Hilton Irvine is not “just an airport hotel.” In fact, anyone who has ever seen the sitcom “Cheers” will appreciate how this Southern California hotel embodies the show’s lyric, “Sometimes you wanna go where everybody knows your name.” This is a place to stay when top customer service is valued, the restaurant is a cut above the competition and the atmosphere is friendly, fun and laid-back. 

Airport hotels can get a bad rap for being…well, exactly what they sound like: hotels that offer guests convenience and few frills. And while Hilton Irvine is convenient, it has much more than being a property close to an airport. 

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Need more? Read more: We went to Disneyland Halloween Time: Here’s what stood out

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Things to know before you go

• Check-in/check-out: Check-in begins at 3 p.m.; check-out is at noon.
• Parking: Self-parking is $46 per day and valet parking is $52 per day. In/out privileges are available.
• Airport shuttle: Complimentary shuttle service to John Wayne Airport is available upon text request. Hilton also says its complimentary shuttle serves destinations within a three-mile radius.
• Pets: Hilton Irvine is pet-friendly, allowing up to two dogs or cats, with a $75 nonrefundable fee for stays of one to four nights and $125 for five nights or longer. Pets can weigh up to 75 pounds.
• Good to know: If having a refrigerator is important to you, check your specific room type before booking, as our room did not have one.

The start of your Hilton Irvine stay

There is a hominess and character to Hilton Irvine unlike similar airport properties. The lobby isn’t the fanciest, but it’s one of the friendliest. There’s comfortable seating and places to plop down with a laptop. 

In my experience, it’s the guest services here that kicks off a positive start to your visit. The front-desk staff has dialed in the ability to be expedient, friendly and informative, making both the check-in and check-out experiences flawless.

Rooms and amenities

Hilton Irvine’s rooms are clean, comfortable, and my favorite: quiet! Our room didn’t have a mini-fridge, but the usual coffee setup was on deck. Not to worry — you won’t miss the fridge, though (and we’ll get to that shortly). 

There are several amenities worth exploring, including one of my favorites: the lobby Starbucks (limited hours). Here, a lovely barista can whip up beverages similar to those you’ll find at retail locations.There are also light pastries and bites available. Other amenities include:

• A beautiful outdoor patio area with firepits and seating
• Pool and hot tub
• Fitness center
• A small shop where you can pick up travel items, drinks and snacks
• On-site restaurant Trellis & Tide (this needs its own paragraph, see below)

Trellis & Tide

Just off the lobby, Hilton Irvine’s on-site restaurant, Trellis & Tide, is one more example of how the property breaks the mold of the mediocre airport hotel dining experience.

This is where the whole “where everybody knows your name” really came into play. Many of the waitstaff knew the names of guests dining at the restaurant and enjoying cocktails at the bar. It reinforced that friendly atmosphere that made this a unique stay. 

Executive Chef Leonel De Leon has curated next-level breakfast, lunch and dinner menus to satisfy a variety of palates. 

Everything we ordered was fresh and flavorful, with an elevated presentation. We were obsessed with the ceviche. So obsessed, in fact, that we ordered it twice.

Standout dishes we tried

• Baja shrimp ceviche: Avocado, tomato, cilantro, onion, cucumber, jalapeño, lime juice, tomato juice, tortilla chips.
• Crispy chicken sandwich: Buttermilk-marinated chicken breast, green onion cabbage slaw, hot honey, spicy aioli, fries.
• Ahi bowl: Mango salsa, avocado, cucumber, pickled ginger, wakame, crispy onion, furikake, spicy mayo, ponzu, sticky rice

Special mention goes to the perfectly berry-topped crème brûlée I not-so-shamefully brought back to my room after a very full stomach. My daughter ordered an equally impressive chocolate cake.  

Would I visit Hilton Irvine again?

Yes. Without a doubt. In addition to being close to the John Wayne Airport, Hilton Irvine is close to Disneyland (maybe a 15-minute drive depending on traffic). The property also offers a complimentary airport shuttle at 15 and 45 minutes past the hour. We had an easy 10-minute walk to and from the airport. 

If you want a place to stay that offers more than what you’re used to in an airport hotel, I recommend giving Hilton Irvine a go. 

To learn more, visit the hotel’s website.