Blurring the Line Between Business and Pleasure

Recently remodeled Hotel Irvine offers a compelling destination of retreat for the entire company, the whole family, or just that special someone

A recognizable landmark just off the 405 Freeway, Hotel Irvine is a lifestyle hotel that offers an accessible escape for recharge and focus. Whether your stay is for business or pleasure, this hotel offers a cosmopolitan SoCal charm that feels like your home away from home. From the moment you enter the recently remodeled hotel’s bright spacious lobby through the conclusion of your visit, you will be welcomed by the Hotel Irvine’s gracious staff.

The hotel’s 536 updated and modernized rooms offer the epitome of techie comforts, with free WiFi, 42-inch flat-screen TVs, Bluetooth speakers and desks as well as a panoply of in-room entertainment options. Many rooms feature balconies with a panoramic view of the mountains; some have wet bars, whirlpool tubs and even pianos.

Start your day with an elevated continental breakfast option at the progressively minded Club 12, a 2,000-square-foot, indoor-outdoor lounge at the top of the hotel, offering a precious glimpse of the central Orange County horizon. While there, you can log in at an Apple computer station with even faster WiFi access to keep tabs on work and stay apprised of the day’s news with ready access to various books, magazines, and newspapers. Club 12 access is offered at an additional $35 surcharge, which helps ensure that anyone who ventures in appreciates the concept of an exclusive escape haven with a purpose.

Wild Foraged Mushrooms with Polenta at EATS

Wild Foraged Mushrooms with Polenta at EATS

While just a short drive from Newport Beach or Laguna Beach, the culinary offerings at Hotel Irvine offer mouth-watering stay-in options that negate the need for transportation. EATS Kitchen & Bar sports a varied menu and a vibrant outdoor patio area complete with a fire pit. With a menu curated by hometown product Chef Jason, EATS sources local, farm-fresh ingredients to create delicious international flavors. The restaurant also holds monthly California Wine Nights, for which the chef creates a menu designed to complement a specific growing region in the state. February 26 will focus on Alexander Valley, while on March 18 Healdsburg’s MacRostie Winery gets the spotlight.

Whether savoring a mouthwatering burger or one of their tapas-style small bites, you will thoroughly enjoy dining at EATS, open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Specializing in a distinctive California take on Southern comfort fare, menu standouts include Brülée BBQ Ribs (with brown sugar crust and served with jalapeño-cheese cornbread) and Thai Seabass (pan-seared with lemongrass, galangal and coconut broth, water chestnuts, snow peas, and pea tendrils). Happy Hour is faithfully observed from 5-7 pm, Monday through Friday. eatskitchen.com

Lobster Tacos at Red Bar

Lobster Tacos at Red Bar & Lounge

Exploring the lobby area you will encounter a trendy bar, Red Bar & Lounge, where you can have a (truly) specialty cocktail and light bite and often will find live music. No matter the season, libations worth sampling include the Fall Fling (a tantalizing concoction of Bulleit rye, Grand Marnier, pumpkin puree, tangerine, and brown sugar simple syrup) and Icy Hot (Siete Leguas Silver Tequila, St. Germain Elderflower Liqueur, lime juice, agave nectar, cucumber, and jalapeño). redbarandlounge.com

Across from Red, an expansive specialty Marketplace – open 24 hours – beckons the fickle appetite to branch out from typical fare with gourmet drinks and a copious variety of thoughtfully curated snacks.

Red Bar & Lounge

Red Bar & Lounge

With over 50,000 square feet of meeting space, the Hotel Irvine offers multiple meeting venues, including indoor and outdoor rooms, a stunning theater and one of the largest ballrooms in Orange County. There is also an outdoor pool and gym for guests to relax and keep in shape, respectively. They also offer complimentary transportation to and from John Wayne International Airport, which is less than three miles away.

In brief, the Hotel Irvine is a hi-tech diamond in the rough, a modern oasis in the heart of Orange County where your needs will be met as you enjoy comfortable accommodations, delicious food, and access to a multitude of activities. hotelirvine.com