
Pelican Hill
Best for golf, large villas, and a secluded coastal-resort feel with dedicated beach shuttle and multiple pools.
Prices in other currencies are estimates. You’re charged in USD.
Pelican Hill is a five-star, coastal golf-and-spa resort on 504 acres south of Newport Beach that suits families and guests who prioritize ocean views, golf, and a large-property resort experience. VEA Newport Beach, A Marriott Resort & Spa is a four-star Marriott resort near Fashion Island with 400 guestrooms, resort pools, meeting space, and easy access to shopping—best for travelers who want a centrally located Newport Beach base with Marriott amenities.
Updated · about 5.3 miles apart

Best for golf, large villas, and a secluded coastal-resort feel with dedicated beach shuttle and multiple pools.

Best for a central Newport Beach location, large meeting/conference needs, and predictable Marriott-style service and amenities.
When Pelican Hill wins: choose Pelican Hill if you want resort seclusion, on-site championship golf, villas or bungalow-style accommodations, a Forbes Five-Star spa experience, and easy access to Crystal Cove State Park and beach shuttle service.
When VEA Newport Beach wins: choose VEA if you want to be steps from Fashion Island shopping, need lots of standard guestrooms or meeting space (27 meeting rooms/≈72,981 sq ft listed by supplier), or prefer a Marriott property with pool, sauna, and convenient access to the Newport Center area.
Bottom line: Pelican Hill is the pick for a resort-focused escape centered on golf, villas, and a high-end spa; VEA is the practical choice for a centrally located Newport Beach stay with lots of standard rooms and event capacity.
| Category | Pelican Hill | VEA Newport Beach, A Marriott Resort & Spa |
|---|---|---|
| Overall vibe | Large coastal resort centered on golf, villas, and a luxury spa | Urban-suburban Marriott resort near a major shopping center and business district |
| Location (closest landmark) | Above Crystal Cove State Park; complimentary beach shuttle to Crystal Cove | Next to Fashion Island (0.1 mi) |
| Size (rooms) | 204 Bungalow rooms + 128 Villas (332 total rooms) | 400 guestrooms |
| Star rating | 5 stars | 4 stars |
| Pools | Three outdoor pools (Coliseum Pool, Bella Vista, Villa Pool) plus whirlpool; cabanas available | Number of outdoor pools - 1; poolside bar and cabanas (surcharge) listed |
| Restaurants & bars | Multiple on-site venues including Andrea, Pelican Grill, Coliseum Pool & Grill, Villa Clubhouse and cafés | VIEW Restaurant & Lounge (ocean-view dining), 2 bars/lounges, poolside bar, room service (limited hours) |
| Spa & wellness | The Spa at Pelican Hill — Forbes Five-Star; fitness classes and Roman-inspired facilities | Spa/sauna/steam listed among amenities; specific spa name not published in supplier listing |
| Known for | Ocean views, championship golf, villas and large event/wedding spaces | Proximity to Fashion Island, large meeting space and Marriott resort services |
| Family / age policy | All ages welcome; on-site Camp Pelican (ages 4–12); some spa services 18+ | Welcomes all ages (adultsOnly: false); minimum check-in age 21 per supplier listing |
| Typical guest | Families, golfers, spa-goers, wedding and event groups | Business and leisure travelers seeking a centrally located Newport Beach Marriott |
Pelican Hill sits on 504 coastal acres above Crystal Cove State Park, a short shuttle ride to the beach.
Choose Pelican Hill for a bigger, quieter coastal property with direct access to Crystal Cove.
VEA Newport Beach is a Marriott resort in Newport Center, immediately adjacent to Fashion Island.
Choose VEA to stay within walking distance of Fashion Island and central Newport Beach amenities.
Pelican Hill offers bungalow rooms and multi-bedroom Villas with private terraces and villa-only services.
Pelican Hill is better if you want villa space or a bungalow layout with private terraces.
VEA has a broad inventory of standard rooms and ocean- or golf-view suites.
VEA is a better match when you want a conventional hotel room lineup with many accessible options.
Pelican Hill provides a mix of high-end and casual on-site restaurants tied to the golf club and villas.
Pelican Hill suits guests who want multiple resort dining venues, including ocean-view Italian dining.
VEA offers VIEW Restaurant & Lounge with ocean views plus two bars and pool service.
VEA is convenient for shopping-and-dinner stays and standard hotel dining options near Fashion Island.
Pelican Hill has several guest pools including the Coliseum Pool, Bella Vista Pool, and a Villa Pool with cabanas.
Pelican Hill focuses on a resort-pool experience plus shuttle access to Crystal Cove beach.
VEA lists one outdoor pool with poolside bar and pool cabanas for a surcharge.
VEA provides a single resort pool and relies on nearby public beaches rather than private beach access.
Pelican Hill emphasizes a Forbes Five-Star spa, fitness classes, and golf practice facilities.
Pelican Hill is the stronger choice for spa-focused getaways, golf, and wedding/event staging on the coast.
VEA lists extensive meeting and conference space along with typical Marriott wellness amenities.
VEA is a solid pick for business groups and events needing lots of meeting rooms inside Newport Center.

Pelican Hill: on-site championship golf club, driving range, lessons, and golf practice access.

VEA Newport Beach: steps from Fashion Island (0.1 mi) for shops and restaurants.

VEA Newport Beach: supplier lists 27 meeting rooms and large conference space suitable for business groups.

Pelican Hill: 2–4 bedroom Villas and family programming like Camp Pelican.
VEA Newport Beach is right next to Fashion Island (about 0.1 mi); Pelican Hill is several miles south and requires a short drive.
VEA lists extensive conference space and many meeting rooms, making it a practical choice for large meetings; Pelican Hill also offers multiple ballrooms and outdoor event lawns for wedding and event clients who want a coastal setting.
Yes—both welcome families. Pelican Hill has family services like Camp Pelican and multi-bedroom Villas; VEA accepts guests of all ages per its supplier listing.
Pelican Hill has multiple pools (Coliseum, Bella Vista, Villa Pool) and cabanas; VEA's supplier listing shows one outdoor pool with poolside amenities.
Explore how Pelican Hill stacks up against other hotels nearby:
vs. sites like Expedia, Hotels.com and other OTAs ·