Marriott Bonvoy Hotels in and around Irvine, CA
Feb 8, 2018, 2:57 pm
#61
Join Date: Feb 2005
Programs: Marriott Lifetime Titanium (former PP), Hilton Silver, UA Silver, AS Member, Hertz 5*
Posts: 3,906
No discounts in parking are offered to platinum guests. I was allowed to leave my car with the valet for free for an hour when I went inside to check in and visit the M Club for the evening offerings before dropping my rental car off at SNA.
Sep 21, 2018, 7:34 pm
#62
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Apr 2008
Location: LGA/JFK/EWR
Programs: UA 1K1.75MM, Hyatt Globalist, abandoned Marriott LTT (RIP SPG), Hertz PC
Posts: 21,167
Curious how the Costa Mesa Marriott (rooms looking very dated) compares to the Renaissance Newport Beach (looks much nicer for an extra $7/night), for anyone who has stayed at both. Think the latter is formerly the Duke. Lack of a lounge no biggie. Seems like the Ren renovations are all done.
AC Irvine also an option, but for the same price, not seeing much reason to do limited service (even though I like ACs).
AC Irvine also an option, but for the same price, not seeing much reason to do limited service (even though I like ACs).
Sep 21, 2018, 11:48 pm
#63
Join Date: Mar 2014
Location: SJC/BUR
Programs: Hyatt Diamond, IHG Platinum, Hilton Gold, Club Carlson Gold, Starwood Gold
Posts: 1,087
Costa Mesa Marriott is basically all-suites (similar to Anaheim Marriott Suites). Unrenovated, yes, but if you want that apartment style feel without playing the upgrade roulette wheel... You may also want to consider the Tribute Portfolio property (adjacent to Costa Mesa Marriott)
Sep 22, 2018, 5:21 am
#64
Join Date: Sep 2012
Location: NYC
Programs: DL DM; Marriott Ambasador Elite
Posts: 626
I’ve had several decent experiences at the Costa Mesa Westin. The last time I was there, my room looked like it was getting close to needing a reno, however. I’ll be staying there this week and would be happy to report back.
Sep 22, 2018, 6:27 am
#65
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Apr 2008
Location: LGA/JFK/EWR
Programs: UA 1K1.75MM, Hyatt Globalist, abandoned Marriott LTT (RIP SPG), Hertz PC
Posts: 21,167
Costa Mesa Marriott is basically all-suites (similar to Anaheim Marriott Suites). Unrenovated, yes, but if you want that apartment style feel without playing the upgrade roulette wheel... You may also want to consider the Tribute Portfolio property (adjacent to Costa Mesa Marriott)
I have done the Avenue of the Arts next door - interesting property, but another one in sore need of a renovation.
Westin would be my preference 10 days out of 10, but the price was way above my reimbursable amount.
Sep 22, 2018, 11:28 am
#66
Suspended
Join Date: Aug 2013
Location: Southern California, USA
Programs: Marriott Ambassador and LTT, UA Plat/LT Gold, AA Gold
Posts: 8,764
I am a resident of Newport Beach. This is just a review of the full service options in the Newport/Costa Mesa/Irvine vicinity.
The nicest hotel in the Irvine vicinity probably is the Westin South Coast, which completed a room refresh in 2005. The nearby Avenue of the Arts Hotel (Tribute Portfolio) recently completed an $18 million refresh and probably is the second nicest in the vicinity, but many rooms and suites still feel dated; that hotel is building a new 15 story tower which will add a lot of very modern Deco style rooms to the area.
After that, it’s all about cost-benefit and priorities. The Marriott Newport Beach in Fashion Island is higher demand due to its convenience to that mall, so its rates are almost always higher than that of the less convenient Marriott Newport Bayview—despite the Bayview having slightly larger rooms and perhaps being the slightly nicer property. The Irvine Marriott is a solid choice and has a good location.
The Ritz Carlton and Marriott Newport Coast Villas are unquestionably the nicest Marriott portfolio properties in OC, followed by the Lido House (Autograph Collection) on the Newport harbor and the Laguna Cliffs Marriott in Dana Point. But all of those are coastal and not as interior or as convenient to South Coast Plaza or John Wayne Airport as the other hotels mentioned.
The nicest hotel in the Irvine vicinity probably is the Westin South Coast, which completed a room refresh in 2005. The nearby Avenue of the Arts Hotel (Tribute Portfolio) recently completed an $18 million refresh and probably is the second nicest in the vicinity, but many rooms and suites still feel dated; that hotel is building a new 15 story tower which will add a lot of very modern Deco style rooms to the area.
After that, it’s all about cost-benefit and priorities. The Marriott Newport Beach in Fashion Island is higher demand due to its convenience to that mall, so its rates are almost always higher than that of the less convenient Marriott Newport Bayview—despite the Bayview having slightly larger rooms and perhaps being the slightly nicer property. The Irvine Marriott is a solid choice and has a good location.
The Ritz Carlton and Marriott Newport Coast Villas are unquestionably the nicest Marriott portfolio properties in OC, followed by the Lido House (Autograph Collection) on the Newport harbor and the Laguna Cliffs Marriott in Dana Point. But all of those are coastal and not as interior or as convenient to South Coast Plaza or John Wayne Airport as the other hotels mentioned.
Sep 22, 2018, 3:54 pm
#67
Join Date: Jun 2003
Location: La Jolla, CA
Programs: Marriott Ambassador, Lifetime Titanium, Delta Plat, Hilton Diamond , Hyatt Globalist
Posts: 2,615
I have stayed at the Westin many times and like it, though it seems like a business hotel to me. We tried Hotel Arts in June and thought the hotel had more charm and personality, although we weren’t blown away by the service (we had to argue about the 4 pm checkout )
Sep 22, 2018, 7:38 pm
#68
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Apr 2008
Location: LGA/JFK/EWR
Programs: UA 1K1.75MM, Hyatt Globalist, abandoned Marriott LTT (RIP SPG), Hertz PC
Posts: 21,167
I just remember at the AOTA the cramped bathroom w/the shower curtain...did not find that a great experience.
Sep 22, 2018, 9:13 pm
#69
Join Date: Jun 2003
Location: La Jolla, CA
Programs: Marriott Ambassador, Lifetime Titanium, Delta Plat, Hilton Diamond , Hyatt Globalist
Posts: 2,615
Agreed - that was the worst room feature.
The night we stayed there though our sons came by for a toast and our outside patio was a much nicer place to sit than even a suite at the Westin (which never was great at Elite recognition)
Sep 30, 2021, 8:47 am
#70
Join Date: Jul 2003
Location: CT/ Germany - Ich spreche deutsch
Programs: UA 1K, Bonvoy LTTE, HH Dia, HY Expl
Posts: 4,656
Bump....trying to use 2 x 35k certs in the general area and of course trying to pick the best hotel. We (2 adults...no kids) are coming in from PS and want to visit with friends in the area and do some shopping before continuing on to the Oceana LXR in Santa Monica.
Based on what I have found it looks like I have the following options that fit the bill and I'm trying to determine best in quality and service. (Nice pool area would be great but not a must.) We will have a car so we can do anywhere basically.
Marriott Irvine Spectrum
Marriott Newport Beach Bay View
Renaissance Newport Beach
Avenue of the Arts Costa Mesa Tribute Collection
CY Irvine Spectrum
Renaissance ClubSport Aliso Viejo Laguna Beach
Newport Beach Marriott Hotel & Spa (but it's evidently under construction so likely ruled out)
Any options I have forgotten?
We have always stayed in Dana Point or Laguna but I really want to use my 35k certs before they expire. Also have plenty of SNAs but as we all know we can't bank on those clearing.
Based on what I have found it looks like I have the following options that fit the bill and I'm trying to determine best in quality and service. (Nice pool area would be great but not a must.) We will have a car so we can do anywhere basically.
Marriott Irvine Spectrum
Marriott Newport Beach Bay View
Renaissance Newport Beach
Avenue of the Arts Costa Mesa Tribute Collection
CY Irvine Spectrum
Renaissance ClubSport Aliso Viejo Laguna Beach
Newport Beach Marriott Hotel & Spa (but it's evidently under construction so likely ruled out)
Any options I have forgotten?
We have always stayed in Dana Point or Laguna but I really want to use my 35k certs before they expire. Also have plenty of SNAs but as we all know we can't bank on those clearing.
Last edited by christianj; Sep 30, 2021 at 11:36 am
Sep 30, 2021, 4:08 pm
#71
Join Date: Mar 2009
Location: PHX/NYC/LA
Programs: AA Plt, Marriott Gold, National EE, Hertz PC, El Mambero De Mucci, PWP Aide to Generalissimo Godot
Posts: 4,893
If the Westin South Coast qualifies, I'd do that one. Room was nice, pool was Really nice for those who like deeper pools and also being located outside on the 2nd floor. AoTA is decent and a bit more chic. Either option will put you closer to South Coast Plaza which has great shopping. If you prefer Fashion Island, I'd say just go with the Marriott Fashion island to be close to the shopping. Best hotel in that area anyways is the Hyatt Regency as it close to the shopping AND the beach. I say this as someone who lived in Newport Beach for 3 years so I know the area really well.
Sep 30, 2021, 4:43 pm
#72
Join Date: Nov 2016
Location: On a plane or a beach
Programs: Yes
Posts: 3,147
If the Westin South Coast qualifies, I'd do that one. Room was nice, pool was Really nice for those who like deeper pools and also being located outside on the 2nd floor. AoTA is decent and a bit more chic. Either option will put you closer to South Coast Plaza which has great shopping. If you prefer Fashion Island, I'd say just go with the Marriott Fashion island to be close to the shopping. Best hotel in that area anyways is the Hyatt Regency as it close to the shopping AND the beach. I say this as someone who lived in Newport Beach for 3 years so I know the area really well.
Sep 30, 2021, 5:25 pm
#73
Join Date: Jul 2003
Location: CT/ Germany - Ich spreche deutsch
Programs: UA 1K, Bonvoy LTTE, HH Dia, HY Expl
Posts: 4,656
anteater and El_Chiflero The Westin is sadly not a hotel that qualifies for the 35k certs thanks to Marriotts continued devaluations of them……hence my reason for listing the hotel options that do.
Last edited by christianj; Sep 30, 2021 at 5:33 pm
Sep 30, 2021, 5:44 pm
#74
Join Date: Nov 2017
Programs: AA Plat Pro, National Exec Elite, Marriott Platinum, Hyatt Discoverist
Posts: 129
Marriott Irvine Spectrum would be a decent choice. The pool is very good for a Marriott in an office park -- not ar all resort grade, but a pleasant enough outdoor space. M Club lounge is open. It's walkable to Irvine Spectrum Center. The hotel is relatively new, so the rooms and the public areas are in generally good shape. The valet parking is a big downside in my opinion, though -- expensive and inconvenient. My SNA's have never cleared at this property/
Oct 1, 2021, 6:45 am
#75
Join Date: Mar 2005
Programs: UA 1K and PP, AA PPro (3MM, former CK), Marriott Ambassador and LTT, Uber One
Posts: 1,346
Based on several stays here ~3 years ago, I concur with this recommendation. Nice lounge, nice gym, good rooms, and I got upgraded rooms on several stays (without using SNAs). I'm not sure if this is still the case, or if you care, but there was a great selection of Uber Eats restaurants available. Access to the airport is very convenient...it's a 10 minute ride.