Six months ago, all there was of Destination Irvine's Rose
Parade float, "Innovation Rocks!" was a concept drawing. Gradually, the float took shape with the
creative work of welders, sculptors, artists, floral designers, and even
mechanics and engineers. Finally,
hundreds of volunteers covered the float in tiny seeds and fresh roses.
In Irvine, artists and architects have come together to transform
three of its hotels, The Irvine Marriott, Hilton Irvine, and Embassy Suites
Irvine. With easy access to John Wayne
Airport and the Irvine business district and only minutes from the beach and
theme parks, the three offer all the amenities to make a stay comfortable and
memorable.
But first to the float.
Photographer Ramona Monteros took a lot of great shots of the moving,
flower-covered sculpture that represented Irvine to 700,000 parade-goers and
another 80 million viewers around the world.
The happy anteater and spinning gears charmed the audience as the bubble
machines added an element of pure fun.
The pictures tell the story
Look for some of the touches floral designer Lyn Lofthouse
mentioned in "Bringing
‘Innovation Rocks!' to Life" and "On
with the Flowers": mums on the gears, delphinium shooting out of the taller
flowers and Billy buttons and hyacinth root forming the centers of the low
ones, the statice fur of Peter the Anteater.
Note also the use of roses and the delightful way chemistry and research
are presented, as well as the handsome profile of UC Irvine's mascot.
The Irvine Marriott
began its $35 million remodel with the Great Room, reimagining the lobby to
serve as a gathering place as well as an entry point for guests. The work of local artists graces the space,
which features alcoves and movable seating with a coastal vibe. The tech-savvy M Club just off the Great Room
will offer a modern take on the traditional concierge lounge.
Renovating 495 guest rooms and suites in two phases from
August to October is the largest part of the project. Meeting rooms, the fitness center and pool
will also be updated. The project is
scheduled for completion in October.
The Embassy Suites
Irvine is on track to complete the upgrade of its guest suites in early
spring with a modern "California-fresh" look and vintage regional artwork. The 10-story atrium will bring together
communal areas and continue to offer daily complimentary breakfast and a hosted
bar in the evening. The meeting rooms
and lobby are also being updated. There
will be more than 150 Wi-Fi access points throughout the hotel. 
The renovations in the Hilton
Irvine, pictured here, include guest rooms, meeting space, exterior
remodeling, a glass enclosure for the swimming pool, and a covered patio for outdoor
meeting space.
Orange County in general and Irvine in particular have a multitude of offerings for travelers who come for business or pleasure. The local hotels make sure their stay brings as big a smile as that anteater who glided down Colorado Blvd. in Pasadena last Friday.
