So had a Sep 7-14 stay at Marriott Newport Coast Villas as an II exchange. Very nice, huge resort with many amenities.
It's been a while since I've seen such a massive check-in operation. They must have had at least 6 personnel checking in people, as well as a person walking along the line of waiting people, informing them of things ahead of time. We were checking in early (around 2pm or so) , but didn't have to wait much at all to get info on what bldg we'd be in, electronic room key cards, parking sticker, and resort map and info, along with them indicating they would text us when the room was ready. Spent time at the grocery during that time to get items and then right at 4pm got a text that the room was ready.
We were in building 18, 2nd floor. Building 18 does not have elevators, but for units on the 2nd floor you can go right from the parking lot with a luggage cart directly to your room as there are no steps or inclines. 1st floor is a different matter as you have steps to go down to get to a unit. Nice 2 bedroom unit that was as depicted on the Marriott website and TUG review pictures. Not much of a view of the ocean due to the trees, but could see sections of the ocean through some breaks in the trees. I swear I could also hear the ocean from where we were (maybe that was the traffic on PCH but seemed like I also heard it at night). Very nice, lush landscaping around the buildings.
Showers in the unit never ran out of hot water. Nice to be able to take a long, hot shower. Nice detachable faucet in the kitchen with great spraying pressure (you could almost clean a dish without even using soap). Liked the separation of the master bedroom and guest bedroom and bathrooms for those.
Our unit was also very quiet. Never really heard any noise or other people from the other units in the building.
I was surprised, but the bed was very comfortable and very little motion transferred to your spouse when getting in and out of bed.
It is a bit of walk up the hill to the pool and main registration building from building 18, although you can drive you car up there or request a shuttle to there.
One day we went up to the main building to rent some beach chairs and an umbrella but by the time we got there at noon , they were all rented out. So we ended up renting them at the Beachcomber restaurant for quite a bit more (some $40 compared to $28 from Marriott) and sat on the beach there. Nice thing is the Beachcomber personnel set up the chairs and umbrella and you have a very short distance to take them back to the restaurant, whereas if it was a Marriot rental you would need to lug them back to your car or the shuttle which is a farther distance. Although with a Marriott rental you could go to any beach you want. Got some beignets from the Beachcomber restaurant before we left as dessert and took them back to the unit with us. Very good, with the beignets being much lighter and fluffier than the ones we got in New Orleans. Plus you get chocolate syrup to put on them.
Normally for checkout I'm used to doing things like collecting all towels, linens, etc., and putting them in a pile, starting the dishwasher, etc. It is actually optional here although they encourage it in the checkout text they sent "Should you wish, you may load, and start the dishwasher, take out the trash, leave all linens by the entry way, and place soiled towels in the sink to aid our housekeeping teams in a smooth transition for the next guests. Your assistance is greatly appreciated!"
Weather was just perfect the entire week. High 75, low 65, sunny. Cloudy in the early morning then clearing up by late morning with sun. Nice cool breeze by when walking the beaches.
Had a great time touring the Queen Mary and going on the Golden Age tour. Very lavish furnishings, beautifully decorated event rooms, along with the Art Deco style ( use of indirect lighting and etched/frosted glass) and memorabilia, was really impressive. The black and white photos of past events, Hollywood stars, and gatherings, that lined the outer deck walk ways, along with the period music, kind of reminded me of "The Shining" a bit. I kept expecting to see Jack Torrance in a tux in one of the photos.
Went to Crystal Cove beach to see some tidepools at the Pelican Point area and came across several medium size crabs walking around, and some small hermit crabs. Had better luck at Pelican Point than in the area close to Beachcombers restaurant. Bit of walk down the cliff stairs at Pelican Point.
Walked around Laguna beach and Heisler Park. I had done that before but my wife had never been there. They were also holding some AVP volleyball tournament there on Saturday and it was crowded. Pretty good men's and women's volleyball.
Driving along the 405 was hectic but after a few time I could probably get used to it. Used the express lane once. Tried to avoid toll roads later on in the week if the drive was not to far.
Loved driving along PCH to see the ocean and beach below the cliffs. Picturesque sunset views.
Photos to come.
