Fairmont Newport Beach Offers Evacuation Rates to Fire Victims

Newport Beach, CA, November 17, 2008 - With the devastation of the recent Southern California fires, the Fairmont Newport Beach is offering a special discounted rate of $149.00 for all impacted Californians. This rate is valid through November 30^th, 2008 and waives all pet policy deposits. Reservations and/or further information is available by phoning the hotel directly at (949) 476-2001 or (800) 441-1414; online at  www.fairmont.com/newportbeach.  The Fairmont Newport Beach is located at 4500 MacArthur Blvd, Newport Beach CA. 92660.

Having recently completed an extensive $32 million makeover, the all-NEW Fairmont Newport Beach radiates a new dramatic feel from both an architectural and design standpoint.  Located in the heart of Orange County and just a stone's throw away from John Wayne/Orange County Airport and the many local beaches in the area, the Hotel offers 440 luxurious accommodations including 54 exquisite suites with Bose stereo, oversized soaking tubs, marble entries, pillow-top mattress with Egyptian cotton linens, 32" high-definition flat panel TV, DVD and CD Players. Upgrades to the hotel include a newly designed sky pool deck, new fitness facilities featuring Techno Gym equipment and the newest addition to the Orange County dining scene, bambú Restaurant -offering fresh California cuisine paired with a bold combination of flavors that celebrate the very best of seasonal and local foods that Southern California has to offer.  For more information or for reservations, please call 1.949-476-2001 or 1.800-441-1414 or visit www.fairmont.com/newportbeach.         

A leader in the global hospitality industry, Fairmont Hotels & Resorts is an extraordinary collection of luxury hotels, which includes iconic landmarks like Fairmont Le Château Frontenac in Québec City, Fairmont The Norfolk, Nairobi and London's The Savoy, reopening in 2009. Fairmont hotels are one-of-a-kind properties where sophisticated travelers can discover culturally rich experiences that are authentic to the destination. Situated in some of the most exclusive and pristine areas in the world, Fairmont is committed to responsible tourism and is an industry leader in sustainable hotel management with its award-winning Green Partnership program. Fairmont's portfolio includes 56 distinctive hotels, with plans to develop over 25 new properties in the coming years in destinations as diverse as Shanghai, Morocco and Anguilla.

Fairmont is owned by Fairmont Raffles Hotels International, a leading global hotel company with 91 hotels worldwide under the Raffles, Fairmont and Swissôtel brands. The company also manages Fairmont and Raffles branded Residences, Estates and luxury private residence club properties.  For more information or reservations, please call 1-800-441-1414 or visit www.fairmont.com

Summer Events in Newport Beach

Southern California's enchanting coastal community of Newport Beach livens in the summertime - where outside the sun is smiling and a multitude of entertainment ideas await you. Enjoy music under the stars, island traditions and a fireworks display you'll never forget.

Follow the simple and easy tips provided by the Newport Beach Conference & Visitors Bureau (NBCVB) and get ready to have a wonderful time! Also, check out our Vacation Specials for other great deals to make this summer a magical one!

Balboa Island Parade (June 1, 2008) – One of California's most charming seaside towns, Balboa Island in Newport Beach, draws more than 5,000 residents, merchants and community neighbors during its annual parade down Marine Avenue. Thousands of spectators come together to watch star-spangled floats, festooned tricycles, live marching bands, antique cars full of dignitaries, fire trucks, decked-out golf carts, be-dazzled dogs and more! Shop in the quaint shops and unique boutiques in the morning, and then find a spot to watch the spirited procession come to life! www.Balboa-Island.net

NBCVB Tip: Get there early for easy parking and front row seating. The bridge closes at 10:45 am and re-opens after the parade. Metered parking can be found on Bay Ave. You can also park on Balboa Peninsula and take the auto ferry across to Balboa Island. Make sure to pack your chair and blankets too!

Newport Beach Jazz Series (June 6 – October 3, 2008) – The smooth sounds of jazz return to the Hyatt Regency Newport Beach each summer during the four-month Newport Beach Jazz Series, hosted by The Wave 94.7. In addition to popular tunes by such jazz greats as Bobby Caldwell and Candy Dulfer, attendees enjoy a selection of food and wine amidst an unforgettable setting. In 2005, the festival was expanded to 20 concerts, held on consecutive Friday nights June through October, including a special Fourth of July concert with fireworks over Newport's Back Bay. www.summerjazzseries.com

NBCVB Tip: For the ultimate experience purchase a dinner and concert ticket together. Not only will you get enjoy an exceptional meal, the seat selections are closer to the stage!

Fourth of July Celebration (July 4, 2008) – Spend a memorable Fourth of July along the water and under the stars at The Newport Dunes Waterfront Resort and Marina, host of Orange County's most spectacular seaside fireworks display for 50 years. Festivities start in the early afternoon with a barbecue, carnival games, crafts, face painting, music and more, followed by an evening filled with "rockets' red glare and bombs bursting in air." For more information, call Newport Dunes at (800) 765-7661 or visit www.NewportDunes.com

NBCVB Tip: Arrive early to ensure a spot for the fireworks display and enjoy the Newport Dunes beach and bay access for the day. Reserve your RV space early as space is limited. Don't forget the sunscreen, swimsuits, and towels.

Music on the Island (July 16 - August 20) – Under the sun, moon and stars, enjoy Fashion Island's music series every Wednesday evening beginning at 7:30 p.m. in Bloomingdale's Courtyard. Each week of entertainment is sure to provide enjoyable music in a beautiful outdoor setting. Concerts are complimentary and seating is available on a first come first served basis. Preferred seating is available for $20 and may be purchased through Guest Services in mid-June. For more information, please contact Guest Services at (949) 721-2000.

NBCVB Tip: Purchase a preferred seating ticket which guarantees a seat and access to the wine bar. Alcohol is only permitted in the preferred seating section. Or arrive early for complimentary seating available on a first come first served basis.

HOLLYWOOD HEADS SOUTH FOR THE...
2008 NEWPORT BEACH FILM FESTIVAL

From April 24 - May 1, Hollywood heads south as Newport Beach rolls out the red carpet for the 2008 Newport Beach Film Festival. 

During its eight-day run, the NBFF will host World, North American and US premieres, a Family Film Series, an Action Sports Film Series and Asian, Australian, Latino, French, German, Swedish, Italian and Irish Spotlights Events.  

Special presentations include an evening with Richard Sherman, a John Wayne Tribute and rarely seen Disney Animation presented by Roy E. Disney. The Festival will also host a free filmmaking seminar series and a cinematographer's symposium.

View the schedule of films for a list of all times and showings.    

Tickets for the Festival are on sale now at:  www.NewportBeachFilmFest.com. 

Launched in 1999, the Newport Beach Film Festival is one of the leading lifestyle film festivals in the United States.   Presenting over 450 films from 37 countries, the Newport Beach Film Festival has featured many acclaimed films, including the U.S. premiere of 2006 Academy Award^® Best Picture Crash, and the west coast premieres of The Illusionist, Son of Rambow, Mad Hot Ballroom and Layer Cake, Dust to Glory, Riding Giants, Sexy Beast, Spellbound, and Dogtown and Z Boys. 

The 99th Annual Christmas Boast Parade

If there was ever an aquatic equivalent to the spectacle of the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade or the Pasadena Tournament of Roses, it must be the annual Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade, which sets sail into its 99th holiday season on Wednesday, December 12 through Sunday, December 16 at 6:30pm each evening in Newport Harbor. With the theme of 'Twas the Lights Before Christmas,' the visually stunning parade is expected to again attract an audience of over one million spectators over the five consecutive evenings.

Garnering national attention in The New York Times (who called it "One of the top holiday happenings in the nation") and on the CBS Morning Show, among other media outlets, the parade has been a uniquely southern California holiday tradition for nearly a century and is the oldest holiday boat parade in the United States. Produced by the Commodores Club of Newport Beach and the Newport Beach Chamber of Commerce, and presented by Simple Green (plus additional sponsors Fidelity Investments and Traditional Jewelers) the parade features a dazzling armada of over 100 festively lit and decorated boats – ranging from small skiffs, kayaks, canoes and power boats to enormous multimillion dollar yachts.

Many of the boats are richly adorned with animated holiday scenes accompanied by seasonal music and costumed carolers. Some boat owners in the past have spent over $50,000 to decorate their vessels for the yearly event. The colorful, twinkling parade winds its way nearly 14 miles around the harbor to give viewers in restaurants, yacht clubs, on public beaches, and in private homes an incredible sight – one that has delighted generations since 1908.

Acting as the backdrop for the parade is the annual "Ring of Lights" contest, hosted by the Commodores Club. Beautifully and impressively decorated bayside estates and businesses surrounding the harbor go "all out" with their own festive holiday displays, featuring everything from elaborate roof-top animated scenes to fanciful dancing Christmas trees. With its judged categories and prizes, the "Ring of Lights" competition has brought out playful rivalries among harbor-side residents and, from a local perspective, is almost as celebrated as the parade itself.

Dinner reservations during the parde are now available at the following harborside restaurants: First Cabin at the Balboa Bay Club & Resort, Rusty Pelican and Villa Nova.

For a video preview of the parade, go to this website.

http://www.visitnewportbeach.com/christmas-boat-parade-2007.aspx

As seen on MTV's Newport Harbor

Episode 1    "Crush Interrupted"

Balboa Island -Tennis between Chrissy & Sasha

Balboa Ferry - Chrissy

Mikado Restaurant - Dinner with the whole gang (not in Newport Beach)

The Wedge - Surfing for Clay & Grant

Palm Springs

Balboa Island – Clay's House

Episode 2    "Pretty in Pink"

Big Corona/Wedge – surf spot for Clay & Grant

Dad's Original Frozen Bananas – Chrissy and girls get ice cream

Sejour – Allie's family restaurant; location of Allie's "Pretty in Pink" party

Haute Cakes – Allie and Sasha take a coffee break

Streets Beach – Chase and Taylor hang out at the beach (It looked like a pier, I guessed Newport Pier or it is at Big Corona)

Episode 3     "The Thrill of the Chase"

Little or Big Corona, overlooking the end of the peninsula -Taylor and Chase break up on the beach

Cannery Seafood Restaurant - Taylor & Grant go on a not date, but dinner date

Duffy Boat on the Harbor - (I think that Grant owns it, but it was used to get to Taylor's house)

Main Street Surf Shop - Chase & Samantha

Etc, etc, etc - shop on Balboa Island, Taylor & Chrissy