Balboa Bay Resort

Why it's in the collection

Because it is the only waterfront resort on Newport Harbor with four-star standing, and the one address in the collection on the water rather than above it – a 130-slip marina, Duffy boats from the dock and A+O on the bay – and we list it at exactly the tier it holds.

• Opened in May 2003 beside the Balboa Bay Club, the members' club founded in 1948 that counted John Wayne on its Board of Governors – 160 rooms and suites in a red-tiled Mediterranean building on 15 acres between the Coast Highway and the bay.
• A 130-slip marina, three Duffy electric boats to take out on the harbor from the resort's own dock, and yacht charters arranged through the hotel.
• A+O Restaurant | Bar on the water, Blend Cafe, and the Waterline Pool Bar beside an Olympic-size heated pool.
• Forbes Four-Star 2026 for the hotel – a step below the coast's two five-stars, and listed here as exactly that – with a 10,000-square-foot spa and fitness center, and rooms of roughly 500 square feet up to the 3,000-square-foot Presidential Suite; independent, sold through Preferred Hotels & Resorts.

Suites and rates

Every rate is confirmed with you by the concierge before anything is booked — cancellation terms in plain language, no surprises.