The Best Hotels to Book in Irvine, California

Take in panoramic vistas from your spacious room, or head to the rooftop bar at the Marriott Irvine Spectrum
Take in panoramic vistas from your spacious room, or head to the rooftop bar at the Marriott Irvine Spectrum | Courtesy of Marriott Irvine Spectrum / Booking.com
Rachel Eva Lim

If you’re in town for a speedy layover or prefer to bed down as close to the airport as possible to cut down on your total travel time, you’ll find a range of hotels in the vicinity of Irvine’s John Wayne Airport that offer a cozy and convenient experience. From a sleek stay with a buzzing rooftop bar to a youthful hotel with eye-catching furnishings, consider checking into one of these top hotels in Irvine, California – bookable on Culture Trip.

1. Hotel Irvine, for winding down under the Cali sun

Hotel

Double queen room with red carpet and pumpkin-color feature wall with floor-to-ceiling window at Hotel Irvine
Courtesy of Hotel Irvine / Booking.com

With colorful and well-furnished rooms, Hotel Irvine is a chic choice just minutes away from the airport. All digs feature large beds and workstations, while certain configurations come with a private balcony for you to soak up some of that famous SoCal sunshine. Once golden hour rolls around, head to the hotel’s Red Bar and Lounge for tipples and bar bites – it serves cocktails, draft beers and wines alongside creative dishes like avocado fries and pear and gorgonzola thin-crust pizza.

2. Irvine Marriott, for comfortable luxury

Hotel

Sleek modern king room with separate seating area, desk and balcony at Irvine Marriott
Courtesy of Irvine Marriott / Booking.com

If you’re searching for a modern, pet-friendly pad where you can unwind after a long flight, make your way to the Irvine Marriott. The hotel has sizable guest rooms – which are furnished with plush beds topped with premium linens, floor-to-ceiling windows that provide sprawling city views and workspaces complete with ergonomic chairs. Sweat it out at the fully equipped fitness center or go for a swim in the heated outdoor pool. Alternatively, rent an electric bike and explore the surroundings on two wheels.

3. DoubleTree by Hilton Irvine – Spectrum, for a warm cookie welcome

Hotel

Comfy king room in soothing light blue and tan hues at DoubleTree by Hilton Irvine Spectrum
Courtesy of DoubleTree by Hilton Irvine Spectrum / Booking.com

This contemporary bolthole is a top pick for your time in Irvine – offering both queen and king rooms, including a set-up that has a dedicated workout area. Guests are welcomed with a warm cookie on arrival, but if you’re still feeling hungry, you can feast on seasonal fare and sip on local OC vintages at the on-site 90 Pacifica Restaurant and Wine Bar. Amenities include a fitness studio, heated outdoor pool and whirlpool – as well as a free shuttle service between the hotel and the airport.

5. Sonesta Irvine – Orange County Airport, for memorable amenities

Chain Hotel

Comfy room with two large beds, desk and ergonomic chair at Sonesta Irvine
Courtesy of Sonesta Irvine / Booking.com

The 335-room retreat is a relaxing space to rest your head after a long day of traveling. Beds are fitted with crisp linens, and all rooms come with smart climate-control systems, Herman Miller desk chairs and bath products by Poggesi. Aside from making use of the free airport shuttle, choose to take a dip in the indoor pool or work out at the fitness center. Be sure to stop by the Pantry to nab a grab-and-go breakfast before heading out for the day.

6. Hilton Irvine Orange County Airport, for central convenience

Chain Hotel

Soothing king room with blue and beige hues and sliding glass door with city views at Hilton Irvine/Orange County Airport
Courtesy of Hilton Irvine/Orange County Airport / Booking.com

Other than being situated a few minutes from the airport, this Hilton is also driving distance from top sights such as Newport Beach and South Coast Plaza. The expansive guest rooms are styled in a neutral color scheme – with dark-wood furnishings and calming blue paintings adorning the walls. Facilities include a 24-hour fitness center, outdoor pool and whirlpool – plus an elegant restaurant that plates up continental American nosh.

7. Hilton Garden Inn Irvine/Orange County Airport, for a great location

Chain Hotel

King bedroom with dark brown furniture and mauve feature wall at Hilton Garden Inn Irvine/Orange County Airport
Courtesy of Hilton Garden Inn Irvine/Orange County Airport / Booking.com

For those who plan to stay in town for a couple of days and do some sightseeing, book a room at this great establishment. The hotel is conveniently positioned a quick ride away from the airport, as well as from popular attractions including Disneyland, Huntington State Beach and Irvine Spectrum Center. The generously sized quarters are modern and inviting – with suites kitted out with a wet bar and separate living area – and the indoor pool is great for a swim, regardless of the weather.

8. Marriott Irvine Spectrum, for rooftop cocktails at sunset

Chain Hotel

Modern chic double queen room with natural wood floors and picture window views at Marriott Irvine Spectrum
Courtesy of Marriott Irvine Spectrum / Booking.com

Looking for a hotel with a rooftop bar? You’ve come to the right place. The Marriott Irvine Spectrum’s Hive and Honey Rooftop Bar is the perfect spot to indulge in a sunset cocktail while drinking in panoramic vistas. To enjoy a full-scale meal, drop by the farm-to-table restaurant Heirloom Farmhouse Kitchen – which boasts a tasty, produce-driven menu. Meanwhile, the rooms have plush bedding, allergy-friendly flooring and large windows that let in plenty of sunlight. There’s also a round-the-clock fitness studio and outdoor pool if you fancy a little activity while you’re here.

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Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

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