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Fairmont Newport Beach
Category: Event Planning & Services Hotels Hotels & Travel Hotels Hotels [Edit]
4500 MacArthur BlvdNewport Beach, CA 92660
(949) 476-2001
- Hours:
Mon-Sun 6 am - 6 am
- Price Range:
-
$$$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Wi-Fi:
- Paid
- Dogs Allowed:
- Yes
108 reviews for Fairmont Newport Beach
Review Highlights
"Close to everything and right next to John Wayne Airport."
(in 12 reviews)
"Service, front-desk, valet -- all super responsive and..."
(in 17 reviews)
"The bed was very comfortable, plush, great pillows."
(in 6 reviews)
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108 reviews in English
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Review from Bianca S.
Canyon Country, CA
1/27/2012
I love this hotel. As a local this spot is a perfect nice spot to steal away for a weekend with the husband when we need a break from parenthood and just want to relax. It's close to many of the local attractions of Newport Beach, but also convenient for further treks like Disneyland, or Carlsbad. I never hear the airplanes, the rooms have never been dirty, I've never seen bedbugs, and I've always had great customer service from everyone from the valet to the housekeeping staff. The food was just okay when we first visited two years ago, but since then has improved and I can now say there are menu items we've ordered from room service that gave us a fine dining experience from the comfort of our jammies in room. The beds are comfy, the linens, nice, and the decor is quiet and understated but elegant. If you want to go to a flash hotel and feel like a rockstar this isn't for you. But if you want a truly elegant low key experience at a great value for the money then hit this place up.
As for the other amenities, such as the spa I can't comment on it because I tend to outsource for services like that because most hotels seriously jack up the prices of these services and it's not usually due to a higher quality experience. I agree that the valet parking fee is high, but you can usually get it covered in your rate or get a discount and the folks who tend to your car are prompt and it's nice to NOT have to lug bags and stuff from a parking spot. Furthermore, if you've ever paid for parking at a hotel in San Francisco, the cost here ($28) won't make you bat an eye.
We will be back for sure. -
Review from Brian M.
Decatur, GA
1/26/2012
I stayed here in late December and was totally pleased. Highlites included the heated pool and the access to it during reasonable hours.
I was on a work related trip and the hotel provided me with all the comforts you could want.
I especially liked the Mini-Fridge in my room. I think this is a great feature that should be in every room, as I like to buy my own drinks and stock the fridge.
4 star solid hotel. -
Review from Rachel T.
1/19/2012
Whenever I walk into a room, I always hold my breath not knowing what I will walk into. All the hotels I've ever stayed at WERE in vegas... so it's set the bar high.
Modern rooms, nice flat-screen, but the decor was just a teeny bit off.
I got room service, ordered the "Newport Cobb". While the food arrived quick, I was a bit disappointed. The chicken were left cutlets and the bacon tasted strange and bacon should never go wrong. I also saw that the spa was priced ridiculously high.
Valet was great, and the area is right next to the airport. This would be a great hotel to crash after going to X, or whatever name it changes to... -
Review from Kimberly R.
San Francisco, CA
1/9/2012
The staff was super helpful. We had bikes and the valet service was friendly and accomodating. They had to take our bikes in and off of the SUV everytime we came back and pull them back out when we were on our way to ride.... Always offering us bottles of water... Could be that we were always coming or going from a hike or bike ride... But, they were great!
The pool area was nice. The gym was well equiped. Bar area was pretty nice and has a bit of a lounge area.
Rooms and bathrooms were upgraded and quite well appointed. Everything was granite: night stand, dresser and counter tops. Toiletries and coffee were good brands: not generic. Coffee pot left a lot to be desired... but that's not that big of a deal. Pretty quite even though it was so close to the airport. Very clean!
The only real drawback that I found was that there is NO self parking available at all. Nothing even close by. It was too expensive to park and you are not given a choice. So, really 3.5 stars.
Great value for the price! -
Review from Valerie J.
Napa, CA
2/6/2012
We were on a bus to Disneyland and the fairmont driver in an Infiniti was parked blocking our bus, our driver did a polite honk. And the people could care less. Understandable. But the driver took his sweet time, got in the car and moved two inches more in the way, got out and told our bus to cool it and said it was only two minutes. It was not. The buses keep a tight schedule getting people where they want on time. We pay for that. My husband and I stay at the fairmont in San francisco and we are really going to look into the ownership to make sure they are not owned by people that are blatantly inconsiderate and rude. We are well off, but we don't act like it. It was sad to see people be so rude.
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Review from Jul L.
Los Angeles, CA
12/28/2011 1 Check-in Here
Not bad... Not a fan of the bed. One star off for $30 parking a night.rip off!
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Review from Lillie B.
Los Angeles, CA
1/22/2012
Fine if you're staying over due to travel but not a place to get away and relax. No frills, rooms are bare necessities, nothing special. Service was okay, nothing bad yet nothing really great.
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Review from Randy B.
9/5/2011
4.0/5.0 stars - but really great OC/airport location!
I am rating the hotel a 4.0, even though it's slightly under that. I've stayed here on two occasions, once for business and once for fun. The hotel is super convenient to the 405 & Newport freeways, and a block or so away from John Wayne Airport -- so you can't beat that! Just a few miles from the wonderful Newport Beach harbor, and plenty of shopping at Fashion Island.
The lobby is small, but a nice little bar and hotel restaurant. The rooms were very nice, but not amazing. The pool small, but gazebos with fans and poolside service with advanced reservations, or during a slightly off-peak season or time day...first come first serve. Can I say this is quite wonderful?! Vodka lemonade please!
Service, front-desk, valet -- all super responsive and quick. The downside for the hotel is that is has the feel of a convention hotel. If your lucky, your room will fairly close to the elevator. If not, you could find yourself doing a lot of walking. The hotel is very wide, more than high.
Price, value, and location for this hotel. The price point is lower than expected for being so close to Newport. -
Review from Jeff k.
10/29/2011 1 Check-in Here
this is a review for the wine cellar and food only...
i came here on a corporate event and i was very impressed with the place. the hotel lobby is a bit small, but it feels more homey in a way. there's a nice bar as well.
the wine cellar rooms in located in the back of the hotel and can seat about 30 people comfortably. nice ambiance.
for the entree we were served: salmon, free ranged chicken and fusilli.
to be honest, they were all really tasty, but the best item has got to be the tomato bisque with bread for dipping. hey... what can i say, i'm a simple man.
the servers were very helpful and attentive.
PS: whoever designed the man's bathroom, wtf were you thinking. putting a urinal stall right next to the sink?!? anyone using that urinal, is exposing himself to whomever is using the sink... -
Review from Maggie A.
San Diego, CA
6/26/2011 1 Check-in Here
We've stayed here several times because they are dog-friendly. Our pooch loves coming along on trips and the staff here loves him. They are all really friendly and accommodating. The rooms are nice, but it's not exactly in a walkable location if you're looking for that kind of thing. We didn't care, since we had a car and just needed a pet-friendly place to spend the night.
My only complaint is that they should put those with dogs on a lower floor. We live in a house, where if we open the door, our dog has immediate access to the yard and is used to peeing the second he is outside. Here, we'd open the hotel room door (we were on the 8th floor), had to walk down a long, carpeted hallway, wait for the elevator, get off, walk to the front and attempt to find non-existing grass....let's just say, he didn't always make it! Luckily, the concierge showed us the grassy area in the back which was a life saver. We ended up using that for the remainder of our trip.Comment from Rei S. of Fairmont Newport Beach 7/6/2011
Dear Maggie- Thank you very much for taking the time to… More » -
Review from Mr K.
West Hills, CA
This is a nice little boutique hotel. I ended up here by chance once while on business when several other hotels in the area were booked. It is not a uber-lux hotel, but maybe a half step up on a nice Hyatt or Marriott. For the price, you can't really complain.
The common areas are very nicely decorated and the staff is friendly and helpful. They have a nice little pool with several cabanas that you can claim. These cabanas also have mounted TVs. Poolside service was prompt and the Kobe burger was tasty.
The rooms are average size, but well appointed. The bed was very comfortable.
I had a couple of drinks in the lounge. Prices are what you'd expect - about $10 for a call drink. The restaurant menu looks interesting, but I only had a couple of typical appetizers.
Parking is really not that bad. It is slightly more than the Hilton and the Hyatt in the area and much cheaper than any hotel in downtown LA. If you have a handicap placard, valet is complimentary. -
Review from Victoria C.
Rowland Heights, CA
7/5/2011
I spent the night here after my wedding (my wedding was at a different venue) and its right near John Wayne Airport. It's definitely a really nice hotel and its odd its not more near the beach but the service was excellent and the rooms were really clean and nice.
I also went to a wedding here and I think the garden area and reception areas (which are both outdoors) are nice compared to what it look like from the outside..(just another hotel next to the airpot). It's kind of a hidden treasure. The only thing that isn't so nice is when airplanes fly overhead when taking off the from the airport. -
Review from Mary M.
Westminster, CA
7/10/2011 1 Check-in Here
I had a travelzoo deal to come here. I had the impression bambu lounge was more like a ultra lounge, but to my dismay it was a typical hotel lobby bar but with pretty good food!
Drinks
1. Singapore sling: taste like a zombie, fruity but filled with lots of brandy and mix of other alcohol.
2. Golden Mojito - I like how the bartendar took his time to make the drink. crushed the mint instead of blending or chopping like other less authentic versions. Although this isnt the best version i've had its still pretty good
3 . Cucumber Gimlet! - tried it at this lil speakeasy place in san francisco, decided this upscale sophisticated bar should have the capabilities of making one, and I was right, they made it pretty well.
Food
1. Tuna tartar - w/ avocado and crispy wonton crisps
2. Crab cake w/ blue corn
3. Beef sliders w/ the best crispy shoe string fries. The beef slider were just meh...but the fries were cooked w/ a hint of truffle oil.
Overall ambience 4/5 chill hotel bar
Food 3/5 for the fries and tuna tartar and crabcake. Don't get the sliders
Service: 4/5 The waitress looked overwhelmed, but she was attentive to our needs. -
Review from mehrbod m.
Tustin, CA
5/22/2011
Best Hotel in OC!
Compared to all 4 diamond hotels in OC this is hands down the most amazing! Price is cheaper than most, but 10 times better! all around best hotel in OC, will not stay anywhere else! Room service superb! staff Professional and well mannered! Restaurants is amazing as well! Close to everything and right next to John Wayne Airport! Don't make the mistake of staying at the Hiltons and the Hyatt's they are crap compared to this hotel!
GO FAIRMONT! -
Review from Derya A.
Oakland, CA
5/25/2011 3 Check-ins Here
Gorgeous hotel.
I stayed her after purchasing the Living Social deal that included Newport Beach Film Festival tickets. I would have given five stars except that it took a long time after our room was supposed to be ready to actually be available to us. Luckily, they held our belongings and let us lounge by the pool.
Which brings me to the pool. Whether you want to read in the shade of a cabana, or relax in the sun on a lounge chair, the pool is a wonderfully calming place to be. It sure doesn't hurt that they serve strong drinks by the pool! -
Review from Kristin Leigh M.
Los Angeles, CA
7/21/2011 2 Check-ins Here
A friend had her wedding here on 16th July and we decided to stay over - even though we only live a 15 minute drive away.
For a 'luxury' hotel, I expected a little bit more.
We arrived to check in at around 2:30 p.m. on Saturday, even though check in wasn't until 4:00. We enter the hotel to find a queue of 6 parties ahead of us and only one person handling check in. By the time we were third in line, the queue was reaching out to the automatic glass doors - I lost count of how many people were behind us. It's like in a grocery store - when the queue gets long - RING SOMEONE ELSE TO HELP OUT. That wasn't a good start to the stay. I don't want to wait 15 minutes to check in. I want to check in now... or in a reasonable amount of time. (Why was everyone else checking in early?)
It's a bit foolish for a hotel to schedule a wedding that starts at 4:30 if hotel check in isn't until 4:00. Our room wasn't ready upon our 2:30 p.m. arrival, but they offered to let us use the spa to get ready. Umm. No. I need a shower, my make up, the ability to fling things around and sort myself out - not one for getting ready in public places. Heck, if I wanted that I would have gone to the airport and gotten ready in their loos. I was told that all the rooms were full because 'people have been checking in all day.' If I would have known that, I would have driven down the freeway hours ago and checked in way earlier - but we tried to make it as close to 4:00 as possible. (The reservations agent said she noted early check in for the wedding.. but oh well!)
I will say that the chap behind the desk - Andrew - was accommodating and eventually bumped us up to a 'view room' at no additional cost, which allowed us to get ready. But really - Fairmont - if you're having wedding guests stay at the hotel, they really should be able to check in early!
With regard to the hotel itself - sure - it was nice. Not the nicest I've seen, but it was a nice treat. Rooms at $119 for the wedding were a great deal. Wouldn't have paid the normal rate.. whatever it might be.
Pool area was lovely - very comfortable recliners and an all-around nice atmosphere.
My only other gripes are that you have to valet park your car. It cost us $18. Not sure if it's usually that rate/more/or less. But $18. Really?! For ONE car? And the tea is terrible. Maybe it's just 'cos I lived in England but really - the tea was awful. Awful awful awful. -
Review from Mimi L.
4/13/2011 1 photo
We stayed in a one bedroom suite for 2 nights for my birthday, it was a very pleasant hotel stay. the suite was big, very classic decor, comfy king bed and big bathroom. comfy pull out sofa bed in living room and an extra restroom. there was a big balcony too, with patio table and chair, view was beautiful.
We brought my ice cream birthday cakes there, they couldn't fit in our in room mini fridge, front desk very kindly offered to put m cakes in the restaurant kitchen fridge. from valet, bell service to front desk, everybody was very friendly, greeted us everywhere.
we went to hang at the pool during the day, it was a nice pool with day beds and a few cabanas, a hot tub too. they serve drinks and small plates too. it was very relaxing pool time for us, enjoyed it a lot.
we had a great 2 nights stay at this hotel, made my birthday weekend more pleasant, I highly recommend it for a romantic weekend getaway, or special occasion celebration. -
Review from Yvonne P.
Norwalk, CA
11/17/2011
I am currently using them for a business meeting.
Beautiful hotel, friendly valet, food is overpriced for the quality. $43 for a sandwich is a bit much.
Meeting/Events people, not very professional....borderline childish.
I do not plan on using this hotel again. -
Review from Mike Q.
Chicago, IL
11/8/2011
Average service, lackluster food, no attention to detail. Do not stay here. Stay at Westin Costa Mesa for low cost option or the Four Seasons for a nicer place.
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Review from Chris L.
Marina del Rey, CA
Got one of those deals that included one night, 2 free drinks, $100 in dining credit, and free valet for $199.
Awesome deal!
When I booked the room over the phone, the agent could not be any more professional or helpful. She was top notch. Too bad I didn't get her name because she provided stellar customer service with just enough kiss-ass that's on par for a hotel with this name. Bonus, since she still kissed ass even though she knew I was booking through this super cheap deal.
The hotel is in the middle of a business district - not much going on in the area and the building is rather nondescript. Blink and you may pass it by because you don't really expect a hotel to be there. But it's close to many Irvine attractions such as Fashion Island, Balboa Island, UC Irvine, etc.
This is a nice hotel.
Parking was nice and easy. Check-in was nice and easy. The room was very nice. The desk and chair seemed a little dated but who cares? The bathroom was nice (http://www.yelp.com/bi...), even the spare toilet paper roll got special treatment. (http://www.yelp.com/bi...) The bed is really nice, almost too soft. Sheets are really nice and smooth. Got a nice night's sleep.
The bar/lounge area was nice. Food was really good (http://www.yelp.com/bi...). Loved it all. Staff was friendly. Bartender made great drinks that were nice and strong.
The pool area was also done up nice.
http://www.yelp.com/bi...
You can tell it is an older hotel that they've worked to update without completely renovating it. It is nice and comfortable but doesn't feel hoity toity. Is it supposed to? Beats me, I've never stayed in a Fairmont hotel before this.
All in all, it is a nice hotel and I would stay in it again. -
Review from Rich H.
Second Mesa, AZ
6/20/2011 1 Check-in Here
Review based on 1 hosted business presentation/lunch here:
--$28 mandatory valet parking
--wifi $19.99/day
--food was ok
--service was about what you'd expect
--confusing layout internally with weird corridors. Staff were helpful.
Hate the mandatory parking, even when it's reimbursable, and exorbitant wifi charge (which is why I carry a mobile hotspot). -
Review from Megan M.
Palm Desert, CA
4/24/2011
I stayed here April 14-17 while visiting from the Palm Springs area.
I was highly disappointed in the caliber of service I received from the desk staff at the Fairmont. I think because I am young, female, and booked through an external website (expedia), I was treated as a "second class citizen" (this is to quote a previous reviewer with whom I agree). I found the staff attitude both snooty and condescending.
$300 was debited from my checking account for "incidentals", and although the less than friendly man insisted it would be credited back within 5 business days, at this time it still has not. I have seen in other reviews that people had a hold for $100, which I would consider normal... but then why was mine triple that amount? When I asked if there were any other options besides the auto debit, the gentleman was visibily annoyed and simply told me no, and that it was standard procedure. He seemed in a rush to speed me through the check-in process to help the groups of businessmen gathering behind me in line.
The rest of the staff, however, were quite pleasant. The valets were extremely friendly, as were the spa staff. I understand that this is a mainly business hotel, and that I am a 25 year old woman traveling for non business reasons, but in my opinion that is NO excuse to treat your guests poorly.
Next time I will spend my $700 elsewhere. -
Review from Neeta P.
WOODLAND HLS, CA
7/2/2011
This is our first stay here and second stay in a Fairmont. As with our first Fairmont visit, we got a good deal on their website @ $160pn which seemed amazing for a such a high luxury hotel. And just as with our first Fairmont stay, it was total let down.
The hotel room was actually quite nice, but here were all the downsides:
- there is no self-parking - mandatory valet parking @$28pd
- breakfast food was mediocre but expensive
- restaurant wait staff were incredibly slow - it took at least 5mins to acknowledge we were waiting for a table, we signed up for the buffet but the omlet station made mine, then did someone elses order, then did my husbands order which they got wrong - so by the time his food was ready, mine was stone cold.
- the pool is small but functional, there was no kids pool so they used the jacuzzi as a pool
- no food or even drinks served by the pool
- spa was incrediblly expensive, the cheapest thing was a 30min massage @$78
All in all, this is an ok place as long as you are not expecting. "luxury" resort. This seemed like totally false advertising - they market thmeselves as a hi end luxury hotel and then offer incredible deals so you think you're getting a bargain. The truth is, if you really compare them to others offering about the same service, its right on parr, its not a special deal relatove to the pricing of its peers. -
Review from Chanel B.
Aliso Viejo, CA
9/8/2011 2 photos
Our stay at the Fairmont Newport was so special. It was our wedding night, and not only were we upgraded to a beautiful HUGE suite compliments of the Fairmont, we were treated like gold!! My Husband and I will always remember Fairmont, and will look for Fairmont hotels in all areas we stay first before booking with another hotel. Thank you for everything Fairmont!!
Comment from Rei S. of Fairmont Newport Beach 9/8/2011
Hello Nellie- First of all congratulations on your recent… More » -
Review from Heather c.
Palm Beach, FL
1/25/2011
This has to be one of the most beautiful interior parts of a hotel I've seen.
I was here for a birthday party and the place was sparkling and beautiful.
She siad the rooms are quite comfy and nice too. -
Review from Anto M.
Pasadena, CA
5/5/2011 3 Check-ins Here
When I pulled up to the Valet, I was really REALLY hoping for a better experience at the mandatory business meeting I had to attend over night. The first time I had stayed here, my fender got dinged by the valet I entrusted my keys to. That was also a mandatory meeting. "Oh hotel gods" I prayed, "please allow for a successful meeting, my car not being damaged, and my room being clean. Its ONLY for a night." Well, at least the gods answered those requests.
The service at the front desk leaves little to be desired. They give the phrase "bare minimum" a new gold standard by which all others are judged. They're either arrogant or have a fear of speaking to their patrons. That going-the-extra-mile "it" factor you're desperately looking for? Don't bother. You wont find it. In fact the late-shift valet manager was the closest thing to a professional in the entire hotel.
As I returned from dinner, I inserted my room key only to find no response from the lock. I thought maybe my cellphone had demagnetized it. No sweat I'll just run down to the front desk and get another. Attempt number two was another failed attempt at getting to my toothbrush, contact lens case, and much needed sleep. The front desk attendant's solution to my dilemma was to give me another room till the morning. "We cant get you into your room tonight." Uh,... yes you are. Thank God for his manager stepping in, I dunno what violent steps I would have taken to get into my room.
I hope your stay here is only because you have to. Otherwise look to book at any of the other hotels in the area. You'll thank me later. -
Review from Sukhraj B.
Lake Forest, CA
Met up with all my wonderful social media friends last night for a holiday get together/tweetup party.
If you're not paying attention (tweeting/facebooking/texting) while driving, you'll drive right by. Lighting isn't the best off of MacArthur and there's a small sign at the entrance. As you pull up, you'll realize it's valet only which I hate. My car is my baby and I hate letting others drive it unless it's a mechanic or I'm too drunk to drive it myself. Funny how that works out. Anyway..there's that whole getting sidetracked thing..
This hotel is quite classy and was a great venue for an end of the year shindig. We got a whole lounge to ourselves and with a foursquare checkin (hooray for social media!), appetizers were free if you bought a drink. I chose the Irish Raspberry. It was a blend of homemade Baileys and raspberry chambord. Yummy! That drink disappeared quick. I chose the crab cakes as my appetizer. They came on a bed of spinach and some fiesta corn. I wasn't too impressed by how they tasted though. I wish I had gotten the brushetta instead. Either way, it was a fun night. The wait staff was attentive and friendly.Listed in: Birthday Month 2010
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Review from Michelle M.
Orange, CA
12/4/2010
****Wedding planning review****
The hotel is lovely, but the location is a little random. We waited quite a while for the woman who was supposed to give us our tour. She showed us the ballroom. It had a very large crystal chandelier. They also had an outdoor tented option which could be used for the reception or cocktails.
The menu selection was delicious, I liked that lobster was a choice. Cake was not included in the package. Once the 10 minute tour was completed though, she handed us and our coordinators our brochures and that was that. Every other location I toured for the wedding included an information session where they tried to talk me into the location or a detailed discussion about how things could go.
They didn't really seem interested in my business. So even though everything else was great, I decided to go where I could get an ocean view.Listed in: My Big OC Wedding
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Review from Oz W.
Huntington Beach, CA
2/15/2011
This place is amazing! The rooms are super classy with even more super comfortable beds. We had a suite that overlooked John Wayne Airport and sat off on the balcony and watched planes fly into the evening while drinking some wine.
The bar puts out some awesome drinks, look for Curtis he makes a ridiculous Apple Martini.
The restaurant has some super legit food, the Mac and Cheese rocks as does the Tuna Tar Tar.
The Service from Valet to Front Desk and Room Service is top notch. I was greeted and treated so nicely by every single employee.
I will definitely be staying at the Fairmont again and I highly recommend it to anyone. -
Review from Yuri Y.
San Francisco, CA
9/14/2010
My girlfriend and I decided to get away from the Bay Area for a couple of days and headed down to Newport Beach. We booked the Fairmont through Travelocity, but when we got there on Saturday night of Labor Day weekend the guy at the front desk greeted us with "I have bad news and good news for you." The bad news was that they were booked solid... the "good" news was that we didnt have to pay for the first night and they would put us up in the Radisson across the street. We tried to fight them on it to get a room at the Fairmont that night, but he told us that there was nothing he could do. The guy at the front desk also kept evading my question about how this happened. He acknowledged that we did have a reservation for the room, but would not answer my question about how it happened that our room was given away.
We got driven over to the Radisson and were put in a handicap room with a full size bed... now I'm not saying that it was Fairmont's fault that happened, but it really didnt help our mood that night. Fairmont was "graciously" able to find us a room the next day. The room itself was very nice and we did enjoy our stay that one night, but that only underscored our frustration with not being able to stay there the night before.
On top of everything, it didnt help that they dont have a parking option other than the $28 a night valet. Its Newport Beach, there is more open land than they know what to do with and yet they cant find the land for a self parking lot. Ridiculous.
The only reason they're getting more than 1 star is because the room was nice and they did at least pay for our room at the Radisson. Over all a big thumbs down though. -
Review from Debra B.
Seabrook, TX
1/4/2011
We spent one night there over the holidays and with a AAA discount paid just over 117.00. It was a great deal. The bed was very comfortable, plush, great pillows. The place is pretty plush actually. The bathroom was really nice - marble, large shower/tub, double sinks. Nice large magnifier mirror for putting on make-up.
The best part for me is they let dogs stay there on the 4th floor. I was able to take my big dog! They don't have weight or size limits on dogs. I was so happy. I've been there before when the concierege met us with treats - this time no treats on check-in but that's ok. I even took him into the fitness center where he just laid there while I ran.
The only cons for me about this hotel is that there is no in-room IPOD player. Most hotels have them built into the radio these days. Also there is a $28.00 valet charge with no where else to park so you're forced to valet. I think that's excessive. The door man - Michael I think is his name is the best! Also there's a $25.00 per night pet fee which again is quite a lot. I agree with other reviews that it's hard to find but that's not such a big thing for me.
All in all it was a great time in a nice place! -
Review from Dylan H.
Austin, TX
7/15/2010
Recently went on a family vacation in Newport Beach and of all the things we did, our stay at this hotel was the low point.
The Good:
-The restaurnat there turned out some damn good food and all the F and B staff were great
-uh...the pool i guess was fine
-uhhhhh......uhhhhh
The Bad:
-service. The worst hotel service I've experienced. The second day we didn't get clean glasses or an emptied ice bucket. The second day, same thing. Call number one was made and we received some glasses (all we wanted was a glass of ice water!!) that were obviously dirty and had food plastered on them. Call number two was made and in the background of the call I could hear an employee mocking me!!! Then the little shit finally sent up champaign flutes and a filled ice bucket . The next day they were taken and again not replaced with anything. That day we made two calls and two visits downstairs before we finally went to the damn bar and had to ask for empty glasses so I could have a simple glass of damn water. It took an hour and a half to get glasses and the only reason we did was because WE had to go down to the bar and get them ourselves.
When hotel service screws up this bad over the span of 5 days i get the feeling they're doing it out of spite. That's the impression I got and actually heard on the phone. No excuse really. I know it seems trivial to complain about water glasses and an ice bucket but something that simple should never be such a big issue and that's why I'll NEVER stay at this hotel again. -
Review from A E.
San Francisco, CA
5/9/2011 3 Check-ins Here
The best thing about this hotel is the airport shuttle service and the proximity to the airport.
But staying at this hotel made me realize that not all Fairmont is created equal. This is definitely the most modest one, especially compared to the Plaza in NY or London's Savoy (FINALLY opened after a couple of years of renovation, booyah!).
But for $99 / night for the OC Marathon weekend and how close it is to the start line, there's really nothing to complain about. It was a typical four-star hotel - the staff were helpful, the room was nice and the hotel bar was chill.
As long as we keep expectations reasonably low (and the rental car handy), it'll be a nice enough weekend getaway! -
Review from J G.
Palo Alto, CA
7/1/2011 2 Check-ins Here
Very nice place! Free valet parking daily! Awesome! I love it to be pets friendly. Plus the free wi-fi. But breakfast was not that good. Good for business trip stay but not very much for a family vacation.
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Review from Chelsea H.
Oceanside, CA
7/6/2011
My boyfriend and I decided to stay the night in the OC on a Saturday so we could hit up Knott's the next day. We live in North San Diego, so it's not like we couldn't have just stayed home, however we both love the hotel experience and got a good deal on the room.
Pros:
- Despite what other reviewers wrote, I found the staff to be very very friendly (however, not very good at problem-solving).
- Nice big, clean room.
- Good location
- Pretty sure valet parking was free
Cons:
- After dinner, we just wanted to relax and watch an in-room movie. After the remote control for the TV wouldn't work, we called the front desk. They sent up a new one. After about 10 minutes of watching TV, the new remote stopped working. They sent up a new one (seems like it just needed batteries, but whatever). Then, while trying to order The Lincoln Lawyer, the TV said to call the front desk for permission. I figured it was because it was Rated R. So I call the front desk and they say "OK, you should be good to go". I try to order again and it says we have exceeded our room limit and to call front desk. We had not purchased anything else and had $100 deposit since I was using a VISA debit card. I called the front desk and this goes back and forth until they decide to send someone up. I told them it was not a TV issue, but an issue with their system. So a guy comes up with remotes in hand (assuming we were still having that issue) and we tell him what's going on. He says he can't do anything and the front desk has to fix it. He said he'd go back down and have them call us. About 30 more minutes go by (this is almost 2 hours after we attempted to watch a $17 freaking movie) and there is no call. So we call again and finally get ahold of someone who waves their magic wand and fixes it. We purchase movie, watch it and all is good.
- Breakfast was very expensive for the quality of food. The service was also extremely slow. I think it took 25 minutes before I got a drink.
- Upon checking out, they asked if I want the balance from my $100 deposit in cash or refunded to my card. I said to go ahead and put back on my card. The front desk agent said it would take 7-10 business days and I said that was fine. Well, here it is 3 weeks later and I get in touch with them today as the $37 (leftover from movie and breakfast) has not been refunded. The accounting woman said they are investigating with the front desk as they marked that they gave me cash. Really? They'll call or email me in the next day to see if that cashier's till was over for the day and then issue refund, Why would I scam for $37?
In summary, I'm sure this place is nice as long as you don't have any technical issues or have to ask the front desk for any sort of assistance. -
Review from Dustin F.
San Diego, CA
We came to the Fairmont, Newport Beach for a weekend getaway from San Diego. Freeway close, near John Wayne Airport (which you do hear the airport noise). Although the address is Newport Beach, I would say it more like Costa Mesa. The "welcome to Newport Beach" sign is several miles down the road :)
That said, the hotel is beautiful and the staff are friendly. Checked in and were called "VIP", but we weren't really told what that meant :) Ample sized rooms with nicely appointed bathroom. Nice decor, and VERY comfortable bed. We had problems with our AC, never did get cool. We called the front desk and they said the hotel was having problems and that we should feel a difference in 15 minutes. Not so much, but the lobby was cool.
The pool area was beautiful. It was elevated on the 3rd floor, away from any street noise. Really nice cabanas that were free to use with a ceiling fan and tv.
Parking was a steep $28 per night and was mandatory. We did score a room for $104 per night, so not much to complain about. Ended up being a really nice stay and we will back for another weekend getaway. -
Review from Kazuma K.
9/6/2010 1 Check-in Here
Was nice. Nothing to do in the area.
Big room. I don't know what else to say... the hotel was nice. I would stay here if I had to be in the area. We had a car so it was really easy going everywhere - Irvine/OC is designed like that.
But if we didn't have a car, I would not stay here. -
Review from Walter W.
Redwood City, CA
5/28/2010
Disclaimer: We got our room for a hundred bucks as part of the price negotiated for a wedding, so the hundred (+28 dollars for mandatory valet) is what we're basing our experience on.
So, for a hundred and twenty eight bucks, you get an awesome bed, great treatment, a very nicely appointed room, and free internet. Just sign up for the president's club, which is free. What's not to like? -
Review from Tadashi D.
Brea, CA
8/1/2011 1 Check-in Here
Very comfortable atmosphere; the staff is very attentive. Went to restaurant for a deal on Travel Zoo. I can't speak for the rooms, but all the other amenities are awesome. A very comfy and elegant lounge. A a traveler I would love to come lounge here after a long day. The ambiance is very relaxing, suitable for a casual night out or you can dress up a bit. The menu has a very good selection of American food. Although the White Truffle Burger looks inviting, I would not pay $20 for it. Be warned: the prices for the entrees are price so do not come here for burgers and fries...get the NY steak for $38 ...
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Review from clarisse c.
Hayward, CA
6/15/2010 5 Check-ins Here
How dare ye, Jeffrey L., take my title as the rightful Duchess of ye Fairmont Hotel! Bah!
One of these days...one of these days Jeffrey L., bam zoom straight to the moon! (Just kidding, spousal abuse isn't tolerated in these woods)
This hotel is fancy schmancy!
Here's some tips:
Valet is mandatory, and there's a fee for overnight stays (duh), but they do have 20 minute parking in front of the hotel right before you turn the roundabout (depending where you're coming from). So if you need to keep going in and out you don't always have to pull up to valet, but if you do they'll ask how long it'll be until you'll need your means of transportation back
Elevators are located a little bit far from the reception area.
They have a garden which is great for taking large amounts of pictures.
The pool is located on the 3rd floor.
Not all the suites come with a small kitchenette. At most you'll get a fridge and maybe a microwave.
The shower isn't strong, but it's not weak either. The toilet is strong, so for those of you who need the toilet to be strong...don't worry.
The beds and pillows are comfy and I don't feel like the decorative blankets and pillows are laced with disease and germs, but who knows.
All in all, a nice hotel, prices are pretty steep, so I don't suggest booking full price if you can find a discount somewhere.
Staff is also nice!Listed in: Southern California treats
