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Island Hotel
Rating Details »
690 Newport Center Dr
Newport Beach, CA 92660
(888) 321-4752
Newport Beach, CA 92660
(888) 321-4752
- Price Range:
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$$$
32 reviews for Island Hotel
We held a fundraising banquet at this venue. I didn't get to see the rooms or anything, but the event staff stationed for our banquet were particularly attentive to our guests' needs. The open bar seemed a bit slow (go figure) but I felt they kept bringing trays of delicious hors douerves out (fried shrimp, salmon caviar with phyllo dough, etc.). Some of the servers offered to take drink orders so you could avoid the open bar line.
The banquet room itself wasn't anything out of the ordinary. They had two screens on each side of the room so you can project a slideshow, video, etc. For dinner, they served a choice of either steak or salmon. I wish I had picked the steak, looked like it was more bang for your buck (it was this huuuge piece). Some of the steaks came out on the medium rare side, but everyone at the table devoured it. The salmon was good as well, in the sauce it was prepared in, but because of the portion size, kept me wanting more. We started off the meal with a salad with feta cheese, and ended the meal with some chocolate cake with berries dessert.
The location is close to the beach, so it was cool and I imagine a nice view from the rooms. When we were leaving, the valet got our car pretty fast and by then, it was heavy fog... seems kind of dangerous after having an open bar available most of the night.
I've been here twice, once on an overnight with my wife and recently on a family trip with two kids. If you are looking for a nice luxury hotel in Orange County, this is a good option. As a former Four Seasons, it is not quite to that level of service, but I think it retains about 80% of it. We'd stay here again.
Pros
- good for family or just a couple
- good size, well appointed rooms. the premier double with 2 queen beds and sofa bed was great, I think 600sq ft
- convenient access to restaurants and shops because of great mall across the street
- fast access to freeways, only 15-20 minutes from Disneyland
- minutes from the beach
- other amenities such as bathroom and toiletries were very good, probably because it was a former Four Seasons
- more reasonable prices than St.Regis, Ritz and Pelican
Cons
- not right on a beach
- mandatory valet parking, expensive, but nice valets
- pool area is adequate, but definitely not resort quality
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We stayed in a Standard Room on the 2nd Floor facing the pool for a company party for 1 night. First time staying with them.
Pros:
1. Dog Friendly. You can have up to 2 dogs in your room.
2. Friendly Staff.
3. Room was clean & the bed was so comfortable you sink into it like you are laying atop of a cloud! My husband loved it too who has a bad back.
4. Could NOT hear your next door neighbors or the floor above you. That's a first!
5. Nice big flatscreen TV
6. Two showerheads side by side. One was like a rainfall and the other was a hand-held massage type.
7. Their shampoo & conditioner was wonderful! My hair stayed so clean even the whole next day. I will ask to buy some next time, it is that good!
8. Company catered event food was excellent, staff was very attentive.
9. Fashion Island mall (dog friendly) only 1 block away.
Cons:
1. Pool size was small compared to the size of the hotel (surprising). Had too many chairs and not enough shade.
2. On their website they said there would be fresh cut flowers in the bathroom, but there was none in ours.
3. Parking fee $20.00 (we got a discount since my company was staying there). I think that should be free.
4. Bathroom was marble, but only 1 sink.
5. No balcony
6. Beach is not walking distance. Couldn't see if from our 2nd story room either.
I give this hotel an extra star, because they are dog friendly.
HORRABLE EXPERIENCE! FRIGHTNING SECURITY NEARLY MADE ME DIAL MY ATTORNEY TO PRESS CHARGES AGAINST THE ISLAND HOTEL "SECURITY" STAFF MEMBERS!
It is with regret that I must forewarn any travelers against staying at this hotel, (especially women, and/or anyone who would expect to be treated with respect and dignity.) This warning is to document the unprofessional, hostile and aggressive security staff. (I work for a Fortune 100 Corporation who just happened to be attending a quarterly business event being held at this hotel.)
This evening I returned from walking back from a local restaurant with a fellow associate after dinner. We were 'surprised' by an un-identified 'security' agent who literally jumped out of the vegetation along a dark pathway leading up to the hotel entrance. This person demanded to know our names and then started demanding us to tell them our hotel room number. This person showed us no identification, had no hotel roster of legitimate guests, and appeared to be extremely agitated and perhaps violent. We did not divulge this type of private information, (obviously never give out your room number when traveling for your own safety reasons.) This person displayed aggressive body language, and had a violent mannerism and tone and physically tried to block us from walking further up the pathway. Shortly thereafter, we were quickly surrounded by several more unidentified men along the same dark pathway. These men all tried to stop us and demand our hotel room numbers. (NOTE: we were in a shaded area, away from the public eye, on a densely vegetated walking path.) We were clearly aware that this was an 'unsafe' situation and chose to not stop and simply proceeded forward towards the front door. We did communicate that we would speak with them once we were inside the hotel at the front desk where they could then verify that we were registered guests. This did not help.
These 'security personnel' did not offer us identification, nor zero explanation of why we were being questioned. They never asked us to see a room key, and did not show us their 'security' badges, have a registered guest list, or any other form of identification to help put us at ease, etc.
When it was all said and done, the Hotel Manager did his best to appease us with sending us a complimentary beverage up to our room. However, this experience has affected us in such a negative way that I cannot sleep tonight and am therefore online writing this review to hopefully encourage this hotel to revisit their security protocol and procedures. I am not sure if this type of behavior by the staff is common-place with this Hotel, but it is a situation that definitely qualifies as harassment (to their own customers!) It is my hope that this posting can perhaps save someone else from experiencing a TERRIFYING and unsettling experience at The Island Hotel by their own staff members who are supposedly hired to make your stay safe, enviting and welcoming. Unfortunately we received the exact opposite of what we are paying for from a hotel business stay.
MY RATING: A HUGE Thumbs down!!!!
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The Island should be renamed to the Cougar... because of its proximity to Fascist Island (as I like to call it) and the demographics who shop there.
All kidding aside, the rooms are spacious, modernized and very clean. ... but only one sink? Come on!
Plus a star for having a free coffee station in the morning! Minus a star for running out of regular coffee and my needing to drink decaf :(
PS It seems like I've been staying at a lot of hotels lately, but let me assure you, I may be a pretty woman, but I ain't employed in the 'oldest profession' in the world.
I stayed here this weekend. Very nice hotel with very nice rooms. I had a corner room on the 15th floor with a fabulous balcony - great design. The shower was great - nice and big and it had decent water flow! OMG!! I could actually rinse off in less than an hour!
I thought the staff was exceptional. Everyone was very friendly and helpful. I had to get some clothes ironed, and they came back PERFECT. I'd never seen anything like it!
But I do have some complaints:
1. Even though I watched TV for only about 30 minutes the entire weekend, I did notice that even though the hotel installed very nice HD TV's, there was not an HD signal. Nothing looks worse than a regular signal on an HD TV. It's stupid. But there were DVD players in the room.
2. They nickel and dime you for everything, No coffee in the room unless you want to spend $20 for room service for coffee for two.
3, They force you to use valet parking. That means tips and waiting for your car. Since I never carry cash, I had to make a point to go get some ones to pay the valet guys - who were quick and polite.
4. I got a gin and tonic at the bar. Ten bucks! And it wasn't even that good.
Overall, this is a very nice property, and the rooms are quiet. If you want to get away, this is a nice place to go. But look for the vacation packages. You save money that way and the nickel and diming won't seem so bad.
I would give this place a 5 star rating except for the money-gouging.
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having been to montage, st. regis, and the ritz in laguna nigel/dana point, i can't give the island hotel 5 stars for what it's worth. it's probably not even fair to compare this hotel to the aforementioned ones, yet i wouldn't hesitate to pay extra $50 to to stay at the ritz.
first off, the island is not on the beach. it's next to the fashion island mall and in the middle of some banks and law offices. the pool area they have is seriously one of the worst i've seen with 1 small pool, gazillion lounge chairs cramly layed out and quite dirty (too many leaves) jacuzzi area. if you have time, i'd suggest you drive down for 5-10 minutes towards corona del mar area for secluded, intimate and clean beach.
our room was on the 18th floor, facing none other than the pool and some beautiful homes of newport. it had it's standard amenities such as a flat screen tv, safety box, fully stocked mini fridge and comfortable beds, yet no hair dryer was to be found. it honestly didn't feel like a 5 star hotel room, but rather more like a hyatt or a hilton's standard size room.
if you are looking for something less old school and more entertaining, avoid their lounge/bar. it's expensive, it's sedated, it's quite boring.
$29 for valet parking...outrageous! however, it allowed in and out privilege, and the parking staff was extremely courteous and friendly.
there were a few things i loved about this hotel. until 10am, they offered free coffee in the lobby. "FREE" is a rarity around this part of town, so we did take advantage of it. i also loved their shower pressure. it felt like a heavy tropical rainfall, and felt so good after a long, busy day.
and their toilet paper...at least it was a 2-ply soft quilted kind. a big thumbs-up!!!
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Goodness ... through and through.
I simply cannot say enough nice things about this Newport Beach treasure. I love the Island Hotel --- previously Four Seasons.
My lil' family went on an overnight getaway. We reserved a room with a king. They upgraded us to a suite when we arrived. When we checked in, the turn-down was already done. Lovely music from BOSE system. Two flat screen tele's. Two balconies. Two bathrooms. Fridge. Wet Bar. Shortly thereafter, a surprise special delivery for our three year old. Stuffed Monkey, Cookie and M&M plate, and milk. WOW! So excited! We went down for a jacuzzi. We didn't get to dinner until 9 pm. I was amazed at the service and d-licious dinner at the Palm Terrace restaurant. Probably one of the BEST dining experiences of my life. Really magical --- even with a baby! Then, the bed had down comforter and pillows. Plush. Breakfast next morn --- outdoors in a tropical paradise. What a getaway! The only thing missing from my trip was a visit to the spa (NEXT TIME!).
The pool, the jacuzzi --- tropical paradise.
The Palm Terrace restaurant --- oo la la.
The room --- our suite was b-u-ti-ful.
The view --- ocean view in the distance ... Bloomies and Neiman's at Fashion Island --- so, if you gotta look at a building --- why not check out our fave stores!!!
They say they cater to the business travelers. Have meeting rooms. Great place for a wedding, too. So close to Fashion Valley and only about a mile from the beach. I believe this is worth a visit!
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The Palm Terrace lounge is a classy place to go on a Friday or Saturday, (which is when Jimmy Hopper plays) if you're in the mood for something mellow and classy, ......the violinist is amazing......be sure to order a spa martini!
It's a real nice high-endish hotel. It is close to the Fashion Island mall. So if you love shopping and staying at nice hotels, stay here for a bit. It was a colder month when I stayed, so I didn't get to use the nice looking pool.
You are stuck with using valet parking, so have some singles ready.
I booked the room on http://hotels.com, but it didn't show up in their system. And I had to re-book using an alternate form of payment. Took a few hours to fix this crap. But, every minute counts when you're trying to relax.
A good not great hotel. It is in a great location but a bit over-priced. If you want great shopping and restaurants this is a great place to stay.
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My review will be quite biased as it was our wedding night and our concierge friend had hooked it up with a premiere executive suite. ;)
We got there in our crazily decorated wedding steed, and I jumped out in my floofy wedding dress. The valet guy congratulated us, and off we were to the check-in desk!
We had reserved a regular room using our friend's friends&family discount. Imagine our surprise when we were given a room key and informed, "you've been upgraded to our premiere executive suite! Have a great stay and congratulations!" Holy cow!
We got up to the 15th floor and opened the door...to a living room. I've never stayed in a room so big; I was bummed it was only for one night! Even better: my hubby opened the curtains and we were treated to a beautiful view of Fashion Island's glittering lights. Apparently the ocean was there too, but I didn't see it til sunrise the next morning.
I got out of my wedding gown and took a shower to get the day's gunk off my hair and face, and when I got out, I felt that my blood sugar was crashing (I'm type 1 diabetic). No sooner after my husband said, "It's okay, I have those fruity Mentos," there was a knock at the door-- chocolate covered strawberries were delivered! Strawberries and these amazing chocolate-cookie-cream-sandwiches...oooo soo good for my plummeting blood sugar. Perfect timing too!
Alas, we only stayed for a night, but it was the best, most luxurious night ever!
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I went to the Spa at the Island hotel and received a facial from Liz!!!! By far the best spa experience I have ever had.... Liz did a great job and I have been to several spa's in so cal and in NY. You have to ask for Liz if you go to the Spa. Dinner was good they several portions that are halved so that you can try everything On the menu and not get too full. The Hotel is OK but I was there for the Spa day. Rooms are great and the Spa is to die for.
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This hotel is a STEAL. It's a fraction of the cost of the St. Regis down the coast in Dana Point and while it lacks a beach, the pool, food and service are still pretty good. Since it's no longer a Four Seasons the clientele has changed slightly but it's still a LHW property. Suites are pretty nice and you may be able to snag an upgrade.
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Spa experience only.
The spa was really nice. very peaceful, relaxing zen feel. nice scent of fragrant candles and the showers, bathrooms and lockerroom were very clean and well stocked with bathroom supplies and amenities.
the massages itself were excellent. The masseuses were very professional and hospitable. brought back a plate of fresh fruit after the massage. Would definitely come back
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Location- Good location, easy to find. Balcony view was of Fashion Island.
Service- Excellent. Bell boy was super friendly and accomodating as was front desk. Rooms were cleaned twice a day. Valet was quick.
Perks- Stocked mini fridge, Bose system, disposable slippers, decent size rooms, L'Occitane toiletries, plush towels, comfortable firm bed. fluffy pillows, high thread count sheets.
Crowd- Older, lots of cougars. Lobby and bar/restaurant areas always had a steady crowd.
Pool- Did not visit since it was mid December.
Standard room with two queen beds also included a pull-out sofa, so 6 of us slept in it comfortably. Room service was prompt, check-in was quick, valet guys were right on cue. I'm not sure what I was expecting, but this hotel did a great job of anticipating our needs and providing my misbehaving friends and me a fun stay. The pool was fabulous!
I can't believe the best hotel experience I've ever had is at this place...in Newport Beach!
I was given a free trip to fly, stay 2 nights with free breakfast both nights and spa credit. I think they call it the virtuoso package. It was exactly what I needed for a vacation.
The service, everyone, was super nice, not like trying to hard either. The bar food was actually good.
I was expecting a dead hotel, but it was in great shape and was pretty busy. there was maid service twice a day, so I ran away with lots of beauty products and my room was always clean. bonuses, the room came with cds, an aux plug for your ipod, and free shoe cleaning service. there is also free steam room access at the spa, and nothing like your gym sauna.
The only thing that I didn't care for were the ageless boob jobbed women with their old farts who could be their dad, or not?, weird scene....but who cares.
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OH-MY-GOD, did my mom and her friends just get a make-over and raid my closet? Are these women for real? If you think Balboa Cafe (San Francisco) is a cougar den, this is the cougar mecca!!! The bar at this hotel is ridiculous. It's straight out of one of those dumb So Cal shows. I have never in my life gone to a bar and just stared at all the people. I couldn't stop laughing.
Beyond the clientel this hotel is very beautiful and classy. I would probably stay there if I were ever in need of a hotel in Newport. The bar, however, is only good if you want to hook up with a 45 year-old woman dressed like she's 25.
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The Island Hotel, formerly known as the Four Seasons Newport Beach, re-opened it's doors last November.
For those of you who are familiar with those hotel, be aware that a lot of changes have taken place since it was taken over by the Irvine Co.
Most importantly, the food has been totally revamped here. The Irvine Company brought in Chef Bill Bracken, formerly of the Peninsula Hotel in Beverly Hills and he in turn brought in his crew of chefs.
Being someone who frequents this hotel, I can truthfully attest that the food here is much, much better than it was a little over a year ago. The hotel has 3 different food outlets not including room service. The Gardens (casual dining), The Cabana (poolside dining), and The Pavilion (fine dining). Make sure you check out the Pavilion if you're planning on making a visit.
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I had high expectations, given that this was by Fashion Island and supposedly used to be a Ritz. Did not look very grand from the outside, valet parking only (if there was self, I coudln't find it, as a cirlced around). Lobby was not as spacious at all - small louge area with only 4 -5 chairs and reception desk staffed with only 2.
The pool looked really amazing in the photos, but it's actually rather small and the lounge chairs were crammed together. There was 3 cabana's and a fire place...
Had the deluxe suite, very modern, flat screen tv with bose speaker, internet connection, desk and reading area, small standing room only balcony (at least you can go out to the balcony, unlike others), bathroom toiletries were from L'occitane, had robes and slippers.
One thing that I noticed about the entire hotel: lighting. The room had 4 lights off in each corner, but was dark. The bathroom had 2 lights on the sides by the mirror, but was still dark - ie, not good lighting to put on markup... Even the hallway light wasn't great, even though the closet doors had mirrors...
Hum, glad I stayed here for business and not pleasure.
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I got sick after eating their cheesecake for room service. You had one chance and you destroyed it! *shakes fist* Lucky you get two stars b/c I only reserve 1 star for the truly horrid experiences.
The room kind of reminded me of a Las Vegas hotel room. The decor was just whatever. Not worth the $200+ bucks a night.
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My company had their Christmas party here and I had high expectations based on the AAA reviews. I must say I was very disappointed with the food served, I hope this is not the same food at the restaurant. The mixed green salad was a good start. The pumpkin soup was something I could have done with out, and I love pumpkin. The fillet was a big disappointment, It was no better than something I would have ordered at Chilis.
The upside was the room. Bed very comfortable, and view over looking Newport was exquisite. So if you are going here don't eat the food, but stay the night.
P.S. Don't forget dress socks, they cost $25 a pair in the gift shop.
Its a joint hotel, no doubt about it. But I dont think its a five star. Its not that different from a Nice Marriott Hotel... and def. not a Four Seasons quality one.
i liked the free shoe shine, nice gym, bose stereo though. it was a nice touch... i think they should upgrade their TVs in their rooms. They had the same crappy ones you would find at a Residence Inn.
I visited for drinks on a Saturday night. They have this cute and quaint cocktail lounge which is PACKED on weekends. They have this ex-vegas performer there Fri-Sat evenings which usually draws a crowd.
My first experience with popcorn cooked with truffle oil. I was delightfully surprised.
quality of food was very bad such as chewy calamari, tasteless,old sear ahi tuna,cold burger and fries, french fry was re-fry.we ask them to take it all back and left the place.the bar lounge is gorgeous with comfortable seat and couch. it remind me of las vegas.valet parking is the best thing to do. it is very expensive. service is very slow and weekend attract alot of golddigers. most customers are plastic surgery,wearing tight outfit in a fat,unfit body.
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Lord knows I love a fancy hotel...the fancier, the better. The Island Hotel certainly is fancy...the beds were comortable, Bose/L'Occitane products, clean rooms, balconies, etc. The room service was ok...the variety was great and offers something for everyone. Every staff member I encountered was courteous and polite, yet not intrusive. I couldn't give the place 5 stars b/c at the end of the day, it's still just a high-rise hotel located by Fashion Island's parking lot so it doesn't offer much in terms of location. Rooms seemed overpriced and there is no self parking offered. And yes, while we didn't go near that awful hotel bar, it DID look like every fake blond cougar in OC was on the prowl. Blech!!
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I just came back from a 3 nights stayed here with my husband and kids as a little get away and to visit his family in So. Cal. The Island used to be the Four Seasons. Although, it is definitely a 5 star hotel, but it is not quite up to par as a Four Seasons. Even so, it is a great hotel. Staff were very attentive and welcoming.
I had 2 spa treatments two days in a row. The locker room area was small, with only 2 showers, 2 restrooms and 1 small steamroom. I was surprised that a hotel this caliver did not have a jacuzzi. Also the massage room was a little tight. But, the massage therapist was excellent!
We ate breakfast every morning at the Pavillion (which you order "off the menu") because it was convenient with the kids. However, for typical breakfast food, it was very pricey. We also had dinner one night at the Pavillion with my husband's family (party of 11) and it was great! The service was remarkable and the food was very very good. So I would definitely recommend the Pavillion for dinner!
Overall, a great weekend getaway and hotel.
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I am not sure how the two previous reviewers could possibly have rated this hotel as 5-star and 4-star respectively... They are most certainly NOT a Four Seasons hotel and I would rate them a 2-star or 3-star at most. I travel extensively and have had the pleasure of staying at several Fours Seasons properties and The Island doesn't even come close. First and foremost, the service was lacking from the time we arrived until the time we left. Indifference bordering on outright rudeness from the woman working the front desk. Utter lack of local knowledge from the doorman. Shameful. And the rooms were decidedly lackluster. It seriously reminded me of an average business class hotel a la the Westin. Not that there is anything wrong with that! But they are positioning themselves as a high-end property and that just ain't so. Not only are they located in the heart of a monstrous shopping center, but it ain't cheap! Do yourself a favor and skip The Island.
**** UPDATE ****
Having been back to the enjoy massages twice now at the Island Hotel's subterranean spa, I felt I should revisit this review in the interest of fairness. Both times I've been back I have been struck by how friendly and polite the valets were and the spa staff (from front desk to massage therapists) were on point. Perhaps I will have to give the Island another try when future guests come to town.
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My work had some meeting here and I really liked the place. Clean room, great bed, free overnight shoe shine, good pool and hot tub, excellent soap and shampoo, good bose sound system, great robes and slipper in the room, excellent chairs. Staff seemed nice and I had no complaints. Breakfast and lunch catered were very nice, too. I don't stay in classy places too often so I might be easily impressed. It is pricey at $255 which I thought I saw on the bill (that I did not pay for), but probably fair when you consider the fact that a basic Marriott will run you around $150 usually.
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I stayed here for a few days in early December and generally was impressed. Only thing bad that happened is that one night I came back to my room and the bathroom floor was covered in water with steady drips coming out of the ceiling. Anyway, they put me in a new room right away. The rooms are nicely decorated - big plasma screen with a Bose sound system. Very comfortable beds and overall a very high service level from all employees. I would happily stay here again. If you need to be near Fashion Island I would say this or the Marriott are probably the two best options. My rate was only $180 per night, which I think was reasonable given the quality of the hotel.
Great name for this place. The Island. When you stay here, you'll understand why. You will feel like you are on an island, away from the world's worries and everything you know to be "normal" (even though you are merely 5 miles from Irvine). There are many great things about this hotel. The staff are all friendly, helpful, and dependable. The place is run very efficiently. The rooms are nice and comfortable. Plasma TV, big pillows, the Santa Ana winds breezing thru the room... the swimming pool is an experience all of its own. They actually "sit" you with a towel or two and then they just do nothing but take care of you. Now, it is a bit pricey, but sometimes you don't mind spending money when you're being as pampered as I was at The Island. Margaritas poolside, great live music on the weekends, great service, tasteful and professional all the way around. First class establishment. It's a getaway... it's almost like Fantasy Island, only it's Newport Beach, CA.
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