A Look Into the Extravagant Avenue of the Arts Hotel
Pulling up to the front of the Avenue of the Arts Hotel is more like driving into a large, ornate outdoor living room than pulling into a hotel lobby. Zebra print chaise lounges sit beside an outdoor heater on the curb. Large draperies are tied to the sides of a sleek, tall porte cochere. A breathtaking layered chandelier hangs from the top, glowing soft light onto cars waiting for valet and reflecting in the mirrored wall above the sliding glass doors. Inside, the chandelier’s twin hangs over the opulent lobby, decorated with stark contrasting white walls and dark plush furniture. A fireplace sits opposite a sleek marble desk, above which hangs black and white photography of musical instruments and local scenes. The ever friendly staff members greet incomers with a smile and ask what they can do to help. This is what it’s like to step into Costa Mesa’s only four diamond Hotel.
Located across the street from some of Costa Mesa’s most prominent art spots such as the South Coast Repertory and the Segerstrom Center for the Arts, the Avenue of the Arts Hotel is an optimal location for connoisseurs of high art. Previously the Wyndham Orange County, the Avenue of the Arts Hotel has gone through some significant changes. The Avenue of the Arts hotel has significantly rebranded their look, and is currently finishing a $20 million renovation. The hotel was reopened to the public in April.
The new design, which reflects a high-end Art Deco style, was in collaboration with designer Dianna Wong. Based in West Hollywood, Wong has done marvelous designs in places like the Baha Mar Casino Hotel and the W in Washington DC. Her stunning work shines particularly bright in the Avenue of the Arts, complementing the art, culture, and beauty that is such a vital part of Costa Mesa life.
Throughout the hotel, Wong has worked with Southern California’s natural sunlight and scenery, blending the high end worlds of interior and exterior. Meeting spaces are designed to invite in optimal natural light. Large windows are predominately featured throughout the buildings to bring inside the outer landscape. Lush green grass overlooks a small but gorgeous lake. “It’s kind of like an urban oasis or retreat, ” says director of marketing Kenneth Chouinard.
Each of the 238 rooms and 35 suites are practically pieces of art themselves. They feature eye-catching hardwood floors, and clean cut yet cozy white lacquer furniture mixed with a few copper and marble accents. Space is well used with several full length mirrors and large windows overlooking the beautiful lake. Perhaps the most striking feature of these rooms is the high impact black and white photography that hangs over the bed depicting elaborate local architecture overlaid with a combination of musical instruments.
The hotel restaurant, The Silver Trumpet, hosts top quality chefs and a constantly revolving menu featuring produce and ingredients from local vendors. The Silver Trumpet bar, decorated in striking silver and a glowing marble bar top, also brings more than just hotel guests. It’s a hot spot for many Costa Mesa locals, giving guests a peek into local life without leaving the premises of the hotel.
Other prominent amenities include a pool overlooking the lake, a fitness center, and, most importantly, free Wi-Fi. The retreat room is also a great hidden gem within the hotel as a place to wind down and perhaps read a book. The room features fire pits, bistro lighting, and comfortable seating.
Although most events are privately booked by outside clients, the Avenue of the Arts has been known to host a few events themselves. For instance, in September, there will be a large dedication in honor of the refurbishment of the hotel. The hotel hosts an annual New Year’s party, and last year they held an extravagant Halloween event. Outside bookings include wine tasting, business meetings, and even weddings.
The Feature Portfolio company is currently in the works of developing two new hotels under different branding in Anaheim. However, the Avenue of the Arts management is in the discussion of expanding 100 new rooms within the next three years to bring this unique and extravagant artistic vacation experience to even more guests. “It isn’t a cookie cutter hotel, ” says Chouinard. “In a world, especially Orange County where a lot of stuff feels generic, it definitely has a unique flair. I think it has a personality all on its own, which is pretty much unlike anything else in the county.”
Avenue of the Arts Hotel
3350 Avenue of the Arts
Costa Mesa, CA 92626
714.751.5100
Get Swanky at Avenue of the Arts
Elaine moved across the country to Orange County with her family when she was twelve. She is passionate about frequenting and featuring local businesses and stories. She graduated from University of California Irvine with double majors in English and Literary Journalism. In her free time, you’ll probably find Elaine at a local coffee shop reading or working avidly on her next writing project.
