We (family and 4 children age 16-22) stayed for a week last year at the Newport Beach Marriott. I found it a great location. Decent conceirge lounge. Nightlife and restaurants down the road in Laguna are pretty good with a 10-15 minute drive. I prefer Laguna Beach which is a great little beach town. Nightlife and restuarants down at Newport beach are limited but decent.The beachs from either location are 5-10 minutes or less (the Newport coast villas are across PCH from the beach).

Newport Beach Marriott is also next to the Newport coast shopping center, which has many options. I also second the golf at Pelican Hills, one a my favorites, and a course which you will rarely see other golfers as most of the holes are not parrallel.