DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Irvine – Spectrum

This DoubleTree is a busy property that caters primarily to business travelers, but its full lineup of amenities makes it an attractive option for families, too. The spacious lobby has contemporary decor, a trio of stylish white-marble registration desks, and wood paneling and floors. Clusters of designer-quality furniture are set on rugs with intricate and colorful patterns, and oval chandeliers provide soft lighting. The lobby extends to the hotel's restaurant, which can be quite busy when the hotel hosts events. Guests consistently praise staff for their professionalism and friendliness. 

The hotel is located in the heart of Irvine just off Highway 133 (Laguna Freeway), near where Interstate highways 5 and 405 converge. It’s a busy road with commercial buildings and large residential complexes, and there isn't much within walking distance. Irvine Spectrum Center is just an eight-minute drive from the hotel, and it offers restaurants, attractions, and a movie theater. The Cal State Fullerton Campus is a two-minute drive, and the University of California Irvine campus is 13 minutes away by car. John Wayne Orange County Airport is approximately a 20-minute drive, depending on traffic. Laguna Beach and Newport Beach are 14 and 25 minutes away, respectively. 

Guest rooms were part of the hotel's 2017 renovation, and they're bright and modern, with a hint of style. Decor is a mix of cool earth tones and accents in hues such as peacock blue and lavender, and nighttime photos of cityscapes add splashes of brighter color. All are kitted out in high-quality furniture that includes desks, nightstands with USB and other media plug-ins, and dressers that have attractive, silver-framed circular mirrors above to complete the look. 

Units are also bright, and seating is provided by office chairs and oversized armchairs (Double Queens) or sleeper sofas (Kings). Standard amenities include mini-fridges, coffeemakers, safes, 32-inch flat-screen TVs, and free Wi-Fi, but there are no microwaves. Higher-floor Executive rooms feature an enhanced amenities package that includes vouchers for free breakfast and drinks, as well as bathrobes and free bottled water. 

Bathrooms are also spacious, with marble vanities and shower/tub combos, and they have backlit mirrors that provide excellent lighting, magnifying mirrors, hairdryers, and a decent stock of Crabtree & Evelyn toiletries. 

Units are generally quiet and offer views of the surrounding area, and some have glimpses of distant mountains.  

The DoubleTree caters to business and leisure travelers alike. For dining, 90 Pacifica Restaurant & Wine Bar serves seasonal contemporary California cuisine for breakfast (fee), lunch, and dinner, and a large bar offers a light bites menu. Room service is available. There's also a convenience store that sells sundries, soft drinks, and snacks, including frozen treats. The 24-hour business center is located in a dedicated room with multiple computers and printers, and there's meeting space to accommodate groups of up to 300 people. 

The fitness center is well-equipped with free weights, a strength-training machine, and several Precor cardio machines, including three treadmills with individual video screens. There's also a heated outdoor pool and whirlpool surrounded by a large patio with towering palms, comfy seating, and a gas fire pit. Other amenities include a concierge desk, guest laundry room, valet dry cleaning and laundry service, and free round-trip shuttle service to John Wayne Orange County Airport and within a two-mile radius of the hotel. Parking is on-site for an extra charge, but Wi-Fi is free throughout.