Bay Shores Peninsula Hotel

I spent three nights May 17-20, taking advantage of a good air fare and lower hotel rates ahead of busy Memorial Day. I also visited in March. The hotel has become part of Pacifica Hotels, with some 40 properties, mostly in California. This has brought a few changes. A modest resort fee, $20/night for parking in the hotel's tiny lot, but not much more. A kitchen and seating area with breakfast food remains the same. Parking on local streets remains somewhat challenging, with free spaces most available in late afternoon, least earlier in the day. This can put a damper on notions of driving somewhere. The neighborhood is fortunately walkable for everything from restaurants to supermarket (Pavilions; consider Target in Costa Mesa for better prices without membership requirements). Two surf shops, 15th Street (2 locations, one at Pavilions) and Jack's, are near. The iconic Frog House is 2 miles north. Costa Mesa has quite a lot of shopping, including the beginner-inviting Almond Surfboards. Bay Shores Peninsula has well cared-for rooms with refrigerators but no microwaves, accessible outlets for USB cables, and lots of towels (beach towels at the office). There was a hose available at the rear of the hotel for washing feet, footgear, wetsuits, whatever. Possibly now shut off for water restrictions. The roof deck remains a desirable feature.

Hotel has lost its spark - wait for their planned refit before coming. It’s a lovely location, 5 mins to both beaches but the hotel is simply overpriced for what it now is (most reviewers seem to have been here over the years and are clearly loyal for its heyday). The staff are nice but the offering cannot justify a $500/ night charge. Breakfast: bread, little boxes of cereal, pre packaged boiled eggs. The gentleman at the front desk said we are more than most which I found odd as we are not big eaters but it was a bit unsatisfying. The breakfast room has 3 tables seating 3 people so you definitely feel rushed to either take your food to your room or eat and run - I guess we probably sat there longer than most to try to enjoy a hot drink Rooms: really clean and clearly the domestic staff work hard to keep it clean but only every 2/3 days if requested so bins are not emptied or fresh towels given unless you go and ask. The refrigerator in the room is a cooler not a fridge Washing machines on site: mostly broken during our stay and the one wash that worked ended up with clothes dirtier than they went in due to dirt/ lint/ dust Room location: rooms on the ground floor open out into the car park which isn’t great for noise or safety if here with young children Refurbishments: much of the space requires significant upgrade - eg the flooring in reception was taken up due to a leak and is yet to be replaced so creates a trip hazard Summary: likely was a lovely hotel at one point and will be again after the refit - but I’d avoid for now as they transition. The staff are nice but I think to keep the price so high when you can’t deliver that boutique experience is wrong. We would love to come back after the refit. There are some health and safety issues with the flooring (water damage and hasn’t been repaired), the food (stored in drawers) and doors so close they open into the car park. Hotel has lost its spark - wait for their planned refit before coming. It’s a lovely location, 5 mins to both beaches but the hotel is simply overpriced for what it now is (most reviewers seem to have been here over the years and are clearly loyal for its heyday). The staff are nice but the offering cannot justify a $500/ night charge. Breakfast: bread, little boxes of cereal, pre packaged boiled eggs. The gentleman at the front desk said we are more than most which I found odd as we are not big eaters but it was a bit unsatisfying. The breakfast room has 3 tables seating 3 people so you definitely feel rushed to either take your food to your room or eat and run - I guess we probably sat there longer than most to try to enjoy a hot drink Rooms: really clean and clearly the domestic staff work hard to keep it clean but only every 2/3 days if requested so bins are not emptied or fresh towels given unless you go and ask. The refrigerator in the room is a cooler not a fridge Washing machines on site: mostly broken during our stay and the one wash that worked en

Posted on the hotel web site: We checked out on Wednesday 10/19/22 - room #301 and have a request: Please refund the $66 parking ticket we got parking in front of the Hotel that morning. No one in the hotel informed us not to park on Wednesday morning and we did not see the sign that was in the far end of the street. The hotel promised one parking per room and the hotel lot was full. We see this as the hotel responsibility and expect to get that $66 refunded so a positive review can be entered. Above was posted on the hotel web site on October 19 and there was no response as of October 25th.

tbh we usually stay in 4+ star hotels but this was a last minute stay, and we were very happy with this hotel. clean, lovely staff, basic breakfast, great location, parking, dvds to check out (so old school!)

Very pleased with everything. Great staff, location and very clean. Honestly one of the best vacation experiences I've ever had. The carpet could be replaced, and I was told they were going to be doing renovations soon. I would highly recommend staying there again.

Great place. Cute boutique hotel. Stayed several times. Love the location. Rooftop is nice to sit with morning coffee or an evening glass of wine looking out over the harbor. Beach is a short walk across the street. Parking can be tough.