On a recent trip out to Disneyland, we wanted to mix it up and find a new hotel to stay at in Orange County, even if it meant driving a little further.
Review: Avenue Of The Arts Costa Mesa, A Tribute Portfolio Hotel
What we found was the Avenue of the Arts Costa Mesa, A Tribute Portfolio Hotel.
But was it any good?
Image: marriott.com
Location & Parking
Located in the South Coast Metro area of Costa Mesa, The Avenue the Arts is located Northwest of the John Wayne Airport and due West from the city of Irvine.
The Avenue of the Arts Costa Mesa is located 14 miles away from Disneyland, which is about a 20 minute drive to the park (depending on traffic).
Onsite parking is available in the parking garage which goes for $5 hourly or 27 dollars daily; There is also the option to use valet parking which costs $30 a night.
The Valet Parking circle
The entrance to the parking garage
Marriott Bonvoy Booking And Redemption Options
During our stay, the Avenue of the Arts Costa Mesa started at the standard rate of $231.16 for a “1 King Bed” room.
As the Avenue of the Arts Costa Mesa was a Marriott Bonvoy Category 4 property, it was bookable for the standard rate of 25,000 Bonvoy points per night (30,000 points on the night of our stay).
This was an a standard redemption value for Bonvoy points at .77 CPP. Because of that, we opted to book with cash.
The Lobby
Before we even entered the Avenue of the Arts Costa Mesa it was apparent this hotel was going to be modern, classy, and upscale.
As we entered the hotel, our suspicions were positively confirmed, this was a high-end Orange County joint.
Image: marriott.com
Front Desk & Check-In
Check-in was fast and professional, we were greeted and recognized for our status and informed we’d be given and upgrade to a “Junior Suite, 1 Bedroom Junior Suite, 1 King, Sofa bed, City view, Balcony” room thanks to our status as Marriott Bonvoy Platinum Elite Members.
Room Upgrade
On the night of our stay, this room upgrade went for $354.00 per night plus $39.42 in taxes, which came to a grand total of $393.42 for the night. This meant the value of our room upgrade was $162.29.
Welcome Package
We were then handed our room keys and a Welcome Package which included our coupon for free continental breakfast and the restaurant hours and take out menu for the Silver Trumpet restaurant.
Room Key
The Walk To The Elevators
Elevator Areas
Hallway
Room Entrance
As we entered are suite, we were pleasantly surprised at the size of the Junior Suite room upgrade and the overall decor.
The suite was larger than we had expected, and footprint of the unit was a smart design – with the living area near the entrance, then the bathroom, vanity, and closet areas, then the bedroom and balcony.
Not sure who left that little bowl by the door
Bedroom
The bedroom was of nice size an elegant decor.
It was warm, comfortable and artsy.
Image: marriott.com
Living Area
The decor of the living area was at once artsy, gaudy, dated and modern – a strange combination that seemed to work perfectly.
Room Amenities
Bathroom
Strangely, it was the bathroom area that was the most outdated.
It was decked out in 90’s marble, and came complete with an old-school tub with shower curtain (albeit a fancy shower curtain).
The Avenue of the Arts Costa Mesa featured the toiletry brand was Oliva Farmacia, a brand that we had never heard of, but that seemed to be of high quality.
This is what the 90’s looked like
Bathroom Artwork
Balcony & View From The Room
The view from our room was of a small pond, various surrounding apartments, the Costa Mesa Marriott, and a view of the outside deck of the Silver Trumpet restaurant.
Signs of Wear & Tear
The condition of the room overall was excellent; when I looked around I could only find very minimal signs of wear and tear on one of the chairs.
Silver Trumpet Restaurant
Image: marriott.com
Image: marriott.com
Image: marriott.com
Breakfast At Silver Trumpet
In the morning, we headed down to Silver Trumpet restaurant for [our complimentary] breakfast.
The Breakfast Menu
Breakfast & The Bill
We went with the Lobster Omelet, the California Benedict, and a couple of lattes and coffees (to get the day started right).
FHOP TIP: The Lobster Omelet is a must try!
The Lobster Omelet ($18)
The California Benedict ($16)
The Business Center
The Property Exterior
The driveway
The historic Beverly Heritage Hotel plaque
Swimming Pool
Image: marriott.com
Fitness Center
Image: marriott.com
The Bottom-Line Review: Avenue of the Arts Costa Mesa, A Tribute Portfolio Hotel
We really enjoyed our stay; the Avenue of the Arts Costa Mesa easily exceeded all our expectations.
Yes, the location was semi-isolated, but that made the hotel feel like a hidden gem. The service was great, the excellent treatment of Bonvoy Platinum Elites was a welcome rarity, the rooms were larger and nicer than we expected, and the breakfast at Silver Trumpet was most memorable (did I mention the Lobster Omelet was excellent?).
For the price, the Avenue of the Arts Costa Mesa is a strong value, and I can easily recommend it for couples, singles, and Disneyland enthusiasts looking for an upscale hotel that is relatively a short drive to the “Happiest Place on Earth”.
Final Rating: 8.75 out of 10
