The two-story Newport Beach Hotel was originally built and completed in 1904 as a hotel. It changed hands over time and switched between a private residence, back to a hotel, and was even a surf shop at one point. The current owners reopened the property in 2006, and it was incorporated into the Four Sisters Inn brand in 2009. 

With wooden floors, a lobby sitting area with comfy leather chairs and a bookcase, and a set of wooden stairs, the hotel has a modern, homey vibe. It doesn’t hurt that there are board games, a flat-screen TV, and lovely plants gracing the lobby lounge too. Though there’s beachy accents here and there -- such as subtle paintings or lighthouse decorative pieces -- it’s not overly done and therefore keeps contemporary instead of kitschy. It’s close to the beach, but don’t expect great ocean views -- most are partial or blocked. Most guests are vacationing couples, but the lack of an elevator might make it less than ideal for travelers with mobility issues.

The Newport Beach Hotel is located on the Newport boardwalk, just a four-minute walk to the beach. There are several restaurants, bars, and shops a short walk away, and it’s a nine-minute drive to the Balboa Pier. Balboa Fun Zone is an eight-minute drive from the hotel. Los Angeles and the LAX Airport are an hour or so away by car, while San Diego takes an hour and a half to reach. 

Rooms at Newport Beach Hotel are contemporary, with a relaxed, beachy vibe that remains tasteful. Walls are painted in soft grays, blues, or creams, which complement the comfy white beds and wooden floors. Furniture varies, but it's generally modern and occasionally rustic with cube-shaped end tables paired with rattan chairs. The beach-theme isn’t overdone here; delicate paintings or drawings of boats are about the only hint of sand and surf. Rooms sleep up to two people, and there’s a charge for any extra guests over the age of five. 

Suites are far more spacious than rooms, with separate living rooms and sofa beds, plus kitchens with full refrigerators, stoves, ovens, dining and cookware, microwaves, and blenders. Some units also have private, furnished patios. Bathrooms vary in size and space but all have toiletries in wall dispensers and hairdryers. Some have shower/tub combos with jetted tubs, while others have separate tubs and walk-in glass showers, or just glass showers. All units have flat-screen TVs, iPod docks, air-conditioning, and coffeemakers. Though the hotel advertises “ocean views” from some rooms, most are only partial and far away views.

Guests of the Newport Beach Hotel won’t find a fitness center at this property, but the hotel does at least have a seafood restaurant attached to the building: Fly-N-Fish Oyster Bar & Grill. Inside the lobby, there’s a small bar that offers beer and wine, and the hotel provides free coffee, tea, water, and fruit in the lobby each day. A basic breakfast is included in the room rates and includes hard-boiled eggs, cereals, fruits, pastries, and juice. Bikes and beach accessories can be borrowed from the hotel, as well as books and board games. Wi-Fi is free throughout the property, and there's a public computer for guest use. Parking incurs a daily fee.