Mystery Critic

Hyatt Regency Irvine 

Hotel URL 

Published Internet Rate (for the same days): $179 / Hotwire Rate (incl. tax and fees): $90

Constructed 1985 / Renovated 2003

Orbitz Rating: 4 Stars / MC Rating: 1/2

Cleanness and Comfort
Location and Parking
Noise and Privacy
Service Efficiency and Attitude
Value (based on Priceline rate)

GENERAL

This is another boring hotel in Irvine / Costa Mesa area - reasonably new and recently renovated, caters mostly to business people (that's why you get a great rate during the weekend, sometimes even without going thru priceline!), and conveniently located at least 15 min from all attractions.  If the center of your LA activities will be Orange County, then this is a great place to crash - and just for that since there's nothing else to do in or around the hotel.

GOOD

Location is the biggest asset for this hotel.  Within 20 min you've got 1) south coast plaza, 2) disney, 3) newport, 4) knott's berry farm.....  I can go on and on.  Easy access to both 405 and 5 proves to be critical if you have some flexibility and want to avoid traffic depending on time of the day and real-time traffic report on the web. 

The rooms are laid out well and well maintained.  Bathrooms are showing their age - disappointedly so since I thought this hotel was recently renovated.  I guess they miss the bathrooms.  Rest of the room present the usual Hyatt quality - very comfortable bedding, chairs, etc.

BAD

Parking is a problem here.  Valet-parking is pretty much the only option here since self-parking is pretty far if you have lots of luggages and kids, and it also costs to do it, but valet staff is pretty slow - or maybe we just happened to leave and return when everyone else's doing the same?  Not sure, but it's a real issue when you come back after an exhausting day out not finding someone to take your keys immediately.

Again, I never expect exceptional hospitality in LA, but I some feel that the hotel staff doesn't like families.  I mean, it's like our toddlers are making any trouble (except jumping on their lobby sofa and running in circles when waiting for our car) for them....  They are efficient and well-trained, a trademark of the Hyatt - at those I've stayed at.  I just thought they can be a bit more friendly.  It'[s the guests too - there are for some reason rowdy and noisy people in the lobby any time I'm down there.  It's one thing to have noisy children, but adults.....  I guess it's LA afterall.....

OVERALL

For a decent location in Orange County and the usual quality of Hyatt, this hotet will get you what you need.  Anything else you might be better off looking at the Westin or Fairmont Newport.....  At the Priceilne rate, it sure beats staying in many other OC coastal hotels.