Dec 22, 2015, 1:16 am
Last edit by: lcpteck
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Avenue of the Arts, Costa Mesa, CA - Tribute Portfolio [Master Thread]
Dec 22, 2015, 1:10 am
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: Los Angeles
Programs: SPG Titanium, Hyatt Globalist, AA Plat Pro, Delta Plat
Posts: 35
Avenue of the Arts, Costa Mesa, CA - Tribute Portfolio [Master Thread]
Anyone stay at this hotel after it joined SPG as a Tribute portfolio hotel? Any thoughts on this property and insight on how platinums are treated here would be appreciated. I'll be staying at this hotel later this week and will post my experience as well.
Dec 22, 2015, 1:18 am
#2
Join Date: May 2012
Location: SIN
Programs: JL GC | Marriott LT Silver | Global Entry | SQ Silver
Posts: 6,819
Celebrate our Grand Opening with this Suite Offer
Celebrate our Grand Opening with this Suite Offer
Avenue of the Arts Hotel in Costa Mesa is now a Starwood Hotel, now that is SUITE. Join us as we celebrate our grand opening and enjoy:
This deal wont last long so book today online or call 866-716-8139 and mention rate plan LRPKG1.
Avenue of the Arts Hotel in Costa Mesa is now a Starwood Hotel, now that is SUITE. Join us as we celebrate our grand opening and enjoy:
- Complimentary upgrade to a suite
- Drink voucher for 2 at check-in
- Complimentary valet parking for 1 car
This deal wont last long so book today online or call 866-716-8139 and mention rate plan LRPKG1.
Dec 22, 2015, 5:26 am
#4
Join Date: May 2012
Location: SIN
Programs: JL GC | Marriott LT Silver | Global Entry | SQ Silver
Posts: 6,819
Dec 22, 2015, 11:48 pm
#5
Original Poster
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: Los Angeles
Programs: SPG Titanium, Hyatt Globalist, AA Plat Pro, Delta Plat
Posts: 35
Excellent service, looking forward to the Spring 2016 refresh
This hotel is a new addition to the Tribute Collection. They have all the SPG signage up including SPG Gold / Platinum sign in. There is also signage around the hotel indicating that it will undergo a refresh to be introduced in Spring of 2016. Judging by the pictures, it will be a very nice welcome as the current room (as you see from the pictures on the website is very worn. The lobby area already looks in the motif of the upcoming refresh.
I'd say that surprised me here is the service. The staff is quite attentive compared with other 5-star Starwood hotels I've been to. I know this location is not even supposed to be "5-stars." The staff delivers service with a smile and try to go out of their way to make sure you are happy. Case in point, the hotel has a $22 parking charge and I asked if they could waive it given platinum status and I was only staying for one night.
At check-in, the usual platinum amentity options of 500 points or continental breakfast for 2 were offered. I chose points as I wanted to try out some breakfast options in the area.
I was not provided a complimentary platinum upgrade but I assume that's because I wanted 2 queen beds. The front desk receptionist had asked I definitely needed 2 beds.
Looking forward to the Spring 2016 re-fresh! So far so good for this property.
I'd say that surprised me here is the service. The staff is quite attentive compared with other 5-star Starwood hotels I've been to. I know this location is not even supposed to be "5-stars." The staff delivers service with a smile and try to go out of their way to make sure you are happy. Case in point, the hotel has a $22 parking charge and I asked if they could waive it given platinum status and I was only staying for one night.
At check-in, the usual platinum amentity options of 500 points or continental breakfast for 2 were offered. I chose points as I wanted to try out some breakfast options in the area.
I was not provided a complimentary platinum upgrade but I assume that's because I wanted 2 queen beds. The front desk receptionist had asked I definitely needed 2 beds.
Looking forward to the Spring 2016 re-fresh! So far so good for this property.
Dec 23, 2015, 7:05 am
#6
Join Date: Sep 2000
Location: LAX
Programs: UA 1K MM, AS MVPG, SPG PLAT 100
Posts: 1,497
What brand is the "Avenue of the Arts" hotel in Costa Mesa, CA?
I'm trying to hit the 9 brand/9000 point bonus and this place is next to South Coast Plaza and is up for Hot Escapes for only $103 so could be an easy stay to nab 9000 points at just over 1 cent per point (I'm at 8 brands). Doesn't appear to be a Tribute Portfolio or a Design Hotel --- maybe I'm missing something. Any clue what brand this is?
Dec 23, 2015, 9:16 am
#7
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Oct 2001
Location: check swarm
Programs: DL DM & 2MM, SPG/Bonvoid LT Titanium, Hyatt Globalist, $tarbucks Titanium
Posts: 14,403
Hidden Gem
I've had 2 stays here (one planned and one un-planned/last min)
Both times the hotel has really delivered on SPG and Ambassador preferences. They seem very excited to be part of SPG and are motivated to take business away from the Westin SCP (which despite it's remodel seems to be resting on its past).
Silver Trumpet at the Ave of Arts is a great restaurant and bar.
Decor is a bit 1990 colorful, but they showed me a prototype room for the remodel and it looks nicer than most Westins. Overall condition of the hotel is great, rooms have huge flat screen TV's and a digital phone systems. The remodel will be decor and bedding.
Both times the hotel has really delivered on SPG and Ambassador preferences. They seem very excited to be part of SPG and are motivated to take business away from the Westin SCP (which despite it's remodel seems to be resting on its past).
Silver Trumpet at the Ave of Arts is a great restaurant and bar.
Decor is a bit 1990 colorful, but they showed me a prototype room for the remodel and it looks nicer than most Westins. Overall condition of the hotel is great, rooms have huge flat screen TV's and a digital phone systems. The remodel will be decor and bedding.
Jan 26, 2016, 6:15 am
#8
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: JFK, DCA, BUR, YVR
Programs: AC, AS, BA, DL, HH (D), MR (T/LTP), UA (*S), UScAAre (PLT/1,87MM), WN
Posts: 5,207
Staying here now...
Lurkers, does anyone know whether this hotel is a Design Hotel or a Tribute Hotel? I'm presently staying here and it has the look, feel and smell of a hastily added Wyndham. Is Starwood/Marriott getting ready to hand it back to Wyndham with a note that says keep it? It wouldn't be the first time in my SPG travels that had happened *cough*Four Points SAV*cough*cough* 
Anyway, this hotel was advertised as a Design Hotel during that end of year game, but is advertised as a Wyndham everywhere else. Came to the property after a long day of travel on Southwest and needed something reasonably close to SNA (John Wayne Airport) before I continued on to LA. This property is about 3,5 miles away from the airport and offers comp shuttle service, but I rented a car.
I found the property annoying to get to in the dark with no obvious main entrance off the rotary. I arrived around 7 and was expecting to plunk down $26,- for a valet (self parking was not mentioned on the site). The valet was nowhere to be found, but the car park structure is quite apparent. Not a big price difference though at $22,-. Check-in was fast and friendly, but it becomes obvious that very little has changed since the addition.
I am not sure if I'm in a junior suite. It has a separate living area. I'm definitely on the ground floor. Couldn't care less. Perhaps the flat panels were upgraded, but were quite small. They look like 28 or 32-inchers. Channel numbering is weird. Apparently, the DVD player and mini-fridge are held under lock and key here (not that I needed to use either). Despite the tired furnishings, the room was clean (save for the spider in the shower) and the furnishings didn't look run down like every other property I've ever stayed in as an SPG member since 2005.
Randomly, there's a lake on the property, but I can't see if I'm facing it because it is dark as I post this. I guess I'd come back here if I was in the area again, but I'm not sure what makes this property so special or unique to warrant the Design (or Tribute) designation. I would suspect both brands are on the chopping block in a Marriott merger.
Anyway, this hotel was advertised as a Design Hotel during that end of year game, but is advertised as a Wyndham everywhere else. Came to the property after a long day of travel on Southwest and needed something reasonably close to SNA (John Wayne Airport) before I continued on to LA. This property is about 3,5 miles away from the airport and offers comp shuttle service, but I rented a car.
I found the property annoying to get to in the dark with no obvious main entrance off the rotary. I arrived around 7 and was expecting to plunk down $26,- for a valet (self parking was not mentioned on the site). The valet was nowhere to be found, but the car park structure is quite apparent. Not a big price difference though at $22,-. Check-in was fast and friendly, but it becomes obvious that very little has changed since the addition.
I am not sure if I'm in a junior suite. It has a separate living area. I'm definitely on the ground floor. Couldn't care less. Perhaps the flat panels were upgraded, but were quite small. They look like 28 or 32-inchers. Channel numbering is weird. Apparently, the DVD player and mini-fridge are held under lock and key here (not that I needed to use either). Despite the tired furnishings, the room was clean (save for the spider in the shower) and the furnishings didn't look run down like every other property I've ever stayed in as an SPG member since 2005.
Randomly, there's a lake on the property, but I can't see if I'm facing it because it is dark as I post this. I guess I'd come back here if I was in the area again, but I'm not sure what makes this property so special or unique to warrant the Design (or Tribute) designation. I would suspect both brands are on the chopping block in a Marriott merger.
Last edited by uxb; Jan 26, 2016 at 6:22 am
Jan 26, 2016, 6:41 am
#9
Company Representative - Starwood
Join Date: Aug 2011
Programs: SPG
Posts: 713
Lurkers, does anyone know whether this hotel is a Design Hotel or a Tribute Hotel? I'm presently staying here and it has the look, feel and smell of a hastily added Wyndham. Is Starwood/Marriott getting ready to hand it back to Wyndham with a note that says keep it? It wouldn't be the first time in my SPG travels that had happened *cough*Four Points SAV*cough*cough*
Anyway, this hotel was advertised as a Design Hotel during that end of year game, but is advertised as a Wyndham everywhere else. Came to the property after a long day of travel on Southwest and needed something reasonably close to SNA (John Wayne Airport) before I continued on to LA. This property is about 3,5 miles away from the airport and offers comp shuttle service, but I rented a car.
I found the property annoying to get to in the dark with no obvious main entrance off the rotary. I arrived around 7 and was expecting to plunk down $26,- for a valet (self parking was not mentioned on the site). The valet was nowhere to be found, but the car park structure is quite apparent. Not a big price difference though at $22,-. Check-in was fast and friendly, but it becomes obvious that very little has changed since the addition.
I am not sure if I'm in a junior suite. It has a separate living area. I'm definitely on the ground floor. Couldn't care less. Perhaps the flat panels were upgraded, but were quite small. They look like 28 or 32-inchers. Channel numbering is weird. Apparently, the DVD player and mini-fridge are held under lock and key here (not that I needed to use either). Despite the tired furnishings, the room was clean (save for the spider in the shower) and the furnishings didn't look run down like every other property I've ever stayed in as an SPG member since 2005.
Randomly, there's a lake on the property, but I can't see if I'm facing it because it is dark as I post this. I guess I'd come back here if I was in the area again, but I'm not sure what makes this property so special or unique to warrant the Design (or Tribute) designation. I would suspect both brands are on the chopping block in a Marriott merger.
Anyway, this hotel was advertised as a Design Hotel during that end of year game, but is advertised as a Wyndham everywhere else. Came to the property after a long day of travel on Southwest and needed something reasonably close to SNA (John Wayne Airport) before I continued on to LA. This property is about 3,5 miles away from the airport and offers comp shuttle service, but I rented a car.
I found the property annoying to get to in the dark with no obvious main entrance off the rotary. I arrived around 7 and was expecting to plunk down $26,- for a valet (self parking was not mentioned on the site). The valet was nowhere to be found, but the car park structure is quite apparent. Not a big price difference though at $22,-. Check-in was fast and friendly, but it becomes obvious that very little has changed since the addition.
I am not sure if I'm in a junior suite. It has a separate living area. I'm definitely on the ground floor. Couldn't care less. Perhaps the flat panels were upgraded, but were quite small. They look like 28 or 32-inchers. Channel numbering is weird. Apparently, the DVD player and mini-fridge are held under lock and key here (not that I needed to use either). Despite the tired furnishings, the room was clean (save for the spider in the shower) and the furnishings didn't look run down like every other property I've ever stayed in as an SPG member since 2005.
Randomly, there's a lake on the property, but I can't see if I'm facing it because it is dark as I post this. I guess I'd come back here if I was in the area again, but I'm not sure what makes this property so special or unique to warrant the Design (or Tribute) designation. I would suspect both brands are on the chopping block in a Marriott merger.
Hi uxb,
The Avenue of the Arts Costa Mesa is one of our Independed Properties and therefore does not belong to neither Design Hotels nor Tribute Portfolio.
I am sad to hear about your feedback of the hotel so far. If there is anything we can help you with during your stay or if you wish us to forward feedback to hotel management, please feel free to confirm your reservation details via private message.
All the best,
Alice Kons
Social Media Specialist
Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide
[email protected]
Jan 26, 2016, 7:28 am
#10
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: JFK, DCA, BUR, YVR
Programs: AC, AS, BA, DL, HH (D), MR (T/LTP), UA (*S), UScAAre (PLT/1,87MM), WN
Posts: 5,207
Hi uxb,
The Avenue of the Arts Costa Mesa is one of our Independed Properties and therefore does not belong to neither Design Hotels nor Tribute Portfolio.
I am sad to hear about your feedback of the hotel so far. If there is anything we can help you with during your stay or if you wish us to forward feedback to hotel management, please feel free to confirm your reservation details via private message.
All the best,
Alice Kons
Social Media Specialist
Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide
[email protected]
The Avenue of the Arts Costa Mesa is one of our Independed Properties and therefore does not belong to neither Design Hotels nor Tribute Portfolio.
I am sad to hear about your feedback of the hotel so far. If there is anything we can help you with during your stay or if you wish us to forward feedback to hotel management, please feel free to confirm your reservation details via private message.
All the best,
Alice Kons
Social Media Specialist
Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide
[email protected]
Jan 27, 2016, 4:53 pm
#12
Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: Greenacres,WA
Programs: Marriott Plat; Hyatt Globalist ; National Exe; Avis Preferred; Delta Diamond
Posts: 431
I'm checking in Friday with my sister for couple nights before heading to St Regis before their rates jump back up after renovations.
We're getting in even later like 10:30pm and i'm not sure if I need to schedule shuttle ahead of time or what, i just hope it runs that late.
I'm looking forward to checking out the property. . they've been having extremely low rates, i'm guessing trying to get people to come check it out. .i've seen it from $130 drop to $98nt the last couple weeks so I change from 12K/nt pt stay to paid stay.
So far no early upgrade as SPG Plat but looks like they should have pleny of rooms avail this weekend.
On a side not the St Regis Dana Point was incredible deal with Amx Plat Fine hotel rate of $225 including $100 hotel credit and breakfast for 2. Stayed there just before Christmas when lobby and EVERYTHING was under renovation, resort fee waived and $20 for valet parking vs reg $40. I've been told the Lobby and lobby lounge are fully open now.
We're getting in even later like 10:30pm and i'm not sure if I need to schedule shuttle ahead of time or what, i just hope it runs that late.
I'm looking forward to checking out the property. . they've been having extremely low rates, i'm guessing trying to get people to come check it out. .i've seen it from $130 drop to $98nt the last couple weeks so I change from 12K/nt pt stay to paid stay.
So far no early upgrade as SPG Plat but looks like they should have pleny of rooms avail this weekend.
On a side not the St Regis Dana Point was incredible deal with Amx Plat Fine hotel rate of $225 including $100 hotel credit and breakfast for 2. Stayed there just before Christmas when lobby and EVERYTHING was under renovation, resort fee waived and $20 for valet parking vs reg $40. I've been told the Lobby and lobby lounge are fully open now.
Jan 27, 2016, 8:58 pm
#13
Join Date: Jan 2015
Location: Kuwait (KW)
Programs: Qatar Airways, Hyatt, Hilton, Marriott, IHG
Posts: 2,708
The agreement with Starwood was for this hotel to join Tribute Portfolio after the renovations are done in early 2016. There might be some confusion now but I'm pretty sure it'll all be sorted soon.
khabah
khabah
Feb 1, 2016, 11:07 pm
#15
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Oct 2001
Location: check swarm
Programs: DL DM & 2MM, SPG/Bonvoid LT Titanium, Hyatt Globalist, $tarbucks Titanium
Posts: 14,403