LA2CDG

I saw this hotel pop up on Hyatt.com as I was looking to book a night in South Orange County, CA. Was able to get a cash and points res. for Saturday the 7th. 6,000 points and $75. Not bad for my march towards 20 nights and Glob. for 2018.

Doing some research, it's the former Radisson John Wayne Airport (SNA). I'll check on the progress of the conversion and report back early next week.

Kalboz

Although they remain open, there is huge construction/renovation going on and they have moved the FD to the North structure (one closer to MacArthur Blvd.). All rooms and facilities that used to be above the reception area are now closed. This construction will last until the end of the year. Two things currently that are good about this facility: rates and free parking.

You can earn and burn Hyatt points and Hyatt elites get recognition. Currently, the property is bookable through Hyatt.com including cash and points reservations.

Kalboz

It used to be a Sheraton before Radisson!

LA2CDG

Update: Returned today after a night at this property.
It is a major construction zone as Kalboz mentioned. The South building is completely closed. I was told that the renovations will be completed by the end of the year. At that point they will close the north tower and renovate that.
The north tower is pretty tired looking as well.

I was treated nicely as Globalist. No upgrade, but for one night with family, it was fine.
The staff was very knowledgeable on the Hyatt program as the takeover started on October 1, 2017, more so that some staff that at other longtime Hyatts.
I was offered free full buffet for two adults and two children, we were only one of each.
I asked about the executive lounge and was told that its going away and they will be converted back to suites.

Overall it's a good way to do a mattress run/quick getaway for the short term. I did C&P for $75 plus 6000 points.

I will go back once all the renovations are completed. As I have a feeling they will have good rates on weekends.

bigguyinpasadena

They want $180 for a weekend night this weekend. This is for a rather blah hotel under renovation? Best of luck with that!

JackE

Whatever the quality of this property is, room rates are driven by a lot more than that.

stvr

For those chasing the "Brand Explorer" free night, it might be worth choosing this property over its Hyatt neighbors because currently it is marketed as a plain HYATT (relatively rare).

SpeedRicer

Wanted to confirm that everyone staying here got their elite/stay credit at this hotel? Booking a mattress run for my 60th night for Globalist, so just want to make sure...

Thanks!

SNA_Flyer

Yes, just did a stay and it put me over the top for faux-Globalist (20 nights).

There is no way the South Tower is going to be done by the end of the year. I'd estimate it will be at least 3-6 months until they complete the renovations.

In the mean time, don't expect much here, the place is clean but very dated and the public areas are disorganized.

Breakfast was decent, no buffet so ordered from the menu. Good service, decent food.

SpeedRicer

Thanks for the confirmation! ^ And will definitely keep expectations in check as well...

Funnily enough, I've stayed here before when it was a Radisson and I think before that, when it was a Sheraton -- each time for a promotion or mattress run. I just can't stay away...

Kalboz

Went to check in on 12/15 and they were not ready. The construction still going on and the smell of tar was nauseous - my son had an immediate reaction and started sneezing nonstop. I requested an immediate cancellation due to their promise of early December construction completion. The Asian FD agent refused to do so but the young man standing next to her intervened at once and showed her how to cancel our 3-night stay.

SpeedRicer

Just checked out on 12/24 and construction is definitely still ongoing -- no post-renovation rooms ready yet. I don't know if they have any suites available either as I couldn't see any online. My guess is things won't be ready until sometime later in 1Q 2018.

Overall, I prepared myself with lowered expectations from this thread, and I got my standard room with the usual Globalist amenities and nothing more, so no complaints from me. The room I received definitely had the old Radisson setup, but it was very clean and even had some new furniture like the desk chair, couch, etc. Since I was there just before the holiday, it's likely that construction was stopped and I didn't experience much of the negative impacts though.

365RoadWarrior

If there is an existing thread out there for this place, shoot me. I didn't see it on the "Upcoming" Wiki. It is not the Hyatt Regency Newport Beach.

The Hyatt Regency John Wayne Airport, Newport Beach appears to the a conversion from a Radisson. It's been open as a Hyatt for a while. In February 2018, Tripadvisor reviews talked about "construction". I had a reservation there last month, but had to cancel because the Hyatt House was $2 cheaper. I do have a reservation for the hotel May 14th. In the meantime, has anyone been there?

JackE

I've been there several times; probably 10 nights total. It's sort of an HR-in-training. The staff is friendly. There is still some construction going on, at least in the adjacent wing. The restaurant is pretty good, though I never saw it crowded. That might be because there are so many choices in the area. I'm what used to be Diamond and the current benefits were fully honored.

If you're staying at the Hyatt House to save $2, that is absolutely not worth it IMO.

365RoadWarrior

Well, to save $2 and my job. Company policy.