Staycation at the Hyatt Regency Hotel in Huntington Beach, California | Surf City USA

I recently spent a few tranquil days at the Hyatt Regency Hotel and Spa in Huntington Beach, California. I’ve been itching to travel for some time now. I graduated from FIDM, the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising in June of 2020, which was the middle of the pandemic. Due to this unfortunate turn of events, I could not embark upon the post-graduation travel plans I had set for myself the previous year. While some people did have the opportunity to travel in 2020 and later in 2021, the timing never felt quite right for me. I always felt safer at home and have remained pretty central to home since the initial lockdown in 2020. 

My staycation at the Hyatt Regency in Huntington Beach was my first “travel” related outing that didn’t involve camping since the madness of the pandemic in 2020. I’m a city girl at heart, and while I love going off the grid and being in touch with nature, there is something to be said about an extended stay at a gorgeous hotel like the Hyatt Regency in Huntington Beach

Upon check-in, I was greeted by a friendly receptionist and directed to a beach-facing unit with sweeping views of the property and the Pacific Ocean. Even though palm trees are a familiar sight, they seemed larger-than-life as they swayed in the ocean breeze as I looked out to my surroundings from the hotel’s balcony window. The expansive lush greenery that covers every corner of the property shimmered in the golden haze of the sun as I nestled into my patio seat. The nautical themes of the numerous water fountains twinkled at me as if from Hawaii and not the scenery I have grown accustomed to since living in Southern California. I took a deep relaxed breath and relished the delicious thought that I was a guest and not a host on a spontaneous adventure of my choosing. 

One of the many scenic paths of the basilica style Hyatt Regency Hotel in Huntington Beach, California.

It truly doesn’t get any more aesthetic than this! HEY SIRI… Play “Little Surfer Girl” by The Beach Boys!

My hotel room was cozy and featured the typical coffee bar and adequate storage space of a California King size spread. There was also a chaise lounge chair and double-seated desk area suitable for dining or working. After unloading my clothing and belongings, I chose the former and dialed room service! My first meal at the Hyatt Regency was leek and potato soup, greek salad, and (yum!) fries. The table setting that arrived within 30 minutes included a variety of condiments and bottled water. After watching a few episodes of Bewitched on the television, I found my way to the hot tubs. I settled in for a soak while enjoying the sunset on the Pacific! 

Simple pleasures<3

In the morning, I practiced my day starter routine of stretching and journaling before hitting the fitness center. Following my morning workout, I took a quick drive home to tend to my pup, the incomparable @AlphaWaang. After our visit, I drove to the Citadel Outlets in Los Angeles to check out the sales and came home with a new Kate Spade handbag and matching wallet! While the Citadel Outlets aren’t my favorite outlets in Southern California (more on that in another post), they always offer exclusive sales at iconic brands like Kate Spade. (When Kate Spade discounts 70% + an additional 20% off your purchase, you say yes, honey!) 

A little peek at my new Kate Spade bag!

My Staycation Favs… Pocky, San Pellegrino, a good book, and my cute phone case from Wildflower Cases!

After some extended mozying, I went to Trader Joe’s for some snacks and returned to my hotel room to freshen up and change into a dinner ensemble. I had a gorgeous meal at Watertable; their six oz. Salmon entree and chive mashed potatoes were delicious.

After dinner, I discovered the koi pond and outdoor game room equipped with a fireplace, took another dip in the hot tub, and tucked into bed for a night of restorative sleep. 

A bird’s eye view of the koi pond. So serene!

A cute game room moment. A family was playing monopoly when we walked by the evening before.

During the last day at the Hyatt Regency, I took a morning stroll around the beach-facing property and visited the koi pond. I noticed families, many of which even had their dogs with them! I discovered that the Hyatt Regency has an exceptional pet policy, so if you’re traveling with your fur babies, they are more than welcome! I opted not to bring @AlphaWaang since I live in Orange County but would consider bringing him along when I am at a hotel next time.

Do you travel with your pets? What have your experiences been?

My check-out was seamless as I submitted the room keys into a self-service machine and avoided the growing line at the front desk. 

I enjoyed my staycation at the Hyatt Regency Hotel in Huntington Beach, CA, and would recommend it to any type of traveler. Whether you’re a local craving a change of pace, a family on their way to Disneyland, or a couple and their pet. This 4-star hotel caters to every need and doesn’t miss a beat. My only point of contention would be the cost of overnight parking at $45 per overnight. Check your favorite rideshare app to see how cost-effective it would be in comparison!

When was the last time you went on a staycation? Comment here or reach out on social media! I always love hearing from you. 

With Love,


Victoria+Alpha

Views and opinions posted here are my own. This is not an advertisement nor a sponsored post!