I am totally shocked that this property was rated #1 by Trip Advisor for this area. We just stayed there and would not stay again. It is a typical Ayres property in that it is the European decor-no problem with that-but the minute we stepped into the lobby, we were hit by a musty smell that is unexplainable. The hotel itself is clean and well-maintained, but where does the smell come from? And the floors in both rooms we had access to (started in a smaller room, ended up in a larger suite) were very uneven. Did they remodel over a very old sub-structure? Breakfast was free but a hassle. You are assigned seating as you enter, and there was never enough seating. Sorry, but in my opinion, the food was boring and tasteless - just free. I am just not able to believe any of the most recent reviews that don't mention any of these issues, especially the musty smell. I think I would stay at Ayres again at other locations, but definitely not this one, because of the smell. Staff was extremely nice from the lobby to the gift shop to the breakfast service, and the beds were quite comfortable. Location is 3 miles from South Coast Plaza and just a hop to Newport Beach. The fact that it is next to John Wayne Airport did not bother us - the noise was not an issue. The interior courtyard was quaint and charming and would be a darling place to sit in warm weather. I just think there must be some serious underlying structural issues that would explain the uneven floors and the musty smell.

The lobby and suites are beautiful. The locations is great. But the insulation is awful - I heard every airplane that went by and all the doors in the hallway that opened and closed. I also heard the maid vacuuming upstairs. Breakfast is good, but all the guests in a room have to go together. This hotel is probably fine for people who have a schedule to keep, but not for someone who wants to relax and sleep in.

Great hotel. Such a good price for everything you get. The service during breakfast was the best I have had at a continental breakfast. They kept refilling our coffee, etc. The location was convenient - easy access to three major freeways. The hotel lobbies were so pretty with all of the Christmas decorations. Would definitely stay here again, but would choose to ask for a room away from the pool area as it tended to be loud at night before it closed.

I heard great things about your property, people and meals from two friends before I booked my stay. They were right. It is a beautiful well maintained hotel. The room was nice, clean and fresh. All of the people I dealt with were friendly and helpful. The meals were excellent. The meeting room was quiet and nice too. My hotel room was also extremely quite, I slept well all night.
The courtyard and pool area were so relaxing. What a nice place from the decor to the people.
I will be back!