
Pelican Hill
Best for families, golfers and guests wanting large villas, multiple pools, and extensive resort grounds.
Prices in other currencies are estimates. You’re charged in USD.
Pelican Hill is a sprawling Newport Coast resort and villa complex with championship golf and a Forbes Five‑Star spa—good for families, golfers, and travelers who want a full resort escape. Pendry Newport Beach is a modern five‑star hotel in central Newport Beach that suits style‑minded travelers who want a compact, walkable base near Fashion Island and the harbor.
Updated · about 2.5 miles apart

Best for families, golfers and guests wanting large villas, multiple pools, and extensive resort grounds.

Best for travelers who prefer a contemporary city‑side luxury hotel close to shopping, restaurants, and Newport Harbor.
When Pelican Hill wins: Choose Pelican Hill if you want a resort experience — villas and bungalow rooms, three outdoor pools (including the Coliseum Pool), dedicated kids' programs, on‑site championship golf, and a large Forbes Five‑Star spa.
When Pendry Newport Beach wins: Pick Pendry if you want a modern, stylish downtown hotel within steps of Fashion Island and city attractions, with compact luxury rooms, a single outdoor pool, and a contemporary restaurant and bar program.
Bottom line: Both are five‑star Newport Beach options but they serve different trip styles — Pelican Hill for resort and family/golf stays; Pendry for a modern, centrally located hotel stay in Newport.
| Category | Pelican Hill | Pendry Newport Beach |
|---|---|---|
| Overall vibe | Sprawling coastal resort with villas, golf, and a resort campus | Contemporary, design‑forward city hotel in Newport Center |
| Location | Perched on 504 acres above Crystal Cove State Park; more removed from central Newport Beach | In the heart of Newport Beach near Fashion Island and Newport Harbor |
| Size (rooms) | About 332 rooms total: 204 Bungalows + 128 Villas (two‑to‑four bedrooms) | 295 rooms |
| Ages / audience | All ages welcome; family facilities and Camp Pelican for kids 4–12 | Not adults‑only; family‑friendly amenities listed |
| Pools | Three outdoor pools (Coliseum Pool, Bella Vista, Villa Pool) plus whirlpool; cabanas and pool rules | One outdoor pool and a poolside bar |
| Restaurants & bars | Multiple on‑site dining venues including Andrea, Pelican Grill, Coliseum Pool & Grill, plus cafés | One on‑site restaurant (SET) and a poolside bar with 24‑hour room service available |
| Spa & wellness | The Spa at Pelican Hill — Forbes Five‑Star spa with Roman‑inspired Acqua Colonnade; fitness classes and yoga | Full‑service spa and 24‑hour fitness facilities |
| Known for | Villas, championship golf, expansive resort grounds and a large circular Coliseum Pool | Modern design, Fashion Island proximity, and an urban luxury atmosphere |
| Event & meeting space | Extensive event venues including ballrooms, Mar Vista lawn and multiple meeting rooms and large capacities | Conference center with 18 meeting rooms and wide conference space (approx. 58,000 sq ft) |
| Airport access | About 9 miles to John Wayne Airport (SNA) — ~15 minute drive | John Wayne Airport (SNA) listed as nearest airport at about 8.6 km / 5.4 mi |
Pelican Hill sits on 504 coastal acres above Crystal Cove State Park, a short drive or the resort's beach shuttle away from the sand.
Pelican Hill is a destination resort set above the beach — expect more distance to restaurants and downtown attractions.
Pendry Newport Beach is located in the city center near Fashion Island and Newport Harbor, placing shops and dining within easy reach.
Pendry is convenient for walkable shopping and harbor activities; less of a resort escape and more of a city‑side base.
Pelican Hill offers bungalow guest rooms and two‑to‑four‑bedroom Villas with private terraces for larger groups or longer stays.
If you need space, private terraces, or multi‑bedroom villa living, Pelican Hill is the clear choice.
Pendry has nearly 300 modern rooms and a long list of room types and suites to suit solo travelers, couples, and families.
Pendry gives contemporary, well‑equipped rooms and suites in a compact hotel footprint — good for shorter stays and urban convenience.
Pelican Hill has several on‑site dining options from casual cafés to Italian‑inspired Andrea and ocean‑view golf club dining.
Pelican Hill offers variety and ocean‑view options; it's set up for dining across many onsite venues.
Pendry offers a modern American restaurant (SET) with poolside service and 24‑hour room service.
Pendry's on‑site dining is modern and focused — you’ll rely more on nearby Newport restaurants for variety.
Pelican Hill’s signature amenities are its multiple outdoor pools and an on‑site championship golf club.
The resort lifestyle — pools plus golf — defines Pelican Hill and supports longer, activity‑driven stays.
Pendry has a single outdoor pool and a compact set of leisure amenities tailored to an urban hotel stay.
Pendry’s pool is fine for relaxation between outings, but the hotel’s advantage is its walkable location rather than expansive grounds.
Pelican Hill emphasizes spa, fitness and outdoor wellness across its resort grounds.
Pelican Hill’s wellness program and spa are major draws for relaxation‑focused stays and spa‑driven breaks.
Pendry includes a full‑service spa and a 24‑hour health club, with nightlife and dining nearby in central Newport Beach.
Pendry pairs an in‑house spa and gym with easy access to Newport Beach nightlife and dining outside the hotel.

Pelican Hill — Villas, children’s programs, and multiple pools make it easier to travel with kids and extended families.

Pendry Newport Beach — steps from Fashion Island and city dining, ideal if you want to be downtown.

Pelican Hill — on‑site golf club, driving range, and resort practice facilities put golf at the center of the stay.

Pendry Newport Beach — contemporary rooms, focused dining, and a design‑forward hotel layout.
Pendry Newport Beach is in the heart of Newport Center next to Fashion Island; Pelican Hill is several miles south and requires a short drive.
Pelican Hill — it offers Camp Pelican, family‑friendly villas, multiple pools, and dedicated family services.
Pelican Hill has an on‑site golf club and practice facilities. Guests at Pendry can access nearby golf courses but Pendry does not have an on‑site championship course.
Yes. Pelican Hill has The Spa at Pelican Hill (Forbes Five‑Star) and Pendry Newport Beach lists a full‑service spa in its amenities.
Explore how Pelican Hill stacks up against other hotels nearby:
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