All the amenities of the resort are open to you and you will check in at the main reception area with a Marriott confirmation number that will be emailed to you. You can call Marriott to verify the reservation number. At check-in, the resort will give you a free parking pass. If you arrive before the check-in time, they have places to change into bathing suits and enjoy the pools, the beach.
Relax, open the French doors to the master bedroom and the living room and let the ocean breezes flow through the villa. WiFi is excellent in the villa and throughout the resort. The balcony, in the check-in building, overlooks a beautiful pool complex with many fountains and a snack bar. Other pools are scattered throughout the resort. Enjoy the tennis courts, basketball courts, billards tables, chess boards, ping pong tables and fitness center. Relax in the luxury Spa by the Sea. Part of the beautiful Pelican Hill golf course runs through the resort. Strawberry Fields golf is also nearby.
The resort is very big and has much entertainment on site. If you take a day trip, children enjoy Disneyland and Knots Berry Farms. Universal Studios, the Getty Museum and other big attractions in LA can also be done in a day.
Newport's Fashion Island is a big outdoor mall by the sea. It has movie theaters and restaurants and is only a few miles away. Each year, nearby Laguna Beach recreates the famed "Pageant of the Masters" and art fair. Get your tickets early. It can be crowded and probably best to do an Uber drop off and pick up.
TraderJoe's and several good restaurants are in Crystal Cove Shopping Center close to the resort. The Parakeet Cafe offers brunch items and selections that will appeal to many different groups of people. Modo Mia Rustic Italian, Javier's and the upscale Maestro's Ocean Club are long time fixtures and several newer restaurants are now open. For those who prefer to grill their food, grills and fire pits are located throughout the resort.
