Hyatt Regency Long Beach

The Hyatt Regency Long Beach is an upper-mid-range hotel set in a 17-story glass tower in a business development next to a lagoon. Guests enter into a huge two-story lobby with enormous columns and one entire wall of windows, allowing in lots of natural light. The atmosphere throughout is hip and upbeat, with a serene color palette and lots of cozy conversation areas along the sides that encourage groups to gather; free fruit-infused water is available. The check-in desk is at the back of the spacious lobby. A gift shop sells snacks, magazines and books, gifts, and souvenirs. Customers are a mix of business travelers and leisure guests, drawn to the property for its extensive facilities including meeting spaces and an outdoor heated pool. Since its renovation in 2012, this fresh and modern property has been meticulously maintained despite the huge numbers of people coming in and out. 

The Hyatt Regency Long Beach is situated next to the convention center, a five-minute walk from the aquarium, and a 15-minute walk from the ferry terminal for Catalina Island. The immediate area is surrounded by shops and restaurants, and The Pike entertainment district is across the street. The area is mostly clean, and it stays busy most days; evenings also see some action. The location is ideal for both tourists and business travelers. Disneyland and Knott's Berry Farm are a 30-minute drive away. The hotel offers a free shuttle to destinations within a mile. 

All 528 rooms were renovated in 2012 with modern, coastal California decor. They feature light-colored wood and upholstered furnishings, rugs atop hardwood floors, Hyatt Grand Beds with white down duvets and luxurious linens, iHome clock radios, coffeemakers, and flat-screen TVs. Mini-fridges add convenience. Bottles of water in rooms carry an exorbitant price, so guests should check the label before they drink. Bathrooms are sparkling clean and modern, with rainforest showerheads in shower/tub combos. Large windows offer views of the ocean, harbor (stunning at sunset), or city. Hypoallergenic rooms are available for allergy sufferers. Wi-Fi is free in rooms and public spaces, but not in the events space. Regency Club Rooms add a number of extra perks such as concierge services and a private lounge with continental breakfast and hors d'oeuvres. Views from these upper-level rooms are the best.  

The heated outdoor pool is open year-round and is suitable for swimming laps. The sundeck surrounding it has multiple lounge chairs and umbrellas for lounging poolside, and a whirlpool is adjacent. The small 24/7 fitness center is also by the pool and offers treadmills, elliptical trainers, stationary bikes, free weights, and flat-screen TVs. Hyatt's YogaAway program allows guests to do yoga in their rooms using the TV, and a beach trail is nearby for walking, jogging, and biking. A fire pit by the pool is popular during the evenings. 

For dining on-site, the hotel offers COVE for morning coffee and quick bites, and the Lobby Lounge is the place for watching the game on a big-screen TV while dining on comfort foods with a California twist. The Tides restaurant serves all meals, and alfresco seating is available on the terrace. Room service has limited hours, ending at midnight. For business-minded guests, the hotel has 35,000 square feet of space that can accommodate all sorts of groups. The Beacon Ballroom is especially notable with its floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the ocean, Queen Mary, and Catalina Island. 

A 24-hour, self-serve business center on the mezzanine level has computers, connectivity for laptops, desktop publishing, copy and fax stations, and word processing. Free Internet access is available in all public areas. In addition, the front-office staff can assist with document preparation, photocopying, and faxing. There are also three Apple iMac computers adjacent to the Lobby Bar for guests to use for a fee. Additional business services are available for guests in the Business Plan and Regency Club rooms. Wi-Fi is free throughout, except in the events space.