There doesn't appear to be an appropriate thread for the Newport Beach properties (which now include the Renaissance Duke, formerly Fairmont). So here goes.

Just spent a night at the Marriott Bayview, which I had not visited in some time. The location is convenient to SNA/John Wayne and also central to most of Newport, Irvine, Costa Mesa, and Santa Ana. It's in a quiet area of business parks and residential; you really need a car here.

The rooms are all called suites, though they would probably more accurately be called junior suites. There's a sitting area with sofa, and glass paned doors which separate the bed. I was "upgraded" to a bay view room with a partial view of the back bay and a full view of Jamboree, which is extremely busy. Traffic noise was substantial (though it did not interfere with my sleep).

I think the key in terms of room selection is to score one of the rooms at the far west end of the building (30s and 40s) as those will have both the best view of the back bay out to the ocean and no noise from Jamboree or Bristol.

Room and bed were comfortable. Furnishings were in decent shape. Water pressure in shower was weak, likely due to flow restrictor.

To me the best feature of this hotel is its easy access to the trails on the back bay. This is really excellent running.

My AAA rate included parking (normally $28) and a full breakfast (and was still $1 cheaper than the cheapest MR Member rate). The buffet was mediocre. I was told that the Gold/Plat breakfast benefit would have included only the continental. Those options were poor. The breads and pastries were supermarket quality (i.e., not at all appealing).

Service was very friendly and accommodating. I was pre-emptively offered a 4 pm check-out on arrival. I would stay here again, though I would want to be sure I got one of the rooms on the west side of the building.