By Nellie Day
The Ayres Hotel is across from John Wayne Airport in Orange County. Mostly utilized by business travelers, the Ayres places an emphasis on accommodating the corporate culture. It has done this by providing ample space for business meetings and conferences. This includes 10 convention rooms totaling 10,000 square feet of corporate meeting space. This French-themed hotel in California also features a French restaurant, two pools and two lounges.
Wows and Woes
Wows: The French cottage theme plays out well at the Ayres. The decor reminds you of a bed and breakfast, while the amenities, including mini-kitchens, wet bars and Jacuzzi bathtubs, make you realize you're in a nice hotel.
Woes: There's not a lot to do in the immediate area. You'll have to drive or take public transportation everywhere but the airport.
Insider Tips
Stay here if you plan to spend most of your time working or frequenting Irvine's many business centers. If you're visiting area attractions, such as Disneyland, the beach or upscale shopping centers like South Coast Plaza and Fashion Island, be sure to look into the many courtesy shuttles and buses available to avoid paying for taxis. Take full advantage of the in-room kitchen facilities if you want to save money on eating out.
Author's Most Memorable Moment
I attended a wedding at the Ayres and was pleasantly surprised by how nice the pool area was decorated for the wedding. I could tell, however, that the hotel was mostly utilized for business. The lobbies were quaint, and so were the rooms. This is definitely not the hotel I think of when I think of Orange County hotels, but it has its own charms, as long as you know what you're getting into.
Bottom Line
The Ayres is about practicality. It's right by the airport and offers some of the comforts of home, ensuring that you can utilize the room to its fullest.
About the Author:
Nellie Day is a freelance writer based out of Hermosa Beach, CA. She has her Master's degree in broadcast journalism from USC, and Bachelors' degrees in English and sociology from UC Irvine. Ms. Day's work can regularly be seen on newsstands, where her specialties include weddings, pets, real estate, electronics, product reviews, business, architecture and design, Southern California, food and wine, and travel and tourism.
