We arrived at Doryman’s Oceanfront Inn on New Year’s Day, so the pier and surrounding area were very active. Having just come from the peaceful pace of Santa Barbara, our first impression was a bit overwhelming, especially when we checked into a room located just off the lobby.
However, everything changed after we went for a run along the boardwalk. Running by the ocean and through the surrounding Newport Beach neighborhoods gave us a completely new perspective on how beautiful this area is. When we returned, we spent time walking the boardwalk near the hotel and discovered so many fun, funky restaurants and places to eat right nearby. We ended up grabbing sushi close by and came back early to enjoy the cozy fireplace and the Victorian charm of our room.
Our ocean view was absolutely beautiful — being right on the water was a highlight of the stay. While our room’s location near the lobby meant we could hear some comings and goings, it was overall manageable. We did hear some activity from the nearby parking lot and restaurant below, but it was never unbearable.
The TV was small and outdated, but in a way that encouraged us to unplug — we spent our evenings reading, enjoying the fireplace, and taking in the view instead. The rooftop space was another highlight; we loved looking out over the ocean while enjoying the complimentary breakfast each morning. The coffee, yogurt, bagels, and even chia seed pudding with fresh fruit were a wonderful touch.