Pendry Newport Beach

The Pendry Newport Beach project, spearheaded by Eagle Four Partners with WATG as the Architect of Record, is a redevelopment transforming an historically rich property originally designed by WATG in 1986 into a contemporary luxury destination. This milestone renovation has elevated a community landmark, which historically has consistently ranked among the top hotels in the U.S, into a contemporary luxury destination. It symbolizes not only architectural evolution, but also the strength of WATG’s client relationship in safeguarding the properties integrity through innovative design to enhance guest experience and the clients’ return on investment.

The brief was to enhance the existing structure to meet modern luxury standards while maintaining its iconic status, and to increase operationally efficiency and revenue generation. The project aimed to update the hotel’s amenities, integrate cutting-edge design features, and optimize the use of space for new luxury amenities such as The Elwood Club, a modern members club featuring a private restaurant, garden terrace, bar, cabaret bar, pub, golf simulator, a screening room, and a members-only boardroom.

The approach was multifaceted, focusing on structural enhancements, aesthetic redesign, and functional upgrades. The design leveraged the building’s strong foundational elements—often referred to by the project team as “great bones”—to embed modern luxury.

WATG’s extensive experience and local expertise ensured the project was completed on schedule, improving operational efficiency, and creating new revenue opportunities. Our team coordinated closely interior designers and landscape architects and brought all the permit documentation and construction together cohesively.  Our goal was to preserve the soul of the original design while introducing innovative elements that reflect the current and future needs of luxury travelers.

The architectural strategy employed a 19-story stepped-back tower to ensure panoramic ocean views for all guestrooms, while a cantilevered porte cochere adds to the sense of spaciousness, reflecting the deep consideration given to aesthetic and functional elements in the redesign.

The renovation has transformed the hotel into a 295-room luxury retreat featuring 82 suites, each boasting expansive views facilitated by floor-to-ceiling windows and private balconies. The newly added amenities, including a bespoke pool area and the upscale Elwood Club, cater to both leisure and business travelers.

This redevelopment not only revitalizes a beloved local icon, but also sets a precedent for sustainable luxury. Returning to this site as Architect of Record after decades to lead its transformation has been a privilege. It demonstrates our dedication to enduring partnerships and architectural innovation. The Pendry Newport Beach is poised to redefine luxury in Southern California, inviting guests to experience hospitality rooted in rich history and forward-thinking design.

+ Pendry Newport Beach was awarded a key by the 2024 MICHELIN Guide – MICHELIN key hotels are places that significantly add to your experience as a traveler, each vetted and judged excellent in five categories: architecture and interior design, quality and consistency of service, overall personality and character, value for the price, and a significant contribution to the guest experience in a particular setting.

+ Travel + Leisure – The Best New U.S. Resorts of 2023

Photography: Pendry Hotels
Landscape Architecture: Burton Studio
Interiors: Studio Munge