Hyatt Regency Newport Beach

Set on 26 sun-bleached acres, this Hyatt feels like a suburban resort that never forgot it is in Southern California. Palm-lined paths lead you between three outdoor pools, a waterslide that draws hoots and squeals by late morning, and a small splash pad that keeps toddlers in constant motion. The restaurant serves polished California fare; think generous avocado toast topped with smoky salmon and a citrusy salad that tastes like the coast. Mornings bring soft clinks of coffee cups, afternoons bring towels and poolside chatter, and evenings calm down into low-key cocktail service at the lobby bar. Staff move with a kind of practiced cheerfulness that turns small gestures into memorable ones, from pet bowls left at your door to a server who actually remembers your drink. Some rooms show their age; mattresses complain. If you want the liveliest action, aim for late morning at the pool when the slide finally gets rolling.