What to expect: The resort, housed in two three-story buildings, mixes Mediterranean architecture with beach-inspired California décor to create a contemporary, upscale atmosphere with a casual seaside feel. Travelers in search of a weekend away pull into a porte cochere and around a fountain to the valet stand. The lobby’s seaside-inspired décor includes a painting of footprinted sand behind the concierge desk, a compass rose in the middle of the mosaic floor, rattan chairs, and a large-scale painting of sailboats behind the front counter.

Amenity highlights: The hotel’s rich history of catering to politicos and celebrities is a draw for many guests—performers Lucille Ball, John Wayne, Natalie Wood, and Humphrey Bogart have stayed here. But additional boons at the now-public resort include its bayside location, attractive outdoor pool, marina, interior renovated in 2003, restaurants and lounges, and a 17,000-square-foot spa.

Insider tip: Newport Beach offers lots of recreational activities, including from hard-core shopping (at nearby Fashion Island), to body-surfing at the Wedge, an area at the south end of Balboa Peninsula. Resort guests can head to tiny Balboa Island and take a ferry to the Balboa Peninsula, or stay at the resort and rent small, electric Duffy boats, which can be driven like cars.

What to expect: On the heels of an extensive $32 million remodel (April 2007), this hotel greets guests with a contemporary, stepped exterior and a lighted fountain. Inside, a four-story atrium with lush gardens filled with palms and bamboo trees also houses bambú Restaurant, which serves contemporary California cuisine.

Amenity highlights: Recreational options at Fairmont Newport Beach include three lighted tennis courts, an outdoor pool with spa tub, private cabanas, and seasonal poolside café located on a third-floor terrace. Wireless Internet access is available in public spaces of the hotel (surcharge).

What to expect: Shoppers, business travelers, and vacationers appreciate this location close to Fashion Island, several business parks, Balboa Island, and Newport Beach.

Amenity highlights: This stylish, two-tower hotel offers expansive views of an adjacent private golf course, Newport Harbor, and the Pacific Ocean. The rose garden is a popular choice for celebrating couples. Eight tennis courts are on site (surcharge), along with two outdoor pools—one freeform with an adjacent bar and another that’s tucked away and quiet. The Pure Blu spa is a soothing sanctuary, offering treatments such as the Signature Hot Sea Shell Massage, the Extreme Sports Massage, the Gentleman's Facial, and hydrotherapy with Vichy showers.

Insider tip: Straight down Jamboree Road is the seaport village of Balboa Island, where sweet (and pricey) houses in varying architectural styles are set like gems on streets with names such as Opal, Topaz, and Ruby avenues. A public walkway along the bay offers vistas of bobbing motor boats, towering palms, and a small ferris wheel across the water. A narrow street leads to the ferry.