I recently selected the Balboa Bay Resort as the destination for a romantic weekend sojourn with my Sweetheart. Not only were the positive online reviews confirmed by the level of service with which I was greeted, they were staggeringly exceeded. From the genuinely warm reception by Damian, Kat, Lauren, Brianna, Taylor, and Emily to the nuanced carry-service of our bellman Colin, we were at home on vacation. Our room, a bay-facing suite with a lovely little terrace, was tastefully appointed with a tidy desk where I was able to plug into work at sunrise and a granite bathtub where I was able to unplug at sunset. The housekeeping staff surprised us with a beautiful chocolate-dipped strawberry, truffle, and balloon arrangement that rivaled any 5 star experience that my travels have yet afforded me. While we were hoping to steal away from the resort to enjoy the fabled beaches of Newport and Laguna, the enchantments of the hotel held us luxuriously captive. In addition to stretching out in a plush poolside cabana - stocked with fresh fruit and complimented by attentive all-day service - we found solace in the hotel’s array of private dining experiences. In particular the A&O kitchen provided us with a cool and casual lunch spot to enjoy the sun-soaked Newport Harbor. As our warm, breezy afternoon merged with a pleasantly cool evening, the outlet’s al fresco fire-pit lounge seamlessly accommodated our choice of classically “light” Southern California...I recently selected the Balboa Bay Resort as the destination for a romantic weekend sojourn with my Sweetheart. Not only were the positive online reviews confirmed by the level of service with which I was greeted, they were staggeringly exceeded. From the genuinely warm reception by Damian, Kat, Lauren, Brianna, Taylor, and Emily to the nuanced carry-service of our bellman Colin, we were at home on vacation.

Our room, a bay-facing suite with a lovely little terrace, was tastefully appointed with a tidy desk where I was able to plug into work at sunrise and a granite bathtub where I was able to unplug at sunset. The housekeeping staff surprised us with a beautiful chocolate-dipped strawberry, truffle, and balloon arrangement that rivaled any 5 star experience that my travels have yet afforded me.

While we were hoping to steal away from the resort to enjoy the fabled beaches of Newport and Laguna, the enchantments of the hotel held us luxuriously captive. In addition to stretching out in a plush poolside cabana - stocked with fresh fruit and complimented by attentive all-day service - we found solace in the hotel’s array of private dining experiences. In particular the A&O kitchen provided us with a cool and casual lunch spot to enjoy the sun-soaked Newport Harbor. As our warm, breezy afternoon merged with a pleasantly cool evening, the outlet’s al fresco fire-pit lounge seamlessly accommodated our choice of classically “light” Southern California beach attire.

This experience was followed up by the “white glove” and white linen grandeur of the modest but higher-end Waterline. Though most memorable for its fabulous and inventive preparation of traditional surf and turf cuisine, the evening was most memorable for the proactive care with which the dining staff met us. In addition to a flawless record of name recognition and preference tracking (both my partner and I are “non-drinkers”), we both unanimously felt that 3 hours passed all too quickly beneath a backdrop of crystal glasses and pastel bistro lights.

Even our all night conversations in the temperate climate of our harbor-side terrace were enhanced by the friendly room service brought to us by night attendants, Zack and Dan.

Damian, the front desk manager with whom I became intimately acquainted over the course of my stay, runs a tight ship. He oversees his staff with a combination diligence, kindness, and charisma that translate apparently and consistently to his guests.

We will be back, but hopefully not just for the weekend. Bravo!More