Hyatt Regency Huntington Beach: Why Your Kids (and You) Will Love This Spanish-Inspired Coastal Resort
The Hyatt Regency Huntington Beach: A Pleasant Surprise
As our family were planning a road trip, we needed a place to stay between San Diego and Joshua Tree in California for a couple of days. We weren’t keen on staying in Los Angeles, so we chose Huntington Beach as a convenient and relaxing alternative. We picked the Hyatt Regency Huntington Beach, and I’m so glad we did! What started as a “filler” hotel turned out to be one of our favorite Hyatt hotels we’ve ever stayed in.
A Beautiful Property with Spanish-Inspired Architecture
The first thing you’ll notice about this hotel is that it doesn’t look like a typical Hyatt Regency. Instead of a towering high-rise, this property is spread out, with its tallest building being only four stories. The architecture is a beautiful Spanish-inspired design, featuring white buildings with classic red-clay tile roofs.
The grounds are equally lovely, with several grassy areas, serene fountains, and numerous fire pits. We even saw the resident ducks and koi in the pond. It truly feels like a beautiful resort rather than just a hotel.
Check-In and Room Experience
When we arrived at 11 a.m., our room wasn’t ready, which was understandable since check-in is at 4 p.m. The staff kindly stored our bags and gave us pool keys and wristbands so we could start enjoying the amenities. We decided to explore, grab some lunch, and head to the pool.
By 1:30 p.m., our room was ready, but we were having too much fun by the water to grab the keys right away. When we finally did, the front desk offered to send our luggage up to the room. Unfortunately, it wasn’t there after dinner, but a quick call to the front desk cleared up the mix-up. The staff was incredibly apologetic and brought our bags to the room within 10 minutes.
We stayed in a standard two-queen room, which was surprisingly spacious at 436-465 square feet (according to their website). The room had a desk, a TV, and a counter area with a beverage cooler and coffee maker. The bathroom was also a good size, with a separate shower and toilet area. There are a variety of other room configurations available, including ocean-view rooms, oversized rooms, and suites. There are also special rooms that feature fire pits on the patio. We found our room to be lovely and comfortable, but it’s great to know there are so many options.
From Poolside Lounging to Beachfront Bliss
The resort has two pools, both of which are family-friendly. One pool area features three water slides, while the other has a more relaxed vibe. Both areas include hot tubs. There is also a separate adults-only area that features hot tubs and loungers. A major highlight for us was that both pool areas have their own bar and restaurant with servers who take orders right from your lounge chair—a perk I always appreciate! The servers were also really great – very attentive! Each pool has many loungers and umbrellas available and we found that even around noon, we were able to snag the chair we needed for our family.
Another standout feature is the hotel’s easy access to the beach. The resort has a bridge that crosses the road, leading you directly to the sand. The 10-Mile Beach is expansive, with a wide stretch of sand before the water. From the hotel, you can see the Pacific Ocean, and the walk is short and scenic.
An excellent perk included in the resort fee is the use of beach chairs, umbrellas, and towels. We’ve stayed at other beachfront hotels that charge for these, so this was a welcome surprise. We loved being able to easily set up on the beach and catch the sunset each night.
Poolside Bites and More Elegant Dining
The Hyatt Regency Huntington Beach offers a great selection of restaurants and stores. We dined at Watertable, Pete’s Sunset Grill, Mankota’s Grill (by the main pool), and Slyders Bar and Café (by the water slide pool). The chicken pita and fish tacos at Mankota’s were a definite highlight, and my kids loved the breakfast buffet at Watertable. For dinner, Jonathan tried halibut at Watertable and was happy to report it was delicious.
We also tried the “More Fun than a Barrel of Rum” drink at Pete’s Sunset Grill. This massive drink requires at least two people to order, so be prepared! While we weren’t able to try the pizza place, market, or Shor restaurant due to limited hours, we were very happy with the food options for our relaxing resort days.
There are also several stores that have clothing, souvenirs, and any necessities you may find yourself in need of during your stay. You can also rent bikes if you want to explore the area.
For the Whole Family (Including the Furry Ones)
Although we didn’t travel with a pet, we noticed that this hotel is very pet-friendly. We saw many well-behaved dogs around the resort, and their owners were always respectful. If you’re traveling with a furry friend, be sure to check the hotel’s website for their current weight requirements and fees.
Unique Extra: S’mores Memories
One of our favorite family activities was making s’mores. The hotel has numerous fire pits scattered throughout the property, and you can purchase a s’mores kit from the market. They’ll even give you the roasting sticks you need. The kids absolutely loved this classic experience!
Hyatt Regency Huntington Beach Logistics
- Beach Access: This is a major selling point. The hotel has a private pedestrian bridge that crosses the Pacific Coast Highway (PCH), meaning you never have to dodge traffic to get to the sand.
- The Resort Fee Perks: Unlike some hotels where the fee feels like a tax, here it covers useful items:
- Beach chairs, umbrellas, and towels.
- Standard Wi-Fi.
- Daily fitness classes and specialized resort activities.
- Proximity: You are a 15-minute walk from the Huntington Beach Pier and Pacific City (an upscale outdoor shopping/dining mall). There are lots of nearby restaurants and shops.
Resort Features At-a-Glance
Feature | Detail |
World of Hyatt Category | 6 |
Point Cost (Standard) | Ranges from 20,000-40,000 per night (standard room) |
Resort Fee | $45-55/day; Waived for Globalist/Guest of Honor on award stays; includes access to beach chairs and umbrellas |
Pet-Friendly | Up to 2 dogs (75 lbs combined); $175 fee per stay |
Parking | Valet only (self-parking is available at nearby city lots) |
Water Features | Two main pools, three water slides, multiple hot tubs, children’s wading pool |
A Versatile and Memorable Stay
Overall, we had a fantastic time at the Hyatt Regency Huntington Beach. It’s an incredibly family-friendly hotel, but it also caters to lone travelers and couples. The property’s beautiful grounds, amazing amenities, and convenient beach access make it a perfect fit for a variety of travelers. We made some wonderful memories here and will definitely be returning.
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