There are at least fifteen 4 and 5 star hotels in Orange County, but what sets this property apart from the others is it's location (practically on the I-405) and its blend of conference facilities with guest rooms.

This is a huge, complicated infrastructure with 80 guests rooms per floor--a ballroom, and a dozen or so meeting and conference spaces--and even special handicap-accessible rooms with entrances to the outside on the first floor. The six days I was here, I noticed some guests were here for the two trade shows held on the premises; some were return clients here for business; some were leisure guests here on vacation, and a few were one-night guests who were driving the San Diego Freeway a block away. There was even a sports team from Iowa here a few days. The sight of guests mixing in the lobby -- some coming from the hotel's restaurant or bar and others with plastic bags from nearby fast-food outlets -- all trying to avoid eye contact -- was amusing.

The hotel's sales department has been doing a good job filling the place, but some of the gentry don't seem comfortable with the new diversity. Me? I was a Hotwire client. If someone else had offered me a better price, then I would be there instead of here. That's because these folks are not exactly warm and cuddly.

I did have a nice room (see my attached photos).

I stayed at the Hilton for two weeks on business and was pleasantly surprised. I had to book a 14 day stay for 4 colleagues and was overjoyed that I was able to stay in the Hilton, Costa Mesa. If you've been to Southern California you know that you pay for everything! For the Hilton, this included wireless and parking. The upside was the Starbucks counter and bar area. Loved the location to shopping, epecially near the Christmas holiday! Only one night did I hear a scuffle in the room next to me, but security was quick to take control. I would definately stay here again.

We were in town on business, though not a convention at the hotel or anything. Parking is valet, or self park for $16 a night in an adjacent garage. Check in was fast and the lobby was elegant and spacious. Breakfast coupons apparently given based on the price you paid for the room, not on Gold/Diamond status. Those members do qualify for 7th floor lounge access. They serve a fruit/bagel/muffin continental breakfast and there is coffee, water, soda and cookies available all day up there. form 5-7PM there is a drink bar/appetizers served, such as chicken strips, egg rolls, meatballs and cheeses.

The rooms were clean with newer bedding, My room overlooked the sparkling pool that I visited on the second day. There is free wi-fi in the rooms, but the business center downstairs is fee-based.

I ate breakfast at the buffet and it was good, though pricey at $17. They make custom omelets, or you can choose scrambled eggs, sausage, potatoes and all of the usual continental items. I also had dinner one night there and tried one of their pizzas made at their pizza bar. It was surprisingly good. There is also a happy hour in the lobby and while I was just there waiting for my ride, it seemed that a lot of business travelers dress up and unwind there. It was a little dressier than normal hotel lobby happy hours I've seen. Still, it fit the upscale atmosphere.

The pool was large, clean and on the second level, yet outside. High shrubbery and palm trees hide the view of the street and market below. I'm picky about going in hotel pools, but this one was clean enough for me.

The exercise room had a variety of elipticals and bikes with some weights. The mirrored walls and ceiling gave it a neat effect.

The hotel is close to shopping, only a mile or so down the road, and it is very convenient to John Wayne Airport, yet there was no noise to speak of from the airplanes.

Great experience, and a good value at $159/night. That was $100 cheaper per night than what I was quoted for the Crowne Plaza.

The hotel is an average 3 star hotel in a busy area off the San Diego Freeway. It claims it is a 4 star hotel - that means on par with the Westin South Coast. That it is not. It is a solid 3 star hotel though. There are no 4 star hotel perks - no mini bar, no flat screen TV, no CD player. Once you accept that, it's a good stay.