CALIFORNIA'S Hotel Irvine Has a Hip New Look
The stylish Orange County lifestyle hotel has reinvented itself with a modern and vibrant design, convenient dining options (24/7) and innovative technology.
Exterior shot of the Hotel Irvine at night. Courtesy of the Hotel Irvine.
The new Hotel Irvine grabs your attention as soon as you walk through its’ doors with bold pops of color and a sleek, contemporary design. A wall of organic plant art, comprised of 14 synthetic jade plants, provides a cool textural contrast against a mandarin orange wall and a whimsical steel lighting fixture prominently displayed in the hotel’s lobby. Amenities that set this hotel apart include Reach Me concierge text service, complimentary WiFi, complimentary Everyday Breakfast, luxurious bedding and a hip neighborhood-style market that’s open 24/7.
The lobby at Hotel Irvine. Credit: Liz Laing
Sprinkled throughout the lobby and bar areas are brightly colored seating pods with multiple outlets and USB ports that make it easy to stay connected. Having a multi-functional lobby is a smart idea and includes easy access to culinary offerings that inspire communal interaction in a casual and fun way. The open design flows right into the hotel’s three dining options: Red Bar and Lounge, EATS Kitchen & Bar and The Marketplace, providing total convenience for food or drink cravings.
Happy shopping at The Marketplace. Courtesy of Hotel Irvine.
Outdated and overpriced mini-bars are out and gourmet goodies at affordable prices are in! Visit The Marketplace any time (24/7) and stock up on your favorite snacks and beverages to create your own personalized mini-bar in your room’s fridge. We love this idea and wish that more hotels would follow suit. Instead of a tiny hotel shop selling sundries and souvenirs, you’ll find a well-stocked open market selling locally sourced items, healthy foods, tasty treats, wine and beer, at grocery store prices. Prepared food items can also be ordered for take-out or delivered to your room (free of charge) from the food counters in the back. You can easily order a pizza, grab some drinks and snacks and head to the pool or buy a bottle of wine and take it to dinner at EATS.
Balsamic kale sprouts at EATS Kitchen & Bar. Credit: Liz Laing.
Enjoy a fab dinner at EATS Kitchen & Bar, a modern gastropub featuring American classics, and a few Filipino favorites. Chef Jason Montelibano works closely with local farmers and vendors to source fresh, seasonal ingredients. In addition to burgers and BBQ ribs, we found some tasty veggie items on the menu, like the Balsamic Kale Sprouts with cherry tomatoes, garlic, lemon and pine nuts and the summery Shrimp Citrus Avocado Salad. The beverage department includes craft beers, wine flights and hand-crafted cocktails. Our pick: a refreshing lemon-thyme-black pepper martini. Dine alfresco on the patio, near the fire pit, and savor a cool summer evening. Be sure and leave room for healthy indulgences that hit the sweet spot: Vegan Banana Bread with caramelized bananas and a delightful pink Strawberry Mousse Tart.
Red Bar and Lounge. Courtesy of Hotel Irvine.
A great place to plug-in and hang, day or night, is the Red Bar and Lounge, a lively spot with plush sofas, vibrant art work, Wi-Fi connectivity and several communal areas. The bar offers an array of small plates with both adult and kid-friendly beverages. There’s also a TV lounge with a jumbo 10-foot multi-screen, as well as an outdoor deck with weekend DJs to get your groove on.
Cruising by the lake on a Pedego electric bike. Credit: Liz Laing.
The next day, take one of the hotel’s bikes for a spin, or take the biking up a notch and rent an electric bike from Pedego Irvine, located next to a park with a network of paved off-street biking trails. We discovered that riding an electric bike is a blast! With just a twist of the throttle the bike goes into electric mode, giving your legs a break and providing a fun, easy ride. You have the ability to pedal as much or as little as you want and can get up to 20mph of assistance. Cruising along the beautiful lake nearby provides a peaceful scenic view with trails, bridges and tunnels connecting various pathways throughout the park. Irvine has over 50 miles of dedicated bike paths for further exploring. The hotel’s driver will drop you off and pick you up at Pedego – just text the concierge when ready.
During your stay, check-out the OC’s stellar beaches, shopping and outdoor activities, like hiking, mountain biking, surfing or sailing. Hotel Irvine is conveniently located in the heart of Orange County, just three miles from John Wayne Airport, seven miles from Newport Beach and 15 miles from Disneyland. Many 2015 summer packages are still being offered now through September.
Liz Laing
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