
Pelican Hill
Best for multigenerational groups and travelers who want villas, golf, and a quieter Newport Coast base.
Prices in other currencies are estimates. You’re charged in USD.
Pelican Hill is a quiet, upscale Newport Coast resort with villas, championship golf, and a Forbes Five-Star spa — read this if you want a more residential, low-key Newport Beach stay. Hyatt Regency Huntington Beach Resort and Spa is a large, family-friendly beachfront resort in Huntington Beach — read this if you want direct beach access, big-pool energy, and lots of on-site activities for kids.
Updated · about 13 km (8 mi) apart

Best for multigenerational groups and travelers who want villas, golf, and a quieter Newport Coast base.

Best for families and beach-focused travelers who want direct access to Huntington Beach and large resort amenities.
When Pelican Hill wins: choose Pelican Hill if you prioritize a quieter, more residential luxury stay, on-site championship golf, villa-style accommodations, and a high-end spa experience (Forbes Five-Star).
When Hyatt Regency Huntington Beach wins: pick the Hyatt if you want immediate beach access, big on-site family amenities (waterslide, multiple hot tubs, arcade/game room), and a busy surf-town location near Pacific City and the Huntington Beach Pier.
Bottom line: both are family-friendly Southern California resorts. Pelican Hill leans quieter and more residential with elevated dining and golf; Hyatt Regency Huntington Beach leans active and surf-centered with beachfront convenience and large resort programming.
| Category | Pelican Hill | Hyatt Regency Huntington Beach Resort and Spa |
|---|---|---|
| Overall vibe | Quiet, residential luxury resort focused on villas, golf, and relaxed terraces. | Large, energetic beachfront resort across from Huntington Beach with family programming. |
| Location | Newport Coast above Crystal Cove State Park; short drive to Fashion Island and Corona del Mar. | On Pacific Coast Highway in Huntington Beach, steps from Pacific City and near the pier. |
| Size (rooms) | 332 rooms total (204 Bungalows + 128 Villas). | 517 guestrooms. |
| Ages / family friendliness | All ages welcome; Camp Pelican (kids 4–12) and babysitting available (surcharge). | All ages welcome; family-friendly resort activities and waterslide; up to 2 children 17 and younger stay free in a room using existing bedding. |
| Pools & water features | Three outdoor pools (including the Coliseum Pool and a Villa-only pool) plus whirlpool; cabanas available; adult-only pool area tucked away. | Two outdoor pools, waterslide, five hot tubs, lifeguard on site, and poolside bars. |
| Restaurants & bars | Multiple on-site venues (Andrea, Pelican Grill, Coliseum Pool & Grill, Villa Clubhouse, cafes) with Italian-inspired and Southern California menus. | Two restaurants (including Watertable regional cuisine) plus a coffee shop, two bars, and two poolside bars; room service available (limited hours). |
| Spa & wellness | The Spa at Pelican Hill — Forbes Five-Star, Roman-inspired Acqua Colonnade, spa hours and adult-only facilities; fitness classes and golf practice access. | Full-service spa with massages, body treatments, facials; 24-hour fitness facilities and on-site yoga classes/instruction. |
| Known for | Championship golf, ocean views from terraces, villas and private-feel bungalows, and high-end spa. | Beachfront setting, surf-town access, big meeting space and family-friendly resort programming. |
| Meetings & events | Multiple ballrooms and outdoor event lawns; large wedding capacities and many meeting rooms across the resort. | Extensive conference center: ~52,000 sq ft of event space and 10 meeting rooms (conference-focused layout). |
| Parking & transport | Complimentary valet for resort guests; complimentary hourly beach shuttle to Crystal Cove. | Covered valet parking available; preferred airport John Wayne (SNA). |
Pelican Hill sits above Crystal Cove State Park and feels like a residential Newport Coast retreat.
Choose Pelican Hill for a quieter, scenic coastal base near Newport’s upscale neighborhoods.
Hyatt Regency Huntington Beach sits on Pacific Coast Highway across from popular Huntington Beach destinations.
Choose the Hyatt for direct beach access and easy access to Huntington Beach’s surf-and-boardwalk scene.
Pelican Hill’s accommodations are a mix of private-feel Bungalows and multi-bedroom Villas with terraces.
Pelican Hill favors larger suites and villa living for families and groups wanting space and privacy.
Hyatt Regency Huntington Beach has a large inventory of individually furnished guestrooms with many view and configuration options.
Hyatt works well for families who want standard hotel rooms with flexible bed configurations close to the beach.
Pelican Hill offers several on-site dining venues from cafes to refined Italian and ocean-view options.
Pelican Hill is for travelers who want elevated, coastal Italian-influenced dining and quieter meal settings.
Hyatt Regency Huntington Beach offers two on-site restaurants, multiple bars, and poolside dining geared to families and resort guests.
Hyatt’s food and beverage setup is convenient and casual for busy beach days and families.
Pelican Hill emphasizes multiple pools, cabanas, and a distinct adults-only pool area away from the main pool.
Pelican Hill is pool- and golf-oriented with private-feel pool areas and a shuttle to a scenic state-park beach.
Hyatt Regency Huntington Beach puts you steps from the sand along with multiple resort pools and family-focused water features.
Hyatt’s pools complement immediate beach access and are built for high-energy family fun.
Pelican Hill focuses on a high-end spa, golf practice facilities, and fitness/wellness classes.
Pelican Hill is for travelers prioritizing spa quality, golf, and a quieter wellness-focused stay.
Hyatt offers a full-service spa, 24-hour fitness facilities, and on-site activities that keep families busy into the evening.
Hyatt mixes wellness with active family programming and resort entertainment rather than a quiet spa escape.

Pelican Hill — Forbes Five-Star spa, on-site golf practice facilities, and quiet villa-style accommodations.

Hyatt Regency Huntington Beach — steps from the sand, waterslide, multiple hot tubs, and family-friendly resort programming.

Hyatt Regency Huntington Beach — extensive conference center (about 52,000 sq ft) and 10 meeting rooms.

Pelican Hill — two- to four-bedroom Villas and private Villa Clubhouse amenities for groups and families.
Hyatt Regency Huntington Beach is on Pacific Coast Highway across from Huntington Beach; Pelican Hill sits above Crystal Cove with a complimentary shuttle to the beach.
Hyatt Regency Huntington Beach has waterslide, multiple hot tubs, and family-focused on-site activities; Pelican Hill also welcomes children and offers Camp Pelican and family-friendly villas but generally feels quieter.
Yes — Pelican Hill has The Spa at Pelican Hill (Forbes Five-Star) and age-restricted services; Hyatt Regency Huntington Beach has a full-service spa with massages, facials, and body treatments.
Hyatt Regency Huntington Beach lists extensive meeting space (about 52,000 sq ft and 10 meeting rooms), while Pelican Hill offers many elegant ballrooms and outdoor event lawns suited to weddings and corporate functions.
Explore how Pelican Hill stacks up against other hotels nearby:
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