Bay Shores Peninsula Hotel Hotel Review | Hotels Above Par

"Quaint yet chic on Newport’s Balboa Peninsula, this retro-meets-modern boutique stay leans into an old-school beach aesthetic with a bright-white exterior trimmed in bubblegum pink and sunny interiors of light wood, pastel tones, and coastal art that feel more vintage beach house than boutique hotel. The 25 rooms and suites are simple in the best way—bright, beach-forward spaces with comfortable beds, big updated bathrooms, and windows that frame the views; some open to small bay-facing balconies, others catch the ocean breeze when cracked just right. It isn’t trying to be a luxury resort; it’s trying to be a good beach hotel, and it absolutely succeeds. Casual dining centers on a small lobby café serving breakfast and all-day light bites—flaky bacon-egg-and-cheese croissants, fresh smoothies, and a surprisingly great coffee lineup; the rose water matcha was my hands-down favorite, refreshing and very well made. Amenities lean delightfully beachy: borrowable water toys at the front desk, classic cruiser bikes for boutique-and-boardwalk runs, in-room mini-fridges, Kiehl’s bath amenities, robes, Stanley coolers for BYO beach picnics, and local artwork that adds SoCal personality. Two rooftops elevate the hang—The Penny Rooftop with heaters, fire pits, and relaxed perches for morning coffee or happy hour, and The Pearl, a smaller open-air spot made for intimate, laid-back nights under the palms. Best of all, the location between the harbor and the Pacific is wonderfully walkable—steps from Casa Dami, Bear Flag Fish Co., Lighthouse Café, Zinqué, and boardwalk bars, with the beach, bay, pier, shops, and restaurants all within minutes; I loved starting the day with a boardwalk stroll or paddle, biking to lunch near the pier (Ruby’s is a favorite), ferrying to Balboa Island, or watching surfers tackle The Wedge before an easygoing evening at the Fun Zone or a picnic on the sand. The staff is lovely, the rooms are charming, and the communal areas are pleasant places to linger—sunny, simple, and perfectly easygoing." - Lauren Harano