Marriott Plans Time Shares on Newport Coast

Marriott International Inc. announced plans Tuesday for a luxury time-share resort in the hills between Newport Beach and Laguna Beach that will include at least 500 ocean-view apartments, five swimming pools (one indoors), eight outdoor spas and a tennis center.

Marriott Vacation Club International, which already has time-share resorts in 17 locations, including Palm Desert, said it will begin construction and sales late this year. The first of the two-bedroom villas are to be completed by spring of 2000.

Real estate sources previously had reported Marriott’s decision to build time shares at the prime coastal site adjacent to Pelican Hills Golf Club, with sweeping views of Santa Catalina Island.

The 76-acre site, part of the Irvine Co.’s mainly residential Newport Coast property, will be built in the Italian hill village style that Irvine Co. has ordained for the development there.

Marriott bought the site from Walt Disney Co., which purchased it in 1993 with the intention of developing its own time shares, then changed its mind.

Financial details weren’t disclosed.

Marriott said the apartments will be equipped with whirlpool baths, washers and dryers and private balconies, and the resort will also feature a health spa and upscale restaurant.

Like other time-share companies, Marriott allows users to trade and rent out time at its various locations. Steve Weisz, president of Marriott Vacation Club, said owners and renters of time shares have consistently asked for a location on the California coast.