Ayres Hotel Costa Mesa Newport Beach

More of a 3.5 stars visit instead of 4 stars, but I rounded up since it was closer to 4 stars than 3. I stayed here for a night this past week and had a relatively pleasant stay. Honestly, I had no idea this hotel existed until a few months ago when a friend took me nearby to Hanuman for Thai - and I noticed the Ayres Hotel close-by. This is the flagship property of the Ayres hotel chain. It's nice, but not pretentious - a great location close to John Wayne Airport, UCI, Newport Beach/South Orange County. It's also close to the 55 and 405 if you're planning to visit Disneyland. I had a King Bedroom - room 359. Rachel checked me in and was prompt and efficient. Would've been nice to get a floorplan/map - I had no clue the room was right above the reception desk - I ended up moving my car out of the 10-min registration only spot, and drove further into the hotel lot to find an open spot. Then, made my way through the back entrance, taking awhile to find a elevator to the 3rd floor... only to walk all the way back towards the front entrance where my room was. There are two buildings - the main building houses the non-suite rooms, the lobby, business center, mini-store, and the hotel's restaurant - Le Chateau Garden Bistro - which I'll review in the near future. The side building houses all the suites. Both buildings have a pool. While other reviews mention that the hotel is dated - I thought it was tastefully maintained. I've stayed at old hotels - such as the Mark Hopkins up in San Francisco - that hotel had wear and tear being nearly 100 years old https://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowUserReviews-g60713-d115623-r992460498-InterContinental_Mark_Hopkins_San_Francisco_by_IHG-San_Francisco_California.html . This Ayres spot was kept in great shape. I appreciate all the space that even their non-suite bedroom had. You'll find a lot of things that more modern hotels lack these days - such as a full size tub instead of just a shower. Separate bar area with mini fridge. In-room safe. A bathroom door that closes and locks (looking at you Springhill Suites - with your non-locking, sliding bathroom doors!). The wall AC was noisy, but after awhile, I got used to it - and it actually helped drown out the noise at night since my room was facing busy Bristol Street. It probably would help if the hotel added soundproofing to the rooms facing the main road running alongside the hotel. Other than road noise - I didn't hear many airplanes despite being practically next to John Wayne Airport. It also helps that OC has a air curfew of 11pm. Room wifi was horrible. I couldn't stay on my work's zoom call because the internet kept dropping out. I did a speedtest, and the results were abysmal. Thankfully, I always pack a personal mobile hotspot modem for these reasons when traveling. The lobby is spacious, with plenty of seating. There is a business center with a printer if you need to print your plane tickets, etc. An ATM and brochures rack is near the lobby. There is also a mini-store on-site with self-checkout - good selection of snacks/drinks/ice cream - but just know that you're walking distance to a Shell gas station with food store, and 7-11 is a few steps further down - all walkable from the hotel. The on-site restaurant is Le Chateau Garden Bistro - and makes a great Monte Cristo, which I'll write about in a future review. Parking is $24/night unless its part of your package/promo rate. That can add up quickly. It doesn't make sense to charge so much when you're not nearby to any amusement parks. Overall, a decent hotel stay with some hiccups along the way. Again -more of a 3.5 stars visit instead of 4 stars, but I rounded up since it was closer to 4 stars than 3.

clean and comfortable

having to pay for parking

Very good hotel. It meet my expectations

Enjoyed the Ayres hotel. Excellent staff and facilities. Would be happy to return.

Loved the on-site restaurant! Italian vibe. Beautiful courtyard.

Excellent place to stay. Clean and very friendly staff.

Friendly service…clean, well appointed room…close to airport.

Breakfast was yucky

Comfortable room and size. Very nice pillows and nice and clean

Parking overnight was $24 a night, ridiculous! There is ample parking and if you are guest you shouldn't have to pay.