If you consider yourself a hipster or like to check what the cool kids are doing, you’ll love Hotel Irvine. Heck, even if you aren’t cool you’ll like staying at this So Cal hotel. What makes it hip? The Irvine California-based hotel is independently owned and that’s reflected in its decor and personality. From the living wall in the lobby to the cool giant lampshades over the heatlamps on the patio to Red Bar and Eats Kitchen, this is the place to relax and recharge or rev up! Whatever suits your mood. Because this hotel is all about creating a mood – they have the concept nailed nicely.
Check in was easy and welcoming. It didn’t hurt that I got upgraded to the hotel’s club level for my balcony king room. Don’t fret if you didn’t book a room on the 12th floor. Any of the 536 rooms in the hotel can have access to Club 12 if you fork over $35 (check the website for current pricing.) That’s a screaming deal when you consider that it includes a private lounge (take in the view at sunset), breakfast and coffee in an exclusive setting, evening libations from 5-8 p.m., lightening fast wifi for quick downloads, magazine, newspapers and books (you remember what those are, don’t you?) computer station with printer – for those of us who work on vacation – an outdoor terrace when you want to impress that special someone and concierge service.
If you are budget-minded like me, you’ll really appreciate all the extra amenities included with your stay. You’ll get free breakfast, complimentary wifi in-room, at the pool or the restaurant, transportation to and from Orange County/John Wayne Airport, a multilingual staff, family friendly connecting rooms & in-room fridge. Does life get any easier when you’re traveling? Well, yes, it does if you are traveling with your dog. Hotel Irvine is pet-friendly. The hotel charged $50 per day on my visit; you’ll want to confirm the price.
Rooms include double, kings, kings with balcony, corner king with a view & two double beds with balcony. Rates range from $159 to $250. My king balcony room #1212 rented for $239 during my stay.
Need to know:
In addition to all the freebies that I mentioned, the hotel offers a swimming pool, basketball court, fitness studio, exercise trails and bikes to borrow during your stay. The hotel is centrally located near Disneyland, shopping and the beach. Take time to explore the many things to do in Orange County.
I typically don’t mention restaurant chef names in hotel reviews because they often blow in and out like the Santa Ana winds. In this particular instance, I must give a shout out to Chef Jason Montelibano who oversees Eats Kitchen & Bar. His Filipino mother had an influence in his cooking style, yet his Southern California schooling is all about sustainability and creativity with an emphasis on market-fresh ingredients. I hope you get a chance to try Eats.
Check in: 3:00 p.m.
Check out: 12:00 p.m.
Insider Tip: Not only does EATS have awesome burgers, fresh fish and delish desserts, the Marketplace carries amazingly tasty snacks 24/7 AND they’ll deliver to your room! For additional insider tips follow luxury travel writer Nancy D. Brown on Twitter and Instagram @nancydbrown and follow @HotelIrvine for local tips and exclusive deals.
If You Go:
Hotel Irvine (866) 396-4201
17900 Jamboree Road
Irvine, California, 92614
Hotel Irvine review and photography by travel writer Nancy D. Brown. I was a guest of the Orange County Visitors Association will working on additional travel articles, however all opinions are my own.