Park Hyatt Aviara - REVIEW - MASTER THREAD
Mar 10, 2023, 7:09 pm
#451
Join Date: Apr 2013
Programs: Starwood/Hyatt/IHG-PLAT/Hilton-DIA
Posts: 468
Award availability on points - does it even EXIST???
Seems like a scam that every time I check for award avail on the most random off nights it’s NEVER avail.
anybody know the secret to getting a freaking award stay for the advertised 25,000 points at this place??
don’t want to do Avila for 30,000
thanks in advance
anybody know the secret to getting a freaking award stay for the advertised 25,000 points at this place??
don’t want to do Avila for 30,000
thanks in advance
Mar 11, 2023, 6:31 am
#452
Join Date: Aug 2013
Location: Minnesota
Programs: Hyatt Globalist
Posts: 1,122
Points availability is rare at this hotel. I’m not sure if that is the norm or if they just haven’t updated or released the rooms on points.
Using one of the hotel points search websites like MaxMyPoint or StayWithPoints shows 25k points only available for single nights on these dates:
December 1 2023
Jan 31 2024
Feb 11 & Feb 19 2024
Using one of the hotel points search websites like MaxMyPoint or StayWithPoints shows 25k points only available for single nights on these dates:
December 1 2023
Jan 31 2024
Feb 11 & Feb 19 2024
Mar 11, 2023, 7:43 am
#453
Join Date: Aug 2014
Location: Carlsbad, CA
Programs: United MM, Alaska MVP, Marriott Plat
Posts: 580
Points availability is rare at this hotel. I’m not sure if that is the norm or if they just haven’t updated or released the rooms on points.
Using one of the hotel points search websites like MaxMyPoint or StayWithPoints shows 25k points only available for single nights on these dates:
December 1 2023
Jan 31 2024
Feb 11 & Feb 19 2024
Using one of the hotel points search websites like MaxMyPoint or StayWithPoints shows 25k points only available for single nights on these dates:
December 1 2023
Jan 31 2024
Feb 11 & Feb 19 2024
Mar 11, 2023, 8:55 am
#454
Join Date: Apr 2013
Programs: Starwood/Hyatt/IHG-PLAT/Hilton-DIA
Posts: 468
Points availability is rare at this hotel. I’m not sure if that is the norm or if they just haven’t updated or released the rooms on points.
Using one of the hotel points search websites like MaxMyPoint or StayWithPoints shows 25k points only available for single nights on these dates:
December 1 2023
Jan 31 2024
Feb 11 & Feb 19 2024
Using one of the hotel points search websites like MaxMyPoint or StayWithPoints shows 25k points only available for single nights on these dates:
December 1 2023
Jan 31 2024
Feb 11 & Feb 19 2024
Mar 11, 2023, 2:07 pm
#455
Join Date: Nov 2021
Posts: 30
Mar 12, 2023, 11:29 pm
#456
Join Date: Sep 2011
Location: SNA
Programs: AA EXP, Hilton Diamond, Hyatt Globalist, IHG Plat, Marriott Gold, National EE
Posts: 1,219
I booked almost a year in advance. I knew I wanted to go this Labor Day and booked a few months ago. It sucks. But we live pretty close by and I’m really curious about checking the hotel out.
Jun 2, 2023, 7:22 pm
#457
Join Date: Sep 2008
Location: LAX, MMH
Programs: MMH MVP Charter Member, UA 1K MM
Posts: 418
I was able to snag 3 nights on points for Father's day weekend. It seems that 3 nights is the minimum stay for the base 1King ADA room that is bookable on points.
MHC wasn't able to reduce the number of nights after booking, as they needed to see availability to make the change.
MHC wasn't able to reduce the number of nights after booking, as they needed to see availability to make the change.
Jun 19, 2023, 9:07 am
#458
Join Date: Sep 2008
Location: LAX, MMH
Programs: MMH MVP Charter Member, UA 1K MM
Posts: 418
Just finishing up a stay here (short trip down from LA). Have also done short stays at Mission Pacific, Seabird, HR Mission Bay and Welk in the last year. First time here.
We originally booked 3 nights using a points advance (Friday - Monday). About 2 weeks before check-in, called the hotel and they were able to remove the first night (as noted above, MHC couldn't do it due to minimum stay restrictions on points stays at this property). Applied an SUA and confirmed a courtyard suite.
They day before check-in, the app updated to a room type of 'Premium Garden Suite'. Very nice room, but the noise of the pool is pretty loud, especially Saturday night for the dive-in movie. It looks like even though it is a premium suite, it gets used for globalist upgrades with some frequency. Not my video:
Texted the hotel to see when the room would be ready, and they gave me an ETA of ~3pm. At 1:40pm, I got a text message telling me the room was ready and asking if I needed anything to be sent to the room. Asked for one feather-free pillow. When we got to the room, the all the bedding had been swapped for feather-free. Nice that they managed to make that happen quickly, but the feather free pillows and comforters were about as lumpy as I have ever seen.
On the weekend, the pool area was overrun by kids (my 5 year old being one of them). The adult pool looked very nice. The water slides go into a 42" deep pool, so the slides have a minimum height of 48". The Welk and Hyatt Regency Mission Bay both are 42". Pool food and drink server were all over on the weekend, but food service ends at 4pm.
Breakfast was easy. Was told we could order off the menu or take the buffet. Was told as globalist we wouldn't be given a check or need to sign anything. As others noted, the hot buffet was pretty standard for US hotels. Omelet station and made-to-order pancakes with real maple syrup were available. The pastries were several steps above other US hotel buffets.
Room service pricing was reasonable (18% auto gratuity, $7 delivery fee, 4% BS fee), but the selection was minimal. Large variety of kids selections, but not a lot else. Arrived about 20 minutes late.
We had happy hour food and drinks at Ember and Rye. Everything was good and service was friendly. The Batiquitos lagoon trail there was worth visiting - lots of varieties of birds. The shuttle service was readily available.
Valet was awesome. Were able to charge our car on request, and every time we left they offered water for the road. Housekeeping was about as good as it gets - both services were impeccable. Bath amenities have gone to large Le Labo pump containers.
Overall, our favorite in the area for points stays is still the HR Mission Bay. Like being right on the marina there, and 9000-12000pts is such a relative value. For a cash stay, I would rather pay half the price for Mission Pacific. I just wish the Mission Pacific one bedroom suite was still designated as standard. On points, I'd take Aviara over MP at the same point rate.
The Welk is the wildcard, and honestly, I should have stayed there - the standard room is a full suite and it is a Cat 4, it's up in the mountains letting us defeat the June gloom. Their water slides are a little more mellow. The biggest downside to the Welk is their poor check-in experience (slow, trying to sell everyone on a timeshare presentation), lack of any WoH benefits, and relative lack of food options - weekend brunch only from 9am, some days no breakfast at all.
Sorry for the long post, hope it helps someone.
We originally booked 3 nights using a points advance (Friday - Monday). About 2 weeks before check-in, called the hotel and they were able to remove the first night (as noted above, MHC couldn't do it due to minimum stay restrictions on points stays at this property). Applied an SUA and confirmed a courtyard suite.
They day before check-in, the app updated to a room type of 'Premium Garden Suite'. Very nice room, but the noise of the pool is pretty loud, especially Saturday night for the dive-in movie. It looks like even though it is a premium suite, it gets used for globalist upgrades with some frequency. Not my video:
Texted the hotel to see when the room would be ready, and they gave me an ETA of ~3pm. At 1:40pm, I got a text message telling me the room was ready and asking if I needed anything to be sent to the room. Asked for one feather-free pillow. When we got to the room, the all the bedding had been swapped for feather-free. Nice that they managed to make that happen quickly, but the feather free pillows and comforters were about as lumpy as I have ever seen.
On the weekend, the pool area was overrun by kids (my 5 year old being one of them). The adult pool looked very nice. The water slides go into a 42" deep pool, so the slides have a minimum height of 48". The Welk and Hyatt Regency Mission Bay both are 42". Pool food and drink server were all over on the weekend, but food service ends at 4pm.
Breakfast was easy. Was told we could order off the menu or take the buffet. Was told as globalist we wouldn't be given a check or need to sign anything. As others noted, the hot buffet was pretty standard for US hotels. Omelet station and made-to-order pancakes with real maple syrup were available. The pastries were several steps above other US hotel buffets.
Room service pricing was reasonable (18% auto gratuity, $7 delivery fee, 4% BS fee), but the selection was minimal. Large variety of kids selections, but not a lot else. Arrived about 20 minutes late.
We had happy hour food and drinks at Ember and Rye. Everything was good and service was friendly. The Batiquitos lagoon trail there was worth visiting - lots of varieties of birds. The shuttle service was readily available.
Valet was awesome. Were able to charge our car on request, and every time we left they offered water for the road. Housekeeping was about as good as it gets - both services were impeccable. Bath amenities have gone to large Le Labo pump containers.
Overall, our favorite in the area for points stays is still the HR Mission Bay. Like being right on the marina there, and 9000-12000pts is such a relative value. For a cash stay, I would rather pay half the price for Mission Pacific. I just wish the Mission Pacific one bedroom suite was still designated as standard. On points, I'd take Aviara over MP at the same point rate.
The Welk is the wildcard, and honestly, I should have stayed there - the standard room is a full suite and it is a Cat 4, it's up in the mountains letting us defeat the June gloom. Their water slides are a little more mellow. The biggest downside to the Welk is their poor check-in experience (slow, trying to sell everyone on a timeshare presentation), lack of any WoH benefits, and relative lack of food options - weekend brunch only from 9am, some days no breakfast at all.
Sorry for the long post, hope it helps someone.
Jun 21, 2023, 10:26 pm
#459
Join Date: Sep 2011
Location: SNA
Programs: AA EXP, Hilton Diamond, Hyatt Globalist, IHG Plat, Marriott Gold, National EE
Posts: 1,219
On the weekend, the pool area was overrun by kids (my 5 year old being one of them). The adult pool looked very nice. The water slides go into a 42" deep pool, so the slides have a minimum height of 48". The Welk and Hyatt Regency Mission Bay both are 42". Pool food and drink server were all over on the weekend, but food service ends at 4pm.
edit: Does the HR Mission Bay feel as clean in the room as the MP/Aviara? I also drive down for weekend stays a few times a year and appreciate the comparisons. Have stayed in MP, Alila Marea, Manchester Hyatt, and Andaz SD several times each but have our first Aviara visit coming up this summer.
Jun 21, 2023, 11:56 pm
#460
Join Date: May 2002
Posts: 767
Just finishing up a stay here (short trip down from LA). Have also done short stays at Mission Pacific, Seabird, HR Mission Bay and Welk in the last year. First time here.
We originally booked 3 nights using a points advance (Friday - Monday). About 2 weeks before check-in, called the hotel and they were able to remove the first night (as noted above, MHC couldn't do it due to minimum stay restrictions on points stays at this property). Applied an SUA and confirmed a courtyard suite.
They day before check-in, the app updated to a room type of 'Premium Garden Suite'. Very nice room, but the noise of the pool is pretty loud, especially Saturday night for the dive-in movie. It looks like even though it is a premium suite, it gets used for globalist upgrades with some frequency. Not my video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pZMS..._channel=ZachP
Texted the hotel to see when the room would be ready, and they gave me an ETA of ~3pm. At 1:40pm, I got a text message telling me the room was ready and asking if I needed anything to be sent to the room. Asked for one feather-free pillow. When we got to the room, the all the bedding had been swapped for feather-free. Nice that they managed to make that happen quickly, but the feather free pillows and comforters were about as lumpy as I have ever seen.
On the weekend, the pool area was overrun by kids (my 5 year old being one of them). The adult pool looked very nice. The water slides go into a 42" deep pool, so the slides have a minimum height of 48". The Welk and Hyatt Regency Mission Bay both are 42". Pool food and drink server were all over on the weekend, but food service ends at 4pm.
Breakfast was easy. Was told we could order off the menu or take the buffet. Was told as globalist we wouldn't be given a check or need to sign anything. As others noted, the hot buffet was pretty standard for US hotels. Omelet station and made-to-order pancakes with real maple syrup were available. The pastries were several steps above other US hotel buffets.
Room service pricing was reasonable (18% auto gratuity, $7 delivery fee, 4% BS fee), but the selection was minimal. Large variety of kids selections, but not a lot else. Arrived about 20 minutes late.
We had happy hour food and drinks at Ember and Rye. Everything was good and service was friendly. The Batiquitos lagoon trail there was worth visiting - lots of varieties of birds. The shuttle service was readily available.
Valet was awesome. Were able to charge our car on request, and every time we left they offered water for the road. Housekeeping was about as good as it gets - both services were impeccable. Bath amenities have gone to large Le Labo pump containers.
Overall, our favorite in the area for points stays is still the HR Mission Bay. Like being right on the marina there, and 9000-12000pts is such a relative value. For a cash stay, I would rather pay half the price for Mission Pacific. I just wish the Mission Pacific one bedroom suite was still designated as standard. On points, I'd take Aviara over MP at the same point rate.
The Welk is the wildcard, and honestly, I should have stayed there - the standard room is a full suite and it is a Cat 4, it's up in the mountains letting us defeat the June gloom. Their water slides are a little more mellow. The biggest downside to the Welk is their poor check-in experience (slow, trying to sell everyone on a timeshare presentation), lack of any WoH benefits, and relative lack of food options - weekend brunch only from 9am, some days no breakfast at all.
Sorry for the long post, hope it helps someone.
We originally booked 3 nights using a points advance (Friday - Monday). About 2 weeks before check-in, called the hotel and they were able to remove the first night (as noted above, MHC couldn't do it due to minimum stay restrictions on points stays at this property). Applied an SUA and confirmed a courtyard suite.
They day before check-in, the app updated to a room type of 'Premium Garden Suite'. Very nice room, but the noise of the pool is pretty loud, especially Saturday night for the dive-in movie. It looks like even though it is a premium suite, it gets used for globalist upgrades with some frequency. Not my video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pZMS..._channel=ZachP
Texted the hotel to see when the room would be ready, and they gave me an ETA of ~3pm. At 1:40pm, I got a text message telling me the room was ready and asking if I needed anything to be sent to the room. Asked for one feather-free pillow. When we got to the room, the all the bedding had been swapped for feather-free. Nice that they managed to make that happen quickly, but the feather free pillows and comforters were about as lumpy as I have ever seen.
On the weekend, the pool area was overrun by kids (my 5 year old being one of them). The adult pool looked very nice. The water slides go into a 42" deep pool, so the slides have a minimum height of 48". The Welk and Hyatt Regency Mission Bay both are 42". Pool food and drink server were all over on the weekend, but food service ends at 4pm.
Breakfast was easy. Was told we could order off the menu or take the buffet. Was told as globalist we wouldn't be given a check or need to sign anything. As others noted, the hot buffet was pretty standard for US hotels. Omelet station and made-to-order pancakes with real maple syrup were available. The pastries were several steps above other US hotel buffets.
Room service pricing was reasonable (18% auto gratuity, $7 delivery fee, 4% BS fee), but the selection was minimal. Large variety of kids selections, but not a lot else. Arrived about 20 minutes late.
We had happy hour food and drinks at Ember and Rye. Everything was good and service was friendly. The Batiquitos lagoon trail there was worth visiting - lots of varieties of birds. The shuttle service was readily available.
Valet was awesome. Were able to charge our car on request, and every time we left they offered water for the road. Housekeeping was about as good as it gets - both services were impeccable. Bath amenities have gone to large Le Labo pump containers.
Overall, our favorite in the area for points stays is still the HR Mission Bay. Like being right on the marina there, and 9000-12000pts is such a relative value. For a cash stay, I would rather pay half the price for Mission Pacific. I just wish the Mission Pacific one bedroom suite was still designated as standard. On points, I'd take Aviara over MP at the same point rate.
The Welk is the wildcard, and honestly, I should have stayed there - the standard room is a full suite and it is a Cat 4, it's up in the mountains letting us defeat the June gloom. Their water slides are a little more mellow. The biggest downside to the Welk is their poor check-in experience (slow, trying to sell everyone on a timeshare presentation), lack of any WoH benefits, and relative lack of food options - weekend brunch only from 9am, some days no breakfast at all.
Sorry for the long post, hope it helps someone.
Jun 23, 2023, 6:59 am
#461
Join Date: Sep 2008
Location: LAX, MMH
Programs: MMH MVP Charter Member, UA 1K MM
Posts: 418
I have a dumb question. We have a 1 year old baby - can I take him on the pool slides if I carry him through the slide?
edit: Does the HR Mission Bay feel as clean in the room as the MP/Aviara? I also drive down for weekend stays a few times a year and appreciate the comparisons. Have stayed in MP, Alila Marea, Manchester Hyatt, and Andaz SD several times each but have our first Aviara visit coming up this summer.
edit: Does the HR Mission Bay feel as clean in the room as the MP/Aviara? I also drive down for weekend stays a few times a year and appreciate the comparisons. Have stayed in MP, Alila Marea, Manchester Hyatt, and Andaz SD several times each but have our first Aviara visit coming up this summer.
HR mission bay was as clean as MP, but Aviara was leaps and bounds ahead on housekeeping.
Aug 20, 2023, 9:10 pm
#462
Join Date: May 2015
Posts: 6
First time staying, will be new Globalist
Booked a 4 night mid-week award stay for the week before Christmas. Seems like it's not a busy time for them. I'm not currently a Globalist, but will become one next month (first time getting this status). Should I just wait to see what kind of room I get before using a SUA? Can I use a SUA the day of check in if I don't like the room I'm assigned? I'm staying for 3 nights before this trip at HR Huntington Beach and I'm debating using a SUA, so would rather not use 2 SUAs on this one vacation.
I'll have a 1.5 yo and 3.5 yo with me so was hoping that the heated pool (I emailed them and they said it was heated) would be useable, but not sure of mid-end of December weather in the area (we're not from California).
I'm also planning on booking an award stay for my parents at the same time and using GOH for that reservation. Hopefully they'll get upgraded and not stuck in one of the rooms with no view (I am not planning on using a SUA for them, sorry mom and dad). The cash rate during this time is only $550ish so I chatted with a rep to ask about Hyatt Family Rate, but they didn't have it (honestly wasn't expecting a PH to have this).
Any comment on the golf facilities? Other tips / tricks to optimize this winter break trip?
I'll have a 1.5 yo and 3.5 yo with me so was hoping that the heated pool (I emailed them and they said it was heated) would be useable, but not sure of mid-end of December weather in the area (we're not from California).
I'm also planning on booking an award stay for my parents at the same time and using GOH for that reservation. Hopefully they'll get upgraded and not stuck in one of the rooms with no view (I am not planning on using a SUA for them, sorry mom and dad). The cash rate during this time is only $550ish so I chatted with a rep to ask about Hyatt Family Rate, but they didn't have it (honestly wasn't expecting a PH to have this).
Any comment on the golf facilities? Other tips / tricks to optimize this winter break trip?
Dec 21, 2023, 11:05 am
#464
Join Date: Aug 2014
Location: Carlsbad, CA
Programs: United MM, Alaska MVP, Marriott Plat
Posts: 580
Just completed a one night stay here with wife. We are locals and decided to do a points stay while I’m still Globalist. We were upgraded prior to check in to a fire pit suite. The hotel is tastefully decorated for Christmas. It’s not nearly as elaborate as the old Four Seasons holiday days. We had dinner at the bar and it was quite good and decently priced for a fancy hotel in the area. Breakfast was good and the amount is up to $120. The waitress told us at one point we had quite a big of value left if we wanted to order more items. I was stuffed but my wife ordered an additional blended juice.
We miss the old Four Seasons but still enjoyed our stay.
We miss the old Four Seasons but still enjoyed our stay.
Dec 22, 2023, 7:30 am
#465
Join Date: May 2003
Location: Philadelphia, LAX, Paris
Programs: UA 1K/2MM, SPG/Marriott Lifetime Titanium, Lifetime HHonors Diamond, Hyatt Globalist, AA Exec Plat
Posts: 3,427
Just completed a one night stay here with wife. We are locals and decided to do a points stay while I’m still Globalist. We were upgraded prior to check in to a fire pit suite. The hotel is tastefully decorated for Christmas. It’s not nearly as elaborate as the old Four Seasons holiday days. We had dinner at the bar and it was quite good and decently priced for a fancy hotel in the area. Breakfast was good and the amount is up to $120. The waitress told us at one point we had quite a big of value left if we wanted to order more items. I was stuffed but my wife ordered an additional blended juice.
We miss the old Four Seasons but still enjoyed our stay.
We miss the old Four Seasons but still enjoyed our stay.