First-ever visit to The Island Hotel, although I knew people who'd stayed there as a Four Seasons. Having spent the better part of my career in the hotel business, I look at a lodging property with a fairly critical eye and everything about The Island was simply perfect. And the executive suites are sublime. Two nights over Memorial Day Weekend, I spent most of the day and evening Saturday on my terrace overlooking Newport Harbor and beyond. Even dined on the terrace. Valets, housekeepers, wait staff were all top professionals. Sunday morning, the restaurant's hostess was slammed not only with people waiting to be seated, but with hotel guests wanting take-out breakfasts and take-out coffee refills. I stood there reading my newspaper waiting for her to crack...but she didn't! When the crowd finally thinned, I said to her, "You were amazing. My hat is off to you!" She smiled and replied, "I was really trying!" Of course, having this type of good-natured staff spirit throughout an entire property starts of the top, so kudos to management. Sincerity is sometimes absent with Five-Diamond/Star lodgings, but it's on full display at The Island. Can't wait to return! P.S. Be sure to try the chicken club sandwich on the room service menu. The best I've ever had!
- Island Newport Beach
- Island Hotel Newport Beach
