Newport’s Newest Lido House Hotel

Walking into the newly opened Lido House, the first thing guests may notice about the Newport Cape Cod meets Newport Beach style resort is its signature scent. Asking the front desk about their aromatherapy, I learned the scent is called Golden Bamboo. It’s fresh, distinctive and pleasing to the senses.

Three blocks from the beach and near the Newport harbor, the Lido House sits on the site of former City Hall. It’s privately owned by Bob Olsen and a group of local investors, and managed by Marriott Autograph Collection.

The Lido House offers an on-site restaurant, spacious guest rooms and suites, a therapeutic spa, outdoor heated pool, rooftop lounge, and complimentary bicycles.

The owner Bob Olson was inspired to build the stylish boutique hotel to mirror his beautiful Cape Cod style home on Balboa Island. As president and chief executive of Newport Beach-based R.D. Olson Development, he has had years of experience carefully crafting restaurants and hotels incorporating the quintessential coastal lifestyle, by blending with the community surroundings.  

Checking into our guest room #310 on the third floor, I admired the three story mural of a mermaid and octopus while exiting the elevator. Our stylish guest room was decorated in nautical blue and white colors with a splash of yellow in a pillow and cranberry-red door. There is a small refrigerator and beverage center.

Inside the closet was a plush robe, in-room safe and blue flip flops (instead of slippers) with the Lido House logo. The spacious bathroom offered a tub and shower combination with spa-like amenities. There was a sliding door to open onto a balcony with two chairs and a small table.

Amenities at the resort include the Mayor’s Table offering a lively bar and restaurant. It’s already gained a following with its focus on seafood and vegetable forward cuisine by executive chef partner Riley Huddleston and executive chef Janine Falvo. Guests can watch the chefs in action in the large open action kitchen, while sitting in a cozy marine blue upholstered booth or chic communal tables. Trendy lights illuminate the ocean colored placemats and whimsical green glass water glasses.

Another culinary option is inside Crew Coffee + Cremerie situated in the lighthouse on the corner of the property. Coffee, tea, bakery items and ice cream are available from the early morning hours through the evening. Guests can order a hand dipped “Lido Bar” – a unique take on the classic Balboa Bar.

Up on the fourth floor is Newport Beach’s only rooftop bar, Topside offering harbor and beach views. It’s become so popular on the weekends, that locals and tourists wait in line with a special wristband near the lobby of the hotel until space opens. Due to the sophisticated setting and celebration-worthy views, the lounge has become quite a social scene. 

Guests looking to stay active, there is a large gym with pool views, 20 complimentary bicycles to ride around the peninsula and island for up to two hours, and complimentary Skee Ball and Basketball arcade games near the pool. The pool area is busy during the day with families sitting on lounge chairs shaded under white umbrellas, and swimming in the heated pool or soaking in the bubbling hot whirlpool.

The Lido House Hotel is the newest family vacation destination in Southern California that appeals to all the senses.