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Local resorts: best and worst
By Caitlin AdamsPublished: December 01, 2009
In our look back over 2009, we examined the impact of the economy on how people work and play. Leisure and tourism is a major industry in Orange County, and it was certainly not immune to the effects of the economy. How did local hospitality weather 2009’s torrent of economic change?
The Resort at Pelican Hill (above): After 20 years in the making, The Resort at Pelican Hill opened at the end of 2008 to rave reviews. However, the full-service luxury property – originally positioned as an international travel destination – ran head-on into a devastating global economy.
Undaunted, the resort touted its strengths: 36 holes of world-class golf, an award-winning spa, 128 luxury villas, 204 private bungalows, three pools and five restaurants and cafés, including the acclaimed Andrea. The result: The bulk of the resort’s clientele during its first year came from Orange, Los Angeles and San Diego counties, says spokeswoman Landry Fuller.
In November, it was announced that both the resort and spa were awarded AAA Five-Diamond status, and the Spa at Pelican Hill is the only one in California to receive both the Forbes and AAA Five-Diamond award during its first year.
Shorebreak Hotel: Opened in mid-March amid fanfare as a luxury lifestyle beachfront property, the Shorebreak Hotel offered a tempting promotional rate celebrating Huntington Beach’s centennial: For 100 days of summer, rooms were offered for the nightly rate of $100, available to residents living within 100 miles of Huntington Beach.
The Island Hotel: Like Pelican
Hill, The Island Hotel is owned by The Irvine Co. Because of its
proximity to Newport Beach’s Fashion Island, it has utilized special
offers to retain business, including a la carte services, all-inclusive
spa packages and a Stay and Play Golf Package in cooperation with
Pelican Hill Golf Club. Daily menus from Executive Chef Bill Bracken at
the Palm Terrace continued to lure local epicureans.
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The Resort at Pelican Hill (above): After 20 years in the making, The Resort at Pelican Hill opened at the end of 2008 to rave reviews. However, the full-service luxury property – originally positioned as an international travel destination – ran head-on into a devastating global economy. Undaunted, the resort touted its strengths: 36 holes of world-class golf, an award-winning spa, 128 luxury villas, 204 private bungalows, three pools and five restaurants and cafés, including the acclaimed Andrea. The result: The bulk of the resort’s clientele during its first year came from Orange, Los Angeles and San Diego counties, says spokeswoman Landry Fuller. In November, it was announced that both the resort and spa were awarded AAA Five-Diamond status, and the Spa at Pelican Hill is the only one in California to receive both the Forbes and AAA Five-Diamond award during its first year. Shorebreak Hotel: Opened in mid-March amid fanfare as a luxury lifestyle beachfront property, the Shorebreak Hotel offered a tempting promotional rate celebrating Huntington Beach’s centennial: For 100 days of summer, rooms were offered for the nightly rate of $100, available to residents living within 100 miles of Huntington Beach. The Island Hotel: Like Pelican
Hill, The Island Hotel is owned by The Irvine Co. Because of its
proximity to Newport Beach’s Fashion Island, it has utilized special
offers to retain business, including a la carte services, all-inclusive
spa packages and a Stay and Play Golf Package in cooperation with
Pelican Hill Golf Club. Daily menus from Executive Chef Bill Bracken at
the Palm Terrace continued to lure local epicureans. NEXT PAGE >>> |
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