We recommend Marriott for its impressive rooms and amenities including its worthy lower-level fitness center. We like this hotel from the start because it is 100% smoke free. That policy is music to our ears and the Marriott's 485 rooms (17 stories) are easy on our eyes.
Price: Moderately ExpensiveThe property is a 16 story, 100% smoke free, high rise tower with modern common areas, lush grounds, appealing guestrooms, and fitness options that will make athletic-minded travelers smile.
Price: ExpensiveWhile Westin strives to offer its guests a "standardized" travel experience no matter at which Westin they stay, some properties continue to outshine others. The Westin South Coast Plaza is one of those properties. The hotel is centrally located.
Price: ExpensiveDespite the name, this property is not a beachside hotel, so you won't hear the waves crashing through your windows/sliding glass balcony doors (although some of the premium priced upper floor rooms do bestow fantastic ocean views).
Price: ExpensiveIn this part of the OC, most hotels sprout from the middle of a parking lot, so there's usually little landscape and grounds at which to marvel. However, Hotel Irvine does a good job of making its guests feel like they're away from the concrete jungle.
Price: Moderately ExpensiveThis Hyatt has a camp-like feel marked by separate 2-story structures that house 20 to 40 rooms in each.
Price: Expensive"X" marks the spot of this accommodation, one of the more upscale business hotels in Orange County. We reference the 24th letter of the alphabet because that is the shape of Renaissance's architecture, incorporating two lines intersecting one another with cascading levels (see the pics).
Price: ExpensiveThis swank property is part of a small cluster of hotels near South Coast Plaza Mall and the heart of Costa Mesa (Westin and Marriott Suites are the others).
Price: Moderately ExpensiveThis is as close as you're going to get to a luxury hotel on the beach in Newport. It's located on the edge of the inner harbor with no sand in sight, yet with plenty of water and yacht views. From the street, this exclusive hotel property looks like a 4-story condominium building.
Price: ExpensiveThis modern Marriott is located in the heart of Costa Mesa's shopping and entertainment district. South Coast Plaza Mall, CM's theater zone, and various restaurants are steps away. It's modern and well styled and we appreciate the extra space an all-suite hotel provides.
Price: Moderately ExpensiveThe Costa Mesa-based Hilton is a modest accommodation with a business traveler focus. Near the John Wayne airport, it is convenient for those with corporate duties in the area or for those interested in shopping at the nearby South Coast Plaza.
Price: Moderately ExpensiveThis newer Sonesta is located in the same parking lot as another large business style hotel (it's a large parking lot), hence similar concrete views.
Price: Moderately ExpensiveDon't confuse this Marriott with its sister property, the Marriott Newport Beach Hotel and Spa. We recommend both, but each is unique in its appeal. This 9-story, 254-room accommodation is more business-like in its vibe and look.
Price: Moderately ExpensiveThis Residence Inn receives our athletic-minded nod NOT for its small onsite exercise room, though there are a couple cardio machines that could be utilized in a pinch, but rather, for all the freebies and the fact that there are nearby exercise options in addition to the onsite gym. We especial
Price: Moderately ExpensiveGuests at Courtyard do not receive quite the number of freebies as bestowed upon guests of the Residence Inn across the street (e.g. no free breakfast). However, we believe the bedding is a tad better. Sleep matters!
Price: Moderately ExpensiveEmbassy Suites OC Airport is an athletic-minded option for travelers with a healthy appetite and a healthy lifestyle. As is standard at all Embassy hotels, free full breakfasts are a primary draw as well as spaciously designed rooms with separate sleeping and sitting areas.
Price: Moderately Expensive