Stayed 3 nights (July 1-3, 2005), 4th of July holiday weekend on PL @ $52/night. Hotel was fully booked, a conference was going on. Called hotel 3 days prior to confirm my res. and to request non-smoking, 2-bed room. At check-in, desk clerk mentioned room was pre-paid thru PL. Since hotel was full this weekend, we were given a non-smoking "Priceline" King room on the 2nd floor. This room was above the lobby (noisy) and only had half windows that could not be opened. Bedspread was old and carpet stained. Called down to front desk and asked for a room on a higher floor. Was then given a King room on the 6th floor which was updated. We used a roll-away bed for our child, which made the room a bit cramped. This room has a balcony (overlooking the parking lot) and has the down comforter & pillows, firmer bed. Much better than the previous room, which had the velux blanket, old pillows, sagging bed. IMHO, since the hotel was sold-out, we were given the least desirable/not updated "Priceline" room. So don't be afraid to ask for a better room. Luckily, we checked-in at around 4pm, if it had been later in the day, we might have been stuck w/ the "PL" room. Good location right off of 405/55 freeway, easy drive to Newport Beach, Laguna Beach, Irvine. Did not eat at hotel restaurants; did not use room service--too expensive. Would rather explore the many near-by restaurants. Starbucks located in lobby. McDonald's across the street. Huge SouthCoast shopping Plaza down the street. Mitsuwa Japanese market w/ food court directly across from hotel. Ate dinner at a delightful family style Japanese restaurant (Corokke) next to 7-11 across from hotel. Only a few tables & family run, we were the only non-Japanese customers, so we knew this is a local favorite. Great food & good prices. :) The bad: self-parking is $13/night. Didn't try parking at next door businesses as they were clearly marked "not for hotel parking". There were 4 elevators, but ran inefficiently (slow) and always full (had to wait alot). W/ a full hotel, air conditioning didn't work inside the elevators or waiting areas. Wanted to use the stairs, but the stairs are used only for emergency exits. The spa (next to pool) has no jets, just minimally bubbling water. Hi-speed access is $9.95/day. OK fitness room (some machines weren't working). :) The good: non-PL room was clean, comfortable bed, efficient maid service, OK shower pressure, thick towels, Neutrogena soap/shampoo, quiet air conditioner, large swimming pool, convenient location, friendly, hard-working staff. For $52/night, would stay here again, but ask for an updated room on an upper floor.
