
Laguna Cliffs Marriott Resort and Spa
Best for families, weddings, and travelers who want easy access to Dana Point Harbor, Doheny State Beach, and resort recreation.
Prices in other currencies are estimates. You’re charged in USD.
Laguna Cliffs Marriott Resort and Spa is a bluff-top, family-friendly coastal resort in Dana Point with heated pools, a full spa, and large event spaces — good for families, meetings, and active seaside stays. Pendry Newport Beach is a contemporary luxury lifestyle resort in Newport Beach aimed at travelers who want a newer, polished Orange County hotel near Fashion Island and local beaches.
Updated

Best for families, weddings, and travelers who want easy access to Dana Point Harbor, Doheny State Beach, and resort recreation.

Best for travelers who prefer a newer, design-forward luxury hotel close to shopping and Newport Beach activities.
When Laguna Cliffs Marriott Resort and Spa wins: choose Laguna Cliffs if you want a classic coastal resort with two heated pools (including a kids' splash zone), a large on-site spa (The Spa at Laguna Cliffs), plentiful family programming, and extensive meeting/wedding venues.
When Pendry Newport Beach wins: pick Pendry if you value a contemporary luxury lifestyle property near Fashion Island, a polished urban-meets-coast vibe, and a smaller, design-forward hotel experience with large conference facilities in Newport Beach.
Bottom line: both are upscale Orange County options; pick Laguna Cliffs for family-oriented resort amenities and ocean-cliff setting, or pick Pendry Newport Beach for a newer, lifestyle-driven luxury stay near Newport shopping and beaches.
| Category | Laguna Cliffs Marriott Resort and Spa | Pendry Newport Beach |
|---|---|---|
| Overall vibe | Classic coastal resort — family-oriented and activity-rich | Contemporary luxury lifestyle hotel with polished urban energy |
| Location | Bluff above the Pacific in Dana Point; near Dana Point Harbor and Doheny State Beach | In the heart of Newport Beach near Fashion Island and Newport Dune |
| Size | 378 guest rooms across 4 floors (resort listings) | 295 rooms |
| Ages | All ages — family features, kids' splash zone, kids' day camp | All ages (children 17 and younger stay free with guardians per supplier listing) |
| Pools | Two heated outdoor pools (Del Mar with kids' splash zone; Laguna pool with adult atmosphere) plus whirlpools | One outdoor pool and a hot tub; pool cabanas available (surcharge) |
| Restaurants & bars | Multiple on-site venues including Lantern's Edge (signature), Barrel & Brews, seasonal Del Mar Pool dining | SET restaurant (American) plus poolside bar and 24-hour room service; one main restaurant and a poolside bar |
| Spa & wellness | The Spa at Laguna Cliffs — 14,000 sq ft, multiple treatment rooms, separate men's/women's lounges | Full-service spa with massages, body treatments, facials and 24-hour fitness facilities |
| Event & meeting space | Extensive event space (roughly 50k+ sq ft, large ballroom(s), many meeting rooms) | Large conference center (58000 sq ft) and 18 meeting rooms |
| Nearby highlights | Dana Point Harbor, Doheny State Beach, whale‑watching tours | Fashion Island shopping, Crystal Cove State Park, Newport beaches within a few miles |
| Parking & transport | Self-parking and valet (fees); nearest commercial airport: John Wayne (SNA) ~25–30 miles | Covered parking and valet (surcharge); airport shuttle (surcharge) — John Wayne Airport nearby |
Laguna Cliffs sits on a bluff above the Pacific, within easy walking distance to Dana Point Harbor and Doheny State Beach.
Choose Laguna Cliffs for a true cliffside Pacific setting and quick harbor/beach access.
Pendry Newport Beach is in the center of Newport Beach close to Fashion Island and local attractions.
Pick Pendry if you want to be in Newport Beach’s shopping and activity hub rather than on a coastal bluff.
Laguna Cliffs offers 17 room types, many with partial or full ocean views and balcony options.
Rooms suit families and travelers who want ocean or pool views without boutique‑hotel prices.
Pendry has a long list of contemporary room and suite categories, from Garden King to multi-bedroom Newport Residential Suites.
Pendry’s room mix favors a modern, design-led stay with many suite choices for different party sizes.
Laguna Cliffs provides several on-site dining venues including Lantern's Edge and poolside seasonal service.
Laguna Cliffs is a better pick if you want multiple on-site dining formats from casual to sit-down.
Pendry’s food-and-drink program centers on SET (American) along with poolside service and a single bar/lounge.
Pendry focuses on a curated, high-end restaurant and pool bar rather than many casual outlets.
Laguna Cliffs runs two heated outdoor pools — one family-friendly with a splash zone and one quieter, adult-leaning pool plus whirlpools.
Families will appreciate the separate kid and adult pool areas at Laguna Cliffs.
Pendry offers a single outdoor pool and a hot tub with cabana options and poolside food & drink service.
Pendry’s pool is geared to adults and couples seeking a lifestyle-hotel pool scene rather than a family splash zone.
Laguna Cliffs has a large 14,000 sq ft Spa at Laguna Cliffs and broad wellness programming.
If a full spa with separate lounges and multiple wellness offerings matters, Laguna Cliffs is strong.
Pendry includes a full-service spa and a 24-hour fitness facility as part of its luxury-lifestyle offering.
Pendry works well for travelers who want contemporary spa and late‑day socializing in a boutique-luxury setting.

Laguna Cliffs — two heated pools including a Kid's Splash Zone, seasonal kids' day camp, and family-friendly room options.

Pendry Newport Beach — located near Fashion Island and Newport Beach attractions, good for shopping and local outings.

Laguna Cliffs — a 14,000 sq ft Spa at Laguna Cliffs with separate men's/women's lounges and numerous treatment rooms.

Pendry Newport Beach — a newer, lifestyle-focused 5-star hotel with polished design, curated dining, and suite choices.
Laguna Cliffs — it has a dedicated Kid's Splash Zone, seasonal kids' day camp, and family-friendly pool programming.
Pendry Newport Beach — it sits near Fashion Island and Newport Beach dining and shopping options.
Laguna Cliffs — The Spa at Laguna Cliffs is a large, 14,000 sq ft facility with multiple treatment rooms and separate lounges.
No — both properties accept guests of all ages. Pendry is a luxury lifestyle hotel but not adults-only per supplier listing.
Explore how Laguna Cliffs Marriott Resort and Spa stacks up against other hotels nearby:
vs. sites like Expedia, Hotels.com and other OTAs ·