Marriott Irvine Spectrum

From the parking lot, this Marriott looks much like any other in the brand's portfolio. It's a tall tower with symmetrical windows and simple landscaping in the form of palm trees and shrubs. Inside, however, the public spaces have a heavy emphasis on technology, art, and design. On the wall by the entrance is a formal portrait of Bill Marriott -- but with a twist. The portrait is actually virtual reality enabled and will speak to you. The lobby resembles a hip, well-lit co-working space with lots of seating clusters, outlets, and an adjacent Starbucks coffee shop. Local art and an inspiration collection by Fast Company are designed to motivate and inspire. Lemon trees and walls that open out to the pool area give the space a dedicated Californian vibe. Smart elevators are decked out with mood lighting and natural scenes on the interiors. The Marriott Irvine opened in early 2018 and is intended for business travelers and tourists who want to be near the business park and nearby Irvine Spectrum Center. 

The Marriott Irvine Spectrum (not to be confused with the neighboring Courtyard by Marriott Irvine Spectrum) has a pleasantly bland location in a business park that's also home to Taco Bell headquarters, a Ford plant, and residential apartments. The area is nicely landscaped, safe, and quiet -- but there's little to do or see within fast walking distance. A car is required for exploring Orange County and getting to the beach.

• Five-minute drive (or 15-minute walk along a busy road) to Irvine Spectrum Center
• 10-minute drive to John Wayne Airport
• 18-minute drive to Newport Beach
• 19-minute drive to Fashion Island
• 22-minute drive to Disneyland
• 28-minute drive to Balboa Pier
• 60-minute drive to LAX
• One-hour and 15-minute drive to San Diego

Each of the 271 rooms have the same contemporary minimalist design with laminate plank hardwood flooring, clean-lined wood furniture, and a soft color palette that includes a hazily beautiful mountain scene above the double queen or single king beds. The rooms were finished in 2018 and include the kind of touches that modern travelers appreciate, like outlets built into the sofas, natural light from large windows, and a functional closet space with ample room for hanging and storing clothes. Tech features include a 55-inch flat-screen Smart TV with the ability to access Netflix and Hulu, electronic safe, a telephone, and fees for Wi-Fi. All rooms feature a coffeemaker, free bottled water, and a mini-fridge. Corner rooms are designed for extended stays with sleek kitchens that consist of stainless steel fridges, a stovetop, breakfast counter, pantry area, dishwasher, and full cutlery and dishware. Club-level rooms grant access to a lounge with free food and drink presentations. Stylish bathrooms are decked out with subway tiles and large vanities. Thann toiletries, hairdryers, robes, and slippers are provided. Views either overlook the swimming pool or the surrounding neighborhood, with some distant mountain vistas. 

Features are well-thought out, convenient, and stylish. The hotel was designed to be an adult playground, and there are features and amenities from the lobby all the way up to the 16th-floor rooftop bar. Surprisingly, there's a resort-style outdoor pool that's technically next to a parking lot but feels like it's tucked away in a tropical oasis. Cabanas with flat-screen TVs, a whirlpool, fire pits, and sun loungers add to the vacation vibe. The fitness center is two stories and offers a full selection of magazines, filtered water, fresh fruit, and headphones. Life Fitness cardio and strength-training machines are outfitted with individual media screens.

For dining, guests and locals gather at Heirloom Farmhouse Kitchen for breakfast, lunch, dinner, cocktails, and indoor/outdoor events. The menu focuses on farm-to-table ingredients and includes items like salmon risotto, seasonal hummus, and kale salad with goat cheese. Specialty cocktails and local wines are also on offer at the long bar, and room service is available 24 hours. The rooftop bar, Hive & Honey, is a popular spot for evening cocktails and light bites in a smartly decorated outdoor space. Heating lamps and fire pits keep things cozy in the winter months and there are wonderful views of distant mountains. Unfortunately, the space is closed in the daytime. There's an independently owned Starbucks in the hotel's lobby for snacks, coffees, and teas. Finally, the 24-hour Pantry sells cold drinks, packaged snacks, toiletries, and cocktail mixers near the front desk. 

Valet parking is the only option, and it costs a fee -- which seems a bit unfair considering there's a large parking lot. Wi-Fi also costs extra. Guests in club-level rooms get free access to a pleasant lounge with gourmet food and beverage presentations. Breakfast here might include chilaquiles, fresh strawberries, and individually portioned yogurt parfaits. There's a professional coffee machine for cappuccinos and lattes. Evening snacks feature cheeses, hot soup, and wine. The space also has a flat-screen TV, computers, and a private outdoor deck. There are seven event rooms and almost 19,000 square feet of event space. Catering and audiovisual equipment are available.