Recently I had the opportunity to stay at the Courtyard Irvine Spectrum in Irvine California. After arriving late in the evening I was happy that not only was the facility very clean and inviting but that the check in was fast and efficient.
The hotel had a very spacious and modern lobby and my room was very clean and comfortable. So much so that it made me overlook the indifferent tone and attitude given to me when I called in earlier to say that I would be arriving later than planned due to traffic.
The room offered free Wi-Fi and a flat screen television and seeing how my room overlooked the pool area, I was prepared for a very nice stay around a busy few days of covering the E3 Expo. The bed was very comfortable and after a very pleasant sleep and a refreshing shower in the ample sized shower, complete with Paul Mitchell products, I was ready to start my day.
Sadly this is when an issue arose when I was unable to locate the keys to my rental car. I went to the front desk and to say they were indifferent would be an understatement and when I asked if there was anyone in Housekeeping who may have seen something or who might help me look, I was told nobody was available. After a check of the parking lot, the room, and another check of the room, I was able to locate the keys as they had become trapped in the lining of my swimsuit and pinned under the suitcase. To say that I was relieved was a huge understatement as I had serious concerns about missing my work meeting and the first day of the conference to say nothing of the trouble and cost of needing a Locksmith.
I told the Front Desk I had found them and where they were and he rolled his eyes and gave me a smarmy response. When I came back to ask about the breakfast situation he appeared to be having a good laugh at my expense with another employee and in a very condescending tone explained to me that the Wi-Fi was free but that the breakfast was not.
I had a very busy and rewarding day at the conference and when I returned to the hotel, I was exhausted, so much so that my plans to take advantage of the pool and the gym were not possible due to fatigue. Thankfully the Bistro was open and I was able to order a nice dinner to take to the room. The hotel offered pre made items in a concession area but I went with prepared food and it was quite good and at a price about what you would expect from a hotel but with a better quality.
The staff was great at this point as they took the time to chat with me while my items were cooking and I noticed many people watching the NBA Finals in the bar. Upon returning to my room, it was immaculate and I was able to enjoy my dinner and write and post a few articles and pictures before I prepared for another long day ahead.
My check out was smooth and there were no surprise items on the bill. The hotel even offered charging station for those driving electric vehicles which was a nice addition and shows the progressive nature of the hotel.
For me, I found the Courtyard Irvine Spectrum to be a first class facility with clean and comfortable rooms, tons of amenities, and a great locale, sadly the service leaves much to be desired as on multiple instances I was treated with rude and indifferent service by different members of the staff which would make me think twice about a return visit or recommending this hotel, especially with the other options in the area.
