I don't know where/how they train the front desk folks at the Hyatt Regency Irvine, but I sure wish that kind of training (and results!) was shared with other chain hotel management.

In the past seven months, we've had five stays at the Hyatt Regency Irvine, all through Priceline. The most recent was three nights over Thanksgiving week ($51/night bid accepted). Typical of this establishment, the front desk staff was superlative once again. They treated us warmly (despite being Priceline customers) and were helpful in finding a room that delighted us. When they spotted us later in the visit, the front desk assistant who'd helped us inquired politely and sincerely how our visit was going and asked if we needed anything more.

The pool area looks great and seems popular, but we didn't use it. The gym is "just right" with a huge variety of machines and equipment plus little touches like cool towels and a nice view out the front of the hotel (but you're up high enough so you can exercise without being "seen" by outside folks).

Parking is not free ($15/day, self-parking is unlimited in and out) but it's that way *everywhere* in Irvine proper ('has something to do with the Irvine Corporation, I think). Internet is also not free but for this trip we were visiting family (which is uber-connected in their home) so we didn't try it. We experienced no bandwidth issues on previous stays at the Hyatt Regency Irvine.

I like the breakfast and snack options at the casual restaurant downstairs.

The room was comfortable--we especially appreciate the light and friendly "weight" of the furniture. It's comfortable and relaxing but it also is functional if you have to spend a lot of time at the desk, working. Note that the room photos on the corporate site for this hotel look just like our room; no surprises. The Portico-branded bath amenities are nicely-scented; the bathroom itself is a bit small and, I'm guessing, will receive an update to make them more "stylish" soon...but I'm just guessing!

We have family in Irvine (with no extra room for overnight visitors) as well as business there, so we Priceline this area frequently for lodging. We've stayed at the Marriott, the Crowne Plaza and the Hyatt Regency. This hotel, the Hyatt Regency, is the one we always hope to get when our Priceline bid is accepted.

I arrived at 11pm having traveled from New Hampshire, so tired and looking for a good night's sleep. I went to check in and it started very pleasantly but then someone more senior interceded abruptly and informed that there no room for me. They had booked a room for me at the Crowne Plaza but I got it changed to the nearby Marriott, which was excellent.
I understand the business model and this has happened to me before and, despite my Gold status, I was OK with it. However, they informed me that no-one was getting a room as they were completely sold out. But I saw at least four people get rooms after me. When I asked there was no explanation. Next time I am in Irvine I will go back to the Marriott, even if the meeting is at the Hyatt.

Paid $60 through Priceline. Room was relatively clean, bed was good, and the pool area was great. Didn't eat at the restaurant or go to the bar but they both looked really nice. The negative was they only offer 1 King bed or 2 doubles...2 queens is not an option and they charge for parking ($15 a day) and Internet. I would stay there again for what I paid but would prefer a Marriott for a few dollars more.

Hotel is in a decent condition although the rooms are a bit dated for the rank they claim to have. The dinning area is better but the music everywhere from the ceiling speakers is a bit too much.