Orange County Travel Blog | Costa Mesa

Cosmopolitan Costa Mesa is Southern California's Staycation and Family Guest Headquarters

Receive $25 travel reimbursement, $15 per night dining certificates and a South Coast Plaza passport through December 30

     Are you dreaming of an escape, but don't have the time or budget to plan an extended out-of-town trip? Having company for the holidays but don’t want to disrupt your household?
    Well, the hotels of Costa Mesa in Orange County have the perfect package for you.
    We may only be down the street, but we know you'll feel a world away when you arrive in Costa Mesa, the OC’s family-friendly base camp for shopping, dining, surfing, boating, golf, Disneyland, and much more.
    The “2010 Drive & Dine” promotion offers valuable travel and dining incentives and competitive hotel rates and runs through December 30 based upon room availability. No minimum stays are required. Some restrictions apply.
    Here’s how it works. When guests book a stay in one of 10 participating Costa Mesa hotels during the promotional period, they will receive a $15 per night dining certificate per reservation for each night they stay in that is redeemable at many fine Costa Mesa area restaurants.
    Additionally, a $25 reimbursement on airfare or purchase of gasoline will be
mailed to guests within a few weeks of their stay in Costa Mesa. That amount rises to $50 for visits of three or more consecutive nights. The gasoline or airfare reimbursement is also limited to one per hotel reservation.
    Guests also receive a VIP Passport from South Coast Plaza filled with valuable special offers from leading retail establishments.


    Located in Orange County between Los Angeles and San Diego, Costa Mesa is
known for its world-class shopping at internationally renowned South Coast Plaza. Near Costa Mesa are miles of beaches, plus theme parks, sports venues, museums, day spas and many other attractions.
    Costa Mesa also has a worldwide reputation for internationally acclaimed visual and performing arts in South Coast Repertory’s Folino Theatre Center and the Orange County Performing Arts Center, home of the 3,000-seat Segerstrom Hall. Adjacent to The Center, is the 2,000-seat Renée and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall and 500-seat multi- purpose Samueli Theater.
    Costa Mesa is located conveniently near John Wayne Airport, and is accessible
from the San Diego Freeway (405), Costa Mesa Freeway (55) and Santa Ana Freeway (5), as well as the San Joaquin Hills (73) and Foothill/Eastern (241/261/133) toll roads (www.thetollroads.com).
Participating Costa Mesa hotels include Ayres Hotel & Suites, Best Western Newport Mesa, Costa Mesa Marriott, Hilton Orange County/Costa Mesa, Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites, Ramada Limited & Suites Costa Mesa, The Hotel Hanford, Costa Mesa Residence Inn by Marriott, The Westin South Coast Plaza, and the Wyndham Orange County.
    Participating restaurants include the Hilton’s Bristol Palms California Bistro, Charlie Palmer at Bloomingdale’s, Le Chateau Garden Bistro in Ayres Hotel & Suites, Pinot Provence in The Westin, Royal Khyber Fine Indian Cuisine, the Savoy Restaurant in The Hotel Hanford, Skosh Monahan’s Steakhouse & Irish Pub, Sopranos Restaurant, South Coast Winery and the Wyndham’s TerraNova.
For more information, visit Costa Mesa online at www.TravelCostaMesa.com or call 866.918.4749.

Residence Inn Costa Mesa Newport Beach Announces A New Look to Their Costa Mesa Hotel

The Residence Inn Costa Mesa Newport Beach has undergone a complete renovation of their guest rooms. Newly designed to meet the needs of the growing segment of the extended stay travelers, this Costa Mesa hotel invites guests who want more than a place to stay when they're away from home.

The guest suites inside this Costa Mesa hotel offer a new refreshed look and create warm, comforting accommodations. Guests can enjoy brand new kitchens with new stainless steel appliances, and new cabinets. New vanity areas with marble countertops also add a special new touch to each room. All suites offer separate living and sleeping areas, as well as fully equipped kitchens.

The new gatehouse décor at the Residence Inn Costa Mesa Newport Beach conveys a new relaxed look and feel. This Costa Mesa hotel will have a new Outdoor Experience completed in April that will include a fire pit and built in BBQ.

Introducing an Exciting New Package At This Costa Mesa Hotel:

The newly renovated Residence Inn Costa Mesa Newport Beach also invites guests spend a weekend in their new rooms with an incredible vacation package. With the Escape Culture Package, guests can enjoy deluxe accommodations, a complimentary $25 dining certificate per each night stay, $25 theater certificate per stay, and get a $25 travel certificate per stay.

Author Information

Kate Bennet
Residence Inn

Savoy Restaurant and Lounge Opens at The Hotel Hanford in Costa Mesa, Calif.

New Restaurant to Feature Private Wine Salon and Tasting Room

Savoy Restaurant and Lounge opened its doors in Orange County today, adjacent to South Coast Plaza. Executive Chef Michael Carpenter's menu features a variety of small plates that take the diner on a tour of Europe. The restaurant’s fare and namesake are inspired by the House of Savoy's trans-European rule from the 11th to early 19th century.

The restaurant will also soon debut its private wine salon and tasting room that will feature an award-winning selection from Sodaro Estate Winery, as well as select wines from Napa Valley's Coombsville region.

"Food is meant to be shared and enjoyed with good company," said Michael Carpenter, Executive Chef at Savoy Restaurant & Lounge. "The small plates, intimate atmosphere and attentive service at Savoy will allow our diners to sample a variety of creative noshes as a light snack or entire meal."

Carpenter was recruited to Savoy from The Santaluz Club in San Diego, Calif., and previously worked at the famed Hotel Del Coronado. Carpenter received his Culinary Certificate from the San Diego Culinary Institute.

The 80-seat restaurant features a variety of seating options, including high-top tables, overstuffed lounge and high-back chairs, as well as an outdoor terrace and fire pit. Samples of the menu include:

Sea 3 Way -- A trio of tempura shrimp, seared ahi tuna & baked sea scallop Savoy Silk Road Cones & spicy tuna, salmon tartar and spicy scallops in conesGrilled Lamb -- Baby lamb chops served with baked polenta, vegetables and mint chimichuri4-Mage -- A selection of four farmhouse cheeses & tasty treats Telaggio & Mushroom Pizza -- Italian telaggio cheese and forest mushrooms with truffle oil

The Savoy Restaurant and Lounge also offers a selection of classic and contemporary cocktails including several signature cocktails such as The Costa Mojito and OC-Sunset, a citrus, ginger and champagne cocktail, as well as a selection of award-winning international wines.

"Savoy is the perfect pre-theater destination for our visitors and residents," said Edward Moses-Granger, General Manager of The Hotel Hanford. "We offer complimentary parking and shuttle service to and from the Orange County Performing Arts Center."

The restaurant is part of The Hotel Hanford, a new independent, boutique-style hotel currently undergoing a $7 million renovation. Nearly half of the renovated rooms will be complete and ready for guests in June, and the remainder of the rooms will be completed in summer 2010. The hotel remains open during construction, which is expected to be ready for debut in late summer 2010.

Savoy Restaurant and Lounge is located at 3131 Bristol Street in Costa Mesa, inside The Hotel Hanford. The restaurant and the lounge are open daily with breakfast service from 6:00 a.m.-10:00 a.m. and dinner service from 4:30 p.m.-10:00 p.m. The lounge is open untill 11:00 p.m. Prices range from $4.95 - $17.95 a dish. For more information, please visit www.thehotelhanford.com, or call (714) 557-3000.

About Executive Chef Michael Carpenter
Michael Carpenter is Executive Chef of Savoy Restaurant and Lounge, which will feature a tour of European cuisine. Carpenter has held positions at The Santaluz Club and the Hotel Del Coronado, and is a graduate of the San Diego Culinary Institute.

About Hanford Hotels, Inc.
Hanford Hotels, Inc. is a Newport Beach-based owner, operator and manager of hotel properties. In addition to its independently-owned Orange County hotel, The Hotel Hanford, the company owns and manages hotel properties through franchise affiliations with leading hotel brands including Fairfield Inn® by Marriott and La Quinta Inns and Suites.

The company's experienced management team offers a comprehensive package of services within the hospitality industry including innovative commercial building and insightful third-party consulting.

Incorporated in 1970, the company has a rich history in the hotel industry. In 1972 its co-founders started Sixpence Inns of America, an independent chain of 54 hotels over six states. The successful hotel chain was later purchased by Motel 6. For more information, visit www.hanfordhotels.com or www.thehotelhanford.com.

Cool Mojito Promotion Ushers In Summertime at The Westin South Coast Plaza

While the temperature climbs in the weeks ahead, the vibe at The Westin South Coast Plaza will definitely stay on the cool side as the hotel's bar staff reach for their muddlers, mint leaves, assorted fruit and spirits to usher in summertime with delicious Westin's signature mojitos.

Guests are invited to enjoy an assortment of these flavorful concoctions, including the classic mojito made with rum, lime sweet & sour, fresh mint leaves and club soda, and mojitos featuring various flavors from strawberry and kiwi, orange and raspberry, pomegranate, to pineapple and ginger, just to name a few.

The cool libations will be available for purchase in the hotel's Lobby Bar and poolside at a cost of $12 each. The special promotion runs from July 1 through September 30, 2010.

All Westin hotels will be serving these mojitos this summer. "They are among the most popular cocktails served and it's fun to watch these hand-crafted drinks as they are being prepared right before your eyes," said Jennie Hoffman, the hotel's director of sales and marketing. "We're all about enhancing our guests' experience, including the beverages we serve."

Extensively remodeled, The Westin South Coast Plaza is now more than ever a leading choice for meeting and event planners nationwide, savvy business travelers, as well as leisure guests seeking a sophisticated, yet relaxing experience.

The hotel's $20 million renovation included new guestrooms that exude an inviting residential feeling and are furnished with a host of convenient amenities like high-speed Internet access, flat screen plasma televisions, the Westin "Heavenly Bed" and the relaxing "Heavenly Bath."

The lobby, public spaces and meeting rooms have been completely redesigned, and a Terrace Level with relaxing outdoor space and a striking 5,100-square-foot pavilion that features insulated walls, an air and heating system, new carpeting, an accent wall and new chandeliers was added. Other upgrades include a wedding gazebo to comfortably accommodate up to 250 people, and an expanded "Grab n Go" coffee/bakery/retail shop to offer guests the ultimate in convenience.

The Westin South Coast Plaza is located at 686 Anton Boulevard in Costa Mesa, California. For reservations and information, call (714) 540-2500 or visit westin.com/southcoastplaza.

The Hilton Orange County/Costa Mesa Makes Room as the Official Hotel for the 2010 OC Fair!

The Hilton Orange County/Costa Mesa Hotel is offering a special OC Fair rate of $109 for traveling exhibitors and attendees as the OC Fair celebrates its 120th anniversary from July 16 to August 15, 2010.

The OC Fair & Event Center (OCFEC) has been a valued partner to the Hilton Orange County/Costa Mesa Hotel, located less than two miles away. From annual events such as America's Family Pet Expo to newcomer Barrett-Jackson Auto Auction, the Hilton Orange County always gives a warm welcome to the OCFEC groups requesting accommodations.

The 2010 OC Fair themed "The Beat Goes On" will be open Wednesdays through Sundays, July 16th-August 15th, and feature a 120th Anniversary Exhibit showcasing a decade-by-decade look into Orange County's favorite tradition. The Pacific Amphitheatre Summer Concert Series is geared to provide a premier concert experience at a fan friendly ticket price and concerts include fair admission. This year's headlining acts include: ZZ Top, The Fab Four, Train, Martina McBride, B-52s, Joan Jett and the Blackhearts, Weird Al, LeAnn Rimes, Julianne Hough and more!

"We love partnering with the OCFEC and always look forward to housing the entertainment coming to the fair year after year," says Scott Bruno, Senior Sales Manager for the OC Fair and Concert Series.

The 2010 OC Fair officials will conclude their beloved tradition by holding a private luncheon at the Hilton Orange County/Costa Mesa Hotel. The hotel also has an attractions website available.

This $109 special offer is only available from July 11th to August 19th. Reservations can be made online or by calling reservations at 714.540.7000 and mentioning the group code OCF. Rooms are based on availability so make your reservation early!

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Hilton Orange County/Costa Mesa offers 486 rooms and 50,000 square feet of meeting and event space encompassing 30 separate meeting rooms, including the spacious 12,160-square-foot Pacific Ballroom and the 6,500-square-foot Catalina Ballroom. The beautiful Fountain and Bristol Terrace areas offer spectacular outdoor settings to enjoy the ideal year-round Southern California climate for meal functions and receptions. Located between San Diego and Los Angeles, Hilton Orange County/Costa Mesa is located steps from South Coast Plaza, minutes to famed beaches and close to all major business centers and area attractions.

Movie Mondays this summer at the Orange County Performing Arts Center

Center’s Free Movie Mondays are Back – Bigger and Better Than Ever

2010 summer movie line-up includes five films:

The Wizard of Oz – July 12
Some Like it Hot – July 19
Oliver! – July 26 with media sponsor KCRW
Dirty Dancing – August 2
Mad Hot Ballroom – August 9

COSTA MESA, CA – The Orange County Performing Arts Center’s Free or All series continues this summer with the enormously popular and eagerly awaited return of free Movie Mondays on the community plaza. This year’s line-up will be the biggest and best ever with five great movies: the timeless classic The Wizard of Oz with Judy Garland; the screwball comedy Some Like it Hot starring Marilyn Monroe, Tony Curtis and Jack Lemmon; the Dickensian musical Oliver! being presented in partnership with public radio station KCRW-Santa Monica (89.9 FM and www.KCRW.com); the coming-of-age story Dirty Dancing featuring Jennifer Grey and Patrick Swayze; and the inspiring documentary about New York City school students learning to dance in Mad Hot Ballroom, which was chosen in an audience poll last summer. The Center has always been “the place” in Orange County to experience Broadway’s best and brightest, and Movie Mondays offers audiences the most fun and exciting musical and dance films under the stars and all for free.

The alfresco Movie Mondays series is held on the Center’s inviting 46,000-square-foot community plaza with the films projected on the side of Segerstrom Hall. Guests are encouraged to bring beach chairs or other easily portable seating items. Set-up begins at 5:30 p.m. with the movie starting at dusk (approximately 8 p.m.). In a continuing partnership with the Newport Beach Film Festival, a selection of the best animated short films from this year’s festival will be shown prior to the main feature. Last summer, one of the films screened at Movie Mondays, Granny O'Grimm's Sleeping Beauty, received an Oscar nomination. Guests may bring their own snacks and picnic suppers. Patina Catering will have assorted snacks and beverages available for purchase. Barbecues and similar food preparation will not be permitted.

This will be the fourth year of free Movie Mondays. Over the last few summers, Movie Mondays has grown to attract thousands of families and movie fans from all over the Southland. This special film series allows guests to experience the Center in new ways and is a great opportunity for families to spend time together – all at no cost.

July 12 – The Wizard of Oz

One of the best known films of all time, The Wizard of Oz has been a cherished favorite of young and old for more than 70 years. The movie’s music, images, characters and dialogue have become indelibly embedded in American culture. There’s hardly anyone who doesn’t immediately think of the film upon hearing the words, “Dorothy,” “Toto,” “there’s no place like home,” “ruby slippers,” “yellow brick road” and “your little dog too!” – or the lines to the song “Over the Rainbow.” Adapted from L. Frank Baum's beloved children's book, the movie features the memorable songs “Follow the Yellow Brick Road, “We're Off to See the Wizard” and “If I Only Had a Brain.” Since its release, more than one billion people have experienced the story of Dorothy and friends in the Land of Oz. Center audiences will have the opportunity to see the untold story of the witches of Oz when Broadway’s biggest blockbuster Wicked returns to Orange County March 9 – April 3, 2011. Rated G, 1939, 1 hour and 41 minutes

July 19 – Some Like it Hot

This hilarious movie finds Marilyn Monroe in her one of her most shining roles and Tony Curtis and Jack Lemmon giving some of the best comedic performances of their careers. When two musicians, Curtis and Lemmon’s characters, witness a mob hit, they flee the state in an all-female band disguised as women, but complications set in. While donning dresses and wigs one of the fellows falls for a band member, but can't tell her his gender, and the other has a rich suitor who will not take "no" for an answer. Monroe is featured singing the songs "Running Wild," "I'm Through With Love" her classic "boop-boop-a-doop" and signature song, "I Wanna Be Loved by You." Many consider Some Like it Hot to be a groundbreaking movie, especially for the 1950s with its cross-dressing and gender-bending roles. Rated PG-13, 1959, 2 hours

July 26 – Oliver!

Orange County listeners make up a significant part of the audience for public radio station KCRW-Santa Monica (KCRW.com). Once again, KCRW partners with this summer’s Movie Mondays and presents the 1968 musical Oliver! about a young orphan’s misadventures in the slums of 19th century London. Matt Holzman, host of “Matt’s Movies”—KCRW’s preview screening club—selected Oliver!,

and will join us to get the fun-filled evening going. Based on Charles Dickens’ famous novel, Oliver Twist, the movie follows the story of a boy who runs away from an orphanage and hooks up with a group of pickpockets and an elderly mentor. Also adapted for Broadway, the stage production was nominated for 10 Tony Awards and won three. The movie garnered six Academy® Awards including Best Picture and Best Director, and includes several musical standards, including "Food, Glorious Food", "Consider Yourself," "As Long as He Needs Me," "You've Got to Pick a Pocket or Two," "Oom-Pah-Pah" and "Where is Love?". Rated G, 1968, 2 hours and 33 minutes

August 2 – Dirty Dancing

Set to the pulsating rock and roll songs of the early 1960s, Dirty Dancing is a romantic story about an awkward yet endearing 17-year-old girl who slips into womanhood during an eye-opening family vacation at a Catskill lodge in 1963. Caught up in the music and rhythm of the period, she falls in love with a working-class dance instructor who introduces her to the excitement of dirty dancing. Choreographed by Kenny Ortega, the movie features a best-selling soundtrack with songs such as the Ronettes' "Be My Baby," the Zodiacs' "Stay," and the Five Satins' "In the Still of the Night." It also includes Swayze's "She's Like the Wind," Eric Carmen's "Hungry Eyes" and the Jennifer Warnes/Bill Medley duet "(I've Had) The Time of My Life," which won the Best Original Song Oscar. The film spawned a 2004 prequel, Dirty Dancing: Havana Nights, as well as a stage version which has had sellout performances in Australia, Europe and North America. Rated PG-13, 1987, 1 hour, 40 minutes

August 9 – Mad Hot Ballroom

Mad Hot Ballroom is a documentary that looks inside the lives of fifth-graders in the New York City public school system as they journey into the world of ballroom dancing. Told from the students' perspectives, they reveal aspects of themselves during the 10-week dance program which culminates in a final citywide competition. The film highlights the students’ zeal for their ballroom dancing lessons and follows their progress in mastering the Tango, foxtrot, swing, rumba and merengue. Mad Hot Ballroom celebrates the lives of these students and reminds audiences of their own childhoods when anything was possible. Living with the complexities of life, these kids take on something unfamiliar and rise to the occasion. Filled with emotion and triumph, this documentary captures the essence of growing up in America and the transformative power of the arts. Rated PG, 2005, 1 hour and 45 minutes

Orange County Performing Arts Center

The Orange County Performing Arts Center presents a wide variety of the most significant national and international productions of music, dance and theater to the people of Southern California. It is committed to supporting artistic excellence on all of its stages and offering unsurpassed experiences, engaging the entire community in new and exciting ways through the unique power of live performance and an array of inspiring programs.

As Orange County’s largest non-profit arts organization, the Center owns and operates the 3,000-seat Segerstrom Hall and intimate 250-seat Founders Hall, which opened in 1986, and the 2,000-seat Renée and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall, which opened in 2006 and also houses the 500-seat Samueli Theater, and the Lawrence and Kristina Dodge Education Center’s studio performance space and Boeing Education Lab. These state-of-the-art facilities are united by a community arts plaza.

The Center’s Renée and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall and community plaza, along with facilities of the adjacent Tony® Award-winning South Coast Repertory and a site designated as the new home of the Orange County Museum of Art, are located at Segerstrom Center for the Arts.

The Orange County Performing Arts Center presents a broad range of programming each season for audiences of all ages from throughout Orange County, and beyond, including international ballet and dance, national tours of top Broadway shows, intimate performances of jazz and cabaret, contemporary artists, classical music performed by renowned chamber orchestras and ensembles, family-friendly programming, free performances open to the public from outdoor movie screenings to dancing on the plaza and many other special events.

It offers many education programs designed to inspire young people through the arts. These programs reach hundreds of thousands of students of all ages with vital arts-in-education programs, enhancing their studies and enriching their lives well into the future.

The Orange County Performing Arts Center is proud to serve as the artistic home to the region’s major performing arts organizations: Pacific Symphony, the Philharmonic Society of Orange County and the Pacific Chorale.

For more information, visit OCPAC.org. The Center can also be found online at Blogger, YouTube, Facebook, MySpace, Twitter and Flickr.

Information provided is accurate at the time of printing, but is subject to change. Orange County Performing Arts Center is a private, non-profit organization. “Orange County Performing Arts Center” is a registered trademark.

Former Governor Mitt Romney Visits The Westin South Coast Plaza

Former Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney recently visited The Westin South Coast Plaza to attend a luncheon at the hotel that was hosted by Claremont McKenna College. Romney thanked his supporters and autographed his recent book, No Apology: The Case for American

Located in Costa Mesa, California, the extensively remode

led hotel is now more than ever a leading choice for meeting and event planners nationwide, savvy business travelers, as well as leisure guests seeking a sophisticated, yet relaxing experience.

The hotel’s $20 million renovation included new guestrooms that exude an inviting residential feeling and are furnished with a host of convenient amenities like high-speed Internet access, flat screen plasma televisions, the Westin “Heavenly Bed” and the relaxing “Heavenly Bath.”

The lobby, public spaces and meeting rooms have been completely redesigned, and a Terrace Level with relaxing outdoor space and a striking 5,100-square-foot pavilion that features insulated walls, an air and heating system, new carpeting, an accent wall and new chandeliers was added. Other upgrades include a wedding gazebo to comfortably accommodate up to 250 people, and a “Grab ‘n Go” coffee/bakery/retail shop to offer guests the ultimate in convenience.

The Westin South Coast Plaza is located at 686 Anton Boulevard in Costa Mesa, California. For reservations and information, call (714) 540-2500 or visit westin.com/southcoastplaza. For more information about the Insider’s Select honor, visit www.expedia.com/insidersselect.

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Photo caption: Director of Sales, Jennie Hoffman (first right to Romney), Area Director of Sales & Marketing, Southern California, Gladys O’Mahony (2nd right to Romney), and Erika Patenaude, Sr. Catering Manager who brought the program to the hotel (left of Romney).

Z'Tejas Gives Away Free $5 Bonus Cards For Dads and Grads

Purchase of Every $25 Gift Card Earns Buyer Free $5 Bonus Card Through June 19

Tis the season for "dads and grads." With Father's Day soon approaching and graduation ceremonies in full swing, it's gift-giving season for many. Those facing that prospect may have an easier time thanks to Z'Tejas Southwestern Grill at South Coast Plaza in Costa Mesa.

The popular restaurant is offering free $5 bonus cards for every $25 gift card purchased through June 19. Guests may redeem the $5 bonus cards (no more than two per visit) from June 21 through July 31, 2010. Gift cards may be purchased at the restaurant and for more information please call (714) 979-7469.

"Z'Tejas gift cards are perfect for anyone who's tough to buy for, especially dads and grads," said Travis Miller, the restaurant's general manager. "We are a destination for great food and service in an atmosphere that is ideal for celebrations like Father's Day and graduation parties."

Z'Tejas Southwestern Grill offers a wide array of fresh, flavorful and innovative menu items inspired by culinary influences from Louisiana, Texas, California and Mexico. Al fresco dining is available on the restaurant's 66-seat heated patio. Z'Tejas Southwestern Grill is open daily for lunch and dinner; half price appetizers and drink specials are offered during happy hour. Z'Tejas Southwestern Grill is located on the east side of South Coast Plaza (3333 S. Bristol Street, Costa Mesa). For more information, call (714) 979-7469 or visit www.ztejas.com.

Westin South Coast Plaza Ranked One of World's Best Hotels on Expedia Insiders' List

Expedia® travelers have ranked The Westin South Coast Plaza among the world's best hotels on this year’s Expedia Insiders' Select(TR) list. The list formally recognizes individual hotels worldwide that consistently deliver excellent service, a great overall experience and a notable value.

"Delivering our guests superior service is a top priority at The Westin," said Jennie Hoffman, the hotel's director of sales and marketing. "We are pleased that our efforts have been acknowledged by Expedia travelers and look forward to maintaining our high level of service to future Expedia's guests."

The 2010 Expedia Insiders' Select(TR) list is compiled based on the more than one million Traveler Opinions hotel reviews collected by Expedia, combined with a value rating and the local market expertise of more than 400 Expedia employees in local markets worldwide, resulting in an easy-to-browse list that provides travelers with a powerful way to find the perfect hotel using the trusted insight of other travelers like them. The list showcases the diverse selection of travel destinations and hotel properties.

Located in Costa Mesa, California, the extensively remodeled hotel is now more than ever a leading choice for meeting and event planners nationwide, savvy business travelers, as well as leisure guests seeking a sophisticated, yet relaxing experience.

The hotel's $20 million renovation included new guestrooms that exude an inviting residential feeling and are furnished with a host of convenient amenities like high-speed Internet access, flat screen plasma televisions, the Westin "Heavenly Bed" and the relaxing "Heavenly Bath."

The lobby, public spaces and meeting rooms have been completely redesigned, and a Terrace Level with relaxing outdoor space and a striking 5,100-square-foot pavilion that features insulated walls, an air and heating system, new carpeting, an accent wall and new chandeliers was added. Other upgrades include a wedding gazebo to comfortably accommodate up to 250 people, and a "Grab-n-Go" coffee/bakery/retail shop to offer guests the ultimate in convenience.

The Westin South Coast Plaza is located at 686 Anton Boulevard in Costa Mesa, California. For reservations and information, call (714) 540-2500 or visit westin.com/southcoastplaza.
For more information about the Insider’s Select honor, visit www.expedia.com/insidersselect.

Costa Mesa Marriott Lures Art Festival-Goers With Great Weekend Packages

The Costa Mesa Marriott Hotel invites travelers to express their culture and style by planning a weekend getaway to shop and gallery hop. Interested parties can book now to take advantage of the Escape! Shopping Package starting at just $139 per night. www.marriott.com/SNAST.

The Escape! package includes complimentary shuttle service to the popular South Coast Plaza as well as breakfast for two and a free in-room movie. Additionally, visitors can shop one of the festivals taking place near the hotel this summer - Art-a-Fair and Festival of Arts. Both events feature renowned arts and craftsmen selling their wares. The Costa Mesa Marriott hotel is located just a few miles from Laguna Beach and Canyon Park, where the Festival of Arts and Art-A-Fair take place.

Festival of Arts, July 5 to Aug. 31
Known as California’s finest summer art event, the Festival is staged in six acres of the park near the ocean. The summertime tradition began in 1932 and features a combination of accomplished and amateur artists, special events, music and entertainment, hands-on workshops, shopping and exhibits. To learn more, go to www.foapom.com

Art-a-Fair, June 25 to Aug. 29
In its 44th year, Art-A-Fair brings art and beauty in its purest form to Southern California. Art-A-Fair prides itself on selecting art in all mediums for its summer festival – mediums that are rich in quality, yet diverse in content. The event brings together both local and global artists who are masters in painting, sculpture, jewelry, multi-media design, photography, ceramics, glass, wood and more. Get inspired by fine art from 125 gifted artists, stroll through a peaceful garden setting, and make memories with friends and family while shopping, picnicking and taking in scene at this annual event. www.art-a-fair.com/

South Coast Plaza
Orange County visitors can travel in style to South Coast Plaza using Costa Mesa Marriott’s complimentary shuttle service. An international shopping destination, the Plaza boasts 280 boutiques, 30 restaurants and four performing arts venues. The South Coast Plaza concierge is available to enhance a shopping or dining experience.

About the Costa Mesa Marriott
Located in the heart of Costa Mesa’s business district, the Costa Mesa Marriott is a few blocks from South Coast Plaza and the Orange County Performing Arts Center. The hotel is within three miles of the Orange County/John Wayne (SNA) airport, minutes to beaches and popular Southern California attractions. On site guest amenities include a 24-hour fitness center, outdoor heated pool and hot tub. Dine three meals daily in Costa Mesa Marriott’s casual dining restaurant, Hemingway’s. The hotel consists of 253 guest suites featuring separate living and sleeping areas, luxurious Marriott Revive bedding and high-speed Internet access. Six meeting rooms and 3,200 square feet of meeting space are available. Visit the hotel Web site: www.marriott.com/SNAST.