The Fashion Island Hotel Newport Beach Review – for comfort and luxury

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The Fashion Island Hotel in Newport Beach, California, rises amid Orange County’s iconic open-air shopping, dining, and entertainment destination, Fashion Island, and beckons those looking for respite of comfort and luxury, whether they be traveling on vacation or for business, and for locals seeking a first-class hide-away.

With the recent renovations and repositioning the Fashion Island Hotel truly takes on the opulence, and beauty that Fashion Island has inspired since its opening in 1967. In the heart of Newport Beach, the 295 guest rooms and suites, along with more than 23,000 square feet of event space, and the largest ballroom in Newport Beach make this property a truly special destination. A world class spa, fitness center, and resort style pool complete the package. I see the re-branding efforts of the Irvine Company as a long overdue move, blending the two properties, Fashion Island Hotel and Fashion Island, together with the ideals of fashion, style, and luxury. Perhaps in the future we will see more development of fashion oriented events at the properties which could serve to highlight the wonderful talent in the Southern California fashion community. Updating of the building signage is also in the works, though not yet completed.

 

I visited the Fashion Island Hotel for one night in March, 2018, and arrived by car, after a long drive from my home in San Jose, California, about 350 miles. The Valets were friendly, taking my bags, and directing me to check-in. It was all very quick and easy as I arrived to my room on the 15th floor, opening the door I was delightfully surprised at my accommodations.

 

First I enjoyed a meal at the Oak Grill, ordering a Caesar Salad and Hamburger. “What?” you ask in amazement, “A Hamburger ?”  Yes, I say proudly, and it was one of the most delicious hamburger’s I’ve ever eaten. There was a great menu available, with selections for which all “foodies” could get excited. The Oak Grill, helmed by Executive Chef Peter Lai, is a Newport Beach original restaurant combining California cuisine with influences from around the globe and offering a specifically curated wine, beer and spirits programs. Guests and locals may dine alfresco on one of the largest decks in the area or lounge fireside. For more intimate group occasions, there are two private dining rooms available for groups from four to16 people.

After my drive I was really looking forward to some down time and getting some sleep. My room was a Premier Corner Suite that offered a sweeping view of the Pacific Ocean, Newport’s Back Bay, and looking north, the Palos Verdes’ Headlands in the distance.

A two-room suite resplendent in appointments, offered a genuine welcoming feeling that draws one in with a feeling of being at home. The living areas were finely carpeted and draped, with crown moldings at the ceilings and the drapes nicely detailed with valence and crown. Initially walking into the living room, you gaze out the sliding doors past the furnished balcony to the blue sky and oceans beyond.  I glance over and walk into the separate bedroom, with plush king size bed topped by a bevy of pillows, and appreciating the adjacent marble bathroom suite.

Those who know me will tell you that I am especially “picky” when it comes to the bed I sleep on. My wife will tell you that I am impossible to please! I tell you this to offer a perspective for what I’m about to say: The Stearns & Foster King-Sized Bed that I slept on at the Fashion Island Hotel was without question, the best, most comfortable, most luxurious bed, I’ve ever slept on, in my life! I had the best night of sleep I’ve had in forever!  I truly did not want to get out of bed the next morning and I will go back to the Fashion Island Hotel simply to stay and sleep in one of those beds again. Hopefully for more than one night next time!

All the requisite amenities you would expect were provided, and more; there were two large LED flat screen TV’s, one in the living room and one in the bed room. The living room also provided a queen size sleeper sofa, as well as a dining table for two. There was Wi-Fi, and comfortable workspace for those working while traveling.  Bose audio system and speakers were neatly concealed in the entertainment center provided and I could prepare my own cup of coffee at my convenience.

The bathroom suite was done in marble with nice attention to detail. I do relish those fine architectural and interior details. A fully mirrored makeup up table with Settee bench provided ample room for makeup, and as a dressing area when getting ready to go out for a night on the town. The bath vanity was done in luxurious deep rose marble top, with a single lav, and provided a hand held hair dryer, along with an assortment of necessities, from hand wrapped soaps, to lotions, and shampoos, Fashion Island Hotel’s custom blend “Newport Breeze,” by `Lather.’  There was a beautiful porcelain cast iron tub with the surrounding walls finished in a beautiful travertine marble to the ceiling. An additional and welcome detail was the wall mounted hand held spray for the bathtub. There was a separate shower, also finished in marble, with a clear glass door. Luxurious Majestic International bath robes, and Luxury Stripe bath linens and towels by Standard Textile, 100% cotton, provided a level of supreme comfort.

Fashion Island Hotel, Newport Beach, is located midway between Los Angeles and San Diego, and only ten-minutes by car, from John Wayne Airport. The John Wayne Airport offers private and commercial air service from around the world.

For your convenience the Island Club, on the 20th floor of the hotel, offers various amenities at additional cost. One I noted in particular is the complimentary personal shopping services at one of Southern California’s premier shopping experiences and a coastal destination points, Fashion Island. With world renowned department stores such as Bloomingdale’s, Nordstrom, and Neiman Marcus, along with exclusive specialty boutiques, and a diverse assortment of restaurants and café’s you can find everything you need and want at your fingertips.

There were many amenities the hotel offered that I simply did not have time to explore, including the Aqua Lounge for evening drinks and entertainment. The Spa at the Fashion Island Hotel which I understand offers traditional Hawaiian Lomi Lomi massage.  I’m familiar with Lomi Lomi as my wife Sandy is a certified `Lomi Lomi Tantrika,’ and I would like to try the massage at the hotel for sure. I’d also like to enjoy the Fitness Center along with the Pool and Whirlpool’s on my next trip, while relaxing in a private cabana perhaps.

Overall, I found my room and all the amenities truly exceptional. I urge you to stay at least a couple, or better yet, a few nights at the Fashion Island Hotel. Don’t forget, within short distance are Laguna Beach, with all its restaurants and art galleries. Fashion Island Hotel guests can enjoy a variety of nearby activities, especially outdoor recreation, such as Crystal Cove beach outings, hiking and mountain biking through neighboring IrvineRanch® open space, parks and trails. Ocean activities include surfing, kayaking and paddle boarding along the coast, as well as yachting, sailing, sunset cruises and whale watching excursions from Newport Harbor. Balboa Island offers quaint restaurants, boutiques, art galleries and the historic Balboa Fun Zone, one of Southern California’s oldest coastal amusement areas. Laguna Beach is only a few minutes’ drive down the beautiful Pacific Coast Highway overlooking some of the most beautiful beaches in the world. And Disneyland is an easy car hop ride away.

Checking out was made quick and easy by the attentive staff and my car was waiting with all my baggage just as I arrived at the Portico. Please use the links provided to check out Rates and Availability for rooms, and to get more details for this amazing property. Note that there may be additional charges for Valet Parking. The Fashion Island Hotel is an Irvine Company Resort Property.

Fashion Island Hotel Newport Beach

690 Newport Center Drive

Newport Beach, CA 92660

949.759.0808

fashionislandhotel website

@FashionIslandHotel , #fashionislandhotel, @fihotel

Connect with me, Greg Autry,  on Facebook  Facebook.com/GregAutryPhotoTwitter  @CGAGreg,  and Instagram   gregautry.cga . There are always more pictures !

 

* Some photos by Greg Autry, *Additional Photos provided courtesy of Fashion Island Hotel, used with permission.

 

About Greg Autry 52 Articles
Greg is a Photographer and Writer specializing in Fashion, Art, and Editorials. He covers Luxury Brands for Splash Magazine including: Fashion Shows, Fine Art, Charities, Stage Performance, Travel, and all manner of Events. Promoters and Producers ask for Greg specifically and repeatedly because his Articles and Photography are the highest of quality and are often picked up in National Media. Greg is also available Freelance for assignment. Writer - Magazine Articles and upcoming Bio-Novel about artist Julian Ritter. Photographer - Commercial Fashion and Editorial Photography. Artist - Oil Painter

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