The Observatory Tours and Activities

Welcoming and friendly! From the moment we entered Balboa Bay Resort we were treated with warm greetings, and all the staff were friendly and helpful. Our room was very bright and very clean. We would recommend this resort!

The Surf and Sand: Stunning Location, Disappointing Service The Surf and Sand's oceanfront location is genuinely spectacular—the kind of view that justifies five-star pricing. Unfortunately, the service quality falls far short of the property's premium positioning. Dining Issues: Our concierge recommended Splashes despite acknowledging recent reconstruction concerns, claiming they'd received no complaints. The reality was a severely limited menu with overpriced, overly rich dishes that didn't justify the cost. When we expressed concerns, no alternative dining options were suggested. Cancelled Services: Multiple advertised amenities failed to materialize. Morning yoga and other scheduled activities were cancelled without advance notice. Most frustratingly, a spa facial appointment booked a month in advance was cancelled when the aesthetician simply didn't show up. Billing Problems: Despite prepaying for our room, the hotel placed a $1,300 hold on our card for "incidentals"—an unusually high amount for a one-night stay. Additionally, the spa charged $148 for the cancelled facial service, and spa staff couldn't locate any record of the charge when we inquired. Bottom Line: While the oceanfront setting is undeniably beautiful, the property's operational issues—from unreliable service to questionable billing practices—don't support its five-star reputation. The location alone isn't enough to justify the premium pricing when basic hospitality standards aren't met.