Newport Beach Marriott Bayview

The worst part was the $45 daily parking charge, especially with rooms already going for upwards of $300 a night and no breakfast included. My wife and I were even more annoyed when they tried to bill us for three extra parking passes we hadn't used, supposedly because we hadn't told them we stopped using the hotel spot. They should confirm someone parked there before charging them. For the rest of the stay, we avoided the fee by parking along the road near the bayview park trail. I'd recommend that, except on Friday mornings when they do street cleaning. The lobby and rooms felt like a Residence Inn at best, with none of the feel of a four-star Marriott. Nothing was included, and the complimentary Wi-Fi barely worked and required Marriott Bonvoy membership. Wi-Fi is basically free everywhere these days, so that was ridiculous.

The food was delicious, the one bright spot during my nine-day stay while recovering from septoplasty and nasal trauma reconstruction. Room cleanliness was a concern, though, and the billing and customer service problems made the stay fall well below what I expect as a Marriott Gold member. I told the front desk several days into the stay that I wanted to split the charges between two credit cards for rewards. Manager Yucelin assured me it was fine and that a note would be added to the reservation. I raised it again before checkout, but the full $2,624.97 went onto one card. Later I saw what looked like duplicate charges on that card, including $2,174.12 and $400. While recovering at home in the Bay Area, I called for an explanation. At 2 am, a night-shift staff member responded unprofessionally, saying, “I don’t even know who you are,” and told me to “call back Monday.” I was told the charges were probably right without any real investigation. The call ended abruptly, and when I called back, the phone was disconnected again. Billing mistakes can happen, but guests should be treated professionally when trying to resolve them, especially when they are already dealing with stressful and vulnerable circumstances. I hope management reviews both the billing and how concerns are handled.

Elisa took great care of me when I arrived, and she and all the other front desk staff were courteous, professional, and wonderful. I had a great time and would recommend this hotel to couples after a quiet, romantic getaway.

The food was the best part. Breakfast was delicious, and whoever cooks deserves a raise. The bar was great too, and the gym was perfect for a vacation workout, with cold wet towels, water, and plenty of equipment. The pool was good as well. The room was beautiful, the bed comfortable, and the view amazing. Parking costs $45 a day on top of the stay. Also, there's no bathroom fan. We tried every switch and couldn't get one to turn on, so the room still smelled after using the facilities. For a luxury hotel nowadays, I think they should have bathroom fans and bidets. They should do something about parking too. I still recommend staying here.