An investment of renovated excellence
Hospitality has, and will always be, an industry built on a foundation of warmth, luxury, escapism, and convenience; Sonesta Irvine delivers.
When the opportunity came to do some mid-week work in Orange County, it was Sonesta Hotels that beckoned.
Just south of Los Angeles, the OC is home to Segerstrom Center of the Arts, Crystal Cove National Park, gorgeous beaches, thriving tech companies, and yummy food. It’s also where Sonesta Hotel Irvine is located, and it proved to be renovated excellence. Recently having undergone a multi-million dollar renovation, the newly redesigned Sonesta Irvine is a hotel of leisure, calm, simplicity and surprisingly modern, minimalist design.
As the golden sun glows over Irvine, the newly renovated hotel emerges as a beacon of refined elegance. Guest rooms were designed by the Getty’s Group and the public areas were designed by SANDdesign. This transformation is not merely a facelift; it is a reinvention that marries contemporary aesthetics with an inviting warmth, creating a haven for travelers and locals alike.
ARRIVAL
From the moment you pull up, the staff is attentive, incredibly warm, and immensely welcoming. Stefan in valet and Vanessa at the front desk go out of their way for every guest. Walking through the lobby lounge towards Haven Point Provisions & Spirits, the décor is simply refined, artistic and modern. That’s where you’ll find the hotel bar and restaurant, and the impeccable service of Adela (she is an absolute gem), Maribel, Juan Carlos, and Dave. With clean lines, rich tones, and the illusion of openness, the lobby floor is fluid and intriguing, and leads to an indoor pool, an outdoor garden terrace and sun deck, and their spacious and innovative business center.
Guests are greeted by an airy, open space bathed in natural light. The neutral palette, punctuated with vibrant pops of color, evokes a sense of tranquility and understated opulence. The carefully selected art pieces — a blend of local and global works — adorn the walls and bookcases, adding layers of cultural richness and visual intrigue. Irvine is not typically the place we’d run to for business and R&R, yet three days at Sonesta proved to be a necessary reset.
THE STAY
The guest rooms, reimagined with a meticulous eye for detail (thanks to the creative minds at the Getty’s Group), offer a perfect blend of comfort and style. Plush bedding, ergonomic furniture, and state-of-the-art amenities cater to the modern traveler. Large windows frame picturesque views of the city, inviting guests to connect with the bustling energy of Irvine while cocooned in their private retreat.
The studio king suite has pops of ocean blue and marigold and in contrast, accents of black and white, woods and irons, creating an enveloping level of comfort. The renovation extends beyond aesthetics, embodying a commitment to sustainability and wellness. Eco-friendly materials and energy-efficient systems reflect a conscientious approach to modern hospitality. The fitness center, equipped with cutting-edge technology provides everything you need to stay focused on your fitness routine while traveling, including their outdoor basketball court. In fact, while there I had a client meeting in the lounge and we took a spontaneous creative break to play some basketball. This turned out to be a great team building exercise (and a lot of fun!). The workspace and hotel lounge are perfect for conducting business. The serene indoor pool and hot tub area provide guests with ample opportunities to rejuvenate and recharge.
EAT + DRINK
The hotel’s dining experience has been elevated to new heights with Haven Point Provisions & Spirits. The on-site restaurant boasts a menu that celebrates local ingredients with an innovative twist, including a unique cocktail menu. Each dish, crafted by a team of passionate chefs, is a testament to the vibrant flavors and diverse culture of California. The ambiance, a harmonious blend of chic decor and intimate lighting, makes it ideal for casual dining.
In this thoughtfully reimagined space, the Sonesta Hotel in Irvine stands as a testament to the art of transformation. It is a place where contemporary luxury meets genuine hospitality, inviting each guest to experience the essence of California living in its finest form. Here, every detail tells a story, and every stay is a chapter in a journey of comfort and inspiration.
The Haven Point Provisions and Spirits staff (Adela, Juan Carlos, and Dave) is bar none. They treat every guest with the same kindness and hospitality from check-in to check-out. The chatter of guests sat at the bar and throughout the restaurant while dining, and the laughter and familiarity between guests and staff make this a mid-week must-stay. As evening rolls around, the sun sets through the open windows of the suite and it’s time to head downstairs to meet a group of friends at the hotel restaurant and bar for dinner and drinks. Sampling several dishes, the culinary division of Sonesta explores an array of flavors, and accommodates dietary restrictions. The bar proved to be a wonderful place to gather, talk, make new friends, and enjoy quality time with my near and dear.
It was a consistently positive experience, including one late night room service order (burger and fries craving) that really hit the spot! When you’re in the mood for a walk, head outside and explore the grounds, Sol Cocina — upscale Latin fusion dining — is a 3-minute walk from the hotel. Within driving distance are several authentic eateries, shopping experiences, and beaches, including North Italia.
Chef John Ruiz is a culinary leader with experience across high-end hotels in Hawaii and California. He held executive chef roles at renowned resorts and played a crucial role in establishing the culinary reputation of modern Honolulu. John’s menus combine Pacific Rim flavor profiles, global influences, and French techniques with Filipino flair. The menu changes based on seasonal availability, and portions are generous.
The Menu
EGG WHITE SKILLET
SEASONAL FRUIT BOWL
Strawberries, blackberries, blueberries
STEAK BURGER
Cheddar Cheese, caramelized onions, roasted garlic, aioli, lettuce & tomato, fries
OC TUNA STACK
Avocado, cucumber, sushi rice, Kani Crab, Wasabi, Tobiko, ginger soy vinaigrette
HULI SPICE CHICKEN
Specially prepared huli spiced skewers (gluten-free)
PAN SEARED PACIFIC SEA BASS
Creamy Risotto, Market Vegetable, Piquillo Pepper Emulsion
Breakfast offers include tasty baked goods and grains, a make-your-own-pancake machine, and an egg station with—wait for it—breakfast tacos, you’ll wish tomorrow morning would hurry up and arrive. Weekends will also include their new Bloody Mary station and Mimosas.
About
The newly renovated hotel boasts spectacularly updated guest rooms, a modern lobby, unique social spaces for meetings and events (including the expansive and light-filled “Work Suite”), a state-of-the-art fitness studio, and a full-service bar and restaurant, Haven Point Provisions & Spirits.
