So. Cal Resorts

[TW1]

Has anyone stayed in one of the California - Southern Coast resorts? I am intrigued by the Capistrano, Carlsbad and Newport area resorts.

Yes, I know, some are not up to DVC-style amenities and others are very hard to get into to, but I'm still going to try and wanted a few ideas from anyone who has seen one of these.

Thanks in advance.

 

[Horace Horsecollar]

Marriott's Newport Coast Villas is a wonderful resort. I've stayed there (but not through a DVC exchange). The resort is absolutely up to DVC quality. It's a nicely themed Italian hillside village with beautiful condos. The Newport Coast location is great -- right between Newport Beach and Laguna Beach. Disneyland is a half hour away. All units are 2BR.

I haven't stayed at the Four Seasons Resort Club Aviara in Carlsbad, but I understand that the resort actually exceeds DVC quality. The location is good for Legoland and the San Diego Wild Animal Farm. And it's not a bad drive to San Diego. But it's a long way from Disneyland and other Orange County and LA attractions.

 

[mathmagic]

Marriott's Newport Coast Villas is a wonderful resort. I've stayed there (but not through a DVC exchange). The resort is absolutely up to DVC quality. It's a nicely themed Italian hillside village with beautiful condos. The Newport Coast location is great -- right between Newport Beach and Laguna Beach. Disneyland is a half hour away. All units are 2BR.

Yahoo!! We just reserved a week there for September, and I'm so glad to hear that it is as nice as it sounds. I understand that it is still under construction, which I don't mind, but how close is the construction to the finished areas? How close is the beach?

 

[kweaver]

Some friends of ours stayed at the Four Seasons Avaria in December (pre or post cruise)...and they couldn't say enough wonderful things about the place!! From the staff to the room...even down to the Alphabet bath sponges spelling their daughter's name in the bathtub . They really cater to families and "grown ups".

I hope to get there one of these days!

 

[Werner Weiss]

Yahoo!! We just reserved a week there for September, and I'm so glad to hear that it is as nice as it sounds. I understand that it is still under construction, which I don't mind, but how close is the construction to the finished areas? How close is the beach?

We've been owners at Newport Coast since before the resort opened. Eventually, there will be 700 2BR condos.

Only a few buildings adjoin the construction. So if being away from the construction is important, just make that request.

Regarding other requests, be sure to ask for smoking or nonsmoking (unless you don't care either way). As with DVC, the vast majority of the units are nonsmoking, but nonsmoking is not guaranteed.

The views range from spectacular 180-degree views of the ocean (from the top floors of the buildings that are parallel to the shore) to views of a chain link fence and trees (if you're on down by the golf course). Everyone wants the great views, but multiweek owners on longterm stays are most likely to get them. But ask for a high floor anyway, and tell them you don't want to be at the bottom of the hillside. Don't expect the best view, but you could wind up with a very nice partial ocean view.

Crystal Cove State Beach is about a half mile walk from the main resort entrance. We walked. You walk down a wide sidewalk adjacent to the resort. Then you cross Pacific Coast Highway with a traffic light. Then you walk on an asphalt trail to a steep walkway down the bluff to the beach. You can also drive there in about two minutes (although you'll still have to walk down the steep walkway). There's is a hefty parking fee, but I don't recall the exact amount. If you walk, there's no charge to enter.

Be sure to shop for food and wine at the Trader Joe's in the Crystal Cove Promenade shopping center, about a mile down the Coast Highway toward Laguna Beach.

Enjoy Newport Caost Villas -- which was originally going to be a Disney Vacation Club. See http://www.yesterland.com/ncv.html

 

[mathmagic]

Thanks for all the details about Newport Coast. I am getting even more excited than I already was. We booked there with the II certificate we received for adding on at Saratoga once we realized how close it is to DL. So it really will be like DVC at DL!

You mentioned some things that I should request. When should I make these requests? As soon aspossible, or wait until closer to Sept? I assume I should make these requests directly through the resort instead of II, correct?

Thanks for all your help!!

 

[Werner Weiss]

You mentioned some things that I should request. When should I make these requests? As soon aspossible, or wait until closer to Sept? I assume I should make these requests directly through the resort instead of II, correct?

II and DVC Member Services won't have access to you actual Marriott reservation record. You would call the resort directly. They'll add your requests to your reservation record. It won't hurt to call now and then to call again a week or so before your check-in. Don't just go with what I wrote. Ask for what's important to you. What's more important to you -- a view or being near the main pool? And, as with DVC, the more requests you make, the more likely it is that you won't get everything (or you'll get only the less important things), so only ask for what's really important to you. And then realize that not everyone can get the best room.

At some Marriott Vacation Club resorts, you can get a confirmed nonsmoking reservation if you call early. But not at Newport Coast Villas.