Stayed one night in July and were surprised to see the construction site at the entrance. Congratulations to the hotel though, since the construction did not bother us the least bit during our stay (I also think by now it is finished), we did not hear any noise.
The hotel has a good location, close to the center of Newport and opposite a lot of dining facilities. Have stayed in many many Holiday Inn Express and really like the consistency of their product. You know what you are going to get. This hotel also fully delivered all that you expect from a Holiday Inn Express and we enjoyed our stay very much.

Myself and my 2 friends are just back from a 3 week trip of Vegas and California. We stayed at The Holiday Inn Express at Newport beach for 5 nights and I have to say that this hotel was the most unsatisfactory of all the hotels we stayed in - despite it being the most expensive.

The room was an excellent size, clean with satellite TV and the queen size beds were very comfortable. The bathroom was very clean but we had problems with water not draining properly from the sink and bath every time we had a shower or brushed our teeth! We did not experience the noise problem that other travellers commented on. Also on the plus side, there is a small fitness room on the premises which I enjoyed using and there is a swimming pool and spa outside. There is also a computer at reception where you can access the internet.

On our arrival we were told our room number and had to find out for ourselves that the elevator wasnt working. We asked if there was another one we could use and were informed by a surprised Ceasar on reception that there was not - no offer to assist us with our suitcases even though it was obvious that it was a struggle for 2 girls to lift them upstairs!

Later that night we noticed that there was no milk at the tea/coffee making machine in our room so we asked Ceasar at reception if we could have milk for our tea. He looked at us as if we had asked for a cow to take up to our room! He then informed us that it was the wrong time of day for milk and that we could only get it in the morning!! But offered us creamer instead (for tea!) ?????!!!! Surely that was not an uncommon or outrageous request?

While we were there there was significant refurbishment work being carried out of which we were not informed of in advance. Luckily for us, we were up and about early enough not to be disturbed by noise however not having access to the breakfast room meant the breakfast buffet was squeezed into the reception area - very awkward for all the guests to navigate selecting and carrying breakfast and drinks (and a carton of milk for tea!) and then further so to take it up to the room and eat it in bed! There was a patio area but it only had 4 tables. Complete shambles.

Location wise this hotel is a fair walk to the newport and balboa piers however there are well-seviced bus stops just minutes away. There are some very good restaurants nearby.

The staff here were not very friendly or helpful - with only one or two exceptions. On our arrival the staff barely acknowledged our prescence. We were then told, that despite there being tea/coffee making facilities in the room - that we were not allowed milk for it! The elvators do not currently work as the hotel is being renovated. We were expected to carry heavy suitcases up flights of stairs ourselves. Only when asked several times, did somebody from reception reluctantly help.
Our room contained two large beds, a microwave and a 'fridge.
The hotel is currently being renovated, so they have decided that guests shouls eat breakfst in the car park and in the hotel lobby - or in their rooms. I found this very odd. All of the guests crammed around a small juice machine and toaster trying to balance food - I'm sure there must've been a better solution.
The hotel is not very centrally located - it is a long long walk to the beach. If you're not driving - then walk down to Newport Blvd, and catch the 47 bus from there- which takes you to Newport and Balboa pier.
If I were to stay in Newport again I would definitely not stay here again.

I have spent one night in here and it was a good express stay :) Cleanliness is perfect.