Here you'll be smack in the moneyed part of town: across from Fashion Island, next to a country club, and with a view toward Newport Harbor. The property recently underwent a $70 million makeover, and it shows. Rooms have that no-fuss contemporary look: dark wood, granite bathroom counters and welcome splashes of color; request one with a balcony or patio that provides a view of the lush gardens or faces the ocean. There are plenty of ways to pamper yourself: indulge in a massage at the full-service Pure Blu spa, cocktails at a poolside cabana, or a rib eye at the hotel's sleek steakhouse. Pros : four concierge floors offer enhanced amenities, complimentary breakfast, and snacks; bike rentals; fantastic spa. Cons : sprawling floor plan; small bathrooms; car is essential for exploring beyond shopping malls.
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