Highlights: The Island Hotel, Newport Beach

•The Island Hotel is in a luxurious resort-like setting in prestigious Newport Beach, California

•Rooms and suites are the definition of relaxed elegance, complete with Pacific Ocean or Newport Harbor views

•Serene swimming pool set amidst lush tropical gardens

•Three dining venues, as well as 24-hour room service

•Intimate spa focuses on healing through island-inspired treatments

Amenities: The Island Hotel, Newport Beach

• 295 rooms, 20 story. Pets accepted, some restrictions. Check-in 3 pm, check-out Noon. High-speed Internet access. Two restaurants, bar. Fitness room, spa. Outdoor pool, whirlpool. Tennis. Airport transportation available. Business center. Credit cards accepted.

General Impressions: The Island Hotel, Newport Beach

Small enough to feel like a boutique hotel, but large enough to provide the services of a Mobil Four-Star-rated hotel, The Island Hotel is a chic hideaway in prestigious Newport Beach. This Orange County destination practically defines California cool with its contemporary beach-house style and polished service. Overlooking the islands of Catalina, Balboa, and Lido, The Island Hotel instantly soothes tired souls with its yacht-filled water views and lush, tropical gardens.

The rooms and suites echo the hotel’s relaxed sophistication with soft colors, contemporary furnishings, and posh creature comforts. The sparkling pool, staffed by a smiling crew of professional attendants and surrounded by palm trees and brilliant flowers, is the centerpiece of the hotel. The full-service spa and fitness center offer a distinctive array of soothing rituals and treatments. The hotel also features three dining choices with upscale cuisine and stylish settings, including the Pavilion Restaurant.

While The Island Hotel is a natural choice for vacationers hitting the hot spots of Orange County, it is also a great spot for business travelers with meetings in Irvine or other nearby towns. While groups are handled well at this hotel, guests traveling solo will feel equally at home. The Island Hotel feels tucked away with its flower-filled gardens and intimate spirit, making it a perfect spot for couples stealing away to connect with each other. The hotel does not offer any specific family-friendly amenities, so those traveling with very young children may find that it doesn’t meet their needs.

(+) Prestigious Newport Beach location and stylish surroundings are popular with vacationers and business travelers
(-) Families with young children may find that it lacks the amenities they require

Guest Services: The Island Hotel, Newport Beach

The Island Hotel’s laidback southern California location belies its top level of service, which is consistently professional across the board, whether you’re dealing with a bellman, a telephone operator, or a member of the housekeeping staff. During my visit, arrival and departure service were both seamless, and while the staff were busy attending to other guests at both times, I always felt well taken care of and never rushed or ignored. My arrival seemed anticipated, and upon departure, I appreciated the warm and gracious farewell wishes. I left feeling that I would be warmly welcomed back on a future visit.

The concierge was knowledgeable and friendly, and offered suggestions that seemed personalized to my preferences, rather than simply providing standard itineraries. On a separate occasion, I consulted with a different concierge regarding suggestions for area dining and was more than happy with the service I received. Additionally, after seeing me the next morning, the concierge asked me which restaurant I finally chose and seemed genuinely interested in my satisfaction and opinion.

(+) Professional staff delivers attentive and personalized service

Guest Rooms: The Island Hotel, Newport Beach

The Island Hotel features 295 guest accommodations, including 63 executive suites and 20 luxury suites. All rooms and suites include furnished balconies or patios, and many have inspiring views of Newport Harbor and the Pacific Ocean. A fresh, contemporary design defines the accommodations. Upholstered headboards, stylish furniture, and distinctive artwork create a modern California style. Bose alarm clock radios, iPod connectivity, and entertainment centers complete with Sony PlayStation consoles, 27-inch televisions, and DVD players are among the high-tech accoutrements available in all guestrooms. High-speed Internet access and multi-line telephones are ideal for road warriors conducting business from their rooms.

My room and bathroom were spacious and well lit, and the fresh design, which incorporated a beach resort feel, was especially comfortable. The bed, topped with Italian linens and a fluffy goose down duvet, was inviting, and the room was well-maintained and clean. The marble bathroom was immaculate and supplied with complimentary toiletries. Though it was on the small side, the balcony, with its views over the pool, was one of my favorite aspects of this comfortably sophisticated room.

(+) Resort casual sophistication fitted with high-tech gadgets and quality amenities

Facilities & Activities: The Island Hotel, Newport Beach

The Island Hotel’s commitment to relaxation is embodied by the hotel’s centerpiece, a stunning pool surrounded like an oasis by lush, tropical gardens. It is a beautiful place to unwind and relax, and with a staff attending to your every need, you’ll feel pampered from the moment you dip your toes in the water.

The full-service spa and fitness center offers a range of therapies and treatments, including signature services such as the Island Volcanic Detoxifying Therapy and aromatherapy facial. Opened in 2005, this top quality facility has nine treatment rooms where guests can revel in the luxury of a spa package or simply enjoy one or two treatments.

The fitness center is stocked with the latest cardio and weight training equipment, and personal training sessions are available by appointment. The Island Hotel also has two outdoor, lighted tennis courts available to guests, and golfers have their pick of a handful of area courses.

In nearby Newport Beach, guests will find a variety of boat rentals and charters. If shopping puts the wind in your sails, then Newport Beach’s Fashion Island is the place to visit. Nearby beach towns of Laguna Beach and Corona del Mar provide other retail opportunities. Art festivals, theater, and performing arts are also plentiful in the area, and the concierge can provide you with schedules and tickets.

(+) Fantastic spa, fitness center and pool at the hotel, as well as prime location for enjoying area’s amenities

Dining & Lounge: The Island Hotel, Newport Beach

The Island Hotel offers two distinct dining experiences in addition to a bar and 24-hour room service. Gardens Restaurant treats diners to light, healthy So-Cal cuisine in a relaxing setting. The menu features items such as inventive salads like shrimp salad with charred vegetables, and sandwiches like sesame-crusted ahi tuna. Pavilion Restaurant features breakfast, lunch, and dinner in an elegant setting surrounded by lush gardens. Indoor and outdoor seating are available at this spot, which also serves a popular Sunday brunch. The menu is mostly modern American cuisine such as braised veal shank with sweet corn ravioli. The poolside Palapa Bar hits the spot with cocktails and snacks.

During my stay, I enjoyed breakfast in Pavilion Restaurant, cocktails in the bar, and room service. While I was never greeted by name during breakfast, I discovered a gracious, attentive staff that exceeded my expectations. Special requests were met without hesitation, and my server was able to answer any and all questions regarding ingredients and preparation of several entrées. The presentation was extremely appealing, the portions were generous, and the quality was excellent. Elegance was never overlooked -- even the juice was served in a wine glass to add style and flair to start my morning. If my check had not been dropped off so early in the meal and my plates had been cleared quicker, it would have been a perfect experience.

My experience at the bar was outstanding. The atmosphere, filled with natural light and beautiful scenery and soft music, was highly enjoyable, and the staff made the experience extraordinary. Attentive without being intrusive, the wait staff was friendly and served the drinks perfectly. Special attention was paid to my likes and dislikes, and wines were suggested based on personal preferences. I felt very well taken care of in the bar.

Room service was executed without delay, and everything from the quality and presentation of the food to the gentle manner of the server contributed to a pleasurable experience.

(+) Pleasant venues deliver quality food and good service; room service was excellent

Business Services: The Island Hotel, Newport Beach

Despite its relaxing atmosphere, The Island Hotel is not just a vacation destination. This hotel caters to business travelers, both individually and groups, with a fully staffed business center and more than 30,000 square feet of meeting and function space. Irvine is one of southern California’s largest business hubs and is just a short ride away, making The Island Hotel a perfect choice for executives who prefer the beauty of the beach to the inner-city hotels.

The business center offered a wide range of services, and the staff I encountered was professional in appearance and manner. The staff member who assisted me with my copying and Internet needs was proactive in answering questions and providing assistance, and I appreciated the prompt service.

(+) Ideal choice for individual business travelers, meetings, or groups