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Holiday Inn Express & Suites Lake Forest - Irvine East, an IHG Hotel
20768 Lake Forest Dr, Lake Forest, CA 92630
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Room & Suite (32)
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AU$168
About
4.0
#9 of 15 hotels in Lake ForestLocation
Cleanliness
Service
Value
We welcome you to beautiful Orange County. Enjoy the SoCal lifestyle at the brand-new Holiday Inn Express Lake Forest. Situated right off the toll road, our hotel provides convenient access to the most sought-after entertainment and businesses located in Irvine and Lake Forest. After an exciting day of out and about, settle down in our brand-new rooms and suites. You will experience the perfect combination of relaxation, efficiency and technology thanks to our complimentary Wi-Fi, smart TVs and cozy bedding. Every morning fuel up for the day ahead with our delicious hot breakfast buffet. It's the most important meal of the day, and it's on us. Hosting a meeting? We can ensure a success one of our dignified event space. Relax in the California sunshine by our outdoor pool or keep up with your training in our clean and spacious Fitness Center. Whatever brings you to town, please be our guest at the new Holiday Inn Express Lake Forest!!
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Property amenities
Free parking
Free High Speed Internet (WiFi)
Pool
Free breakfast
Kids stay free
Airport transportation
Business Centre with Internet Access
Meeting rooms
Parking
Wifi
Hot bath
Outdoor pool
Breakfast available
Breakfast buffet
Complimentary Instant Coffee
Complimentary tea
Vending machine
Taxi service
Photo copier / fax In business centre
Baggage storage
Newspaper
Non-smoking hotel
24-hour check-in
24-hour front desk
Express check-in / check-out
Clothes dryer
Dry cleaning
Laundry service
Self-serve laundry
Washing machine
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Room features
Blackout curtains
Air conditioning
Desk
Housekeeping
Sofa
Coffee / tea maker
Cable / satellite TV
Walk-in shower
Telephone
Wardrobe / wardrobe
Clothes rack
Iron
Tile / marble floor
Wake-up service / alarm clock
Microwave
Refrigerator
Flatscreen TV
Radio
Complimentary toiletries
Hair dryer
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Room types
Non-smoking rooms
Suites
Family rooms
Good to know
HOTEL CLASS
HOTEL STYLE
Green
Business
Languages Spoken
English, French, Spanish, Chinese and 1 more
Location
20768 Lake Forest Dr, Lake Forest, CA 92630
Getting there
Car recommended
Grade: 39 out of 100
39
15 Restaurants
within 1 kilometer
2 Attractions
within 1 kilometer
228Reviews2Q+A61Room tips
ReviewsWe perform checks on reviews.Tripadvisor’s approach to reviewsBefore posting, each Tripadvisor review goes through an automated tracking system, which collects information, answering the following questions: how, what, where and when. If the system detects something that potentially contradicts our community guidelines, the review is not published.
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We perform checks on reviews.
Tripadvisor’s approach to reviews
Before posting, each Tripadvisor review goes through an automated tracking system, which collects information, answering the following questions: how, what, where and when. If the system detects something that potentially contradicts our community guidelines, the review is not published.
When the system detects a problem, a review may be automatically rejected, sent to the reviewer for validation, or manually reviewed by our team of content specialists, who work 24/7 to maintain the quality of the reviews on our site.
Our team checks each review posted on the site disputed by our community as not meeting our community guidelines.
Learn more about our review moderation.
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Detailed Reviews
Hotel's Favourite
We were in the area to visit family for a week, and returned to HIG Lake Forest since we had such a nice stay a year before. We checked in very late (2:15 a.m.) due to a 5-hour delay by our flight. We had called ahead to let the Front Desk know, and there was no problem. Our room was well appointed, comfortable, facing the street.
Complimentary breakfast is served and since we were staying during the week days, Todd (who works the Front Desk) took the time to bake delicious scrambled eggs and pork sausage in the oven. We can't pay enough compliments to Todd who is so friendly and helpful, and shares our preoccupation with pickleball. Seeing Todd again was like returning to see old friends.
After our 3rd night, water began to leak down from the ceiling light and fan fixture in our bathroom one morning. My husband was in our room on a business call at the time. I called the Front Desk, and immediately Levi came by with towels and a bucket to handle the water leak. He stepped away for a bit, then returned with the luggage dolly and keys to another room. Levi took care of our issue so expeditiously, my husband's business call was not at all interrupted.
This location was perfect for our needs, it's set in a very nice and safe neighborhood, and there good restaurants near by. We're from Hawaii so we take every opportunity we get to eat Mexican. Avila's El Ranchito has several locations but the one in Lake Forest is the bomb. First time I've ever had guacamole made fresh at my table, and it was tasty, Could've made a meal out of it alone with margaritas of course.
Complimentary breakfast is served and since we were staying during the week days, Todd (who works the Front Desk) took the time to bake delicious scrambled eggs and pork sausage in the oven. We can't pay enough compliments to Todd who is so friendly and helpful, and shares our preoccupation with pickleball. Seeing Todd again was like returning to see old friends.
After our 3rd night, water began to leak down from the ceiling light and fan fixture in our bathroom one morning. My husband was in our room on a business call at the time. I called the Front Desk, and immediately Levi came by with towels and a bucket to handle the water leak. He stepped away for a bit, then returned with the luggage dolly and keys to another room. Levi took care of our issue so expeditiously, my husband's business call was not at all interrupted.
This location was perfect for our needs, it's set in a very nice and safe neighborhood, and there good restaurants near by. We're from Hawaii so we take every opportunity we get to eat Mexican. Avila's El Ranchito has several locations but the one in Lake Forest is the bomb. First time I've ever had guacamole made fresh at my table, and it was tasty, Could've made a meal out of it alone with margaritas of course.
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Date of stay: May 2023Trip type: Travelled with family
Value
Location
Service
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
I am staying in TownePlace Suites Lake Forest (currently for business). My room has all the amenities of home and I have enjoyed my stay, and this has lead to a great performance in my career and increased relaxation in my personal life.
So far, there have been no headaches, and while I did have one question/concern, it was promptly handled by Mike at the front desk. He is an exemplar of customer service, and because of him and the rest of the friendly, helpful staff, I will recommend this hotel to friends and will be staying with TownePlace suites again in the future.
So far, there have been no headaches, and while I did have one question/concern, it was promptly handled by Mike at the front desk. He is an exemplar of customer service, and because of him and the rest of the friendly, helpful staff, I will recommend this hotel to friends and will be staying with TownePlace suites again in the future.
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Date of stay: October 2021Trip type: Travelled on business
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
This is a great A hotel. The staff is super friendly that they keep this hotel is such a great condition. I stay here every time Im in the area. What adds to it is the general manager, Levi will walk around and great and talk with his guests. I dont see this any other hotels every. Keep up the good work!
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Date of stay: January 2020Trip type: Travelled on business
Value
Service
Sleep Quality
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
My reservation was 43764207, it was canceled by a manager. He did call me twice but I was in a meeting I couldn't answer and I got an cancelation email about my reservation at 810pm I called the hotel back around 9pm and asked them the reason, I found out that the hotel tried to charge on my old credit card account. I did update my new credit card account 2 days ago, and he didn't use it. I called customer relations 3 times, talked to 3 reps, 2 reps hung up and only 1 called back but she was useless, she didn't care about my stays because most hotels around lake forest California were full and others were higher than what I booked, I requested her to help me the price. She said she was a highest to make decisions, she couldn't help customer especially me, she only supported the hotel policy. 2nd thing was the manager of hotel called me, it means I have 24-48 hours to reply. 3rd thing was when I booked a hotel, I chose the option to pay now instead of paying later. After I booked, I got confirmation, I assumed that all my charges and my reservation were fine. So this is the manager 's faults, and the customer relations didn't care my reservation and my stays, they know that there was no rooms available at my booking price and they still tried to stay away the problem and show me to different hotel with higher prices without any help. I had to drive to different hotel and take care of my family stays at mid night with the higher prices. Is it fair for a customer having to pay for a mistake of a manager and the careless of those 3 customer relations? Please help me to solve this problem because the customer relations and a manager especially the system did screw up my stays. And I am gold elite member, I did stay at this hotel so many times but this time they screwed me up.
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Date of stay: February 2024Trip type: Travelled on business
Value
Location
Service
Room Tip: Double check the room available before you arrive
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from IHG Service, Owner at Holiday Inn Express & Suites Lake Forest - Irvine East, an IHG Hotel
Responded 2 weeks ago
Hi Tien N, Thank you for considering staying at our Holiday Inn Express Lake Forest - Irvine East for your family's accommodation needs. We appreciate you for being one of our IHG One Rewards Gold Elite members! We're committed to providing you with the best overall experience. I'm sorry about the issues you encountered with your reservation. I brought this up to our local management's attention. I'm confident that all you've highlighted will be addressed accordingly. I also sent you a private message discussing this matter. We look forward to seeing you again on your future trips! Safe travels, Jomar M. Case Manager IHG Hotels & Resorts Service
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
My Holiday Inn Express experience was absolutely perfect! Levi (GM) Should receive a award! The staff was so on point being the nicest staff I have ever encountered at a hotel. They were so friendly, kind, and always asked how our stay was going, every time we walked in the door. Especially, Todd! Who by the way, makes the greatest home made cookies every late afternoon.. I must say, All Class! We will return many more times to this property for future stay's. Thank you.
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Date of stay: May 2023Trip type: Travelled as a couple
Value
Location
Service
Room Tip: Breakfast tends to become busy, make sure you get there early.
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Clean, quiet, and updated. I found the front desk and overall energy of the place to be very nice. Great location. They have a machine that makes pancakes two at a time. And all you have to do is press a button. Beds were very comfortable and clean. My son had a swim meet nearby. I would definitely go back.
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Date of stay: July 2022
Rooms
Service
Sleep Quality
Room Tip: We faced the back. Probably south facing. Quiet.
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
+1
Having time to prepare for special appointments in two separate directions in SoCal, we did some prepatory work. Chosen a lodging location equidistant from both locations, reviewing and settling on our lodging choice by comparing recent reviews, then some final investigating on the lodging itself, including when possible, Management and Staff backgrounds. In this case, our choice of the Prominence was our first acquaintance with the Lake Forest area and the Prominence Hotel.
Our check-in at 4pm, on 5/18/15, was by phone confirming our reservations made several days earlier.
Exterior appearance of the Hotel was neat, clean, with a welcoming appearance, having conveniently located parking areas, including three ADA marked spaces conveniently located for checking-in, and a neat, clean front entry-way into the Hotel (more later), as were the foyer and Desk area.
The check-in Desk clerk was friendly, helpful, and our prior reservations were confirmed. The Desk confirmed the Prominence Hotel has a total of 60 guest rooms, 4 of which were ADA accessible (more later), and the entire Hotel was 100% Smoke-Free. We observed the hallways were carpeted and clean, wall corners/edges were obviously well-vacuumed as were the wall-ceiling intersections being clean and residue free. The breakfast area, although seeming small for a 60 room hotel, was very neat and clean, and had access to the outside small pool and adjacent spa ... with that entire area being very neat and clean. An elevator to the upper two floors was conveniently located close to the check-in Desk (more later).
Our room, #303, was non-ADA with good security devices on the entrance door and an emergency evacuation diagram on the inside of that door (more later). The entire room was carpeted, clean and well vacuumed, as were all corners/edges of the carpet and the entire room. There was one outside-looking window adjacent to the HVAC unit for the room, along with a single twin bed having multiple pillows provided and a phone on one of two bedside tables. A pull-out sofa/bed, several chairs, a desk having an in-room computer was adjacent to a bureau and a large wall-mounted adjustable TV screen, an accurate electronic clock, good size working refrigerator/freezer combination, a small working microwave, as well as a small sink ... and a coffee-maker with all the necessities (good tasting coffee). One closet contained a plastic laundry bag, an iron, ironing board, and a small safe. The main room electrical outlets had 7 open plugins visible and accessible for Guest use (more later).
Our one bathroom was nicely equipped with common toiletries, clean towels, a tub/step-in shower and curtain, and across from that a single vanity and large mirror. All horizontal services, walls and mirror were clean (more later), as were the floor, tub and curtain. Hot water was available in less than 30 secs following faucet turn-on, of all faucets, in both rooms (indicative of good plumbing/pump locations, with an excellent heater size/recovery). The toilet flush was good, the quantity of provided towels was excellent, as were much appreciated extra toilet tissues and Kleenex.
The management, staff, cleaning crew members, and breakfast crew members which we came in contact with or observed during our stay, were friendly, neat, well-dressed, helpful, and professional in every way.
COGENT REVIEW ABSTRACTS: For travellers, Staff, and Management.
😱 1. The excellent appearance of the Hotel's front was derogated by an unclean metal trash container whose filthy, stained sides and top detracted from an otherwise welcoming scene.
😒 2. The Hotel's elevator permit had expired on Oct 31, 2014. Desk was already aware, and when questioned produced a letter from the State allowing the Hotel to continue operating the elevator, which was unknown by several Guests questioned. Although the permit expired 10/31/14, the response letter from State indicated they had received the Prominence request for permit renewal on 01/16/15 .... 2 months after their permit had already expired. An explanation for the delay was not offered.
😱 3. The emergency evacuation diagram on the inside of room #303 entrance door was accurate and easily readable .... except .... it was NOT completed. The indication of the room #303 location had not been entered and was missing from that diagram. The absence of such data makes such a diagram useless in the event of an emergency. It is unknown if this situation may have been repeated in other rooms, to assess whether this is a one-time matter of missing a step, or if a larger problem exists, possibly indicating a lack of attention to details?
😱 4. The Hotel's brochures and advertisements state the Prominence is 100% Smoke-Free. Universally recognized "No Smoking" markers appeared to be mounted on walls next to each Guest room entrance providing a further reminder this was a Smoke-Free hotel .... yet observations revealed NOT all Guest room entrances on the 3rd floor were marked .... some had markers mounted sideways .... some markers were even upside down. Was this an example of one crew on one floor not paying attention? ... a supervisor not doing adequate follow-up? ... or a lack of quality checks on the part of a contractor? Status of room markers on the two lower floors was not verified.
😃 5. The quantity of room electric outlets were adequate for our regular, non-ADA room #303, yet a growing number of non-disabled Guests still have need for medical equipment, while in bed, which require electrical connection(s). At first glance it wasn't obvious whether our room was so equipped. A pleasant surprise awaited us when we moved the bedside nightstands and found one open outlet on each side of the bed, and accessible for a Guest's use while in bed. Yes, the outlets were accessible, but they were unseen and unknown of until we moved furniture .... which not every Guest might be able to do. Might Hotel management have a simple, inexpensive, solution for such cases?
😱 6. Detracting from the otherwise excellent state of cleanliness in the bathroom were two observations. First was the appearance of louvers for the bathroom exhaust fan seem to indicate a long-time lack of attention, and raise questions about the cleanliness and effectiveness of ducting and filter conditions further within that system. A second observation was the dirty appearance of a portion of the overhead ceiling chalkboard located over the bathroom sink, and around two sides of the ceiling light fixture. It's possible that area only needs wiping, yet the dirty appearance stands out in an otherwise immaculate room. Could this simply involve the lack of a ladder to aid reaching those spots?
😞 7. On the ceiling in our main room #303, and close to the overhead water sprinkler, were two separate covers looking similar to various home type alarms, i.e., smoke, CO2, fire. One of those covers was completely covered by a clear, plastic-looking bag. We notified the Desk Staff and they were equally in the dark as to why the bag was put/left there, and whether the bag was obstructing some purpose. Similarly, the Desk Staff did not know what those covers were for, or whether their purpose required one or both to be working. Since we had a critical appointment and would be gone for several hours, Staff said they would get our reported situation checked out while we were gone, and let us know about it later. We returned late that night and went straight to bed, however we did notice the plastic bag had been removed. The next day we talked to the Desk Staff (who was not on duty last night), she looked around the Desk area, queried the computer, and could not tell us anything about the plastic bag or what those covers were for. Being on a tight schedule we had no time to spend running down other Staff in an attempt to get answers to our questions.
Currently, our questions about the plastic bag and the two covers have gone unanswered. Had Staff seen this bag before and didn't say anything? Maybe a program is needed reminding Staff if they see something, to ask or tell someone else?
😱 8. My wife and I were awakened about 2:30 am by a strong cooking aroma reminiscent of Persian or India food. The Desk was informed and the Staff mentioned the Hotel did have rooms on our floor (3rd) with kitchens and cooktops, and on the next lower floor (2nd). Additionally, the Staff informed us that business people dealing with overseas customers often rent such rooms, and do their business by phone in the early a.m. of California time because of the distant location and time difference location of their customers. Being up, the Hotel's Guests do their cooking and phoning at the same time. We had seen the term "kitchen" mentioned briefly in the Hotel's brochures and advertisements but hadn't thought about "cooking". The quantity and location of such rooms was not specifically known by the Desk Staff. A layperson could reasonably surmise an aroma getting from one room into another as indicating a problem/inadequacy with filters, ducting, or ventilation. From another perspective, and to prevent the possibility of a charge of discrimination; is it known if those rooms, (having kitchens and cooking privileges), are made available to, and marked as such, for ADA accessibility for disabled guests?
😱 9. Talking with the Hotel Desk Staff to determine whether they have been trained about, and are knowledgeable of, ADA requirements, such as: Does the Hotel have any hearing impaired accessible guest rooms?, awareness of the equipment required for such rooms?, and Staff knowledge as to ADA required minimum quantity of such rooms?, whether the 3 parking spaces the Hotel has marked for disabled persons satisfy the ADA minimum amount required for a Hotel having 60 rooms? (No other spaces, front, side, or rear were marked).
The Desk Staff admitted not having been trained about, or being knowledgeable of, ADA matters. This could be considered as a serious violation of ADA requirements. California has a State ADA office which may assist in the early resolution of any Prominence Hotel questions and suggestions for training necessary to preclude violations and penalties.
For added information: "The Justice Department has announced stiffer penalties for all places of public accommodations including hotels and motels out of compliance with Title lll of the American with Disabilities Act (ADA). Maximum Civil Penalties: For the first time in more than a decade, the imposed fines for violations of the ADA have been substantially increased. The maximum civil penalty for a first violation of Title lll of the ADA rose to $75,000 for each violation. For subsequent violations, the maximum has been increased to $150,000. The new penalities will apply to violations that occur after April 28, 2014. It is highly recommended that all places of public accommodations including hotels, motels, restaurants and other businesses open to the public make every effort to be in compliance with the law and provide equal access to all."
SUMMARY:
😊 The Prominence Hotel, its Management and Staff have already received an Excellence Award in caring for their customers and Guests.
🌟 Obviously, as professionals, they are capable of taking the action required to insure another Excellence Award is in their future.
"We should put out fire while it is still small" - Proverb.
Our check-in at 4pm, on 5/18/15, was by phone confirming our reservations made several days earlier.
Exterior appearance of the Hotel was neat, clean, with a welcoming appearance, having conveniently located parking areas, including three ADA marked spaces conveniently located for checking-in, and a neat, clean front entry-way into the Hotel (more later), as were the foyer and Desk area.
The check-in Desk clerk was friendly, helpful, and our prior reservations were confirmed. The Desk confirmed the Prominence Hotel has a total of 60 guest rooms, 4 of which were ADA accessible (more later), and the entire Hotel was 100% Smoke-Free. We observed the hallways were carpeted and clean, wall corners/edges were obviously well-vacuumed as were the wall-ceiling intersections being clean and residue free. The breakfast area, although seeming small for a 60 room hotel, was very neat and clean, and had access to the outside small pool and adjacent spa ... with that entire area being very neat and clean. An elevator to the upper two floors was conveniently located close to the check-in Desk (more later).
Our room, #303, was non-ADA with good security devices on the entrance door and an emergency evacuation diagram on the inside of that door (more later). The entire room was carpeted, clean and well vacuumed, as were all corners/edges of the carpet and the entire room. There was one outside-looking window adjacent to the HVAC unit for the room, along with a single twin bed having multiple pillows provided and a phone on one of two bedside tables. A pull-out sofa/bed, several chairs, a desk having an in-room computer was adjacent to a bureau and a large wall-mounted adjustable TV screen, an accurate electronic clock, good size working refrigerator/freezer combination, a small working microwave, as well as a small sink ... and a coffee-maker with all the necessities (good tasting coffee). One closet contained a plastic laundry bag, an iron, ironing board, and a small safe. The main room electrical outlets had 7 open plugins visible and accessible for Guest use (more later).
Our one bathroom was nicely equipped with common toiletries, clean towels, a tub/step-in shower and curtain, and across from that a single vanity and large mirror. All horizontal services, walls and mirror were clean (more later), as were the floor, tub and curtain. Hot water was available in less than 30 secs following faucet turn-on, of all faucets, in both rooms (indicative of good plumbing/pump locations, with an excellent heater size/recovery). The toilet flush was good, the quantity of provided towels was excellent, as were much appreciated extra toilet tissues and Kleenex.
The management, staff, cleaning crew members, and breakfast crew members which we came in contact with or observed during our stay, were friendly, neat, well-dressed, helpful, and professional in every way.
COGENT REVIEW ABSTRACTS: For travellers, Staff, and Management.
😱 1. The excellent appearance of the Hotel's front was derogated by an unclean metal trash container whose filthy, stained sides and top detracted from an otherwise welcoming scene.
😒 2. The Hotel's elevator permit had expired on Oct 31, 2014. Desk was already aware, and when questioned produced a letter from the State allowing the Hotel to continue operating the elevator, which was unknown by several Guests questioned. Although the permit expired 10/31/14, the response letter from State indicated they had received the Prominence request for permit renewal on 01/16/15 .... 2 months after their permit had already expired. An explanation for the delay was not offered.
😱 3. The emergency evacuation diagram on the inside of room #303 entrance door was accurate and easily readable .... except .... it was NOT completed. The indication of the room #303 location had not been entered and was missing from that diagram. The absence of such data makes such a diagram useless in the event of an emergency. It is unknown if this situation may have been repeated in other rooms, to assess whether this is a one-time matter of missing a step, or if a larger problem exists, possibly indicating a lack of attention to details?
😱 4. The Hotel's brochures and advertisements state the Prominence is 100% Smoke-Free. Universally recognized "No Smoking" markers appeared to be mounted on walls next to each Guest room entrance providing a further reminder this was a Smoke-Free hotel .... yet observations revealed NOT all Guest room entrances on the 3rd floor were marked .... some had markers mounted sideways .... some markers were even upside down. Was this an example of one crew on one floor not paying attention? ... a supervisor not doing adequate follow-up? ... or a lack of quality checks on the part of a contractor? Status of room markers on the two lower floors was not verified.
😃 5. The quantity of room electric outlets were adequate for our regular, non-ADA room #303, yet a growing number of non-disabled Guests still have need for medical equipment, while in bed, which require electrical connection(s). At first glance it wasn't obvious whether our room was so equipped. A pleasant surprise awaited us when we moved the bedside nightstands and found one open outlet on each side of the bed, and accessible for a Guest's use while in bed. Yes, the outlets were accessible, but they were unseen and unknown of until we moved furniture .... which not every Guest might be able to do. Might Hotel management have a simple, inexpensive, solution for such cases?
😱 6. Detracting from the otherwise excellent state of cleanliness in the bathroom were two observations. First was the appearance of louvers for the bathroom exhaust fan seem to indicate a long-time lack of attention, and raise questions about the cleanliness and effectiveness of ducting and filter conditions further within that system. A second observation was the dirty appearance of a portion of the overhead ceiling chalkboard located over the bathroom sink, and around two sides of the ceiling light fixture. It's possible that area only needs wiping, yet the dirty appearance stands out in an otherwise immaculate room. Could this simply involve the lack of a ladder to aid reaching those spots?
😞 7. On the ceiling in our main room #303, and close to the overhead water sprinkler, were two separate covers looking similar to various home type alarms, i.e., smoke, CO2, fire. One of those covers was completely covered by a clear, plastic-looking bag. We notified the Desk Staff and they were equally in the dark as to why the bag was put/left there, and whether the bag was obstructing some purpose. Similarly, the Desk Staff did not know what those covers were for, or whether their purpose required one or both to be working. Since we had a critical appointment and would be gone for several hours, Staff said they would get our reported situation checked out while we were gone, and let us know about it later. We returned late that night and went straight to bed, however we did notice the plastic bag had been removed. The next day we talked to the Desk Staff (who was not on duty last night), she looked around the Desk area, queried the computer, and could not tell us anything about the plastic bag or what those covers were for. Being on a tight schedule we had no time to spend running down other Staff in an attempt to get answers to our questions.
Currently, our questions about the plastic bag and the two covers have gone unanswered. Had Staff seen this bag before and didn't say anything? Maybe a program is needed reminding Staff if they see something, to ask or tell someone else?
😱 8. My wife and I were awakened about 2:30 am by a strong cooking aroma reminiscent of Persian or India food. The Desk was informed and the Staff mentioned the Hotel did have rooms on our floor (3rd) with kitchens and cooktops, and on the next lower floor (2nd). Additionally, the Staff informed us that business people dealing with overseas customers often rent such rooms, and do their business by phone in the early a.m. of California time because of the distant location and time difference location of their customers. Being up, the Hotel's Guests do their cooking and phoning at the same time. We had seen the term "kitchen" mentioned briefly in the Hotel's brochures and advertisements but hadn't thought about "cooking". The quantity and location of such rooms was not specifically known by the Desk Staff. A layperson could reasonably surmise an aroma getting from one room into another as indicating a problem/inadequacy with filters, ducting, or ventilation. From another perspective, and to prevent the possibility of a charge of discrimination; is it known if those rooms, (having kitchens and cooking privileges), are made available to, and marked as such, for ADA accessibility for disabled guests?
😱 9. Talking with the Hotel Desk Staff to determine whether they have been trained about, and are knowledgeable of, ADA requirements, such as: Does the Hotel have any hearing impaired accessible guest rooms?, awareness of the equipment required for such rooms?, and Staff knowledge as to ADA required minimum quantity of such rooms?, whether the 3 parking spaces the Hotel has marked for disabled persons satisfy the ADA minimum amount required for a Hotel having 60 rooms? (No other spaces, front, side, or rear were marked).
The Desk Staff admitted not having been trained about, or being knowledgeable of, ADA matters. This could be considered as a serious violation of ADA requirements. California has a State ADA office which may assist in the early resolution of any Prominence Hotel questions and suggestions for training necessary to preclude violations and penalties.
For added information: "The Justice Department has announced stiffer penalties for all places of public accommodations including hotels and motels out of compliance with Title lll of the American with Disabilities Act (ADA). Maximum Civil Penalties: For the first time in more than a decade, the imposed fines for violations of the ADA have been substantially increased. The maximum civil penalty for a first violation of Title lll of the ADA rose to $75,000 for each violation. For subsequent violations, the maximum has been increased to $150,000. The new penalities will apply to violations that occur after April 28, 2014. It is highly recommended that all places of public accommodations including hotels, motels, restaurants and other businesses open to the public make every effort to be in compliance with the law and provide equal access to all."
SUMMARY:
😊 The Prominence Hotel, its Management and Staff have already received an Excellence Award in caring for their customers and Guests.
🌟 Obviously, as professionals, they are capable of taking the action required to insure another Excellence Award is in their future.
"We should put out fire while it is still small" - Proverb.
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Date of stay: May 2015Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
I stayed on a priceline one nighter on Oct. 16, the glowing reviews pushed me over the edge. While the hotel is ok (about on par with its 2.5 star priceline rating) it didn't floor me in any way like these other reviewers. Are they real, I wonder? Finding this place, with it's low profile sign and location in the middle of two major tire stores is tough. (hint, just look for the Big O Tires and you're there) The two wake up calls I requested never rang, and I wasn't overly impressed with the room by any means. I will say, however, that the staff cooking the breakfast, especially the folks making the fantastic omelets, are really nice. I just wanted to throw a dose of reality on all of the 5 star reviews...
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Date of stay: October 2011Trip type: Travelled solo
Value
Rooms
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from gm_prominence, General Manager at Holiday Inn Express & Suites Lake Forest - Irvine East, an IHG Hotel
Responded 13 June 2012
Dear Pete, Thank you for your honest review of our hotel. We run our business with integrity and can attest that our reviews are real, whether positive or negative. We're sorry to hear about your experience with the wake-up calls--that's absolutely unacceptable, and certainly not the norm of how we run our business. We are looking to renovate the hotel in the near future, and greatly appreciate feedback from guests such as yourself. Hopefully we could still earn you business in the future. Sincerely, Jacin General Manager
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
+1
This was the second time my family and I stayed at the Prominence Hotel & Suites. Last year, we stayed on the 3rd floor, and this year, we stayed on the 2nd floor. Our room was the "Traditional Suite, 1 King Bed with sofa bed and Kitchenette". We had a wonderful experience, with the exception of a few minor things: the flush handle was broken, so it was difficult to flush; the stove was dirty, even though we had never used it; the light in the refrigerator wasn't working; and the carpet had a few stains. Other than that, everything was great. The room was spacious, and the bed was very comfortable. WiFi was fast and easy to use. The breakfast was very good. It included omelettes, waffles, cereal, yogurt, pastries, etc. The location is amazing: it is surrounded by fast food restaurants, grocery stores, gas stations, and is very close to the Irvine Meadows Amphitheater. The staff and manager were very helpful and courteous. In particular, we would like to thank the tall gentleman at the front desk, who immediately provided us the sheets for the sofa bed, since we didn't have any. Overall, it was a great experience, and we definitely plan on staying there again next year! P.S. The hotel provides the laundry detergent.
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Date of stay: July 2016Trip type: Travelled with family
Value
Service
Sleep Quality
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
DO NOT EVER BOOK HERE! We stayed here on 07.19.14 and it was a total nightmare! Based on pictures and phone recording, we were excited to arrive. Once checked in, this all changed! Room smelled like DEATH! I contacted housekeeping, who "sprayed" the carpets. We opened a window and left for dinner. Upon our return, the room was not only humid and stuffy, the smell was UNBEARABLE! In an effort to get rid of the smell, we turned on the AC. NOT! It was BROKEN!! While trying to work on the AC, my husband found the source of the smell.. MOLD! The carpets under and around the broken AC were all damp and MOLDY! The carpet in the sitting area DAMP AND MOLDY! We immed called the front desk to request a room change. Nope. Hotel "Booked." Not one place to move us. Allergies became uncontrollable. Had to leave to get medicine. Tried to sleep on pull out couch to get father away from smell, couch broken. Our head was below our feet. Could this get any worse? Sadly, YES! In the middle of the night my husband awoke to ANTS crawling on him! We wanted to leave. The next day, we spoke to the "12 year old manager." He said there was nothing he could do since we booked thru a 3rd party (this was not true either. The 3rd party called the hotel directly and asked them to compensate us for the room due to the conditions). The manager told us, should you decide to return to our hotel in the future, we will DISCOUNT the room and "Make it right." Are you serious??? Back to the 3rd party calling the hotel. The hotel management agreed to give us a $25 refund! $25.. Are you kidding me? Really. This hotel has horrible management, terrible customer service and as far as we are concerned, dangerous room conditions. Completely unacceptable. Oh, but we did get a $25 room reduction. Ridiculous.
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Date of stay: July 2014Trip type: Travelled on business
Location
Cleanliness
Service
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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PRICE RANGE
AU$174 - AU$258 (Based on Average Rates for a Standard Room)
ALSO KNOWN AS
prominence hotel lake forest, prominence hotel and suites, comfort suites lake forest, lake forest comfort suites
FORMERLY KNOWN AS
Prominence Hotel & Suites
LOCATION
United StatesCaliforniaOrange CountyLake Forest
NUMBER OF ROOMS
60
Prices are provided by our partners, and reflect total costs of the stay, including all taxes and fees known to our partners. Please see our partners for more details.
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Claim Your ListingHOLIDAY INN EXPRESS & SUITES LAKE FOREST - IRVINE EAST, AN IHG HOTEL (AU$174): 2024 Prices & Reviews (Orange County, CA) - Photos of Hotel - Tripadvisor
Frequently Asked Questions about Holiday Inn Express & Suites Lake Forest - Irvine East, an IHG Hotel
Which popular attractions are close to Holiday Inn Express & Suites Lake Forest - Irvine East, an IHG Hotel?
Nearby attractions include Lake Forest Sports Park (1.2 km), BluFig Lounge (0.2 km), and Nature Park (0.5 km).
What are some of the property amenities at Holiday Inn Express & Suites Lake Forest - Irvine East, an IHG Hotel?
Some of the more popular amenities offered include free wifi, free breakfast, and a pool.
Which room amenities are available at Holiday Inn Express & Suites Lake Forest - Irvine East, an IHG Hotel?
Top room amenities include air conditioning, a flat screen TV, and a refrigerator.
What food & drink options are available at Holiday Inn Express & Suites Lake Forest - Irvine East, an IHG Hotel?
Guests can enjoy free breakfast, complimentary tea, and free instant coffee during their stay.
Is parking available at Holiday Inn Express & Suites Lake Forest - Irvine East, an IHG Hotel?
Yes, free parking is available to guests.
What are some restaurants close to Holiday Inn Express & Suites Lake Forest - Irvine East, an IHG Hotel?
Conveniently located restaurants include Empanada Man, New Shanghai Restaurant, and Sheungshui- Fish & Rice Noodles.
Are there opportunities to exercise at Holiday Inn Express & Suites Lake Forest - Irvine East, an IHG Hotel?
Yes, guests have access to a pool during their stay.
Does Holiday Inn Express & Suites Lake Forest - Irvine East, an IHG Hotel have airport transportation?
Yes, Holiday Inn Express & Suites Lake Forest - Irvine East, an IHG Hotel offers airport transportation for guests. We recommend calling ahead to confirm details.
Are any cleaning services offered at Holiday Inn Express & Suites Lake Forest - Irvine East, an IHG Hotel?
Yes, dry cleaning and laundry service are offered to guests.
Does Holiday Inn Express & Suites Lake Forest - Irvine East, an IHG Hotel offer any business services?
Yes, guests have access to a business centre and meeting rooms during their stay.
Which languages are spoken by the staff at Holiday Inn Express & Suites Lake Forest - Irvine East, an IHG Hotel?
The staff speaks multiple languages, including English, Spanish, French, Chinese, and Filipino.