We only spent Wednesday night through Saturday morning here - bummer, because there is so much to do at the resort and in the surrounding area. We can't wait to go back for more fun.
The resort is very nice - believe all of the reviewers: big, well-appointed rooms, beautiful landscaping, lovely views, nice pool, etc. Service was amazing - the place is huge, but they will cart you around and help you get to places. On our first day there, they said the shuttle to Crystal Cove left from the fountain. We stood next to a shuttle at the fountain and waited. However, no one came. So we went inside to the desk and they pointed to a second shuttle that was just leaving from the other side of the fountain. Instead of making that shuttle come back to get us, they just took us to Crystal Cove in the first shuttle we were standing next to. Love our shuttle guy! From the two ladies that checked us in to the concierge, great service all-around!
It was Halloween weekend while we were there - the staff dressed up in costumes, the resort was decorated in fun Halloween decor and they even had a haunted house for the kids. Even though we didn't partake in the activities at the resort, we looked at the list and it was quite impressive.
My only complaint with the resort is their poor signage. It's tough to get around and the map doesn't help much. They could use more and bigger signs throughout the resort.
We only had two days to play and went to Crystal Cove on one day and Huntington Beach the next. Would definitely recommend both because they are so different. Crystal Cove is quiet and cozy. It had great smaller waves for my two younger children to boogie board on (we purchased a boogie board right there on the beach for $25). The tidal pools were a big hit, along with walks on the beach looking at the quaint cottages and cliffs. The Beachcomber restaurant, right there on the beach, is a MUST! Great views, food and service. Go at sunset to see their fun Martini Flag service, along with a beautiful sunset!
Huntington Beach has a lot more people there - great for people watching. Tons of guys surfing much bigger waves, plus guys fishing off the peir - fun to watch. There are lots of shops and restaurants. After watching the guys surf, my 7-year-old son turned to me and asked if he could try. Best part of our day was hooking up with Ted at Zacks. He was amazingly sweet - he helped get my son and 10-year-old daughter into wetsuits and then out for surfing lessons. Ted was patient, yet extra encouraging. If you have younger children who want to try surfing, go to Zacks at the base of the pier and ask for Ted. It wasn't that expensive either - $75 for an hour lesson and then they let you keep the wetsuit and surfboard for the rest of the day to play.
We had a great time in Orange Count and at the Marriott's Newport Coast Villas. Can't wait to go back!