When Angelenos think of weekend getaways, we think of Palm Springs, Santa Barbara, San Diego and, even, San Fran. Well, make Irvine your next stop for a get away because Hotel Irvine (17900 Jamboree Rd., Irvine, CA 92614; 888.230.4452) is a lifestyle hotel that has everything you need for a perfect weekend trip. When you walk into Hotel Irvine, you will be amazed at the bright, modern, decor. From the wall decorated with live succulents, to the containers of “old school” candies at the front desk, to the orange and red tones, you will love the “HI” experience, which includes the ReachMe text concierge service; WiFi throughout; complimentary everyday breakfast; round the clock food options at Marketplace; locally sourced food and drinks at EATS Kitchen & Bar, and the lively Red Bar and Lounge.
We checked into our room, which included a living room, king size bed, two TVs, and even a little foyer area. Plus, Frank was treated like a king! He had a bed, bowls, treats, and even a little welcome letter. Once we were settled, we headed up to Club 12, our favorite spot, (only an additional $35/day) for some free happy hour drinks and apps while we got some work done looking over incredible views. Club 12 is a must when you stay at Hotel Irvine. They have breakfast every morning, happy hour every day and snacks available all day long. It’s all included in the $35 fee, and you can enjoy it all while taking in views inside and outside on the twelfth floor.
That night, we ordered our picnic basket at Marketplace and headed to their movies in the backyard. We snacked on pita, hummus, and olives, while sipping on wine and watching Ferris Bueller’s Day Off. It was a great little date night, where we just had to take an elevator to our home for the night.
The next day we woke up, had breakfast at EATS, and hit the gym. I love the gym at Hotel Irvine, because it was way more than what I expected. Usually gyms at hotels have a few free weights, a treadmill, and a bike. Hotel Irvine has a full gym with heavy weights, ellipticals, treadmills, bikes, and weight machines. Plus, they had headphones if you forgot yours, water, towels, and TVs.
That afternoon we picked up sandwiches, snacks, and a bottle of wine at Marketplace and headed out to our duffy boat, which was right in the neighborhood. It was a beautiful day to be on the water. We hooked up our own music, spread out the food, and had a little trip around Newport Beach. It was such a nice change of pace from our normal weekend activities. That night, we headed to EATS, where we ordered up some great fish, had great convo (the staff was awesome), and an amazing dessert. We ordered some oysters and charcuterie to snack on before our main meals of scallops and trout. The perfectly cooked scallops came on a hash of Brussels sprouts, corn and mushrooms, while the trout blew our minds. It had a pink inside, like salmon, and Chef Jason explained that they get trout from a place that feeds them the same thing salmon eats (krill, shrimp), which explains the color. It tasted like salmon with a crispy skin, soft center, but was less fatty. Tyler loves bananas so we had to get the vegan banana bread for dessert. I had a bite, which was sweet and melted in my mouth. Tyler consumed the rest.
Hotel Irvine literally offers everything you would want for a weekend. Events in the backyard, a marketplace filled with every type of snack you can think of, a fun bar scene, a great restaurant, and a quiet, relaxing lounge on the twelfth floor. Plus, they currently offer packages to make your stay even better:
Oak Creek Golf Package (Available through December 31, 2015)
Tee off at one of Orange County’s premier public courses, designed by acclaimed golf course architect Tom Fazio. This package includes one round of golf for two at Oak Creek Golf Course and complimentary rental clubs. Starting at $299 Tuesdays & Wednesdays or $199/night Thursday-Monday.
Autumn on the Newport Harbor (Available through October 2015)
Get on the boat! Enjoy an electric Duffy boat ride around Newport Harbor. Each 18-foot electric boat can accommodate up to eight passengers and is fully equipped with plush vinyl seating, a stereo system, refrigerator and dining tables. Those who book a standard guest room or splurge on a suite, receive round-trip transportation to and from Newport Harbor, a one-hour electric Duffy boat experience and $50 credit for the hotel’s Marketplace to build their own picnic to take on board. Starting at $399 Tuesdays & Wednesdays or $279/night Thursday-Monday.
Halloween Haunts (Available Friday, October 30, and Saturday, October 31, 2015)
Join in the inaugural Halloween Haunt Costume Party at Red Bar and Lounge. The Halloween Haunts package includes a one or two-night stay, daily breakfast at Marketplace and two drinks to start the night off at Red Bar. Starting at $149 per night.
Autumn in SoCal Biking Excursion (Available October and November 2015)
Active guests can discover Irvine’s local biking trails like Bommer Canyon or El Moro Canyon with Hotel Irvine’s new bikes. This one or two-night package includes fresh-pressed juice delivered to the guest room along with a $50 credit for Marketplace so you can pack your own picnics for the road. Starting at $259 Tuesdays & Wednesdays or $179 per night Thursday-Monday.
Red Carpet Movie Nights (Available October through December 2015)
Movie buffs can get in on all the award season action with Hotel Irvine’s Red Carpet Movie Nights package. Available for a one or two-night stay, you receive a $50 gift card for Edwards 21 IMAX at the Irvine Spectrum, movie night welcome amenity and complimentary parking with in-and-out privileges. Starting at $269 Tuesdays & Wednesdays or $189 per night Thursday-Monday.
Pedego Electric Bikes: To Pedal or Not to Pedal (Available through December 31, 2015)
Pedego Electric Bikes make riding more fun since you can pedal normally or not pedal at all, while cruising along up to 20 mph. This package includes a one-hour Pedego rental, round-trip transportation from the hotel to pick up bikes and a $50 credit for Marketplace to stock up on snacks for the road. Starting at $299 Tuesdays & Wednesdays or $199 per night Thursday-Monday. Bike rentals based on availability.
For reservations call 866.396.4201
