The Island Hotel in Newport Beach, Calif., played host to a slew of
Hollywood stars during the recent Newport Beach Film Festival.
Actor and new director Chad Lowe came out to kick off the
festivities and introduce his new movie “Beautiful Ohio.” (The
film’s star, Michelle Trachtenberg, also stayed at The Island.) The
hotel is also popular with young television starlets. Recently, I
spotted a bikini-clad Hayden Panettiere of “Heroes” playing tennis
with boyfriend Stephen Colletti of “Laguna Beach” on one of the
hotel’s courts.
Clients can channel their own inner celebrity by lounging in
front of the unique outdoor fireplace by the pool or snuggling up
in 410-thread-count sheets in one of the 295 European-inspired
rooms each features a balcony with a view of the ocean or
surrounding gardens. Other creature comforts include a restaurant
and lounge, poolside bar, gym and tennis courts. A Power Pearl
facial or a Volcano Detoxifying scrub at the spa is good prep for a
red carpet walk. If your client considers shopping a sport, they’re
in the right place Fashion Island, the OC’s hottest shopping
complex, is nearby.
Those who prefer to stay
out of the limelight, can opt to curl up in one of the hotel’s
fluffy terry-cloth robes and indulge in some gourmet comfort food
like a late-night room-service snack of macaroni and cheese with
truffles or homemade moon pies.
If old Hollywood is more your clients’ fancy, recommend the
Balboa Bay Club. Once an exclusive private club, it opened its
doors to the public in 2003. The property offers 160 guestrooms, 10
suites and a spa. Over the years the club has been a West Coast
playground to past presidents and major Washington players, as well
as big Hollywood names.
Duke’s Place, named after the one of the club’s favorite
members, John Wayne, is a great place to unwind. There you can
listen to live jazz and perhaps share a martini with the likes of
former Attorney General Janet Reno, spotted on a recent visit.
www.theislandhotel.com
www.balboabayclub.com
