Pendry Newport Beach

The staff at the pool were attentive and took great care of us, and Paintbox put together a little goody bag that our boys loved. The kids also enjoyed the welcome treat after we arrived, especially cracking open the chocolate orange. It was our first time at Pendry Newport Beach and we loved the stay. The staff were very accommodating with our children. The activity pins were a hit, and borrowing beach gear for free was great, especially the Yeti cooler and beach toys. Thank you, Pendry Newport Beach!

I had been a regular at the Pendry Newport Beach lounge since late 2024, often stopping by on Friday or Saturday nights to unwind after a long work week. I'd usually get there early, sit at the bar, and relax or catch up with friends. I never caused trouble and saw myself as a respectful, courteous guest. A few weeks ago, while I was at the bar with another Asian patron, two female friends joined us. Near the end of the evening, security said someone had accused me and my friend of “passing something.” I asked what they meant but got no clear explanation or evidence. We were told to leave straight away. We cooperated because we didn't want a conflict. Then, while we were retrieving our cars from valet, several Newport Beach police officers approached us, detained and searched us in public, and questioned us over suspected narcotics activity. I was told to put my arms behind my back, empty my pockets, and answer questions. It was humiliating and embarrassing. They found no wrongdoing because there was nothing to find. Even so, we were told we weren't welcome back and had been trespassed from the property. The hotel's response afterward made things worse. For about two weeks I repeatedly tried to reach security and management to understand what happened and ask for a proper review. My calls were avoided, and eventually I couldn't reach anyone. When I finally spoke to a supervisor, they said they couldn't fully corroborate the incident, but still told me not to return over unspecified concerns about my “behavior.” If an accusation serious enough to involve Newport Beach police led to a formal complaint or report, nobody shared it with me despite my repeated requests. A hospitality business should have incident records and accountability for something like this. As a long-time guest, I found it deeply disappointing to be accused, searched, and removed in public without evidence or a meaningful explanation. As an Asian guest, I was left wondering whether unfair assumptions affected how I was treated. I've since heard from others who also felt security treated them unfairly, which adds to my concern about how accusations are handled here. On earlier visits, the lounge itself had included behavior that made me uncomfortable, including unwanted propositions. That made the contrast in how I was treated feel even more troubling. I understand security needs to protect guests and staff, and safety matters. But serious accusations without evidence, public humiliation, police involvement, and no transparency or accountability afterward are serious problems. I can't recommend Pendry Newport Beach based on my experience. Loyal guests deserve fair, professional treatment, proper documentation, and a real investigation before serious accusations are made. The whole incident was deeply disappointing and humiliating, and left me with far more questions than answers.

Laura at the front desk went out of her way to help us, the restaurant had a very nice atmosphere, the location was great, and the valet guys looked sharp. That's why I gave it three stars. Still, the FHR hotels I've stayed at before offered a different level of service and attentiveness. We used Amex FHR and wouldn't come back with or without the credit. We were there for my husband's birthday. After we mentioned it, nobody wished him happy birthday or did anything to recognize it. We asked for a reservation at the Set, but they didn't tell the restaurant, and the restaurant didn't ask either. We were “upgraded” to a city-view room facing a busy intersection. The single-pane window let in enough noise that I asked to move. The other room we were shown faced the same side, just a few floors higher. The only further option was an ocean-view room on a high floor for an extra $50 per night, which they described as a steal. We accepted for our celebration, but the bed, couch, chairs, and the rest of the room all faced the brick wall next door, with the ocean behind us. It was bizarre for a paid upgrade, especially since the furniture, size, and everything else matched the first room. The Set was one of the worst and most overpriced hotel restaurants I've tried. The fish in the sushi flight was good, though its rice was a little undercooked. The Wagyu steak tasted a bit funky and gamy, the Brussels sprouts and whipped potatoes were too salty, and the drink was too sweet. The $5 bone marrow was inedible. It didn't seem like bone marrow, more like reconstructed meat (google those). I'd like the chef to try it and see if he could get it down himself. When I mentioned it, the server asked, “do you want me to take it off the bill”. I said it wasn't about the $5, but what they were feeding people. She didn't understand the issue, and the bill still included it. The meal was over $200 for two, so the $5 was trivial, but that wasn't the point. Parking is $70 a night and can't be covered by any credit.

At first, the Pendry Hotel was beautiful and the service felt great. Everything else about my stay had been positive, but losing my gold cross necklace overshadowed it. I had put it in a zipped compartment in my bag, then went to get it and found it missing. I searched all my luggage, the room, and my other belongings without finding it. I noticed it was gone after housekeeping had serviced the room and reported it to the hotel right away. They said they'd look into it, but nobody asked what the necklace looked like or about any identifying details that might help find it. There was no meaningful follow-up, and I felt dismissed and unsupported during an upsetting situation. Guests should feel safe leaving their belongings in their rooms, and I didn't feel the hotel took that seriously. I hope management handles these situations with more care in the future. Trust and accountability matter as much as good service and a beautiful space.