UPDATE: the property is scheduled for enhancements beginning in November 2026, as of fall 2027 it is set to debut as St. Regis Estate/Resort by Marriott (still owned by the Irvine Company)

Nice setting, beautiful views & good facilities:

There are several top-notch resorts in the area. We (my husband, my teenage son and I) already stayed at The Ritz-Carlton Laguna Niguel. And now we wanted to try another one. It proved difficult to find such a place here. This was at least so if you did not want to pay exorbitant prices So, we were lucky enough to come across the The Resort at Pelican Hill. 

Of course, it wass no bargain either, but we got value for money here. The hotel does not sit on the beach but not far away. It is situated in the hills above the Crystal Cove State Park. Nonetheless, you have expansive views of the Pacific Ocean. And there was a coach service from the resort lobby to Crystal Cove. Once you got there, you received a chair and an umbrella set up by the Beachcomber attendants. The grounds of Pelican Hill are vast und pristine.



As the hotel did not accommodate three persons in a smaller room, we opted for the Garden King Suite which allowed this. And it was impressive indeed. There were two large rooms with two spacious bathrooms. In addition, it featured a large terrace. Unfortunately, it came with a not so spectacular view of the Coliseum Grill’s front entrance. This suite offered all the luxury you can think of. It is probably one of the most beautiful accommodations we ever had. We used neither the spa/fitness room nor the golf course. So, I am unable to comment on these facilities.

We twice had breakfast at the Coliseum Grill. It was okay but not more. Personally, I did no like the décor at this place. I found it a bit on the bland site, but that is a matter of taste. Once we had dinner at Andrea, the resort’s upscale restaurant. And we liked what we got here. And the ambiance was nice too.

One comment to the resort’s architecture. Everything is very Italian. For me it was a bit too much so. But we are Swiss, and we share a border with Italy. Never mind, many things are nice to look at, e.g. the circular swimming pool, very impressive!



In terms of staff, generally speaking we were satisfied with the service although it was not flawless. Several times, employees were not attentive enough, but it was not too bad.

All in all, the Pelican Hill is a good choice if you are looking for an upscale resort at the Orange Coast. It offers not only a nice setting but also beautiful views. And you find here state-of-the-art facilities too. And in our case, we did not have to break the bank to stay here.

Date of stay: July 2011