orange County Airport and Hampton Inn and Suites Santa Ana/Orange County Airport.
I have noticed some near fashion island have free shuttle to Newport Beach but of course they want us to book 2 rooms! The fun of having 3 kids!!!
Any help would be appreciated. We were really hoping to be able to walk to the beach but since a cab or public transportation appears to be our only options being a bit further away is not an issue anymore

Thanks in advance!

 

[pixarmom]

Hello!

Here's the thing about the Newport peninsula - lots of beach house rentals, not a lot of good hotels. Over the summer, our extended family rents a beach house on the peninsula. We've been doing this for over 30 years, and it's definitely the way to go - we have a family of five, so I know the issue! And for our traditional vacation, we have my parents, and sometimes my brother's family of 3.

I've also been in the fall and winter, but have never had more than 4 in a hotel room. We thought the Newport Hyatt was good - it's across the bridge from Balboa Island, so a bit of a hike to the ocean side of the peninsula. And my parents really like Bay Shores Peninsula hotel for a quick trip, too. That location is very good - right near 15th street, so Stuft Surfer, 15th Street Surf Shop and Fry's market are nearby - 5 blocks away from the Newport Pier and about a mile from the Balboa Pier/Fun Zone/Ferry.

But during the time you are going, their favorite option is to rent a house for a few days - which I think is the best bet for a family, too. It would be really tough to rent for just 3 nights during the summer - it's all 1 week, 2 weeks or a month at a time. But I bet in the off-season, you might be able to find a rental for just a few nights. It may be worth a try! For years, we rented from the same people, but some stopped renting, some were sold, and our families have grown, so we turned to VRBO.com and that's worked out well!

So I'm sorry I can't offer more in terms of hotel options, but like I said, VRBO may be worth a try in the off season! It's wonderful to stay on the Newport peninsula or try Balboa Island! Good luck!!

 

[Miss Peach]

Hi--

You might want to try the Residence Inn on Baker. Very close to South Coast Plaza (world class shopping). They have a pool and a free breakfast
(I think). They might have their 2 bedroom suite available for your dates.

Renting a house on Balboa Island or the Penninsula is a great idea, but most of the summer rentals convert to nine month winter rentals after Labor Day. But there might be something available.

Good luck, and have a terrific vacation!!

Cathy

 

[yinyanggirls]

We recently traveled on the eastern coast and had a party of five so I know how the travel sites want you to book two rooms. Since our youngest is 4 also, we figured we'd chance it and book a room for four and then requested a roll away bed every time. Upon arrival we confirmed there were five of us and paid for five, but they had no problem putting the roll away in the room and allowing us to sleep five in one room. Just an FYI. If you are too nervous to chance it, call and talk to a human before making a res.

The Newport Hyatt is walking distance to Balboa Island and the bay but yes, it would be a hike, guessing 3 miles, to the beach. There are little beach spots around the island where the kids can build sandcastles and splash around but there are no waves if that's what you are picturing.

If Huntington Beach is an option for you, the Waterfront Hilton is literally waterfront, and also close to Main st for shopping. Not sure if either of these have airport transport.

 

[yinyanggirls]

Just came across BalboaInn. Great location. Never knew it was there (we stay with family).