Best Hotels near University of California--Irvine

Just a few minutes from Balboa Island, about 45 miles southwest of Los Angeles, Fashion Island Hotel earns decent reviews from recent guests. For starters, visitors adore this hotel's location, since it puts them within walking distance to numerous restaurants and shops. Then, there's the staff –everyone from poolside waiters to manager receives compliments for their politeness and attentiveness. And lastly, amenities like the pool area and gym are described as in beautiful shape and make for excellent diversions. However, some visitors note that the decor in the guest rooms felt more generic than unique, and that the beds could use new mattresses. But despite the less-than-inspiring decor, the accommodations come with complimentary internet access, LED televisions and balconies. Should you crave a bite to eat, you can enjoy Southern California flavors in an alfresco setting at the Oak Grill.

The affordable rates and excellent service are just two of the aspects that travelers say keep bringing them back to the Ayres Hotel & Suites. Located in Costa Mesa, California, the hotel is extremely close to John Wayne Airport and just a short drive from Newport Beach and Huntington Beach. The property houses 284 rooms and suites, which feature a neutral color scheme with wooden headboards, white linens and gold-hued accent walls and bedding. Accommodations also come equipped with flat-screen televisions, desks, coffee makers and free internet access. Ayres Hotel & Suites is home to two outdoor heated pools, a business center and a fitness studio. When you get hungry, check out Le Chateau Restaurant & Lounge, which dishes out modern Californian cuisine that guests can enjoy indoors or in the courtyard. Additional services like free airport shuttle service, daily happy hour, complimentary parking and free cookies added another element of satisfaction to travelers' stays.

Less than 3 miles from John Wayne Airport, Hotel Irvine is set in Orange County, California, near popular shorelines like Newport Beach and Huntington Beach. Recent guests praised Hotel Irvine's staff and loved the complimentary amenities offered at this hotel, which include airport shuttle service, a breakfast spread and Wi-Fi access in the rooms. Accommodations are also outfitted with 42-inch flat-screen TVs, minibars and beds with down duvets and pillow-top mattresses. What's more, visitors will find on-site amenities like a pool, a gym, bike rentals and a basketball court, plus three on-site eateries, including the 24-hour Marketplace that serves everything from fresh pizza and salads to tacos and sandwiches. And business travelers will appreciate the more than 50,000 square feet of meeting space, catering options and audiovisual equipment. Additionally, this property participates in the iPrefer rewards program. 

Rubbing elbows with John Wayne Airport less than 20 miles southeast of downtown Anaheim, the Duke Hotel Newport Beach offers red-eye fliers a place to hang their hat in style. But previous visitors are quick to warn that you will pay considerably more here than you would at other nearby hotels of equal caliber (especially for valet parking). For more particular guests, the extra cash might be worth having access to the pillow-top mattresses, Keurig coffee makers, flat-screen TVs and marble bathrooms found in this Marriott outpost's guest rooms. Or, Marriott Bonvoy members can use accrued points to pay for rooms. The hotel also houses an outdoor pool and a 24-hour health club, but if you're in need of some extra rejuvenation following a long flight, consider making use of the spa. The facility provides a wide variety of massages and skin treatments. Should a bout of hunger kick in, head to one of two on-site restaurants.