The Resort At Pelican Hill

I cannot afford a stay at this super elegant, high end hotel, but I was invited to their restaurant, the Pelican Hill, and oh my! Of course five star service, high quality ingredients, from the stakes to the veggies to the desserts, and all this great food overlooking a pool/lake. It is best appreciated by night.

Awesome rooms and killer pool. Expensive cocktails and food socks at pool and Collisium but go to Pelican Grill at golf course for excellent food. Been going here at least 2x per year forever and they still can't get food right at main dining area.

Magnificent resort on 504 acres with its' towering Palladian architecture. Though Andrea is not open, you may dine at the Pelican Grill or enjoy La Columbe coffee at the Marketplace. Some services depend on the accommodation reserved. This is preferred place and constant request of family/friends and those specifically requesting discretion. Very peaceful, quiet and serene.

Extensive views of the Pacific ocean and the gate guards are thorough. Some rooms include "unico" offerings. Bidet in guest bath has a large sprayer/master bedroom sprayer is small. Notice the personal touches. Ocean view preference was specifically voiced to me and I requested such (grateful). Do review the "Pelican Peace of Mind" practice and the special care afforded to guests.

Golf Club has shoe attendant. The Pelican Hill resort was soothing and helped many to retain mental health during COVID19. No declination in stars-stellar on all fronts. If you are a member, discounts are available if you book directly or the hotel website. Philosophy "if it can be done, it will be done. " Thanks to Mr. Bren and The Irvine Company. New aesthetics. Thankful.

review summary
4.8
Excellent
2,408 reviews
5
88%
4
10%
3
1%
2
0%
1
1%
Rooms
4.6
Location
4.5
Service
4.5
What guests are saying
"Everything from the service to the amenities and staff and scenery were amazing. "
"Just had dinner lamb chops was salty and awful for the price"
"Loved the room, even more the 24 hour hot tub, food was great! "
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Families
4.6

Trip.com
4.7/5 · 35 reviews
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Ladan (Lala)
1/5
a day ago on Google
Currently staying there, this place is going down hill.
The breakfast was so mediocre, pancakes were so chewy,
No Floaties allowed at the pool! If you have young kids who need assistance with floaties, manager said they don't like the look of it.
Kids crying because they can't have their floaties, way to spend a holiday!
Our waitress didn't even come by the pool for a long time when he finally did, he went to people next to us and chit chatted for 15 minutes, Before coming and getting our order, Spencer needs some training! Same as Ava, gave our order to the table next to us, and then held onto it for a while chit chatting, seams to be a trend for waiters and waitress here to not work and just chit chat!

Long wait for food, as others say the food is awful but the pool and sooooo expensive, not a resort feel. We have stayed here many times before, every time different problem, overall never relaxing. Probably will never come again!

One thing this resort has is service! Everyone is super helpful and service is fast and superb!

Resort itself is clean and nice but pool has no music or very low music and strangely everyone dining on the second floor is looking down at you.

I am at room 427 and highway noise is unreal. I am up writing this review at 6am Because I can’t sleep in this noise. I am guessing depends on what room you are staying at. I am giving 3 stars for this reason.

Excellent place, very good quality food, nice ambiance, view. Good customer service, everybody nice.
Definitely, I will come back again. Recommend!

One of my favorite OC spas. Open to locals Monday-Thursday, so every federal holiday that lands on a Monday in 2022, I've been there! It's a great, welcoming, relaxing environment.

They have you pay when you check in, so after your services, when you're all relaxed and blissful, you don't have to think about the administrative stuff. The locker room, waiting area, dressing rooms, showers, and vanities are immaculately appointed and comfortable.

I've only had facials here and each time I leave feeling fresh, moisturized, and pampered. It's the best.

We just ended our four day stay at the resort and I can say that has been one of the most stunning and impeccable resorts we have stayed at. Everything from the service to the amenities and staff and scenery were amazing. We were traveling with two young kids and the staff made sure we had everything we needed and supplied us with bath necessities, toys, cribs, pack and plays and a diaper pail. They really thought of everything. Everything was so convenient and easy thanks to the amazing staff and their attention to detail. I would love to come back for another stay and will be recommending this resort to our family and friends!

A stunning view of the outdoors from this luxurious seating area. The cafe serves delicious cookies and ice cream. Despite the fact that it was reserved for the wedding and we couldn't walk through the path, we still enjoyed sitting there and enjoying our time hanging out with friends. It was a nice place for outdoor meetings and to visit friends.

Beautiful, great service, calm, great service. Friendly staff, the view is magnificent. A few minutes drive to the beach.

Been here many many times. The quality and service has taken a deep dive. Take for example the Coliseum Grill. The burger used to be $18. Now it is $39, for what they claim to be Wagyu. Probably the worst Wagyu I've ever had. And they said the lemonade is fresh. It isn't. Unfortunately this place will no longer be a place I want to visit.

We stayed here for 3 nights over our children's spring break and let me tell you- THIS PLACE IS GORGEOUS! We traveled to so many places and resorts and this resort is one of the best in the world.

My husband and his buddies had a GREAT time at their golf course. He said 5 stars and he's extremely picky.

Incredible service, tidy property, training of staff is clear in the best of ways. Rooms have great views. Food is 8.5 out of 10

Beautiful place but worth the price? Hell no there's many place like this all around California. The rooms are pretty basic. I don't understand who in their right mind would stay here with these ridiculous prices. I think the rooms are worth about 200 a night but they oversell 10x

Came for lunch at the Coliseum. Good food and great service with amazing views. We had desert at the resort's coffee shop right around the corner.

This resort is truly heaven on earth. Is it expensive? Yes. Is it worth it? Absolutely. I have stayed here with my family on multiple occasions and have yet to see the level of customer service we've received anywhere else. The hotel is beautiful and the property is beautiful as well. The staff is always so helpful and accommodating and our family will continue to book future stays here.

Could not be more thrilled with the Pelican Hill team, most notable Andrew Bennett for his ever accommodating assistance through the stay. He was always quick to provide recommendations, revisions and helped through the reservation process of local restaurants and transportation services.

Thank you Bennett!

I went here with a date. We went after dinner for drinks & the nice music - a piano player/singer in the Great Room.
Relaxing seating by the fireplace.

This is a gorgeous place, and the term "luxury" is accurate. The reason I'm giving them a one star review is that they've raised their prices in the most ridiculous manner you can imagine. Bungalows that started at $700 or $800 a night are now well over $2,000. Did they get new ownership? The property wasn't renovated or elevated in any way - seems to just be a money grab without any changes to amenities or offerings. I appreciate that COVID has been a challenge for any resort, and cost increases are to be expected, but this is just such a huge turnoff. We've stayed here several times in the past, but never again.