Hyatt Regency Long Beach: Your Dream LA Getaway Awaits!
Hyatt Regency Long Beach: My Love Affair with the Ocean (and a Few Grumbles Too!)
Okay, so let's be real, the words "dream LA getaway" get thrown around a lot. But after a recent stay at the Hyatt Regency Long Beach, I'm actually considering it… maybe it actually lived up to the hype. This place…whew. Let's dive in, shall we? Brace yourself; this review isn't going to be totally polished (because, you know, life).
(SEO & Metadata Stuff - Yawn!)
- Keywords: Hyatt Regency Long Beach, Long Beach Hotels, Southern California Resorts, Accessible Hotel, Spa, Swimming Pool, Ocean View, Waterfront Hotel, Business Travel, Family Vacation, Conference Hotel, Long Beach Convention Center, Restaurants Long Beach, Free Wi-Fi, Parking, Spa & Wellness
- Metadata Description: A messy, honest, and hopefully helpful review of the Hyatt Regency Long Beach. From accessibility and amazing views to the (sometimes) slightly frustrating service, I spill the tea. Plus, all the practical details you need!
- Tags: Long Beach, California, Hotel Review, Luxury Hotel, Spa Hotel, Waterfront Hotel, Accessibility, Family Friendly, Business Travel, Pool, Restaurant, (adds some flavor and personality to the tags) "Sunset Chaser", "Coffee Addict" "Overpackers of the world unite"… you get the idea.
(Accessibility: The Good, the "Almost" Good, and the Needing-More-Good)
Right, let's address the elephant in the room - or rather, the wheelchair-accessible pathway to the hotel. Wheelchair accessible? Yes, absolutely. Ramps, elevators, the whole shebang. And I gotta say, they've really thought things through. The lobby is spacious, the front desk is designed for ease of use, and the access to the outdoor areas (hello, pool!) is pretty seamless. Bravo. Finding my way around was a breeze, and that, my friends, is a MASSIVE win in my book.
Now, the "almost" good. I noticed some of the automatic doors in some of the public areas were just a tad slow. Like, "will she make it through before it closes?" slow. It wasn't a huge issue, but it did make me realize that accessibility, even when present, sometimes needs a little extra TLC.
Rooms: The room was spacious and well-designed. I had requested, and gotten, a room with… well, I don't want to make a cliché but it had a view of the ocean (shhhhh!). That said, in this case, it's a bit hard to be original. The bathroom, too, had all the necessary accommodations - grab bars in all of the obvious spots.
On-site Accessible Restaurants/Lounges: I'll touch on this in the "Dining" section, but I made sure to scan for wheelchair access, and it was thankfully present at all the restaurants.
(Internet Access & Connectivity: Free Wi-Fi = Happiness)
Wi-Fi in all rooms! Yes! And it's free! Finally, a hotel that understands a basic necessity. The dreaded "pay-per-hour" internet is a relic of the past, and I'm here for it. **Internet [LAN] (for you "OG" internet users) is also included. ** Internet services worked well, I have no complaints.
(Things to Do, Ways to Relax & the Pursuit of Utter Bliss)
Okay, this is where the Hyatt Regency Long Beach really shines.
- Swimming pool? Yes, and a glorious one at that, with a pool with a view. I'd have to say it's one of the best perks of the hotel. Picture this: sunshine blasting, a cocktail in hand (more on that later), and the ocean stretching out before you. Pure bliss.
- Spa & Wellness! Ah, the spa. I'd be remiss if I didn't spend a lot of time here. I mean, come on. Body scrub? Massage? Sign me up! I indulged in a massage that practically melted me. I think I saw a guardian angel or something. Foot bath and Sauna? Oh yes! The spa is beautiful, and the staff genuinely seem to care about your relaxation. The Spa/sauna area is really gorgeous.
- Gym/Fitness Center: It was well equipped, but I'm not exactly Mr. Fitness. I poked my head in (for research purposes, of course) and saw other people working out, which is something. So, if you're the type who enjoys a workout, this place has you covered.
- Steamroom: A nice add-on to the whole spa experience.
- The "Chill Zone" AKA Terrace: The terrace is the perfect place to hang out and relax.
(Cleanliness & Safety: Feeling Safe, Even in a Post-Apocalyptic World)
Let's face it, the pandemic shook things up, and hotels have had to adapt. I was impressed by the Hyatt Regency Long Beach's efforts.
- Anti-viral cleaning products? Check!
- Professional-grade sanitizing services? Double-check!
- Room sanitization opt-out available? They gave me the option, which I appreciated.
- Staff trained in safety protocol? Definitely.
- Hand sanitizer? Everywhere!
- Daily disinfection in common areas? Yep!
- Safe dining setup? We'll discuss this in the next section.
- Cashless payment service? A huge plus. The hotel is set up well enough that you won't need to touch anything and the check-out experience was a breeze.
I felt safe. And honestly, that peace of mind is invaluable.
(Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: Food, Glorious Food… and a Few Mishaps)
Okay, the food scene. This is where things got a little…uneven.
- Restaurants? Several! And a Poolside bar (essential!).
- Breakfast [buffet]? Available, but I'm not really a buffet person. The Asian breakfast was delicious.
- Room service [24-hour]? Hallelujah! This is a lifesaver. Especially after a long day.
- Coffee Shop: Essential for me. The coffee was good, but could get very busy.
- Snack Bar: Useful for quick bites.
Now, about the restaurants… The Asian cuisine in restaurant was really good, but the wait times, oh, the wait times. One night, I spent an absurd amount of time waiting for my food at the Western cuisine in restaurant (which was delicious, BTW). It was a minor annoyance that could use some improvement. More staff, please! A la carte in restaurant menus are available. Happy hour - yes! Bottle of water - yes! Coffee/tea in restaurant - yep!
My Breakfast in room, although I did have to pay for it, was absolutely divine. The fruit was fresh, the eggs perfectly cooked, and the coffee… well, the coffee was strong enough to wake the dead. It was an incredible start to the day.
(Services and Conveniences: The Little Things That Make a Big Difference)
- Concierge: Super helpful, especially with booking tours and getting around.
- Doorman: Always a nice touch (I like being able to get out of my car and have someone take care of the rest).
- Elevator: Yep. All working and available.
- Daily housekeeping: My room was sparkling clean every day.
(For the Kids: Family-Friendly Vibes)
- Family/child-friendly. Yes.
- Babysitting service Available - I didn't need it (I'm not a parent), but I noticed it was on the list.
- Kids meal. Available in some of the restaurants.
(Getting Around: Navigating Long Beach)
- Car park [free of charge]? No, but there's a Car park [on-site] with… valet parking!
- Taxi service: Available.
- Airport transfer: Available.
- Bicycle parking: Available.
(Available in all rooms: The Detail)
- Air conditioning (duh!)
- Coffee/tea maker
- Free bottled water
- Wi-Fi [free]
- Bathtub
- Shower
- There are Slippers waiting for you.
- Hair dryer
(The Quirky Observations, the Imperfections, and the Final Verdict)
Okay, so the Hyatt Regency Long Beach isn't perfect. The wait times in the restaurants, the slightly slow automatic doors, the minor hiccups are things that could be
Escape to Chicago: O'Hare's Hidden Gem Hotel Awaits!
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because we're about to dive headfirst into a travel itinerary at the Hyatt Regency Long Beach, CA. Forget those perfectly-manicured travel blogs – this is the real, messy, slightly-caffeinated, and hopefully hilarious, version. Prepare for some serious rambles.
Hyatt Regency Long Beach: A Messy Adventure (and hopefully, some relaxation)
Day 1: Arrival and the Quest for the Perfect View (Spoiler: Failed)
1:00 PM: Touchdown LAX. Yay? Okay, let's be honest, LAX is a goddamn circus. Crowds, delays, that distinct scent of stale coffee and existential dread… But hey, we made it! Grabbed an Uber (thank the heavens for technology) to the Hyatt Regency Long Beach.
2:30 PM: Check-In Chaos. The lobby is buzzing. Smells like… fresh sea salt and stressed people. The check-in line? Ugh. Took FOREVER. Finally got to the front, and the poor front desk guy looked like he'd seen some things. "Enjoy your stay!" he chirped weakly, handing over a key. "Room's on the 10th floor, ocean view!" Ocean View?! YES!
3:00 PM: The Room Reveal: Lies, All Lies. "Ocean View"… more like "Ocean adjacent, if you lean out the window and squint really hard." My heart sank. Where was the panoramic bliss I'd envisioned? Instead, I got a sliver of water, and a whole lot of city. I considered complaining, but honestly, I’m not good at confrontation. So… I embraced my "partial ocean view."
3:45 PM: Poolside Reconnaissance. Okay, the pool looked promising. Lush landscaping, promising cocktails. But the LA sun was punishing. Abandoned the idea and went back to my room to cool off, so I could actually enjoy the pool later.
5:00 PM: Bar Hopping. Decided to make the most of it and go to the bar to get a drink, but the drinks took forever. I think the waiter forgot about me, I made a scene.
7:00 PM: Dinner at the Hotel Restaurant – An Almost Disaster. Got a table at the hotel restaurant, the food was good. But our server? Completely overwhelmed. At one point, he spilled a glass of water all over me. I laughed, mostly because I didn't know what else to do. Managed to get the water wiped and finished my meal.
9:00 PM: Exhaustion and Early Night. After all this, I needed it. And I slept like a baby.
Day 2: Rediscovering the Ocean (and My Sanity)
- 7:00 AM: The Sunrise Attempt. Dragged myself out of bed to "catch" the sunrise. The effort was thwarted by some clouds but the quiet ocean was still amazing.
- 8:00 AM: Breakfast at the hotel. The breakfast buffet was my saving grace. Waffles, fruit, the usual suspects, but everything tasted so good.
- 10:00 AM: Long Beach Exploration. Decided to explore the area, and went on a stroll around the harbor. The boats were amazing. The water has a very unique smell.
- 12:30 PM: Lunch at a Local Spot. Ate lunch at a low-key little sandwich shop. The sandwich was big, delicious, and the staff was friendly.
- 2:00 PM: Aquarium of the Pacific. I spent most of the day there, to be honest. I loved it! I spent an hour watching the jellyfish, mesmerized. I saw whales, penguins, sharks and more!
- 5:00 PM: The Pool Redemption I went back to the pool. It was nice, just the right amount of sun.
- 7:00 PM: Dinner and a Show. Went to a restaurant near my hotel and enjoyed the ocean view. The food was spectacular. Came back to the hotel and watched the sunset.
- 9:00 PM: Bed time.
Day 3: Departure and Reflections (and a Deep Sigh)
- 7:00 AM: Last Breakfast. Again at the buffet. I started to imagine that everything was made so well just to get me to come back. I'll take it.
- 8:00 AM: Last Walk. The last walk around the harbor. I feel sad that I had to leave.
- 9:30 AM: Check-out and Uber to LAX. I was sad to go. I'll be back.
Final Thoughts:
The Hyatt Regency Long Beach was an experience. It wasn't perfect (what is, really?), but it had its moments. The food was generally good, everyone was friendly, and I did get to see the ocean (eventually, and from a slightly optimistic angle). Would I go back? Absolutely. Because even with the minor mishaps and the less-than-perfect view, it was a good trip!
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Hyatt Regency Long Beach: So, You're Thinking of Paradise? Let's Do This (Maybe!)
Okay, Okay, Lay it on Me: What's the Vibe Like? Is it Actually a "Regency"?
Alright, settle down, eager beaver! The vibe... hmm. Think breezy Southern California meets... well, a slightly polished cruise ship. (Don't tell the folks who run it I said that, *shh*.) It's big. Seriously, it's a sprawling beast! But, and this is important, it's *efficiently* big. You won't get lost... *that* easily. As for "Regency"... look, it's not like a stuffy, old-money Regency. It's more... updated Regency-lite, ya know? Clean, modern, with some definite wow-factor views. Think less Downton Abbey, more... Silicon Beach CEO after a successful IPO. And honestly? Sometimes, that’s just what you *need*.
The Rooms...Are They Worth the Hype (and Price, Let's Be Real)?
Rooms. Ah, the sacred (and sometimes slightly disappointing) domain. Okay, here's the deal: the views are the *star* of the show. Definitely try to snag a harbor view – watching the boats bobbing around at sunset? Pure therapy. The rooms themselves are... well-appointed. They're clean, the beds are comfy, plenty of space. I’m telling you, I stayed in one and had a *nightmare* the first night. I thought I saw a spider in the bathroom (it was probably a shadow, ok?!) and I was convinced the whole hotel was haunted for like, 2 hours. I was totally convinced! BUT, once I got over the fear, they are pretty damn good. The design is pretty standard Hyatt, nothing groundbreaking, but perfectly functional. The bathrooms, though? Could be a little bigger. And maybe, just maybe, a slightly better hairdryer situation. (Seriously, ladies, you know what I'm talking about. My hair looked like it had a fight with a cactus after using that thing.) But again, for the view, I'd do it all over again. Plus, the internet is actually decent, which, let's be honest, is a dealbreaker these days.
Let's Talk Food & Booze! What are My Options Besides Room Service (Which, let's face it, is rarely ideal)?
Food! Bless the food. So, the hotel has a few options. There’s the... uh... *main* restaurant. (Can't remember the name, I’m terrible with names, ok?!) It's fine. It's solid. The breakfast buffet is a definite winner for the hungover, let me tell you. (And let's be honest, who *isn't* a *little* hungover on vacation?) There's also a casual bar/restaurant by the pool, perfect for a quick lunch or a mid-afternoon margarita (or three). The staff there are *fantastic* though, so if you’re unsure of your cocktail choices they can definitely help out. The best part, though, is the location, location, location! You’re close to *tons* of amazing restaurants in Long Beach. Seriously, you’re minutes from some seriously epic food. Go explore! Don't be afraid to get lost! (But maybe bring Google Maps, just in case... I've learned that lesson the hard way.)
Pool Time! Is the Pool Actually Fun, or Just a Rectangle of Chlorine?
The pool... Okay, here’s where things get a little... competitive. The pool area is really nice, don't get me wrong. But. It *can* get crowded. REALLY crowded, especially on weekends. Get there early if you want a decent chair, and *definitely* if you want a cabana. (Cabanas: highly recommended if you're feeling fancy and/or sun-sensitive.) The pool itself is decent-sized, the water is clean, and there's a separate hot tub. They do have a bar there, which is a major win. But be prepared for a bit of a wait for drink service during peak hours. One time, I was so thirsty, waiting for the bar, I actually *considered* drinking the pool water… just kidding… maybe. (Don’t judge me. It was hot.) It’s enjoyable, but don't expect a tropical paradise. It's a solid, functional pool. You'll survive. And, hey, people-watching can be pretty entertaining.
What about the Location? Is it Easy to Get Around?
Location, location, location! (Again!) The Hyatt Regency Long Beach is a *fantastic* location. Right on the water, walking distance to the Aquarium of the Pacific (worth it!), the convention center (if you're into that sort of thing), and a bunch of cute shops and restaurants. Getting around is easy, too. Lyft and Uber are readily available. The Long Beach Transit system is decent. And if you really wanted to, you could walk a *lot*. The hotel is pretty central, within an easy drive of LAX (which can be good or bad, depending on traffic… ugh, traffic). It's a fantastic base for exploring Long Beach and beyond. Seriously, you could practically live in Long Beach and be perfectly content. Just buy a yacht and be done with it. (Kidding! ...mostly.)
Okay, But the *Really* Important Stuff: Parking? Wi-Fi? Gym? Is There a Coffee Machine in My Room (Please Say Yes!)?
Alright, let's get down to the brass tacks! PARKING: They *do* have parking. It’s valet, unless you want to brave the outdoor lot. (I’m a valet person, sue me!) It's not cheap – *nothing* good is ever cheap, is it? WI-FI: Good, reliable Wi-Fi. Thank goodness. The gym: It's there. It’s functional. Nothing glamorous, but it has the basics. I’m more of a "sit-by-the-pool-and-read-a-book" type, so I can't speak to its equipment. COFFEE MACHINE: YES! There is indeed a coffee machine in the room! (Hallelujah! I can't function without caffeine until like, 11am.) So, you're covered on all the essentials. Excellent news!
Any Hidden Gems or Things I *Really* Need to Know? Give Me the Inside Scoop!
Hidden gems… okay, listen up! First of all, the sunsets over the harbor? *Unbelievable*. Seriously, find a good spot (like a balcony, hint hint) and just... soak it in. Second, the staff are generally super friendly and helpful. Don't be afraid to ask for recommendations or help. Don’t walk around looking like you're a tourist, it's obvious you’re an idiot but don’t let them know that. Third… and this is a big one… BE PREPARED FOR THE CONVENTION CROWD. Uptown Lodging
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