Four Seasons to be Island Hotel

The Four Seasons Hotel Newport Beach will be known as the Island

Hotel Newport Beach after the Irvine Co. takes over management of the

luxury establishment.

Irvine Co. spokeswoman Jennifer Hieger said the new name will take

effect Nov. 1. The Irvine Co. announced plans to assume management of

the Newport Center hotel in August.

Irvine Co. officials have said that the Newport Beach-based

company will also manage the planned Pelican Hill at Newport Coast

resort, which is expected to open in 2008. The Irvine Co. also owns

the Hyatt Regency Irvine, and Hieger said the firm has no plans to

assume management of that hotel from Hyatt Hotels and Resorts.

The Irvine Co.’s movement into the hotel business follows recent

decisions for the real estate company to take direct control of its

properties. Last year, the Irvine Co. took over direct management of

Fashion Island. Hieger said the firm also manages its office and

apartment developments, as well as Irvine Co. golf courses and

marinas.

The new name, Hieger said was chosen to reflect the hotel’s

proximity to Fashion Island and because the high-rise hotel overlooks

Balboa, Lido and Newport islands. She said the concept of an island

was also important.

“The island really conveys the idea of a self-sustained private

retreat,” she said.

The Irvine Co. plans to promote the hotel to business and leisure

travelers, Hieger said. The company also plans to market amenities,

such as the hotel’s restaurant and meeting space, to locals.

* ANDREW EDWARDS covers business and the environment. He can be

reached at (714) 966-4624 or by e-mail at

[email protected].