I love the HR Huntington Beach. I used to go there for some weekend sun when I lived in SF. Great globalist treatment. Not that I particularly care about upgrades on short stays, but I've been upgraded to a very nice premium suite every time I've stayed there (all 1-2 night stays).

Breakfast is a disaster though; I would recommend skipping the included lounge breakfast (especially given the expense account) and either eating in the restaurant downstairs (which is pretty good) or go off-property. I remember there being a decent diner within walking distance.

Also if you drive north, there is pretty good Korean BBQ in Buena Park (admittedly it's closer to Anaheim than HB)