
Pelican Hill
Best for golfers, families, and groups who need multi-bedroom Villas and resort golf facilities.
Prices in other currencies are estimates. You’re charged in USD.
Pelican Hill is a sprawling Newport Coast five-star resort built around villas, golf, and the iconic Coliseum circular pool — read this if you want golf, multi-bedroom villas, or family-friendly resort space. Montage Laguna Beach is an ultra-luxury five-star oceanfront Laguna Beach resort with direct beach access and multiple ocean-view pools — read this if you want beachfront rooms, cliffside views, and a strong spa focus.
Updated · about 6.8 miles apart

Best for golfers, families, and groups who need multi-bedroom Villas and resort golf facilities.

Best for travelers who prioritize direct oceanfront rooms, beach access, and an ocean-facing spa/pool experience.
When Pelican Hill wins: choose Pelican Hill if you want large Villas or multiple-bedroom accommodations, on-site championship golf and practice facilities, a resort built for events and weddings, or a variety of resort pools including the Coliseum circular pool.
When Montage Laguna Beach wins: choose Montage if having immediate beach access, ocean-view rooms/bungalows, and a concentrated oceanfront resort layout with multiple pools and a full-service spa is most important.
Bottom line: both are five-star Orange County coastal properties but serve different priorities — Pelican Hill is a golf-and-villa-focused Newport Coast resort with estate-scale grounds, while Montage Laguna Beach is an intimate, oceanfront luxury resort for seaside stays and spa-focused relaxation.
| Category | Pelican Hill | Montage Laguna Beach |
|---|---|---|
| Overall vibe | Large, estate-like resort focused on villas, golf, and broad grounds. | Compact oceanfront resort focused on cliffside views, beaches, and spa. |
| Location | Newport Coast / Newport Beach, above Crystal Cove State Park. | Laguna Beach, right on the oceanfront at South Coast Highway. |
| Size (rooms / villas) | 332 total accommodations (128 Villas + 204 Bungalows). | 258 rooms and bungalows (supplier listing). |
| Ages / family policy | All ages welcome; family programs and Camp Pelican for kids 4–12. | All ages welcome (not adults-only). |
| Pools | Three outdoor pools including the Coliseum Pool (large circular pool), Bella Vista, and Villa Pool (Villa guests). | Three outdoor pools and 2 hot tubs; pool cabanas available (surcharge). |
| Beach access | Shuttle to Crystal Cove Beach; beach access but property is perched above the shore. | Walkway to water and direct oceanfront access; beachfront property. |
| Spa & fitness | The Spa at Pelican Hill — Forbes Five-Star; fitness classes and spa facilities (18+ for spa services). | Full-service spa, fitness facilities, complimentary wired internet; spa reservations required for treatments. |
| Dining & bars | Multiple restaurants including Andrea (Italian-inspired), Pelican Grill, Coliseum Pool & Grill, and casual cafés. | Three restaurants including Studio Mediterranean plus poolside bar and 24-hour room service. |
| Events & meetings | Extensive event space and wedding venues (largest capacities 500+); many specialty event lawns and ballrooms. | Meeting and conference space (about 12,180 sq ft) suitable for events but on a smaller scale than Pelican Hill. |
| Parking & transport notes | Complimentary valet for resort guests; complimentary beach shuttle; nearest airport John Wayne (approx. 9 miles). | Valet parking available (fee noted); train-station pick-up service and limo/town car services available (surcharges). |
Pelican Hill sits on 504 coastal acres above Crystal Cove State Park with easy access to Newport Beach attractions.
Choose Pelican Hill for proximity to Newport-area attractions, golf, and a large resort footprint.
Montage Laguna Beach is an ultra-luxury oceanfront property with direct access to Laguna's beaches and cliffs.
Choose Montage for immediate oceanfront location and easy beachside access in Laguna Beach.
Pelican Hill offers a mix of Bungalows and multi-bedroom Villas designed for families and groups.
If you need multi-bedroom space, extra living areas, or villa-style privacy, Pelican Hill is the choice.
Montage offers ocean- and horizon-view rooms, accessible bungalows, suites, and a selection of named Villas.
If ocean views from your room and direct proximity to the shoreline matter most, pick Montage.
Pelican Hill runs multiple dining venues from casual cafés to Andrea, a Northern Italian–inspired restaurant with ocean/golf views.
Pelican Hill is a better fit for guests who want variety, on-site villa dining, and large-event catering options.
Montage features three restaurants with Mediterranean-influenced offerings and poolside bar service.
Montage emphasizes ocean-facing dining and streamlined restaurant options focused on the beachside experience.
Pelican Hill features three outdoor pools including the Coliseum Pool, a large circular centerpiece, plus Villa and Bella Vista pools.
Pelican Hill is ideal if you want a resort-pool experience plus shuttle access to a nearby state beach.
Montage offers three outdoor pools, two hot tubs, pool cabanas (surcharge), and a walkway to the water.
Montage is better if you prefer immediate oceanfront poolside lounging and quick beach walks.
Pelican Hill centers wellness on The Spa at Pelican Hill (Forbes Five-Star) plus fitness classes and golf-related activity.
Pelican Hill pairs high-end spa treatments with active options like golf and daily outdoor fitness.
Montage provides a full-service spa, salon services, fitness facilities, and evening entertainment options.
Montage suits travelers focused on ocean-view spa treatments and an intimate evening scene.

Pelican Hill — large Villas with multiple bedrooms and villa-specific breakfast and pool options.

Montage Laguna Beach — rooms and public spaces afford immediate access and views of the ocean.

Pelican Hill — on-site championship golf, extensive event space and wedding venues.

Montage Laguna Beach — full-service oceanfront spa, multiple pools, and cabanas near the water.
Pelican Hill — it offers Villas, Camp Pelican for ages 4–12, family-friendly dining, and supervised kids' activities.
Montage Laguna Beach — it is oceanfront with a walkway to the water; Pelican Hill provides a complimentary shuttle to nearby Crystal Cove Beach.
Pelican Hill — the resort includes championship golf facilities, a driving range, pro shop, and instruction options.
Yes — Pelican Hill has The Spa at Pelican Hill (Forbes Five-Star) and Montage Laguna Beach has a full-service spa; both recommend booking treatments ahead.
Explore how Pelican Hill stacks up against other hotels nearby:
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