Marriott's Newport Coast Villas

After a 12-hour flight delay and another nine hours traveling from the East Coast, I was counting on the ocean view I booked the Marriott Newport Coast Villas for. Instead, I got a view of a plain sidewalk, which was the last thing I wanted before heading into the Super Bowl crowds in San Francisco. The online photos gave a very different impression, and when I asked about it, I was told ocean-view rooms are essentially reserved for timeshare owners. If that's how it works, those views shouldn't be used to sell stays to everyone else. The whole thing left me even more frustrated after an exhausting trip. Great marketing, no morals. I often stay at the Marriott Villas at Doral in Florida, and expected a similar standard at this beautiful property. It didn't come close. If I'd known I'd be looking at a sidewalk, I'd have stayed in downtown L.A. and at least been nearer to attractions. I wouldn't recommend this place to anyone specifically hoping for an ocean view.

There's so much to do here that you won't be looking for ways to fill the day. We used the basketball and volleyball courts, arcade, shuffleboards, hot tubs, tetherball and tennis, and there were other events too. The lobby shop was nice and had what you might need. The pools were good, though sometimes a little dirty, and parking was good. Getting around can be a hassle if you don't want to walk much. Our villa was at least 10 minutes from the front desk and five minutes from the nearest pool. Our room only looked out at trees, so not seeing the ocean or pools was annoying. The beds were hard as a rock, and one bathroom sink was so tiny we didn't use it, leaving four of us to share one bathroom.

This place is so peaceful, and I love it here. I want to recognize Carol, who went out of the way to help with my electric car. All the chargers were occupied, so I asked to be told if one opened up. Carol found me another charger, came to my condo to let me know, then drove me from the parking garage back to my villa. That saved me from having to hunt for a charging station and let me charge the car overnight. I've never had service like that at another hotel. Carol is a great representative of Marriott. Sometimes those little things are what make a business stand out, and this Marriott has more people like that than most places. Five out of five stars!!!!!!

I come here for a staycation at least once a year. It's a beautiful property and handy for Laguna Beach and all the summer festivals. I just wish there were a bigger on-site dining menu. I guess that's probably because it's a vacation club where most guests have a full kitchen.