A friend who lives out of state recently asked for a hotel recommendation for a multi-generational family reunion. In researching destinations online, she loved everything our area has to offer, but admitted to being “more than a little overwhelmed by just how sprawling Southern California really is” in determining the best place to stay.
My suggestion? The newly renovated Hyatt Regency Irvine, where my 16-year-old daughter, Emma, and I recently spent a memorable “Mom + Me” weekend away.
Located literally minutes away from John Wayne Airport, the property is the perfect “home base” for all ages and interests – within easy driving distance to virtually all the recreation, amenity and entertainment OC has to offer. World-class shopping and dining? Check. Miles of white sand beaches? Check. Arts, culture and theme parks galore (and just a hop and a skip to the Happiest Place on Earth)? Check, check and check.
For our part, Emma and I whiled away a lovely afternoon strolling South Coast Plaza before heading to the Hyatt to experience our overnight adventure. Our accommodation – one of the property’s 516 “totally transformed” rooms and suites – showcased a thoughtful and modern interior, distinct artwork and light fixtures and plenty of space to spread out. There are a variety of curated layouts to fit various travel groups and lifestyles: Specialty suites include expansive hospitality suites with private kitchenettes, extended stay suites offer complete kitchens, family-friendly layouts feature bunkbeds and adjoining rooms, and more.
For guests looking to get in a workout during their stay, the new 24-hour gym offers Peloton® Bikes, Life Fitness cardio equipment, free weights, and various weight machines plus exclusive access to private on-demand trainers through a new collaboration with Future, a tech-forward approach to fitness that is customized for Hyatt Regency Irvine’s fitness center and equipment.
Outdoors, an elevated pool experience showcases dualling waterslides, an outdoor lounge space replete with a pool bar, cabanas, and expansive LED TV screen to view sports games, movies, and more from the water or water’s edge.
Add Regency Club access to your stay to enjoy exclusive amenities and private indoor/outdoor lounges (think firepits, lounge seating, a sophisticated bar, full-service dining daily).
The Artisanal Marketplace serves savory an array of baked goodies, fresh juices, smoothies, premium Groundwork coffee, a curated selection of beers, wine, cocktails and more for all day grab-and-go or stay-and-enjoy.
“A place where art and creativity are celebrated,” the hotel’s signature restaurant, Warehouse 72, is a modern bistro and bar purposefully designed to bring people together in a family-style atmosphere. The focal point of the dining room is a floor to ceiling digital display of scenic landscapes and visual art – a curated experience of rich rotating programming by up-and-coming talent.
There are shareable plates and craft cocktails for happy hour, inspired entrees for a leisurely meal and sweet treats you won’t find on many menus. For starters, the W72 Meat and Cheese charcuterie showcases the Chef’s selection of assorted cured meats and artisanal cheeses, golden raisin jam, fresh fruit and local breads while the charred Spanish octopus is accompanied by crispy smashed marble potatoes, cured chorizo, salsa verde and Aleppo pepper.
Popular picks for the main course range from a flavorful miso-glazed wild caught seabass, Chilean Arka salmon and seared wild-caught Diver scallops for the seafood aficionados. For meat eaters, the Double R Ranch signature filet is enhanced with salmoriglio steak butter, hand-cut fries and black truffle aioli while the Grass-fed grilled Australian lamb chops arrives with oak wood-smoked carrots, sweet potato purée, spinach and hazelnut pesto and sumac.
My daughter had her work cut out for her in deciding between a trio of super fun sweets. She vacillated between the Butterscotch Budino (butterscotch custard, caramel, dark chocolate pearls and Chantilly cream) and blood orange polenta cake with citrus segments and whipped marscapone. I thoroughly enjoyed her inspired choice for summer’s end – the Frozen S’mores were a yummy take on a traditional favorite made with graham cracker crust, chocolate ice cream and torched marshmallow.
