Avenue of the Arts Costa Mesa: Top-Floor Corner Jr Suite & Lakeside Walkway Audit

Executive Summary & Field Verdict

I work in California quite a bit—flying in from the East Coast—and have always wanted to stay at the Avenue of the Arts, Costa Mesa.

The hotel is on a block with a Marriott Suites Hotel and a couple of apartment complexes. I’ve stayed at the Marriott Suites in the past, but can’t usually find a nightly rate at the Avenue of the Arts that is within my travel budget.

A few weeks ago I found a rate within budget and was able to book for 2 nights. I booked a corporate rate, base King room and was complimentary upgraded to a top-floor, corner, 1 King bedroom, Jr suite.

Top-floor corner Junior Suite featuring original hardwood floors, plush seating, and private lakeside balcony access.

[!NOTE] Audit Status: Folio Audited & Reconciled ✓
Property: Avenue of the Arts Costa Mesa, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel
Stay Date: June 11–13, 2024 (2 Nights)
Audited By: Gene Salvatore, Marriott Bonvoy Ambassador Elite
Room Audited: Top-Floor Corner 1-Bedroom Junior Suite
Rating: 9.5 / 10

Room Anatomy: Original Hardwood Floors & Old Hollywood Glamour

The room was fantastic—I love the original wood floors, the “Hollywood” style to the room, the balcony that overlooks the pond and neighborhood walking area, and honestly, the entire hotel aesthetic.

Master bedroom layout with custom furnishings, crisp bedding, and direct balcony walk-out.

The corner positioning ensures generous natural light through multiple exposures while completely isolating the living quarters from elevator corridor foot traffic. The finish craftsmanship—from the rich hardwood to the brass and lacquer accents—brings true boutique individuality that distinguishes the Tribute Portfolio from standard corporate boxes.

Tranquil balcony view overlooking the interior pond, fountain, and tree-lined walking circuit.

Service, Limited Edition Bamboo Ambassador Key & Spend Strategy

All my staff interactions were excellent—from check-in, to housekeeping, bar, and restaurant staff.

At check-in, I was given a Limited Edition, Bamboo Key Card for my Marriott Ambassador status.

Exclusive bamboo-crafted Ambassador Elite key card unlocking 15% on-property dining discounts.

I didn’t realize until after my first meal in the bar, that showing the bamboo key card also afforded me a 15% discount on F&B spend at the hotel.

I was running behind on qualified spend to renew my status for next year, and one thing that helps increase qualified spend is eating at hotel restaurants. Being behind on my spend, I did eat breakfast and dinner at the hotel each day, along with lunch once. The food quality at Silver Trumpet restaurant was consistently top shelf.

Walkability & Cultural Arts District Positioning

The outdoor pool and hot tub area were well-maintained and clean. If you’re a walker like me, the location is unbeatable:

Lush, landscaped walking loop encircling the interior lake and residential gardens.

You can walk around the pond directly behind the hotel, winding past landscaped apartment complexes and the neighboring Costa Mesa Marriott.

Even better, the property is situated directly across the street from:

• Orange County Museum of Art (OCMA)
• Segerstrom Center for the Arts
• Renée and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall
• Samueli Theater

Tactical Flexibility: Your24 Benefit in Action

On subsequent stays here for my healthcare infrastructure work, this property has proven exceptionally accommodating with Ambassador Your24 scheduling.

Having an 11:00 PM arrival with an approved 11:00 PM checkout allows me to put in a full day at the hospital project site on departure day without worrying about a standard 4:00 PM checkout crunch. That flexibility alone cements Avenue of the Arts as my premier Orange County base.

Ambassador Elite Folio & Points Audit