The Perfect Locale for a Memorable Multi-Generational Stay-Cation
Staycations for no special occasion other than a memory-making opportunity are among my favorite events to plan. My husband and I are blessed to have a close family friend who has over the years become an adopted grandmother to our two children. So when our 16-year-old daughter, Emma, suggested I arrange a multi-generational stay-cation for we three “girls,” I jumped at the chance to coordinate an overnight adventure chock full of our favorite activities amidst luxurious accommodations and family-friendly amenity.
I didn’t even need to research hotel options – Emma and I had spent a memorable “Mom + Me” weekend away at the newly renovated Hyatt Regency Irvine several months ago and couldn’t think of a better reason for a return visit.
Located literally minutes away from John Wayne Airport, the property is the perfect “home base” for all ages and interests – within easy driving distance to virtually all the recreation, amenity and entertainment the region has to offer. World-class shopping and dining? Check. Miles of white sand beaches? Check. Arts, culture and theme parks galore (and just a hop and a skip to the Happiest Place on Earth)? Check, check and check.
For this stay, our collective wish list involved a little retail therapy, fine dining and an evening ensconced in luxurious comfort.
For the former, we strolled around the Irvine Spectrum for a spell prior to heading to the hotel for check in. For the latter, our adjoining-room accommodation – one of the property’s 516 “totally transformed” rooms and suites – showcased a thoughtful and modern interior, distinct artwork and light fixtures and plenty of space to spread out – which was perfect for a movie-night in after dinner. There are a variety of curated layouts to fit various travel groups and lifestyles: Specialty suites include private kitchenettes, extended stay suites offer complete kitchens, family-friendly layouts feature bunkbeds and more.
Destination Dining
“A place where art and creativity are celebrated,” the hotel’s signature restaurant, Warehouse 72, is a modern bistro and bar purposefully designed to bring people together in a family-style atmosphere. A floor-to-ceiling digital display of scenic landscapes and visual art serves as the dining room’s focal point – a curated experience of rich rotating programming by up-and-coming talent.
As it turns out, we are all fans of “appetizers as entrees” or combining a couple of different entrees to share family-style to sample a variety of different dishes. The culintary offerings here showcases something for every palate from seafood aficionados to dedicated meat-eaters. On this evening, we three leaned into a little of each.
Favored flavorful starters range from a Black Truffle Arancini (flash-fried risotto, black truffles, Parmesan, herbs and Truffetto cheese) to Charred Spanish Octopus and Tiger Shrimp Tacos. For the main course, popular picks include the Yuzu Chilean seabass, seared wild-caught Diver scallops and the Double R Ranch signature filet (enhanced with salmoriglio steak butter and accompanied by hand-cut fries and black truffle aioli).
An early riser, I left my traveling companions to sleep in while I squeezed in a workout in the state-of-the-art 24-hour fitness facility featuring Peloton® Bikes, Life Fitness cardio equipment, free weights, and various weight machines plus exclusive access to private on-demand trainers through a new collaboration with Future, a tech-forward approach to fitness that is customized for Hyatt Regency Irvine’s fitness center and equipment.
Outdoors, an elevated pool experience showcases dualling waterslides, an outdoor lounge space replete with a pool bar, cabanas, and expansive LED TV screen to view sports games, movies, and more from the water or water’s edge.
Add Regency Club access to your stay to enjoy exclusive amenities and private indoor/outdoor lounges (think firepits, lounge seating, a sophisticated bar, full-service dining daily).
The Artisanal Marketplace serves savory an array of baked goodies, fresh juices, smoothies, premium Groundwork coffee, a curated selection of beers, wine, cocktails and more for all day grab-and-go or stay-and-enjoy.
