Hilton Garden Inn Irvine/Orange County Airport

I've stayed here a few times because it's close to my business meetings, but this two-night visit left me disappointed. The bedding was the biggest problem: the comforter, blanket, and pillows smelled strongly of body odor, whether from the previous guest or because they hadn't been cleaned properly. I trust the sheets are washed, but the other bedding needs a proper refresh to get rid of that smell. The room also needed a better vacuuming, and there were torn, empty sugar packets left at the coffee bar. At $220 a night, I expected a cleaner room and basic things like a robe and slippers. The desk said they don't provide them and had none available. I needed one more night, but chose another hotel instead. As a Hilton Honors member, I've noticed the amenities, service, and cleanliness declining over the years. I'll probably stay at the Hyatt Regency down the street, where service has been more consistent. The $30 nightly parking charge feels excessive too.

A clean, quiet room and an easy check-in made this a comfortable stay. The front desk folks were polite and helped when I asked about the shuttle. I also liked being able to grab a late-night snack from the little market after arriving late. John Wayne airport is right nearby, which was handy for my early flight, and getting to nearby restaurants was easy. For a comfortable, straightforward place without a lot of fuss, I'd stay here again.

The rooms were clean and the service was good, but I left with a bad impression of breakfast staff. We checked out at 5:53, even though checkout wasn't until 11, and breakfast started at 6. I only wanted to take a banana and an orange to the airport. The staff member said I couldn't have them because I'd already checked out and would need to pay, even though I'd paid for the room through 11. We pay good rates and parking for the amenities, so refusing a quick snack just minutes before breakfast opened felt very unprofessional.

It's okay, but I think you get a better deal at the Marriott. I felt nickeled and dimed here: parking is $30 a day even when the lot isn't crowded, there's no flip-flops in the rooms, and breakfast costs extra. I'd stay at the Marriott in Irvine next time.