Sonesta Irvine

The staff really made this stay for me. Everyone was kind, respectful, understanding, and professional, and they went out of their way to help with reasonable requests. Alex deserves a special mention for being such a great host. The location is convenient for the airport, the food was great, and I used the gym every day. I also appreciated having two guest laundry rooms. This is one of the best hotel experiences I've had, and I'd pick it first if I'm in the area again.

It’s 4:58 in the morning and I can still hear the party next door through my earplugs. I’ve stayed here several times, and each time I’ve ended up learning new stories from whoever was in the neighboring room. You hear people on phone calls, arguing, yelling at video games, watching late-night TV, and all kinds of other private conversations. If you want to hear strangers’ business, or let everyone hear yours, Sonesta Irvine is the place. I’m tired of it. Don’t let the fancy lobby restaurant decor fool you. It looks like they spent the soundproofing budget there instead of on the rooms.

Update 11/14: The refunds have gone through and the issue is resolved. Thanks. I’ve adjusted my rating to 3 stars. I come to Irvine often for work and hoped this would become my regular hotel. Instead, a simple billing fix turned into two weeks and seven emails that left a bad taste. Parking costs $39 a night, which is fine, but nobody explained the process at check-in. I was told to take a ticket at the gate, without being told parking would also go on my room bill. That left me with duplicate charges of $39 and $10 on top of the hotel invoice. It should have taken five minutes to fix. My emails included invoices, screenshots, and a clear explanation, but they were ignored or met with a repeat of the parking policy instead of an answer about the double charge. Someone only seemed to pay attention after I copied a corporate contact. For a hotel aimed at business travelers, that much delay and lack of ownership is unacceptable. It felt like they expected guests to give up over a $49 mistake. The property itself is fine, but management came across as indifferent, if not dismissive. If accurate billing, prompt replies, and accountability matter to you, think twice before staying here.

Vanessa at the front desk was a rockstar, and the rest of the staff were professional too. Our room was clean, the jacuzzi was just the right temperature, and breakfast was delicious. It was my first time here, and I’d be happy to come back.