We will be in California next July and would like to stay in Newport Beach or Laguna Beach. We are looking at the Hyatt Newporter, the Best Western Laguna Brisas Spa Hotel, and the Radisson in Newport Beach. Anyone have comments on these or other hotels in the area? We have 2 small children, so a pool at the hotel is a must.

My husband and I stayed at the Raddison recently (if it's the one I think it is near John Wayne Airport) and we enjoyed it a lot. It does have a nice pool, but it tends to be very breezy, and the planes do go by overhead rather noisily.
But again, we did enjoy it. However, if you're going to have two small children you might want to check out the hotel in Laguna since there is a lovely beach and a kids playground virtually in the middle of town. Both hotels in Newport are not really near a beach where kids can play (if that's important to you.)

Laguna would be better, with the nice downtown area and good beach. There are some good hotels right on the beach downtown. Good eating all along the main street and on the side streets. Go for Laguna and drive back up to Newport. I think you will like it better.

Try the Surf and Sand in Laguna Beach. It is right on the sand. Beautiful accomodations, all with ocean views. Great pool as well.

Agree with above, Laguna is much better with children. Do drive over to Newport to take them to Balboa Island and buy them a Balboa Bar--frozen banana covered in chocolate--yum! I think Vacation Village would be a good choice for a family---kitchenettes and refrigerators in rooms, casual and its own private beach. Hate the name though! Look at www.vacationvillage.com Surf and Sand is the best but quite pricey/ They have a kid's program though. In Laguna the odd number addresses are on the beach side, the even ones are across the Coast Hwy on the inland side and Coast Hwy is quite busy. Beware of traffic noise from the street on either side. Laguna is a perfect So. Cal beach town--enjoy.

The Ritz-Carlton in Dana Point!

Laguna Beach is definitely better for kids than Newport - you would have to drive to get to the beach from the hotels you mentioned. We used to stay at Vacation Village when our kids were younger and although it's not the most luxurious place and does need updating, you can't beat the location and there are tons of families there. The beach is nice there and you can just walk up the beach to the playground. If you want to go for high price, Surf and Sand is beautiful.

The Ritz Carlton is in Laguna Nigel which is up on the bluff above the beach. Wouldn't be my choice with kids. "Downtown" Dana Point has an extensive harbor where you can go parasailing. The beach is at Doheny State Park which is often very crowded. Better choice to go a bit farther to Capistrano Beach. My first choice would still be Laguna Beach.