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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Mark B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Very cozy and clean

First time staying at a home instead of a hotel. We were very happy
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2020

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

Tracy C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great place on Balboa Island!

My 3 kids and I stayed for 3 nights. The owner's are very helpful and friendly. There are bikes, boogie boards, beach toys, beach towels, etc. to use - and made our stay easy. It is a classic Balboa Island cottage - which I find charming. They have thought of everything to make the stay easy! There is a great outdoor patio for cocktail hour.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2020

10/10 Excellent

Nancy B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location

Great location

This a wonderful place to stay while visiting Balboa Island. We loved the convenient location to the ferry and Marine street. Great to have use of beach chairs and bicycles. This is a 1 bathroom space with access from the 2 bedrooms. Not a big deal for us, but for clarity of the listing. The street was quiet and we enjoyed the patio in the mornings and evenings Would definitely stay here again
Stayed 3 nights in May 2022

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

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

8/10 Good

Leah R.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Nice little rental

The downstairs apartment was cute and perfect for a 3 night getaway with my sister. My bed a very comfortable, the dining table provided a place to set up a computer to work, the kitchen was well stocked but tiny, a dishwasher would have been nice to ensure that the dishes were actually thoroughly cleaned between renters. Our favorite area was the outside patio where we enjoyed morning breakfast and evening cocktails. The owners, who live upstairs, were very nice and friendly. The house is located steps from the bay and it was a quiet street. It should be noted that there is a rather large step down into the small shower which would make this difficult if not impossible for someone with mobility or balance problems.
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2022

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

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

10/10 Excellent

Joy E.

Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2025

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)