118 Emerald B | Awesome Rear Home on Balboa Island
Summary:
This quaint back unit is just a quick walk away from the waterfront.
The Space:
118 Emerald B is professionally managed by Newport Beach Vacation Properties. This quaint Balboa Island 3 bedroom, 2 bathroom value back unit is just a quick walk away from the waterfront and is a perfect place for your next family vacation.
This rear vacation home is made up of an upstairs with 2 bedrooms, living area, a full kitchen and bathroom and a lower ground floor studio with the 3rd bedroom and bathroom. The home has an open concept living space upstairs, with a large dining table, a family room that includes a flat screen Smart TV and the entire home has Wi-Fi. The living room couch includes a queen pull-out bed in the lower unit. A galley-style kitchen includes a refrigerator, microwave, gas range, a traditional coffee maker, as well as a Keurig and everything you will need for cooking your meals.
The master bedroom includes a queen bed, ample closet space and natural light. The second bedroom is outfitted with a triple twin bunk bed, additional closet space, and is perfect for families. Each room has ceiling fans, and windows can be opened to take advantage of the regular sea breeze on cooler days and at night. The downstairs studio is the 3rd bedroom with a king bed, en-suite bathroom, living area and a secluded outdoor patio with seating and a grill. Perfect for extended family.
There is a 1 car garage behind the ground level studio unit, as well as a washer and dryer.
This cottage is close to the Balboa Ferry that can take you across the bay to the Fun Zone or the many pristine beaches along the Newport Peninsula. You can also walk down the path along the island beaches to Marine Avenue to grab a bite to eat or check out the local shops.
*Please note that this listing has 2 separate units and entry ways in the back of the property. They do not connect from the inside. Please ask questions if you are confused by the lay out.
STLP: 12691
Guest Access:
The entire back unit, the lower & upper unit, as well as the entire garage.
The Neighborhood:
On the Balboa Peninsula you can relax along the pristine beaches, go surfing nearby, check out the FUN ZONE, and grab a bite to eat at one of the many restaurants. The walkability of the property is excellent, and the premises is a close stroll away from the Marine Ave. shops and restaurants that make Balboa Island a worldwide vacation destination. Short Term Lodging Permit: 12691
Getting Around:
Explore the beach on the Balboa Peninsula via the ferry off Agate Ave. The Balboa Village and Balboa Pier are also a short ferry ride away. Rent a bike, jet ski, stand up paddle board, or kayak. Whale watching, and deep-sea fishing trips are running daily with many boats that leave the Balboa Pavilion during all times of the day
Other Things to Note:
*Please note, this an upstairs back unit with 2 bedrooms, 1 bathroom a full kitchen, living and dining area, as well as a lower studio downstairs with a queen bed, living area, bathroom and patio.
You must go outside and down the stairs to access studio down below. These are 2 separate units that are grouped together for this listing, the back 2 bedroom apartment and the back studio below. Please ask questions if your confused on the lay out.
Must be able to login into our Online Guest Portal and provide us and working email and phone number for during your stay.
Must be 26 or older to ...
Important information
You need to know
Property Registration Number SLP12691
Property # 9589399
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
This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios and terraces, which may not be suitable for children; if you have any concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm that they can accommodate you in a suitable room
About the area
Newport Beach
Located in Balboa Island, a neighbourhood in Newport Beach, this holiday home is near theme parks and near the beach. Fashion Island and South Coast Plaza 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 Huntington Beach Beaches. Orange County Fair and Events Center and Newport Harbor Nautical Museum are also worth visiting. Discover the area's water adventures with nearby fishing, or enjoy the great outdoors with cycling.
Newport Harbor Nautical Museum - 7 min walk - 0.6 km
Balboa Peninsula Beaches - 8 min walk - 0.7 km
Balboa Pier - 10 min walk - 0.9 km
Balboa Beach - 10 min walk - 0.9 km
Getting around
Laguna Niguel Station - 21 min drive
Orange County, CA (SNA-John Wayne) - 27 min drive
Restaurants
Harborside Restaurant & Grand - 5 min drive
The Galley Cafe - 5 min drive
Todos Santos | Kitchen De Mexico - 3 min walk
Cruisers Pizza Bar Grill - 5 min drive
Cabo Cantina - 5 min drive
Frequently asked questions
Is 118 Emerald B | Awesome Rear Home on Balboa Island pet-friendly?
No, pets are not allowed at this property.
What time is check-in at 118 Emerald B | Awesome Rear Home on Balboa Island?
Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.
What time is check-out at 118 Emerald B | Awesome Rear Home on Balboa Island?
Checkout is at 10:00 AM.
Where is 118 Emerald B | Awesome Rear Home on Balboa Island located?
Located in Balboa Island, this holiday home is within 1 mile (2 km) of Newport Harbor Nautical Museum, Balboa Fun Zone and Balboa Peninsula Beaches. Balboa Pier and Balboa Beach are also within 1 mile (2 km).
Reviews
8.8
Excellent
Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
Responsive host and fun location right by the boat dock
Mariah R.
Stayed 6 nights in Feb 2026
Response from VrboOwner on 26 February 2026
Thank you for the review, Mariah! We're glad you enjoyed your stay and the wonderful location. We hope to host you again on your next trip to Newport Beach!
Despite being greeted by cockroaches the place overall was very pleasant. Nice view of the marina and friendly host. Parking is a challenge but we managed. I would stay here again.
C L.
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2024
Response from VrboOwner on 9 July 2024
Chris, we do apologize for the cockroach issue, as sometimes on these harbor surrounded properties the occasional bug will appear. We appreciate your understanding! We hope you come again!
Great property location and had everything that we needed. The upstairs unit gets great sunlight. Very close to the ferry to Newport Beach. Thanks for letting us stay!
Nick S.
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2024
Response from VrboOwner on 21 August 2024
Thank you for the review Nicholas! We are thrilled to hear you enjoyed your stay and we hope to host you again!
It was great everyone had a wonderful week!! We will book again soon!
Thomas T.
Stayed 7 nights in May 2023
From a partner site
10/10 Excellent
Connellan C.
22 September 2021
Lovely Spot
Rating Details:
The property manager was very helpful.
The vacation rental was spotless.
I was very happy with the location.
I was very satisfied with the condition of the vacation rental.
Overall, I recommend this vacation rental.
Reviewer Comments:
Tastefully decorated and very comfortable in a quiet island location - near ferry.
Connellan C.
Response from VrboOwner on 10 May 2022
Hi Kathleen, It's wonderful to hear that you enjoyed your stay on Balboa Island. Thanks! - NBVP Team
Verified
6/10 Okay
Stacey W.
4 January 2026
Liked: Communication, location
Disliked: Listing accuracy
Like some of the ratings, the location and the property management are great, however the place is not that nice. When we first arrive, the studio unit would not open. We called the management company and they did what they could. Eventually after 2 hours, the handyman arrived and had to pick the lock leading to the garage. We were not able to lock the main door and kept the unit unlocked.The place was disappointing to say the least. The lighting was poor in both units, but especially the studio. The bathrooms were cramped. We showered in the dark and brushed our teeth in the kitchenette sink. The heater did not work so we had a small space heater that was not warm. The cabinets in all units needed to be fixed. Needlessly to say, we did not have best accommodations. I would suggest staying at a different place.
It's important to remember that there are 2 separate living areas that require outside stairs to join the bigger area. Upstairs is where the full house with a bunk bed for 3 small kids and a second bedroom with a queen size bed. The studio on the floor/garage level is quaint with a very small kitchen and tiny bathroom. Still if you are traveling with two separate families it's nice to have a separate (Studio) area to escape to. It was great to have a garage.
We came for our daughters wedding with 4 children under 5 and 6 adults. The space fit us all perfect and was in an ideal location for us. The bathrooms need a little update and the shower upstairs needed the doors to be fixed, but other than that, it was a great place for a great price!
Emilee L.
Stayed 8 nights in Apr 2024
Response from VrboOwner on 9 July 2024
Emilee, thank you for choosing us for such a special occasion! We are happy to hear you enjoyed your stay. We hope to host you again!
From a partner site
10/10 Excellent
Linda S.
17 November 2022
An amazing experience!
Rating Details:
The property manager was very helpful.
The vacation rental was spotless.
I was very happy with the location.
I was very satisfied with the condition of the vacation rental.
Overall, I recommend this vacation rental.
Reviewer Comments:
This property was as amazing as the photos look! The host provided regular and clear communication via text, email, and the Hospitality app. The beds were comfortable, all amenities were in good working order, the property was very clean and well maintained. This property fit our needs perfectly, our 5 day stay was far too short and we are looking so forward to returning soon.
Linda S.
Response from VrboOwner on 30 November 2022
Linda, We're glad you and your family enjoyed your stay and we look forward to having you back again soon. NBVP Team
From a partner site
4/10 Poor
Michael G.
1 January 2022
Balboa Island
Rating Details:
The property manager was more than helpful.
The vacation rental was very clean.
I was more than happy with the location.
I was somewhat dissatisfied with the condition of the vacation rental.
Overall, I do not recommend this vacation rental.
Reviewer Comments:
The layout of the property, two separate living areas that have no inside connection was a problem. Also, who doesn’t have a dishwasher in 2021? Great location but would never rent this property again. So cramped, we left a day early.
The location was amazing. Balboa Island is so cute! The house itself is nice enough. It’s great that it has a garage because parking gets tricky on the street on more popular dates. It has a small AC unit that keeps the kitchen area cool. You can’t use it if you open the windows, though so we found it was cooler to just leave the windows open. I was grateful for a washer and dryer. The house is pretty old. So certain areas like the bathroom really show its age. Some of the floor tiles are cracked. Or they don’t match. I realize the salty air is hard on paint and things like that, but it really could use some updating more than just a new coat of paint. I feel like some of the pictures online don’t really reflect its age and wear. The lower bathroom shower is super tiny. The towel situation is rough. You get a towel “ration”. And the extra towels you get come in like a plastic wrap roll. It reminded me of what they give inmates in movies when they get checked in to jail. And the towels aren’t soft and fluffy. They are thin and scratchy. We couldn’t find a hose bib which would have been useful especially since they don’t want sand in the house/shower. The igniter on the grill doesn’t work so my husband used the lighter in the kitchen drawer. At one point the lock battery died but the property manager was responsive and very helpful. All in all we had a nice stay!
Chandra K.
Stayed 5 nights in Jul 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 21 July 2025
Thank you for the review, Chandra! We appreciate your feedback. We are happy to hear that you enjoyed your stay and hope to host you again.
From a partner site
6/10 Okay
Kathryn G.
23 December 2022
Great location, less than perfect unit
Rating Details:
The property manager was adequately helpful.
The vacation rental was somewhat dirty.
I was very happy with the location.
I was somewhat dissatisfied with the condition of the vacation rental.
Overall, I do not recommend this vacation rental.
Reviewer Comments:
We were pretty underwhelmed with the quality of this unit. There was a cleaning fee essentially equal to one nights stay; however we arrived to find a unit not very clean. Virtually ever kitchen item was visibly dirty and needed to be cleaned before use. There was hair on the cabinets and counter of the bathroom. When we stripped the beds at the end of the stay (a rule we learned of after booking). The mattress covers were covered in hair and dirt. Disgusting. The sheets and towels also were not as described. They were described as hotel quality, but were low grade and scratchy. The towels had stains and shed. Also, we learned shortly before the stay that they provided only one bath towel per person. Not a deal breaker except that some of the towels were stained and thus unusable. The kitchen also was not well equipped and lacked basic tools like a can opener and a whisk. Although the location was excellent, we would not recommend based on the lack of cleanliness.
Kathryn G.
From a partner site
10/10 Excellent
Stephanie V.
29 April 2022
Perfect Spring Break!
Rating Details:
The property manager was very helpful.
The vacation rental was spotless.
I was very happy with the location.
I was very satisfied with the condition of the vacation rental.
Overall, I recommend this vacation rental.
Reviewer Comments:
I stayed at this perfect location with my daughter and her friends. I had the lower studio and the girls had the upper area. It was a cute, clean and a spacious property. Walking distance to all the best things to do on the island. Very close to the ferry. I would stay here again!
Stephanie V.
From a partner site
10/10 Excellent
Sue V.
20 February 2022
Just as advertised
Rating Details:
The property manager was very helpful.
The vacation rental was spotless.
I was very happy with the location.
I was more than satisfied with the condition of the vacation rental.
Overall, I recommend this vacation rental.
Reviewer Comments:
Worked perfect for our needs. Would stay there again.
Sue V.
Response from VrboOwner on 14 May 2022
Hi John, We're so happy you enjoyed your trip and your rental. Thanks! - NBVP Team
About the host
Hosted by Newport Beach Vacation Properties
Languages:
English
Premier Host
They consistently provide great experiences for their guests