We have interval reservations for both these resort in May 2023.
I need some insight from owners to decide which one to keep. We are from east coast and never been to either resort.
Any suggestion, comment, attractions nearby suggestion are highly appreciated.
There are some key pieces of information you did not include in your request. What do you want to do? I think that shows in the range of answers.
We have only stayed at Newport Coast and think it is one of Marriott‘s finest resorts. We also live about 20 miles away, so we are familiar with the area. It is located in the Newport Beach area, one of the swankiest areas in Orange County. It is located on beautiful walkable grounds (If you can handle small hills), which sit above the Newport Coast and Pacific Coast Highway. If you have younger children, it has children’s based units in an area all to its own. The main building (where you check in) overlooks a grand swimming pool family game area. There is a taco/burger style bar adjacent to the pool. No real restaurants on site, but many fine restaurants nearby You could enjoy just hanging around the timeshare property, with the shuttle to Crystal Cove Beach for your outing. But there is much in the area to see.
If want to shop, it is near South Coast Plaza and Fashion Island - both homes to highbrow shopping. Even if you don’t want to buy, it’s interesting to see how the rich live.
If you are flying in, it is close to Orange County/John Wayne airport.
It is near Balboa Island, a very laid back wealthy style island, with a main street area that pleases tourists and locals alike. John Wayne and Buddy Ebsen used to live there. (Hence the name John Wayne airport.) Joey Bishop used to live on nearby Lido Island. I’m sure it is still home to a few stars. It has one of the best rides in Orange County – the ferry that bridges Balboa Island and Newport Peninsula. Be aware that parking is a major problem. If you decide to visit Balboa it is best to take the ferry from the Newport Peninsula to Balboa, then walk around. (If you wish to arrive at its Main Street, I recommend Uber/Lyft.) It also houses a very nice breakfast/ lunch restaurant, Wilma’s Cafe. Very homey and friendly - the locals frequent it there. If you want a really good steak, there’s Mastro‘s just a few miles down Pacific Coast Highway. Rather pricey. Another big name place. My son-in-law was a waiter there a while back. He was coming home with stories about Bill Gates and others eating there. do you want prime rib? Five Crowns in nearby Corona Del Mar has an old English atmosphere. I believe it is owned by the Lawry‘s chain. Italian? There is “Il Faro”, a small eatery on 21st Pl. that sits near a Newport Beach pier . I think is is near the touristy, family friendly “The Old Spaghetti Factory” There and many other Italian restaurants. Seafood? Try the Crab Cooker, and iconic dive in Newport Beach call me when you eat really find seafood on paper plates.
As mentioned before, Crystal Cove Beach is a gem. When the tide recedes, you can find trapped water animals in the tide pools – sea crabs, urchins, etc. on some days a park ranger will help you find these creatures. (Don’t recall if that is a seasonal thing or not.) It has a really nice restaurant where you can dine right on the beach. If your taste run cheaper, there is a Burger “Date Shack” place that sits just off Pacific Coast Highway on a peninsula that overlooks the whole area. A grand view for cheap. Go down the stairs from there and you will be at the Crystal Cove community, consisting of the aforementioned restaurant, a small historical museum, and cottages, which are now rented out by the state. It was formally a small, tight, surf based community. In that community is a home where they filmed the Bette Midler movie “Beaches“. I believe you can tour it on certain days. I know that you can always walk up to it and peer in.
One thing you might NOT want to do is swim in the ocean. It is always cold, the tolerable in summer months. A wetsuit is recommended. That will be true and either resort.
If you do like to golf, the course is beautiful but it will be pricey.
Like flowers? I’m told that Roger’s Gardens is very nice. There is a nice restaurant there “The Farmhouse at Rogers Gardens”.
I haven’t even mentioned Disneyland - a 35 mi drive away. its pricey but still magical. Get an early start to beat traffic. Or maybe leave after 9:00 AM. You might consider an Anaheim area hotel for one night so you can do 2 days. (There are 2 parks in Disneyland - the original Disneyland and California Adventure..) Knotts Berry Farm is also in the Vicinity. A 6 Flags amusement park. Nice, affortable, but not a Disneyland.
As to the other timeshare resort (which we have not visited).……
San Diego is a very beautiful city with beauty and attractions of its own. Legoland for the youngsters, Sea World for water sea animal lovers – an excellent spot for preschoolers. Balboa Park in San Diego contains the amazing San Diego zoo and many adjacent museums and attractions. It is home to the famous Spreckles grand outdoor organ, where they give concerts on Sundays. You could easily spend 1 to 2 days there. Downtown San Diego with its “Gaslight District” is popular, with many eateries and clubs. Coronado Island is very beautiful. It contains the Del Coronado hotel (look it up), which is an old wooden hotel with beautiful red turrets. Frank Baum, who wrote The Wizard of Oz, lived on Coronado island. Some say he was inspired to write the book based on the Del Coronado hotel structure. The Tony Curtis/Jack Lemmon/Marilyn Monroe movie “Some Like It Hot” was filmed there. it is a beautiful old time grand hotel - It is a great place to hang out, have some lunch, and act like you belong there. There are also many shops and restaurants in the small town nearby, And beautiful early 20th century homes - many updated.
Want to see a navy yard and historic ship? The USS Midway ship tour is highly recommended. (Haven’t been there.)
The attractions in both areas are different and compelling. I think you are looking at TWO vacations. If you can somehow stay at both resorts, that would be ideal. But another limitation may be time. Perhaps selecting one and letting the other one go is the ideal solution.
My choice? Knowing the area attractions but not the San Diego adjacent timeshare, I would choose Newport Coast. It is one of our favorite getaways.
Finally, a plug for Marriott. If you just just want to see the San Diego area, there is the Marriott Rresidence Inn La Jolla, adjacent to UCSD. it has an ample upstairs loft bedroom/ bath, fully stocked kitchen, downstairs master bedroom / bath, and small living area. It work well for us in a grandparent / children’s family arrangements. The privacy could be better among rooms, but it will comfortably sleep six if you use the pull out sofa bed in the living area.
It has a barbecue area, public patio area, free breakfasts, and a few mixer type snack / beer events at dinner time. It is very near La Jolla Beach, another site for tide pools and a great flat walking beach.
You will need a car. A must in Southern California.
thebeachcombercafe.com