Staybridge Suites Irvine-John Wayne Airport by IHG

The best service we got was from Juan Carlos at breakfast. He was friendly, always smiling, checked if we needed anything, and even suggested places to visit. Irisbell was kind and helpful too. Unfortunately, aside from those two employees, our four-day stay was disappointing, and we wouldn’t choose to return. Check-in was rushed and unfriendly. Liz didn’t explain the hotel or its amenities, and we had to ask to change the first room because it wasn’t suitable for a family with children. Another receptionist, who spoke Spanish, wasn’t very helpful or friendly. She mostly answered questions with “no” and didn’t explain or try to help. We asked her to open the sofa bed, but it wasn’t done, so we had to call again that evening after being left uncomfortable. We asked for late checkout because we’re IHG members, had two small children, and a very late flight. Theresa and another staff member, an Asian gentleman with glasses, said the hotel was fully booked and repeatedly refused any checkout later than 12:00. Yet the IHG website showed rooms still available for that night. We understand late checkout depends on availability and that this hotel might have a different policy, but the communication felt inaccurate and frustrating. We decided not to extend our stay and moved to another hotel. The general manager also made us feel unwelcome through his attitude and the way he looked at us. Once, he told my husband not to eat in the game room, even though my husband wasn’t eating anything. Another time, in front of several guests, he rudely shushed my child instead of speaking to me as the parent. That was extremely inappropriate and unprofessional. If there’s a concern about noise or children, speak politely to the parents instead of embarrassing a child. Families should feel welcome. There was poor communication between departments too. Even though we had late checkout confirmed until 12, housekeeping came into our room without knocking properly or asking permission, which made my husband very uncomfortable. We were also surprised by how expensive the parking and extra hotel fees were. A lot of problems with service, communication, and attitude added up to a poor stay.

It was a lovely stay in a quiet spot, with spacious, clean rooms. Jacky, Jasmine, and Juan Carlos welcomed us like family, and everyone was friendly and helpful. The hotel has free breakfast and weekday happy hour. I’d definitely make it one of my go-to places.

We had car trouble and managed to get a last-minute room here. The place was a real surprise, from the staff and clean rooms to the amenities and breakfast. My wife said it was easily the best Staybridge she’s been to compared with other places she’d visited recently. The kids loved the play area, with zenga blocks, basketball, board games, tennis courts, and a swimming pool. The rooms were clean and nicely presented, with enough sheets and pillows for the kids and me. The sofa bed was surprisingly comfortable. Breakfast was the highlight, honestly so good. There was a wide variety of fruit, plus pancakes, waffle makers, bagels, eggs, and sausage. Jacob and Chris (GM) were kind and always helpful. Chris even cleaned tables for guests, which says something when a manager takes on a job people don’t like doing. Thanks to Staybridge and the staff. I’ll be back and look forward to staying here if I’m in the area again.

The rooms were really clean, and I have to give credit to the cleaning staff for doing a fantastic job. My problem is the fees. Parking at $25 a day is outrageous, and then there’s a $10 daily resort fee, which seems funny when there’s no resort. I definitely won’t stay here again. I’m not sure what my husband was thinking when he booked it.