Entire home

Balboa Island-Ruby Relaxation

Photo gallery for Balboa Island-Ruby Relaxation

Dining
Terrace/patio
Living area
Living area
Living area

Reviews

9.8 out of 10
Exceptional
2 bedroomsSleeps 467.4 sq m

Popular amenities

  • Parking available
  • Dryer
  • Washer
  • Fireplace
  • Outdoor space
  • Kitchen

Explore the area

Map
Newport Beach, CA
  • Fashion Island
    ‪3 min drive‬
  • Balboa Pier
    ‪5 min drive‬
  • Newport Pier
    ‪8 min drive‬
  • Orange County, CA (SNA-John Wayne)
    ‪23 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

2 bedrooms (sleeps 4)

Bedroom 2

2 Single Beds

Living Room 1

1 Double Sofa Bed

Master

1 Queen Bed and 1 Crib

Bathroom 2

Soap · Towels provided · Toilet · Shower only · Shampoo · Hair dryer

Main Bathroom

Soap · Towels provided · Toilet · Shampoo · Hair dryer

Spaces

Deck or patio
Kitchen
Kitchenette
Dining Area

About this property

Balboa Island-Ruby Relaxation

Two bedroom downstairs unit five houses from the beach on Balboa Island. Five minute walk to the Balboa Ferry to access the famous Balboa Fun Zone. Cruiser bicycles and beach toys (boogie boards, surf boards, beach chairs, umbrellas) on site. Perfect place to relax on a peaceful, quiet street.

Property manager

Andrew Smakula

Languages

Chinese (Mandarin), Japanese

Add dates for prices

Amenities

Kitchen
Washer
Dryer
Outdoor space
Parking available
Fireplace

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House Rules

Check in after 3:00 PM
Check out before 11:00 AM
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Children

Children allowed: ages 0–17
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Events

No events allowed
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Pets

No pets allowed
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Smoking

Smoking is not permitted
No use of washer/dryer between 10pm-8am

Important information

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Host has indicated that there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher
Property Registration Number SLP13236

We should mention

A car is not required for transport to and from this property

About the area

Newport Beach

Located near the beach, this holiday home is in Balboa Island, a neighbourhood in Newport Beach. Fashion Island and Irvine Spectrum Center are worth checking out if shopping is on the agenda, while those wishing to experience the area's natural beauty can explore Crystal Cove State Park and Orange County Great Park. Newport Harbor Nautical Museum and Balboa Fun Zone are also worth visiting. Looking to get your feet wet? Jet skiing, snorkelling and surfing/body boarding adventures can be found near the property.
Map
Newport Beach, CA

What's nearby

  • Fashion Island - 3 min drive - 3.0 km
  • Balboa Pier - 5 min drive - 1.2 km
  • Newport Pier - 8 min drive - 7.3 km
  • Corona del Mar State Beach - 10 min drive - 4.3 km
  • Balboa Beach - 11 min drive - 1.5 km

Getting around

  • Orange Station - 20 min drive
  • Orange County, CA (SNA-John Wayne) - 23 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Cabo Cantina - ‬5 min drive
  • ‪Sugar n Spice Original Frozen Banana - ‬10 min walk
  • ‪Newport Landing Restaurant - ‬5 min drive
  • ‪Harborside Restaurant & Grand Ballroom - ‬5 min drive
  • ‪Dad's Donut & Bakery Shop - ‬10 min walk

Frequently asked questions

Is Balboa Island-Ruby Relaxation pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

What time is check-in at Balboa Island-Ruby Relaxation?

Check-in begins at 3:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Balboa Island-Ruby Relaxation?

Checkout is at 11:00 AM.

Where is Balboa Island-Ruby Relaxation located?

Located in Balboa Island, this holiday home is within 1 mile (2 km) of Newport Harbor Nautical Museum, Balboa Fun Zone and Balboa Pavilion. Balboa Pier and Balboa Peninsula Beaches are also within 1 mile (2 km).

Reviews

9.8

Exceptional

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
Learn moreOpens in a new window
Rating 10 - Excellent. 43 out of 50 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 5 out of 50 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 2 out of 50 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 50 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 50 reviews

9.8/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

10/10

Location

9.6/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Joy E.

Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Jodie S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Family Friendly
We had such a wonderful stay at this very family friendly condo, our kids loved the single beds and the host spared no expense on all the details! This house had EVERYTHING thought out so well and the kitchen is STOCKED!! The hosts that live right up stairs in this two unit building, even left a fresh bag of coffee and filters for us! We would definitely book again if we are in the area!! 💜
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2024

10/10 Excellent

Sally R.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Very charming and great location
We really enjoyed this lovely gem. The hosts were very generous in making sure we had everything we needed from beach chairs to beach cruisers. The ferry is very close and it’s also a short walk to Marine Ave. where all the shops and restaurants are. We hope to return here every time we visit OC.
Stayed 7 nights in Nov 2024

10/10 Excellent

Louisa

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Cute place, Best location
We loved our stay. Maybe slightly overpriced given the overall state of the aging property but the location is a win.
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2024

8/10 Good

Pauline L.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Cute apartment in great location!
We enjoyed our stay at this property. It is a cute apartment in a great location on Balboa Island, a few blocks from the quaint downtown and a couple of blocks from the ferry and steps from the water. The owners live upstairs and are helpful should you have any issues or questions. Parking was easy on the street. We used the bikes, and they worked well. The bathroom and kitchen are a bit retro and bathroom is on the smaller side, but it was totally fine for us. The only real negative for me was that on Thursday and Friday at 7 or 8 am, I was woken by planes flying overhead (as I think John Wayne Airport is nearby). My husband wasn't bothered at all. I am a light sleeper and he isn't. It didn't happen on Saturday morning thankfully. Just something to consider if you are a super light sleeper and noise freak like me. All in all, I really enjoyed our time at this property.
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2023

6/10 Okay

Dane S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Inexpensive Balboa island Accommodations
While we always enjoy our visits to Balboa, our overriding impression for this property was that it’s excellent location deserves better maintenance and more thoughtful furnishings and decor.
Stayed 5 nights in Nov 2023

10/10 Excellent

Erik K., Mapleton

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Great place, perfect location.
It was everything we expected and more. The check-in was very easy. The location was amazing. It’s definitely a quiet place to be at night. We walked and rode their bikes around the island a few times, and loved it! Riding the car/passenger ferry to the beaches was easy and cheap, a must do! I would definitely stay there again.
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2023

10/10 Excellent

Margaret S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Great
Hosts were very friendly and welcoming. Perfect location
Stayed 7 nights in Oct 2023

10/10 Excellent

Janel R.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Lovely little oasis
We’ve stayed at the Ruby house two summers in a row, and we hope to be back. It’s the perfect size and location for our annual trip to Balboa. Patricia and Andrew are attentive without being intrusive. Highly recommend this property!
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2023

10/10 Excellent

Chelsea H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Great stay on Ruby!
We had a wonderful 10 day stay at this perfect, clean home on Ruby. Excellent location. Patricia was a wonderful host and very accommodating.
Stayed 9 nights in Jul 2023

8/10 Good

Andrea M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Balboa getaway
The location and value of the cottage were great! We had some trouble with the plumbing. And the stovetop was hard to get started. I also would recommend another comforter in the master. The duvet cover got all mixed up. Other than those minor problems, we would highly recommend!
Stayed 6 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

Kate B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Wonderful stay
We had a wonderful time. Great accommodations. Helpful hosts. Beautiful balboa.
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2023

8/10 Good

Lisa R., Henderson

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Balboa Island Stay
We enjoyed our stay, GREAT location. Our only thought is that it could have been cleaner.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2023

10/10 Excellent

caren c.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Wonderful stay!
Perfect location and very cute , well appointed cottage . Nice outdoor area. Andy was very welcoming and friendly. I would definitely stay here again.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2023

10/10 Excellent

Victoria P., Niantic, Ct

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
A gem in Balboa
Perfect ! The cottage was cozy and has everything you’ll need. We enjoyed walking into town and along the marina. Quiet neighborhood with beautiful gardens. Thank you for sharing Ruby with us !
Stayed 4 nights in May 2023

10/10 Excellent

Deann C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Relaxing, comfortable, great location!
We loved our stay here on Balboa Island! The place was comfortable and relaxing and so conveniently located. We bicycled and walked everywhere. A perfect little getaway!
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2023

10/10 Excellent

george m.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
just perfect!
terrific location - close to bay beaches & balboa island ferry... most excellent and kind hosts!!!! just what we needed/wanted for a get away - will joyfully book again in the future
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2023

10/10 Excellent

Gary W.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Loved the Island
We had a lovely stay at the property. Would highly recommend. The island is small, so you can walk anywhere, and we would recommend walking into town via the path close to the water.
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2023

10/10 Excellent

paula b.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Ruby relaxation
Great location on the island with a nice outdoor patio too! It was perfect for my husband and me. Although the 2nd bathroom is not inside the house,(just down the walkway) it wasn't an issue for us at all. Loved that they had beach bikes for us and that we could use them anytime! Patricia and Andrew were very thoughtful hosts and very easy to work with!
Stayed 5 nights in Mar 2023

6/10 Okay

Frances C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location
Disliked: Listing accuracy
Upgrade needed
We were disappointed to find the second bathroom was outside. My friend and I were expecting to have our own bathrooms. The living area and general decor were attractive but the kitchen needed updating for example no vent or functioning light above the cooker. The double bedroom was cramped. The owner is planning an upgrade which would be great since the location of the property is perfect.
Stayed 7 nights in Jan 2023

10/10 Excellent

Cameron H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Loved the syat
Professional, relaxing and consistent with as advertised
Stayed 5 nights in Jan 2023

10/10 Excellent

Craig F.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Balboa Cottage!
We visited Balboa in 1974 on our first date! Finally we got back and stayed the week. Hosts were awesome with a Welcome Basket and Bon Voyage gift bag. All we could need and more was provided. It was particularly nice that unscented bedding towels and laundry soap was provided!
Stayed 5 nights in Nov 2022

10/10 Excellent

Christina R.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Beautiful stay in beautiful area
We loved staying at the cozy Ruby house. It was perfect after arriving from a long flight from Europe, we could easily adapt to the new surroundings. The beaches are close by, the little ferry was a daily highlight for our toddler and little balboa downtown is always cute for a visit
Stayed 6 nights in Nov 2022

10/10 Excellent

Leslie V.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Nice Location
Definitely an original Beach House. We had everything we needed. Even fans for the first muggy night. A very quiet neighborhood! Having bikes to use was a plus. Ability to easily do laundry helpful.
Stayed 7 nights in Sep 2022

10/10 Excellent

Fran C., Eureka Springs, Arkansas

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Perfect Location
We enjoyed our stay at Ruby Relaxation very much. The short stroll to the ferry was great as it gave us easy access to the peninsula restaurants and activities. A stroll in the other direction took us to downtown shops and restaurants. The patio is a wonderful place to relax and we loved sitting on the bayside bench in the evening. You will find you need here and Trisha and Andy were wonderful hosts.
Stayed 8 nights in Aug 2022

About the host

Hosted by Andrew Smakula

Host profile image
We are worldwide travellers, lived in Asia (Tokyo, Hong Kong, Shanghai) for 20 years. Patricia speaks fluent Japanese, conversational Mandarin. We love sharing our home and meeting new people.

Languages:

Japanese, Chinese (Mandarin)