How I Uncovered the Unexpected Harmony of Jazz, Dogs, and Green Tea at Sonesta Irvine

What do piped-in jazz music, a dog’s water dish, and the deliciously soft scent of green tea fragrance have in common? They are the first impressions at the entrance to the Sonesta Irvine.

When I pulled under the portico at Sonesta Irvine, I noticed the catchy jazz music playing as I exited my car. When the doors parted, I saw the water dish for dogs along the side wall and knew that would be the first place a dog guest would go.

When I noticed a soft, luscious scent, I thought a guest had just passed wearing a lovely perfume. It took me three visits to the lobby area to realize that the smell is part of the ambiance of the Sonesta Irvine. I had to find out what it was to take it home. The front desk staff told me the fragrance was Green Tea. You can order it online in a candle or room spray.

Overview

The Sonesta Irvine originally opened in the 1980s, and the hotel has undergone several renovations to maintain its modern appeal.

Owned by Sonesta International Hotels Corporation, the Sonesta Irvine was redesigned and launched in July 2022.

Known for its contemporary style and proximity to top Southern California attractions, the Sonesta Irvine is popular among business travelers and leisure guests because it hosts numerous business conferences, conventions, sporting event accommodations, and family gatherings annually.

Irvine is known as the “City of Innovation,” because it is a technology hub, and one-third of all Fortune 500 companies call it home.

Irvine has been recognized since 2005 as “America’s Safest Big City.”

If you are a dog owner, you’ll be pleased to know that dogs are more than welcome at the Sonesta Irvine. A dog water bowl inside the front entrance and the numerous canine delectables in the Pantry are a dead giveaway to the treats awaiting our four-legged children.

Location

The Sonesta Irvine is conveniently located in the center of Orange County’s thriving business district and is just minutes from John Wayne Airport.

As a resident of Orange County for more than 40 years, I have never had such a stunning view of the county. We enjoyed an unrestricted view of the Irvine Concourse to the hills where we used to live.

 

We watched planes come in for a landing before the 11 pm curfew from our 12th-floor corner suite.

Arts and Culture

Sonesta Irvine reflects Southern California’s vibrant arts scene with rotating or permanent local artwork displayed in the lobby and common areas, celebrating the creativity of the artists in the region.

I was fascinated by the art piece used as a wall divider at the end of the communal workstation table. The artwork, lit from within, made me want to look closer.

The artwork presented at the elevators made me catch my breath when the elevator doors opened. Vases on hall tables or striking artwork on the walls made me look forward to the next elevator ride.

Influences

The hotel’s design incorporates modern and coastal influences, with sleek lines, neutral tones, and natural light that create a warm yet sophisticated ambiance. The spacious public areas made me feel calm and relaxed.

Hotel Amenities

The sophisticated lobby and open architecture of the Sonesta Irvine excited me the moment I stepped inside.

• Complimentary airport shuttle (John Wayne Airport is two miles away)
• 24-hour staffed Front Desk
• Pet-friendly rooms
• Business center with printing and office supplies
• 24-hour fitness center
• Indoor pool and hot tub
• Outdoor sundeck with two-person day beds
• Event and meeting spaces
• Coin-operated washer and dryer on the 7th and 9th floors
• Laundry detergent and dryer sheets in the lobby convenience store
• ATM
• Beverages available in the convenience store available 24 hours

Special Notes

The beverage selection in the Pantry (convenience store) was remarkable. From Kombucha, Naked Juices, Gatorade, and Life Wtr, to beer, wine, soft drinks, and Bubly, you will find almost any beverage you desire in the three refrigerators.

Are you looking to fill an empty tummy after hours? The Pantry stocks PB&J sandwiches, mini pizzas, burritos, and Hot Pockets. Need to satisfy a sweet tooth? Again, the Pantry comes to the rescue. You will find high-quality ice cream bars and Hagen-Daz ice cream in single-serving containers in the freezer.

Sonny, the Robot, was cruising through the lobby when I was there. Sonny was in training (I’m not sure how because he was on his own and didn’t seem to have a direction or purpose) and will be used to deliver food orders from the restaurant to guest rooms–a modern-day Room Service.

Here’s a fun video from my visit to Sonesta Irvine.

Guest Rooms

The 339 guest accommodations include two suites on each floor and an Executive Suite for 25 suites. All rooms have wood flooring, a neutral color palette, and upgraded bed linens.

• Complimentary wireless high-speed Internet access
• Keurig coffee makers
• New TVs for streaming services
• Steamers for clothes (no irons and ironing boards)
• In-room safe
• In-room mini fridge

You can order the Sonesta Bed–classic linens, plush pillows, and cozy blankets to enjoy them at home.

Meeting Rooms & Business Services

More than 8,600 square feet of function space make the Sonesta Irvine a destination for business meetings and social events. The hotel features nine flexible meeting rooms that accommodate large groups and small working groups.

The Sonesta Work Suite is the crown jewel of meeting space. It combines a contemporary business atmosphere with an informal ambiance ideal for work teams with the large multifunctional creative space. It includes a coffee bar, beverage cart, buffet table, presentation seating, couches with coffee tables, and an open-air private patio.

Wellness at Sonesta Irvine

Pool and Whirlpool

An indoor heated pool provides a year-round swimming option for guests. The pool deck is immaculate and handicapped-accessible, with chair lifts for the pool and whirlpool. A cabinet with fresh blue and white towels was well stocked and readily available near the restrooms and the water.

 

Fitness Center

The 24-hour Fitness Center on the 2nd floor has new, top-of-the-line cardio and strength-training equipment.

• Floor-to-ceiling windows with a view
• Sound system and new TVs
• New Peloton bikes
• Treadmills
• Ellipticals
• Weight machine and free weights
• Yoga mats
• Fresh citrus water
• Towels

The spacious, well-lit room encouraged me to complete my early-morning workout with the free weights and kettlebells.

The best part of this workout was when I got on the Peloton bike and experienced one of the beginner workouts. I now understand what the Peloton hype is all about. Easy instructions let me work up a sweat with a trainer by video. It was as if she was right in front of me, guiding me on the spinning journey.

The stretching machine, with clear instructions on use, completed the workout.

Dining at Sonesta Irvine

Haven Point Provisions & Spirits Restaurant

Sonesta Irvine’s on-site restaurant, Haven Point Provisions & Spirits, offers Californian cuisine focusing on fresh, local ingredients.

 

 

A contemporary bar serves craft and zero-proof cocktails, beer, wine, and specialty drinks.

 

 

Room Service

When I was there, Room Service was not available. However, you can order Take Away from the restaurant. Sonny, the Robot, is training to deliver meals to guest rooms soon.

Take-out meals are available for breakfast and dinner, allowing guests to enjoy meals in the privacy of their rooms or the courtyards with ample seating.

Coffee Shop

A small café in the lobby offers Starbucks coffee, light snacks, and grab-and-go options.

Lounge

The Haven Point Lounge provides a relaxed atmosphere for cocktails and light bites in the evening.

Entertainment

The lounge often hosts live music (a baby grand piano is in the lobby) or happy hour events on select nights.

Shops

Gift Shop

The lobby shop offers travel essentials, snacks, and souvenirs. If you forgot something for your dog, PAWS (Pets Are Welcome At Sonesta) scarves and other treats are in the dog basket inside the display case.

Art Shop

Local artwork displayed in the lobby is available for purchase, supporting Irvine’s artistic community.

Snacks

Additional snacks and beverages are available in the lobby café and vending areas on guest floors.

Tours and Things To Do

Hotel-Sponsored Activities

Bikes

Complimentary bicycles are available for guests to explore the local area. Irvine is on flat terrain and can be explored easily on a bike in designated bike lanes.

Guided and Accompanied Hikes

Join the Sonesta Travel Path, where all you need are sneakers. Guests meet in the lobby to discover Irvine and enjoy the fresh air with the guided running club. They offer a .75-mile loop and a 2.68-mile loop.

Nearby Activities

Close to the Hotel

Hiking and biking trails at William R. Mason Regional Park are about three miles away.

In Town

Irvine Spectrum Center, nine miles south of the Sonesta Irvine, is an open-air shopping mall with a Ferris wheel and a range of dining and entertainment options.

Further Afield

Crystal Cove State Park and Laguna Beach are about a 20-minute drive, offering incredible scenic coastal views, outdoor activities, and world-class art.

How to Get to Sonesta Irvine

Drive

Located off I-405, the hotel is easily accessible by car, with ample on-site parking for a fee.

Fly

John Wayne Airport is less than two miles away, and the hotel offers a complimentary shuttle service.

Train

The Tustin Metrolink station is four miles away, connecting guests to Orange County and greater Los Angeles by Amtrak.

Driving Distance to Attractions

Diamond Jamboree Shopping Center

A multicultural plaza featuring Asian eateries, shops, and entertainment options, Diamond Jamboree Shopping Center is one mile away.

Great Park and Great Park Ice

The Great Park, once the El Toro Marine Corp Air Station when I lived there, has grown into an Orange County destination for families, children, individuals, and outdoor enthusiasts. From the Great Park Balloon, the iconic hot air balloon that soars 400 feet over Irvine, a vintage-look carousel, art galleries, and farmer’s market to Great Park Ice and FivePoint Arena (training facilities for the National Hockey League and other ice sports), this cultural campus offers a day (or more) of entertainment.

Disneyland Resort, Anaheim

The original theme park created by Walt Disney in 1955, Disneyland Resort, is a 20-minute drive from the Sonesta Irvine in Anaheim.

South Coast Plaza, Costa Mesa

One of the largest shopping centers in California, South Coast Plaza features world-class stores that is just 10 minutes by car.

Segerstrom Center for the Arts, Costa Mesa

Only three miles away, Segerstrom Center for the Arts, a multi-disciplinary cultural institution, is Orange County’s largest non-profit arts organization. Six venues offer the performing arts in an outdoor setting, meeting spaces, stadium-style seating, an acoustically adjusted concert hall, and a traditional theater for three thousand guests.

Laguna Beach

Famous for summer art festivals, Laguna Beach, only 14 miles south of the Sonesta Irvine, hosts the world-famous Pageant of the Masters, Sawdust Festival, and Art-A-Faire. Other attractions include Main Beach for people-watching, Heisler Park for breathtaking ocean views, and Laguna Art Museum showcasing the region’s artistic heritage.

Newport Beach

Known for its refined coastal living, Newport Beach, once home to John Wayne and other celebrities, is seven miles southwest of the Sonesta Irvine. Attractions include the historic Balboa Pavilion and Balboa Fun Zone on Balboa Peninsula, Balboa and Newport Beach Piers, Fashion Island for open-air luxury shopping, and Balboa Island, the quaint man-made island accessible by car or ferry. It’s an 800-foot crossing that takes about five minutes.

Huntington Beach

Huntington Beach, aka “Surf City, USA,” is 11 miles northwest of the Sonesta Irvine. Known for its iconic surfing culture, other attractions in Huntington Beach include Main Beach, which stretches for miles; Huntington Beach Pier, one of the longest piers on the West Coast; the International Surfing Museum, showcasing legends and the history of surfing; and Pacific City, an open-air shopping and dining complex with panoramic coastal views.

Final Thoughts

Sonesta Irvine offers a flawless blend of business-friendly amenities and leisure comforts, making it an ideal choice for corporate travelers and vacationers. Our purpose for visiting Orange County was a mix of business and pleasure. The central location, stunning view, creature comforts, and easy freeway access made this visit an absolute delight.

Sonesta Irvine hosted my husband and me, but all opinions are my own.

Essential Information

Sonesta Irvine

17941 Von Karman Avenue, Irvine, CA 92614, USA

+1-949-833-9999

Sonesta Irvine

Check-in at 4:00 pm, Check-out at 12:00 pm

Major Credit Cards Accepted: Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Discover

Currency: USD

Cancellation Policy: Penalties apply for cancellations within 24 hours of the booking date.