The Best Hotels to Book Near Irvine Regional Park, California

After exploring Irvine Regional Park, you can keep the natural beauty coming at the Waldorf Astoria Monarch resort
After exploring Irvine Regional Park, you can keep the natural beauty coming at the Waldorf Astoria Monarch resort | Courtesy of Waldorf Astoria Monarch Beach Resort and Club / Booking.com
Matt Charlton

California is stacked to the gills with natural beauty, but Irvine Regional Park in Orange County is one of the easiest to access from Southern California’s travel hotspots. Here’s our guide to the best hotels Irvine can call a neighbor.

Irvine became Orange County’s first regional park in 1897 and was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1983. It’s also ideally placed for Anaheim – yes, that means Disneyland – LA, Huntington Beach and Burbank, just in case you become overwhelmed by all the nature.

1. Ayres Hotel Anaheim

Hotel

Two double beds with wood headboards; tan carpet, wood furnishings and patterned curtains in room at Ayres Hotel Anaheim
Courtesy of Ayres Hotel Anaheim / Expedia

A mere 3mi (5km) from the all-important Disneyland Resort, this modern and welcoming hotel has thoughtful touches throughout – and has a bit of a European vibe to it. The plush and relaxing rooms feature mahogany armoires and handcrafted bed frames and the complimentary perks include a hot breakfast and weeknight wine receptions to help you wind down from the joys of the Happiest Place on Earth. There’s also a gym, a heated outdoor pool and a hot tub for ultimate relaxation.

2. Great Wolf Lodge Anaheim

Resort

Part of the outdoor waterpark at the Great Wolf Lodge Anaheim, with handrail and various play items
Courtesy of Great Wolf Lodge Anaheim / Booking.com

​​This super family-friendly resort is an ideal choice for a high-end stay with enough touches of fun to keep the little ones occupied. You have a choice between standard, themed and premium suites – the premium options including two bathrooms, a living area and pull-out sofas. Great Wolf Lodge is themed around its waterpark, but aside from all the aquatic fun, there are six casual dining options, storytelling sessions, a gym and even a spa for the kids.

4. Waldorf Astoria Monarch Beach Resort and Club

Resort

Several armchairs and sofas in social area with a fireplace and sea views at the Waldorf Astoria Monarch Beach Resort and Club
Courtesy of Waldorf Astoria Monarch Beach Resort and Club / Expedia

​​Well, you know this hotel in Irvine’s shadow will be classy. A luxury resort perched atop a 150ft (46m) seaside bluff, this retreat offers both indulgence and inspiration – from oceanfront culinary experiences to unique coastal activities and adventures. This swish accommodation embraces the cool blues, greens and crisp whites of the adjacent ocean – and the amenities? Oh, the amenities. Is a private beach, a golf course, six restaurants, three pools, an indulgent spa, a boutique shop and a deli sound good? Thought so.

5. The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel

Hotel

Living space with long sofa, two armchairs and a TV at the Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel; waterfront terrace just outside
Courtesy of the Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel / Expedia

An opulent coastal retreat with a playful side, this majestic, Mediterranean-style luxury hotel offers Pacific views and considered local flavor. The resort fee covers yoga classes, a beach shuttle and access to tennis courts and the chic beauty spa’s sauna and steam rooms. The accommodation is, of course, exemplary – with the soothing decor evoking the ocean through its colors, textures and artwork, plus bells and whistles such as marble bathrooms, personal balconies and Egyptian cotton linens.

6. Pacific Palms Resort

Resort, Hotel

Many loungers by the outdoor pool at Pacific Palms Resort, with palm trees and direct mountain views
Courtesy of Pacific Palms Resort / Booking.com

This luxury golf resort is a hole-in-one – situated on a glorious hilltop location and set against the majestic San Gabriel Valley Mountains, there are many guest activities and on-site entertainment. The sleek rooms with amazing views are designed around relaxation – all Cali-casual with high-end fixtures and fittings such as luxury linens, signature toiletries and ergonomic chairs. Pacific Palms also features a spa and gym, a hilltop pool and an excellent Asian restaurant.

7. Laguna Hills Lodge

Lodge

Exterior of two-story Laguna Hills Lodge, with each room lit up at dusk, and a car parked just outside
Courtesy of Laguna Hills Lodge / Booking.com

There’s a European feel to this family-owned lodge – found just over 8mi (13km) from Orange County Great Park and around 12mi (19km) from Crystal Cove at boujee Newport Beach. Amenities include free on-site parking and continental breakfast, plus discounts at local restaurants. The tastefully decorated rooms are surrounded by beautiful grounds featuring hundreds of varieties of roses and offer amenities such as free wifi, complimentary coffee and HDTV.

8. Renaissance ClubSport Aliso Viejo Laguna Beach Hotel

Hotel

Outdoor pool with handrail and lane dividers, lit up at night at Renaissance ClubSport Aliso Viejo Laguna Beach Hotel
Courtesy of Renaissance ClubSport Aliso Viejo Laguna Beach Hotel / Expedia

Try saying this close-to-Irvine hotel’s name after a couple of glasses of local wine – it’s certainly a mouthful. This relaxed and contemporary offering is 10mi (16km) from Crystal Cove State Park and just 6.5mi (10km) to Laguna Beach. The rooms – sporting the colors of the coast – are informal, well-appointed and comfortable, with modern bathrooms and iPod docks. Hotel facilities include a kid’s club, an outdoor pool, a very shiny American bar and restaurant and a fitness center.

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