Several weeks ago, we learned how a well respected resort in Southern California would be joining Marriott. There’s now an update, as this hotel is now bookable through Marriott channels.
Resort at Pelican Hill joins Marriott as of July 2024
The Resort at Pelican Hill, located in Newport Beach, California, is undergoing a strategy shift. The resort had operated independently since it opened in 2008, but that has finally changed:
- As of July 1, 2024, the Resort at Pelican Hill has joined Marriott, and is participating in the Marriott Bonvoy program
- After an extensive renovation, the property will be branded as a St. Regis, though there’s no timeline yet for that happening
The hotel continues to be owned by The Irvine Co., but it’s just that day-to-day management that has been handed over to Marriott. The owners of the hotel state they’ve made the decision to join Marriott after conducting a strategic review. Most of the associates at the hotel are remaining at the property.
This is a major win for Marriott. This is California’s second St. Regis property (once it’s rebranded), after the St. Regis San Francisco. Funny enough, it’s also the second time that there will be a St. Regis resort in Southern California. The St. Regis Monarch Beach left the brand in 2016, and was then operated independently, before eventually becoming the Waldorf Astoria Monarch Beach.
For the time being, the hotel is simply being branded the same way that it always has. So it’s not temporarily joining one of Marriott’s other hotel collections. As you’d expect, rates at this hotel continue to be super high. That’s not surprising, since you’re ultimately paying for being in close proximity to such large wealth centers.
If you are going to book a cash stay at the Resort at Pelican Hill, I’d highly recommend doing so through the Marriott STARS program. This will score you perks like complimentary breakfast, a $100 food & beverage credit, a room upgrade subject to availability, and more.
Unfortunately as of the time of this post, you can only book a stay for cash through Marriott channels, and can’t redeem Marriott Bonvoy® points. I imagine that will change shortly, since it can take time for systems to be updated.
Resort at Pelican Hill is a big win for Marriott
For those not familiar with the Resort at Pelican Hill, it’s one of the most popular luxury resorts in Southern California. The ocean view property has 204 guest rooms, 128 villas, and two golf courses.
I tend to think that most of the luxury Southern California resorts are convenient getaways for those who live in the area, though they’re not necessarily destinations worth getting on a plane for. They tend to be “resort factories,” as these hotels aren’t exactly boutique.
Based on what I’ve heard about the Resort at Pelican Hill, the property has exceptional service, and people love it. However, the facilities could definitely use a refresh, so a renovation will be good news.
On the plus side, with the Resort at Pelican Hill joining Marriott Bonvoy, there are opportunities to earn and (eventually) redeem points there, and take advantage of elite perks. However, I can’t help but think that service standards may deteriorate over time, since Marriott doesn’t exactly have the same commitment to great service as an independent luxury property may have.
Still, on balance I’m happy to see this change, as more opportunities to earn and redeem points are a good thing.
Bottom line
Marriott has gained a new luxury resort in Southern California, in the form of the Resort at Pelican Hill. This Newport Beach property has joined Marriott as of July 2024, before becoming a St. Regis at a later date, after an extensive renovation.
What do you make of the Resort at Pelican Hill joining Marriott Bonvoy?
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