We are planning on a day trip to Catalina leaving from Balboa Pavilion. Would Costa Mesa be a good location to rent a hotel room. How close is it to Newport Beach? Or, any other suggestions. Thank you.

It really depends on the property you are looking at in Costa Mesa. Costa Mesa and Newport Beach are right next to each other, with Newport Beach being on the beach. There are some hotel properties that have an address in Costa Mesa but are closer to Newport Beach and therefore are more "beachy". Then there are those hotels that are in Costa Mesa and away from Newport and, well, not that desirable.

Can you give a name of a hotel you are looking at? Or are you just looking at Costa Mesa for the price factor? As far as a good location, it depends on what you want to do. Beach? Shopping? Day trips? Doing a day trip to Catalina from Newport, it would be easier to have your hotel in Newport. But is that all you have planned?

A little more information would help greatly!

Thanks Chele60. We are looking at the Best Western Newport Mesa Inn at 2642 Newport Blvd. We probably won't arrive till evening time and get up to catch the 9AM ferry to Catalina, return 5:45 to Balboa Pavilion and hang out somewhere for dinner that evening. Any suggestions? We are not interested in hanging out at the beach. Any sites in Newport Beach that shouldn't be missed?

That particular hotel is over six miles from the Balboa Pavilion. If you plan to hit the OC Swap Meet at the Fairgrounds, you're very well-situated. But you're a pretty far jaunt from Newport Beach, and other than the Fairgrounds, we're talking Suburbia. Lots of businesses around, but not interesting ones.

Of course, the problem is that there aren't many mid-range hotels in that immediate Balboa Island area around the Pavilion. How much can you spend?

Sorry-- I meant "Balboa Peninsula". The Pavilion's not on the island.

I agree with rjw - I don't think you would be very happy with the location of this property. I can't swear to it, but I believe I attended a 3 day training session here. If so, the rooms were nice, but getting in and out of the hotel and on/off the freeway was VERY inconvenient. (And I live in Orange County) Also, very noisy, as the hotel is right next to the freeway. Lastly, there really isn't that many places close by to eat that are not fast food or diners. Just not an interesting place.

If you are looking for a place to spend the night before/after doing a day trip to Catalina, then I would look for something in Newport Beach. If you can let us know your budget, we can give you some recommendations.

Newport Beach revolves around, well, the beach. The primary focus is around the pier, and it can be quite relaxing just taking a walk around that area and people-watch. There is an upscale outdoor mall called Fashion Island in Newport Mall that is nice to walk around, grab a snack, and enjoy the sunshine - and perhaps do some shopping, if you're into that!

A little further down the coast, in Laguna, is the Sawdust Festival. Local artisans selling some rather unique handiworks and artwork that usually can't be found elsewhere. Laguna is also an interesting little town to walk around, crowded in the summer, but still charming and not far from Newport Beach. There are also gondola rides and you can rent bikes and segways on the beach. Don't know how much of this is a "must see" as it really depends on what interests you. There really are two sides of Newport Beach - the kick-back beach/surfer side, and wealthy, upscale side.

One thing Newport Beach does have is lots of good restaurants. Some can be a bit pricey, but good. If interested, let me know and I'll see what I can recommend.

Look at the Ramada Suites in Costa Mesa at 1680 Superior. It's right on the border of Newport Beach and about 3-4 miles from Balboa Pavilion. It gets good reviews on tripadvisor and it's a convenient location. You miss all the traffic going into Newport Beach where the 55 becomes Newport Blvd. It will take you only a few minutes to drive to Balboa Pennisula where there are lots of restaurants. You are also very close to Paficic Coast Highway which will take you to Fashion Island or further south to Laguna Beach.

My daughter was a hostess at Tommy Bahama's restaurant for about 1 1/2 hours. They are on PCH and McArthur. Even they are a small chain, they have very good food and a nice atmosphere. The restuarant is very close to Fashion Island. I can also get the names of a couple of small Newport Beach restaurants from my daughter. I know there is an Italian place she loves but can't think of the name right now.

I really don't want to spend over $150 a night. Any restuarants suggestions will be appreciated.

hb06 - Did you check out the Ramada Suites as I suggested? I don't know when you are traveling but I put in a couple of dates on Expedia and the rooms come up at $90, the suites $119. Looks like the weekends are booked up but I would call the hotel directly to see if they have any rooms available.

I was looking at this property earlier this year for a group of 12. I usually wouldn't look at a Ramada but the reviews on tripadvisor are so good, I was going to book it. At the last minute we decided to stay by the beach in Laguna. You aren't going to be in your hotel much anyway and the property is new and clean.

One restaurant in Newport Beach is the Crab Cooker-always a fun place to do. I will ask my daughter for other recommendations. There are lots of smaller restaurants on Balboa or the chain restaurants by Fashion Island. If you want a really nice upscale meal, try Roy's by the mall.