If you’ve driven down the 55 or through the sprawl of Orange County lately, you might’ve noticed a change at the old DoubleTree. It’s gone through a bit of a mid-life crisis, but in a good way. It’s now Hotel Zessa Santa Ana a DoubleTree by Hilton, and honestly, the rebrand is doing a lot of heavy lifting to distance itself from those beige, cookie-cutter airport hotels we’ve all suffered through.
It's weirdly situated. You’re technically in Santa Ana, but you’re so close to Costa Mesa and the John Wayne Airport (SNA) that the borders basically blur. People usually book this place because they have a meeting at one of the nearby corporate towers or they’re trying to find a middle ground between Disneyland and the beach without paying the "Mickey Tax." But the Zessa isn't just a bed to crash in anymore. They’ve leaned hard into this "rebel" aesthetic—think neon lights, bold textures, and a lot more personality than your standard Hilton property.
What Actually Changed During the Transition?
Let's be real: usually, when a hotel rebrands, it just means new pillows and a different logo on the keycard. With Hotel Zessa Santa Ana a DoubleTree by Hilton, the transformation went deeper into the bones of the lobby and the common areas. The goal was clearly to make it feel like a boutique spot while keeping the safety net of the Hilton Honors program.
The lobby is the centerpiece. Instead of that stiff, "please stand behind the line" corporate check-in vibe, it feels more like a lounge where you’d actually want to hang out. They call the design "playful," which usually makes me roll my eyes, but here it works. You’ve got these pops of electric blue and gold that feel very Southern California—not the "surfboard on the wall" cliché, but the actual, modern OC vibe.
The rooms got the memo too. You aren't walking into a room that smells like stale carpet and industrial cleaner. They've updated the tech, the bedding is legit, and the bathrooms don't feel like they're stuck in 1998. It’s a massive jump from what the property used to be under the old branding.
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The Famous Cookie and the New Kitchen
You still get the cookie. Let’s just get that out of the way. If you stay at a DoubleTree and don’t get that warm walnut chocolate chip cookie, did you even stay there?
But the real food story is Cuvee. This is their on-site restaurant and bar, and it’s surprisingly decent for a hotel eatery. Usually, hotel bars in this part of Santa Ana are depressing places where lonely business travelers eat sad club sandwiches. Cuvee actually pulls in locals occasionally. They focus on California cuisine—think fresh salads, decent burgers, and a wine list that doesn't look like it was curated by a vending machine.
Location Strategy: Why Stay Here?
Location is everything in Orange County. If you’re a tourist, you’re usually torn. Stay in Anaheim? You’re trapped in a tourist bubble. Stay in Huntington Beach? You’re paying $500 a night.
Hotel Zessa Santa Ana a DoubleTree by Hilton sits in this sweet spot. You’re about 10 minutes from John Wayne Airport. If you’re flying in for a quick trip, you won't spend half your life in an Uber. South Coast Plaza—the massive, high-end shopping mecca—is right down the street. We’re talking walking distance if you’re brave, or a three-minute drive.
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Then there’s the proximity to the Segerstrom Center for the Arts. If you’re in town for a Broadway show or a concert, this is one of the most logical places to stay. It’s far enough away from the freeway noise to get some sleep, but close enough that you can jump on the 405 or the 55 in seconds.
Navigating the Business Side of Things
For the "bleisure" crowd (ugh, I hate that word, but it fits), this place is a powerhouse. They have roughly 12,000 square feet of meeting space. Most of the time, these rooms are filled with tech seminars or corporate retreats.
What’s cool is how they’ve integrated the workspaces. You don’t have to sit in your room to get emails done. The communal areas are built for it. High-speed Wi-Fi that actually stays connected is a given, but they’ve also got plenty of outlets. It sounds like a small thing until you’re at a hotel that only has one plug behind the nightstand.
The Reality Check: What to Watch Out For
Look, it’s not all sunshine and warm cookies. There are a few things you should know before you book.
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- Parking Fees: It’s Southern California. They’re going to charge you for parking. Check the current rates because they can sneak up on you and add $30 or more to your daily bill.
- The Freeway Proximity: Being near the 55 is great for travel, but if your room faces the wrong way and you're a light sleeper, you might hear the hum of traffic. Ask for a room on a higher floor facing away from the main road.
- The "Boutique" Label: While it feels more unique than a standard Hilton, it is still a Hilton. Don't expect the hyper-personalized service of a 20-room boutique hotel in Laguna Beach. It’s a large property designed for efficiency.
How to Maximize Your Stay at Hotel Zessa
If you’re heading to Hotel Zessa Santa Ana a DoubleTree by Hilton, don't just use it as a place to sleep. The fitness center is actually high-end, featuring Peloton bikes which is a nice touch for those of us who don't want to break our streak while traveling.
Also, check the event calendar for the South Coast Metro area. There is almost always something happening at the nearby museums or plazas. Staying here gives you a "local" base that feels a lot more authentic than the hotels directly surrounding the airport gates.
Actionable Insights for Travelers:
- Check the Honors App: Since this is a Hilton property, use the digital key. It saves you from waiting in line at the desk, especially during peak check-in times when a flight from SNA just landed.
- Request a South-Facing Room: These usually offer better views and less road noise.
- Explore Beyond the Hotel: Don't eat every meal at the hotel. You are in Santa Ana/Costa Mesa. Go to The Camp or The LAB Anti-Mall nearby for some of the best local food and coffee in the county.
- Validate Your Stay: If you’re attending a conference but staying elsewhere, see if the hotel offers day rates for their workspace. It's often cheaper than a co-working space and much more comfortable.
- Look for Package Deals: Often, the Zessa runs specials that include breakfast or parking, which can save you a significant amount of money over a three-day stay compared to the base room rate.