Two nights in Costa Mesa makes holiday shopping fun, with a variety of shopping options, art and the beach all in close proximity. Shopping at South Coast Plaza alone could fill an entire day, with luxury brands, tech stores, and popular labels stretching across two blocks. The LAB and The CAMP showcase Costa Mesa’s artsy side, offering thrift gems, local art, vegan doughnuts and a speakeasy. Staying overnight gave me a chance to pace myself and actually enjoy the process.
Here’s a look at 7 nearby hotels that make it easy to turn a shopping trip into a mini getaway. Several Costa Mesa hotels offer shopping packages that include passes to the invitation-only Access Lounge at South Coast Plaza.
Residence Inn Costa Mesa
This is the place I generally stay when I visit Costa Mesa. We even had our son’s wedding party there. Why? Because the Residence Inn Costa Mesa just keeps getting better. We love the location, the fireplace and the in-room kitchenette. The breakfast is hot and tasty and the common areas are clean and spacious. There have been some recent updates, including new mattresses and updated air conditioning.
Highlights:
- Full kitchen with dishes
- Walking distance to The CAMP, The LAB, and “Brewery Row” on Randolph Street
- Pets allowed, + $150/stay
Check out more Costa Mesa hotels here!
The Westin South Coast Plaza
The Westin is practically next door to South Coast Plaza (reachable via a pedestrian bridge) and to Segerstrom Performing Arts Center and the Arts District. Its wellness mantra, “Feel well, sleep well, eat well, move well” is found throughout the property. There is pickleball (also open to locals via Resort Pass), a gorgeous pool surrounded by palm trees, cabanas and a large gym.
The rooms are spacious and the “Move Well” room includes a Peleton and fitness gear. I always appreciate a nod to local and the shadow boxes along the hallways feature local wineries, restaurants and products.
Highlights:
- Pedestrian bridge to South Coast Plaza
- “Move Well” Suites outfitted with Peleton bike and fitness gear
- “Eat Well” menu at the on-site restaurant, The Great Room
- Pickleball courts + equipment
- Pets allowed, + $100/stay
- No resort fee
Costa Mesa Marriott
Every room at this Marriott is a suite and most have balconies, which is great if you are on a shopping trip with friends or traveling with family. It’s a 10-minute walk to South Coast Plaza and Costa Mesa’s Arts District, making it convenient to see a show or shop. The pool and outdoor seating overlook a small lake.
Art is the theme and this Marriott is focused on local. Locals are invited to free art shows by local artists, Taco Tuesdays ($2 tacos!) and Wine Wednesdays (free tastings), and live music. Parking is validated for public events and for guests.
Highlights:
- Largest rooms in the area, with balconies
- Outdoor space overlooking the lake
- Pets allowed, + $150/stay
- M Club access, breakfast and refreshments
Ayres Hotel Costa Mesa/Newport Beach
The Ayres brings a touch of old-English charm to Costa Mesa, and it’s cozy in all the best ways. You’ll find warm, inviting decor, with a charming, French-inspired courtyard and delicious food at the onsite restaurant, Le Chateau.
The restaurant is owned by the hotel and serves breakfast, lunch, dinner and room service. Locals come for happy hour, their famous Monte Cristo sandwich and brunch. I had never eaten a Monte Cristo until I visited Le Chateau and it was an indulgent decadent treat: grilled ham and cheese held together by French toast bread, sprinkled with powdered sugar and served with a side of liqueur-infused raspberry jam. Yep. Loved it. Took it all home, including the jam.
Highlights:
- The Monte Cristo sandwich at Le Chateau, a local favorite.
- Complimentary airport shuttle
- Daily happy hour
- One full building with junior suites
- Pools, hot tub, laundry for each building
Avenue of the Arts Hotel
As a Marriott Tribute Portfolio hotel, Avenue of the Arts has an artsy, boutique vibe, and it’s practically next door to the Segerstrom Center for the Arts. The rooms are modern with balconies that overlook the pool and lake and there’s artwork throughout for a full culture immersion. Art and nature are important elements to the design of the hotel as are evident by the water element in the lobby and abundance of tropical plants throughout. I have eaten at the onsite restaurant, Silver Trumpet, several times and can vouch that it is worth a visit. Although there is plenty of indoor seating, we always opt for the firepit tables outside.
Highlights:
- Live music Fridays at Silver Trumpet lounge
- Pets allowed, + $75/stay, with dog walking trail and VIP (Very Important Pup) package
- Pre-show Prix fixe meal (T-SA)
- Poolside cabanas
Hilton Orange County/ Costa Mesa
Let’s start with the real stars of the show: the pizza oven and Beto, the bar artist. Beto is not just your average bartender; he’s an artist, blending drinks at the
The Hilton blends style with practicality. The open, modern lobby sets a welcoming tone and outside, the pool area is all about relaxation including private cabanas and a hot tub. There is great shopping and events to enjoy nearby: South Coast Plaza (3 min drive), OC Fair & Event Center (8 min), Segerstrom Center for the Arts (4 min) and the Newport Beach Pier (18 minutes).
Highlights:
- Pizza Oven
- Starbucks store in the lobby
- Affordable suites and large double queen rooms
- Complimentary shuttle to John Wayne Airport
- Walkable to South Coast Plaza, The Camp, The Lab and Mitsua Marketplace
- Pets allowed, +$150/stay
Best Western Plus Newport Mesa Inn
Reliable, comfy and clean (as in award winning clean), Best Western Plus Newport Mesa Inn is a solid choice. It’s got everything for a convenient stay—spacious rooms, free breakfast (with the hot stuff, not just muffins!), and an easy drive to South Coast Plaza. All of the furniture was replaced in 2024 so it feels new and current. It’s one of those places that’s straightforward and makes getting around Costa Mesa a breeze without costing a fortune.
Highlights:
- Rooms updated 2024
- Complimentary hot breakfast
- Airport shuttle
- Awards for cleanliness
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