Has anyone been to the new Balboa Bay Club Hotel in Newport? I am considering it for a wedding night stay as well as a bridesmaids' lunch. Thanks!

If you can, I suggest you check it out yourself. It's so new, you are not likely to get much response.

Is it just me, or are new hotels sprouting up like mushrooms after the rains in Orange County? Yesterday I just heard about the Montage in south Laguna Beach-- and that just opened in February. I mean, it's about time!-- But it sure seems like a sudden burst of new ones, doesn't it?!

Husband and I like it! We went to the grand opening,(we are members), but I think it would help you to check it out yourself.

I had a chance to check out the Balboa Bay Club last weekend. I thought the room I saw was very nice, comparable in quality to a Four Seasons, which is where I hear a number of their staff came from. Pool was very nice, but oddly enough, didn't have a view of the water. I would definitely request a bay view room as the resort sits right on the water. (They're running a $210 opening rate for the time being.) The only negative is that to get to Fashion Island or any of the other attractions in Newort Beach, you have to get in your car.

jason, do you recall the address? I myself would love to check it out. Thanks in advance!

FYI, the Balboa Bay Club is at 1221 West Coast Highway (on Pacific Coast Highway just north of Jamboree in Newport Beach.)

www.balboabayclub.com

jason: Thanks!!