Gentry Destinations: Rediscovering Orange County for a Weekend Getaway at Lido House

A hotel room with a view? Definitely one of the best things about traveling. On a late February evening, the post-storm Southern California sky shimmered with pink, amber, and orange hues over Newport Beach, a stunning view from my perch on the balcony outside my room at Lido House. Remarkably, while most of the country was suffering through the Polar Vortex of 2019, I sat snuggled in a light sweater, sipping my glass of wine, savoring the cool ocean air and coastal beauty. Welcome to winter in “The O.C.” 

You may know Orange County for its theme parks, 42 miles of beaches, and as a glittering backdrop for popular TV shows; but there is much more to this region, com-prised of 34 unique cities, each with stories to tell and diverse attractions for the shop-per, foodie, or outdoor enthusiast.  

I grew up in this sun-kissed county, located between L.A. and San Diego, and visit frequently since moving to the Bay Area over 20 years ago. But this time, I wanted to rediscover the O.C. off-season—to go beyond the familiar and discover what makes this an ideal destination year-round. Rain or shine. 

My stay at Newport Beach’s new Lido House—situated in the nexus of Lido Isle, Lido Peninsula, and Balboa Peninsula—was a highlight of my trip. I was hooked the moment I walked into the contemporary nautical-chic lobby with its Cape Cod-style architecture. Lido House, part of the Marriott’s Autograph collection, has 130 rooms and five custom cottages. When it opened last April, it brought a jolt of fresh energy to the Newport Beach hospitality scene. 

The luxe boutique hotel was conceived as an homage to the rich maritime history of Newport Beach, and locals and visitors alike kick back and enjoy the hotel’s coastal charm, either at the Mayor’s Table or the city’s first rooftop bar, the popular Topside Roof Deck. Just three blocks from the beach, the hotel provides everything guests need for an authentic Newport Beach experience—from bikes and surfboards to har-bor boat tours, to a cabana at the hotel’s saltwater pool. There is also a full-service spa and gym. 

Read more at GentryMagazine.com

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