Monte Carlo? The French Riviera..no...I was in Newport Beach at the Balboa Bay Club for lunch! This local get-away resort is sublime, distinguished, and elegant. We had a window seat over-looking the docked yachts on the Marina--I couldn't help but imagine myself atop a boat, sunbathing in a bikini out to sea!

Service was above and beyond what you'd expect at a fine resort. Reminiscent of a dining room on a cruise-liner, the First Cabin restaurant is classy yet relaxed all-in-one. Clouds parted for radiant sun and we were able to enjoy the serene patio seating for a last glass of wine. Soft flamenco music filled the patio with a peacefully procative energy. This is just my first adventure here, i will be back for the wine festival in May!

Executive Chef Josef Lageder came out to greet us, sharing stories of his Austrian heritage and how it shaped his culinary talent. (All in German, of course--nice to be able to practice!)

There is also a great bar called Duke's which has plenty of seating, a dance floor, and large bar. This is THE place to stay to make memories last a lifetime.

And why not splurge a bit, the gorgeous rooms run about the same as a nice room in Vegas, or even a jacuzzi suite in one of the Indian Gaming resorts around here!

This event center with hotel is in an amazing location. It is very convenient once you get passed the front gates. The views are amazing of the bay and the cuisine is really amazing to the Zagat scale.

With an amazing view of the water this resort has no down side. In the heart of the hopping Newport Beach area this location is one not to be missed. You definately want to stay here at some point in your lifetime!

We just recently(as in saturday, two days ago) had a birthday celebration at the First Captains Table. The food was terrible and SLOW!!!! Our dinner reservations were at 645 and we werented served dinner until 9! The bartender messed up about 50% of our drinks, we later found out that the bartender was the manager!!!! Several dinners arrived cold and under or over cooked. I ordered the lobster, worst I have ever had, insanely chewey, served with no melted butter on the side, my baked potatoe came cold and with no condiments and the vegtables were under cooked. When i asked for condiments that brought me Tarter sauce for my lobster(unheard of) and I had to ask an additional 2 times for the items for my baked potatoe. It was a birthday so a complimentary desert was served but the 3 other people that ordered desert never received theres! Save your time, Save your money, and head to Five Crowns or Mastros Ocean!!!!

My family (wife and 3 kids) and I stayed at the hotel a few nights. The hotel has been beautifully remodeled since my wife and I stayed there 10+ years ago. The rooms were spotless, the beds comfortable and the service was excellent. The grounds are beautiful with an outstanding pool setting and great views from the patio of the harbor. Duke's patio was perfect for cocktails for the parents and apps for the kids. We will be back and share the news about the facelift to the property.