I’ve been a Marriott Bonvoy member since I was a teenager. Starting at Penn State University at 17 years old because my birthday is in September, it’s been a no brainer to rack up points with a brand I can rely on for this extra picky back – and now neck. So I don’t have to stress out over is the bed good? Will I be in more pain? Those issues don’t exist when booking with Marriott. I already know and that’s what keeps me coming back. So when Destination Irvine reached out, it was easy breezy and my first press trip where I relied solely on Uber – not my favorite ride share platform but it is the most popular and economical app in California. So loaded up with tons of Uber gift card funds, I was off to the races starting with a ride from home to the always growing Phoenix Sky Harbor airport. Then from Phoenix Sky Harbor to John Wayne Airport in Orange County, California which I learned is only domestic from my one hour flight. And you need that annoying money grab Real ID to fly anywhere in the United States… super annoying when I just got a new Arizona ID and new passport… that was in my office drawer at home. Fortunately they scolded me, then sent me on my merry way in both directions but ugh! Now I need my clunky booklet no one ever stamps anymore with me at all times. ‘Merica is so much fun!
I flew Southwest – by choice – for some more points as it is becoming the Ryan Air of the USA aka cheap flights for short trips that isn’t unpredictable Frontier. I won the flight lotto with no screaming children near me and everyone was almost normal which was a nice change of pace flying in each direction. In 2026, they will have assigned seating to make more money no doubt and are now being the typical airline that charges for bags but then asks to check them for free 5 minutes before departure. I will never do that again though because on the way back to Phoenix as carrying heavy anything sets off a painful chain reaction currently that I cannot get into for about a year ya’ll. But when I do… oh you better watch out world! Alas I digress… let’s focus on the wonderful world of Marriott Irvine Spectrum, a AAA Four Diamond-rated hotel in the heart of Irvine’s Spectrum District.
The location is prime and about a 20 minute walk to shopping, dining, and entertainment at Irvine Spectrum Center and close to Orange County Great Park. For me, that was not doable in my current state but Spring Cassie would have killed it. Marriott Irvine Spectrum, not to be confused with Marriott Irvine, is a tall skyscraper style building featuring 271 contemporary guest rooms, 50 suites with full kitchens and lush bedding. Guests can enjoy fresh, locally inspired dining at Heirloom Farmhouse Kitchen, sunset views and cocktails at Hive & Honey Rooftop Bar, or a casual start to the day at Pollen + Pour café. Resort-style amenities include an infinity-edge pool with cabanas, a two-story fitness center, and nearly 18,000 square feet of versatile indoor and outdoor event space. Pet-friendly and eco-certified, the hotel pairs modern comfort with sustainable practices, while attentive service and convenient extras such as digital check-in, valet parking, and M Club Lounge access for elite members make it a standout destination for both business and leisure travelers. Irvine seems to be an area with office parks and shopping plazas and this upscale hotel is a mile from both Irvine Spectrum Center mall and Interstate 5. Modern decorated rooms provide Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, mini fridges and sofas, plus tea and coffeemakers. Club rooms have access to a private lounge offering free afternoon tea and snacks which I am only now aware of – not that I needed to eat any more food! Full suites have kitchens for extended stays and some feature floor-to-ceiling windows and room service is offered. Other amenities consist of a large outdoor pool, a hot tub and a gym. Full walk through tour video is below for all you ADHD folks who like a fast, visual recap!
First views of Marriott Irvine Spectrum. It is very tall and seemingly appears out of the blue about 1o minutes from the airport.The first thing I noticed about Marriott Irvine Spectrum is it is impeccably clean – the grounds as well.Doormen are always outside waiting to open your car doors or help you with a ride at Marriott Irvine Spectrum.You do have to pay per day to park which I will never stop harping over how grimy that feels to guests at any hotel including Marriott Irvine Spectrum. You can also valet which is also pricey.The cafe that saved me from certain caffeine crashes at Marriott Irvine Spectrum. They also had an SUV with the logo on it.Inside I ran around like a crazy person capturing content at Marriott Irvine Spectrum. This was where I had breakfast my last day.The lounge area at Marriott Irvine Spectrum.A hint of waves toward the lobby at Marriott Irvine Spectrum.The cafe at Marriott Irvine Spectrum is open early until around afternoon time at Marriott Irvine Spectrum.I grabbed a chai tea latte to keep going at Marriott Irvine Spectrum.The Pantry full of things you might need on the go and merch at Marriott Irvine Spectrum.The cutest little flower stand at Marriott Irvine Spectrum.Quickest way to a lady’s heart are roses at Marriott Irvine Spectrum.The friendly front desk who greets you each time at Marriott Irvine Spectrum.Looking out the front door at Marriott Irvine Spectrum.Checked in and off to the elevators at Marriott Irvine Spectrum. See the coastline artwork on the wall!I was not a fan of these “high tech” buttons as they seemed to think I was pressing other buttons thus taking me on many an unwanted elevator ride at Marriott Irvine Spectrum. The rooftop bar had it’s own button only available from the first floor that was also odd but needed to keep stragglers out of roaming the hotel room hallways.Checking into my room 1220 on the 12th floor at Marriott Irvine Spectrum.Straight to the bathroom to see if there’s a tub at Marriott Irvine Spectrum. No dice!A low lit selfie of the sink at Marriott Irvine Spectrum. I usually check in, get the zoomies and then continue on the day.The squarest toilet I ever did see at Marriott Irvine Spectrum. The seat was normal and rounded thankfully.This bed was great for me and had a flat pancake pillow for my poor neck which is my new norm at Marriott Irvine Spectrum.A desk that I didn’t really use at Marriott Irvine Spectrum. They always have the Marriott Bonvoy channel with your name on it playing.This little window nook was a great idea at Marriott Irvine Spectrum. Those shades also pulled down tight and made it pitch black like a vampire cave which I loved for my essential to function afternoon crash sessions at Marriott Irvine Spectrum.Looking outside to the left at Marriott Irvine Spectrum. There’s a Courtyard Marriott if you prefer that vibe too!Zooming into the pool below at Marriott Irvine Spectrum.And to the left at Marriott Irvine Spectrum.Some sweet snacks upon arrival was a nice touch at Marriott Irvine Spectrum.And the Irvine, California swag bag with a nice note at Marriott Irvine Spectrum. Thank you all!I was located on the Elite Floor for Marriott Bonvoy members at Marriott Irvine Spectrum and couldn’t wait to get in that bed!Back down to the first floor and outside at Marriott Irvine Spectrum.A lounge area to the right at Marriott Irvine Spectrum.I spied a swimming pool which I wanted to get in at Marriott Irvine Spectrum.You can rent cabanas at Marriott Irvine Spectrum.It’s a long salt water pool with a small deep end of about 6 feet at Marriott Irvine Spectrum.No screaming kids here either at Marriott Irvine Spectrum! Also spotted were refillable water stations and small bottles you can ask for easily at any time. Perfect purse size!The hot tub I delved into when the jets were still working at Marriott Irvine Spectrum. The last day it was broken sadly but still hot.These funky chairs looked cool but not made for robot spines like me at Marriott Irvine Spectrum.It’s a very zen backyard and area at Marriott Irvine Spectrum.You could even play human sized chess at Marriott Irvine Spectrum.The building from the back at Marriott Irvine Spectrum.
Buzz on up to Hive & Honey Rooftop Bar, where craft cocktails, creative bites and sweet beats shine through! With a backdrop of panoramic views, the one and only rooftop bar in Irvine, California on top of Marriott Irvine Spectrum has all the bells and whistles while lounging with a view. Gaze out over the sunset and twinkling lights as you sip custom cocktails and sample delicious tapas. Located inside the Marriott Irvine Spectrum with access from the first floor only and open to the public, this sweet space offers a stunning open-air experience to enjoy with friends, family or colleagues for snacks, dinner and weekend brunch. Revel in buzzing vibes atop this swanky space with mostly cushion seating! Fly on over to hhrooftopbar.com to book your reservation. After a very busy first day out and about, this was my last stop before bed and enjoyed it immensely.
After a full day itinerary, it was back to the hotel for rooftop views at Marriott Irvine Spectrum but this was from my room.First views of Hive & Honey rooftop bar at Marriott Irvine Spectrum and color me impressed. The sunset was weird but still rad!Couple canoodled in the hazy sunset at Hive & Honey rooftop bar.Girlfriends met up and gossiped at Hive & Honey rooftop bar. Near the corner a group celebrated a birthday.For large groups, Hive & Honey rooftop bar is the place to relax.A piece of the M for Marriott pokes out at Hive & Honey rooftop bar.They used every square inch of the rooftop at Hive & Honey rooftop bar.I was a fan of these odd light fixtures at Hive & Honey rooftop bar.In the back corner, huge lamps at Hive & Honey rooftop bar.And another bar with artsy tiles at Hive & Honey rooftop bar.As the sun went down, the purple colors come out at Hive & Honey rooftop bar.It was a nice vibe at Hive & Honey rooftop bar.Pretty in purple at Hive & Honey rooftop bar.The sky shifted to a sliced blue at Hive & Honey rooftop bar.I can’t have much alcohol as it is an inflammatory but did read that mezcal is medicinal in small quantities at Hive & Honey rooftop bar.So I enjoyed a mezcal old fashioned with my new friend Larry at Hive & Honey rooftop bar.He even put coasters under my purse to keep it from getting wet at Hive & Honey rooftop bar!Soon they shifted me to my table at Hive & Honey rooftop bar where I watched a group of 20 year olds celebrate a birthday.Already stuffed from a previous dinner, I attempted dessert with these beignets at Hive & Honey rooftop bar. I had the real deal in NoLa so to me they tasted like dough balls. The GM told me to return any time I want so I may just do that someday!Skipping over the next few days to this misty sunrise at Marriott Irvine Spectrum on my last day. For peak SEO purposes and my own sanity, I chopped this Irvine experience into two parts!My last sunrise at Marriott Irvine Spectrum with the mist of the Pacific Ocean lingering nearby. There is something healing in that air!I went down early to breakfast before my flight at Heirloom Farmhouse and enjoyed the green goddess juice and lots of fresh coffee with oat milk at Marriott Irvine Spectrum.This is a crab benedict believe it or not with some extra chicken sausage and bacon protein I ordered on the sides and an interesting salad at Marriott Irvine Spectrum. I should have listened to my server’s advice and ordered his suggestions!And a bowl of fresh fruit for good health at Marriott Irvine Spectrum. There’s a great nook in the corner to the right to get some work done too before my flight!
Overall, I loved my stay at Marriott Irvine Spectrum. Perhaps it was an off weekend, however a few snafus along the way including the interesting food above but no doubt they are on top of it already. But most importantly the black out curtains, marshmallow bed and whisper quiet architecture during my stay is key! It’s a good home base to explore Orange County as well but next time I would like to be on – and in – the Pacific Ocean for sure. Until next time, Irvine!
