Hotel Snapshot
Being in Newport Beach feels like being dropped straight into the glossy pages of a surf-themed coffee-table book. The skies are painted the perfect shade of baby blue, palm trees sway lazily in the breeze, and there’s that classic sense of California nonchalance that makes hitting the beach feel like the most important task of the day.
A drive through the manicured streets of Corona del Mar leads to the peninsula—a part of Newport Beach that hasn’t changed much since the ’70s. Head down Balboa Boulevard, and you’ll pass sandy surf shacks (using shack loosely, as this is still Newport), small boutiques, and iconic restaurants like Crab Cooker and the Old Spaghetti Factory. The bay is on one side, and the beach is on the other, making this entire stretch picturesque from every angle.
After a few palm-lined blocks, a bright white building with soft pink accents comes into view. It’s quaint yet chic, modern yet a little retro. It’s Bay Shores Peninsula Hotel—a boutique stay that fits the peninsula’s easygoing charm as naturally as a surfboard on a summer swell.
Design & Character
Bay Shores Peninsula Hotel leans into that classic, old-school Newport Beach aesthetic. The building itself is minimalistic, with a bright white base and soft, bubblegum pink accents, giving it the look of an updated California inn from decades past. Inside, the vibe is sunny and modern, with light wood furniture, coastal artwork, pastel tones, and little touches that feel more vintage beach house than boutique hotel.
The Rooms
Rooms here are simple in the best way. Each of the 25 rooms and suites carries the same effortless, beach-forward spirit: bright spaces, tasteful coastal hues, comfortable beds, big, updated bathrooms, and windows that frame the views. Some rooms open onto small balconies that look out onto the bay, while others pick up the ocean breeze when the windows are cracked just right.
It’s not trying to be a luxury resort; it’s trying to be a good beach hotel, and it absolutely succeeds. The rooms are comfortable, cute, and exactly where you want to land after a long day of sand, sun, and brisk Pacific water.
The Food & Drink
The food scene at Bay Shores leans casual, anchored by a small lobby café that serves breakfast and all-day light bites. Think flaky bacon-egg-and-cheese croissants, fresh smoothies, and a surprisingly great coffee lineup. (The rose water matcha was my hands-down favorite. It’s refreshing and very well made.)
While the hotel keeps things simple on the dining front, its location more than makes up for it. It’s steps from some of Newport’s top spots: Casa Dami, Bear Flag Fish Co., Lighthouse Café, Zinqué, plus a lineup of boardwalk bars, beach cafés, and casual seafood joints.
The Amenities
Bay Shores has the essentials with a decidedly Newport twist. Beach days are easy thanks to a lineup of water toys you can borrow right from the front desk, plus classic cruiser bikes that make hopping between boutiques, cafés, and the boardwalk’s sun-soaked stretch a breeze.
Rooms come stocked with nice touches like mini-fridges, Kiehl’s bath amenities, robes, and Stanley coolers for BYO beach picnics. Local artwork adds a cool SoCal feel throughout the property, giving the hotel a splash of personality.
And then there are the rooftops. The Penny Rooftop has heaters, fire pits, and great spots to relax, making it perfect for morning coffee or a relaxed happy-hour hang. For something a bit more low-key, The Pearl is a smaller open-air rooftop made for intimate gatherings and laid-back nights under the palm trees.
Location & Neighborhood Recs
The saying goes, “Location is everything,” and Bay Shores is the epitome of this. Set on Balboa Peninsula, the hotel sits between the harbor and the Pacific, which means all of Newport Beach’s biggest hitters are just a quick walk away.
Start your morning with a beach stroll along the boardwalk or head out early on a paddleboard while the waves are still small. Rent a bike and cruise through the streets, then grab lunch near the pier (Ruby’s is a favorite) take the ferry to Balboa Island, or watch surfers take on The Wedge. Nights feel best spent grabbing a casual dinner, enjoying the Fun Zone, or having a picnic on the sand.
Bay Shores Newport in its purest form: sunny, simple, and perfectly easygoing.
Fast Facts
Address: 1800 W. Balboa Blvd, Newport Beach, CA
Vibe: Retro coastal inn meets laid-back SoCal charm
Rating: 4-star
Starting Rate: Around $232 per night
Room Count: 25 rooms and suites
Our Favorite Thing About the Hotel: The actual vibe of the hotel is great. The staff is lovely, the rooms are charming, and the communal areas are nice to hang out in. We also love how walkable the area is. The beach, bay, pier, shops, and restaurants are all within minutes
Amenities: Beach bags, bikes, rooftop terraces, afternoon cookies, 24-hour front desk, café
Nearby Attractions: Newport Pier, Balboa Village, Balboa Island Ferry, The Wedge, Fun Zone, boardwalk paths
Airport: John Wayne International Airport (SNA)
Hotels Above Par may be compensated and/or receive an affiliate commission if products are purchased through our links, at no cost to you.
