The Resort at Pelican Hill

The view on the property is exquisite.

The half mile long, olive tree landscaped approach to the Italian classical Palladian architecture of Pelican Hill is lovely. You drive into an enormous circular forecourt, and the bellman takes your keys, informing you that you will be driving to your room right after you check in.

The lobby is lovely in a Four Seasons or Ritz-Carlton type way, with the usual oversized seating groupings, enormous fresh orchid arrangements and gas fire in the fireplace, making everything look welcoming.

I took a peek at the gorgeous covered patio where you can get a casual bite to eat, or just sit and relax and bask in the view.

And the massive pool, with private cabanas on the side.

And a pretty snack bar. But enough investigating for the moment

There is a line at check-in, and it takes 10 minutes before I am helped, as there is only one person behind the counter. Not good, especially when a large group is going to be checking in within a few more minutes.

Jessica hands me my room keys, there is a young man in a golf cart who leads the way (after I get in my car again) to the right, past a guard gate where I am given a parking permit.

Then I drive down a curving road which makes me feel as though I am in a beautiful residential neighborhood

and to a personal parking space outside of what will be my room.

A tall wood door flanked by plantings is quite attractive, so different from the usual hotel door in a corridor.
There is a wonderful sense of quiet well-constructed luxury and private space here.

It is an absolutely lovely room, quite pleasantly sized, with a high ceiling, immaculate and luxurious.

The unobstructed view of the golf course and ocean is excellent from the private outdoor patio. I am tempted to take all of my clothes off and lie basking in the sun on one of the big wrought iron chaise lounges. Large wooden louvered french doors are open to the view, and can be closed to shield you from the afternoon sun if you chose.

There is a king sized bed with 5 huge pillows and a bolster, with a romantic gas fireplace opposite. Glass topped bedside table have table lamps set at exactly the right height for reading.

There is a seating area with a couch, chair and coffee table, a two-sided desk with free internet usage tucked next to another generously sized glass topped dresser, a 35” (?) flat screen tv, fully stocked wet bar with overpriced goodies, a coffee maker, and a clothes chest with a safe built into it, as well an another separate closet.

The bathroom is the open style I favor in newer hotels, where the bathroom is open to the bedroom with an opening, such as was the case at the grand del mar an hour and a half’s drive farther south.

The big shower has a glass door, a rainhead with decent water pressure, a seat which is nice, and a good sized ledge for shampoo. Large double sinks rest within a pleasingly long and wide granite slab countertop. Water heats up very quickly.

Gilchrist and Soames 100 ml. amenities are attractively packaged. Towels are soft. There is a lighted magnifying glass on the counter to assist with putting on your makeup.

The soaking tub looks very inviting. but the bathmats are tiny. The toilet is in its own separate room, which is nice and while there is a window, it does not open.

The a/c is efficient and fairly quiet. Doors throughout, be they wood or glass, are heavy and solid, a very nice soundproofing touch. I do not hear anything at night, and am grateful for the money they spent to ensure this would be so.

When I need something, the phone is answered promptly, and they call me by nice and are quite pleasant. I ask for turn down service at 5:30 and they arrive as promised, placing a nice small box of chocolates on the bed after they are finished. Bathrobes are long and the lining is wonderfully soft.

(While I slept comfortably, there is no question that the mattress needs to be replaced – I sunk in a good 3” when I first lay down. I place and call to the Manager, who calls me back within 24 hours, and assures me it will be taken care of promptly.)

A formal dinner at Andrea’s was superb. Dinner was $116 apiece including tip for 6 courses and a glass of house italian moscato; as well as complimentary amuse bouche, and mignardises. This is thankfully a romantic and elegant restaurant – you should leave your children in the care of a loving babysitter.

Breakfast was delivered exactly at the estimated 45 minute wait time by a smiling and polite Anthony, who is dressed in a nice uniform. Set up was superb and impeccably detailed, and the quality of everything was excellent. The fresh berries were outstandingly good. My dishes were removed promptly when I was finished, another pleasing detail and much nicer than a used breakfast tray left in a hallway.

No corners are being cut here at Pelican Hill Resort, and this is especially impressive in this current challenging economic environment. They truly exemplify what 5 stars ought to be.

At a special winter rate of close to $700 per night including 10% tax, breakfast for two and gratuities, the value was excellent.
It is all amazingly well thought out, and I am sorry I am not staying longer.

The Resort at Pelican Hill
22701 Pelican Hill Road South
Newport Coast, California 92657
Telephone 800 315-8214 or 949 467-6800

http://pelicanhillatnewportcoast.com/