The OC Forever Summer Sweepstakes!

The Orange County Tourism Council is offering some unbelievable vacation packages to the ultimate giveaway getaway, Orange County, Southern California.

Enter now for a chance to win one of 8 totally original vacations — each customized with unique experiences, packed with sea, sun, style and fun for all, from the area’s hottest spots. From breathtaking oceanfront dining to world-famous theme parks — you’ll discover that the sun-soaked experiences are endless in The OC!


The ultimate giveaway getaway for Costa Mesa, CA includes TWO nights stay on a Friday and Saturday at our very own, Hilton Orange County/Costa Mesa Hotel  PLUS two tickets to the Orange County Performing Arts Center , the Ultimate Shopping Experience at South Coast Plaza, including a $1,000 Gift Certificate, and lunch at award winning Charlie Palmer Restaurant, complimentary valet parking, access to the VIP suite amenities, a dedicated concierge, and a personal shopping to guide you to your choice of over 250 boutiques and stores.  

Be sure to enter daily for more chances to win. And don’t forget to send the link to your friends & family — because if they win you could be sitting next to them en route to The OC! http://sn.im/ocsweeps

Content ends August 31, 2010. 

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Social Media Day in the OC!

Yesterday, I attended Mashable.com Social Media Day representing @HiltonCostaMesa at the Orange County Register (@ocreggie) office located in Santa Ana, CA.  Santa Ana's (Orange County) meetup was ranked 4th largest in the world and 2nd largest in the US, behind NYC, based on attendance.  The ranking did not surprise me as I have previously attended many local tweetups and larger Social Media events within the past year which only seem to grow larger and more frequent.   The hotel also hosted a Social Media event partnered with "ConnectOC" back in February which drew in nearly 400 social media folks in the building.

According to Mashable.com, Social Media Day is defined as "A day that honors the technological and societal advancements that have allowed us to have a dialogue, to connect and to engage not only the creators of media, but perhaps more importantly, one another." This was a truly unique event clearly fueled by social media that included various food trucks (@longboards, @calbibbq, @tropshaveice, @piaggioonwheels, @Ohforsweetssake, @TheTacoDawg, @BrcelonaOntheGo), speakers, a press room tour, and connecting with other professionals IRL (in real life).

I showed up a bit late and missed the first few speakers, but eventually met up with my hospitality friends in social media @TravelCostaMesa (Costa Mesa CVB), @HiltonAnaheim and @Anaheim_OC (Anaheim/OC CVB).  Each speaker had a 10 minute run with a different topic or theme.  I sat in the overflow room just in time to hear @rochelleveturis speak on the topic of "Putting a personal touch behind your social media efforts".  One of her messages: "A personal brand isn't a logo. Every piece of content is a clue (in building your brand)". Robert Watson @TopBrokerOC, on "Executing a social media business plan" said "People buy people before they buy products".  Robert being in the real estate industry, knows there is nothing more important than referrals and stresses the importance of using Linkedin.  Bryan Elliott @BryanElliott, founder of LinkedOC spoke on "Building passionate social communities" and Ted Nguyen, the Communications Manager of Orange County Transportation Authority spoke on how to "Utilize social media for issues/crisis management". 

Some very powerful messages were made from some pretty influential social media folks.  Like Bryan Elliott said "Join groups that are relevant to you. Surround yourself with people way smarter than you".  If you are new to Social Media, the message is clear: don't be afraid.  Everyone using social media is here to support each other.  Follow the hashtag #SMDayOC for more information. 

Be sure to follow us on twitter @HiltonCostaMesa

Our Newest Team Member

The Hilton Orange County/Costa Mesa would like to welcome Sheena Mehta to the Sales and Catering Department . Sheena will be our Senior Catering Manager specializing in the Wedding Market.

 
Sheena has great hotel experience having worked at the Anaheim Marriott and the Sheraton Park Hotel at the Anaheim Resort as a Social Catering Manager.  Sheena also spent the last 2 years in Austin, Texas opening up her own hotel.
 
She was born and raised in Orange County and has a 14 month old son, Ishan. In her spare time, she likes working out (especially spin class!!), cooking, and reading. She also loves to watch movies (when she has a free minute!!).
 
"I'm so excited to be a part of the Hilton Team" says Sheena.  For more from Sheena, please follow her Wedding Blog at http://hiltonocwedding.blogspot.com/

Review of Bristol Palms Restaurant

Upon arriving at the Hilton hotel in Costa Mesa, one of the first things you notice is the big open area where the Bristol Palms Bistro is. Walking into the restaurant area, you have a couple of seating options within the restaurant. You have your choice from their Bristol Palms California Bistro, Bristol Palms Bar, or the Bristol Pizza Bar. A friend and I decided to sit down in front of the brick oven pizza bar where there’s a chef that makes the pizzas in front of you. I glanced over their lunch menu and quickly noticed a couple things I wanted to order. I couldn’t decide between their Kobe burger, sandwich, soup, or pizza. I am a sucker for a good pizza, especially when it’s made right in front of you with tons of different toppings to choose from. When my friend said she was ordering a pizza, I quickly crossed that off my list since I could just try hers. I saw that they offered a lunch combo, which was your choice of two from salad, soup, and sandwich. I opted for the seafood chowder and the mango chicken salad sandwich. While we were waiting for our lunch, we enjoyed watching the pizza making and the TV that was right above the pizza oven.

Our food arrived promptly and to my surprise the lunch combo came with a whole sandwich instead of the usual half that restaurants give you when you order a combo. I took a bite of my soup and got a mouth full of seafood in my first bite. That is exactly how I like my seafood chowder, tons of seafood and not just veggies. My chowder had huge pieces of crayfish, shrimp, and clams in it. Next, I moved onto my mango chicken salad sandwich. At first, I was hesitant about the chicken and mango mixture, but it went perfectly together. In the mix were chicken, mango, onions, celery, cilantro, bits of jalapenos, and just enough mayo to hold it all together. I ate half my sandwich and all my soup before realizing I needed to save room to try a slice of pizza. She gave me a slice that was topped with pepperoni, tomatoes, black olives, and red onions. The pizza was delicious and the pizza chef did not hold back on the amount of toppings and cheese either.

After dining here, I definitely want to come back to try the Kobe burger. Surprisingly the food is not overpriced for being in a nice hotel. The Bistro Bar would be the perfect place to spend happy hour with a couple of friends. The tall palm trees also add such a nice touch to the large open area.

--Written/Reviewed by Cindy Wang
Click Here to View the Bristol Palms Dining Page

Hilton Orange County/Costa Mesa is a Pet Friendly Hotel!

Orange County has to be one of the most pet friendly areas in Southern California! Almost everyone I know owns a pet and there are so many places to visit that will welcomes pets. One of my favorite places to spoil my dog is the Huntington Dog Beach - one mile of golden sand filled with frolicking pooches. And because of our great year-round weather, owners and their dogs can enjoy outdoor seating at many local restaurants like the Lazy Dog Cafe located in Irvine and Huntington Beach. I especially like visiting Fashion Island, an outdoor shopping mall overlooking the Pacific Ocean, located just 6 miles from the hotel.

Hilton Orange County/Costa Mesa Hotel has been a proud headquarter hotel for "America's Family Pet Expo" held annually at the OC Fair and Expo. This is the world's largest annual consumer expo featuring dogs, cats, birds, fish & reptiles.

So the next time you pack your bags for a trip to Costa Mesa, you won't have to leave your favorite four-legged friend behind. The Hilton Orange County/Costa Mesa welcomes your pet, 35 pounds or less, with the Pampered Pets Package.

The Pampered Pets Package is designed to make your pet feel at home while you enjoy the savings along the way! This package includes:

• Overnight accommodations in one of our spacious guestrooms, most with balconies
• Cleaning fee included
• Pet Welcome Letter upon Check-in
• Clean-up bags
• In-room bed
• In-room bowl
• Designated hotel potty area

Click Here to Book your Pampered Pets Package or call us at (714) 540-7000 and mention "P6".

Top 10 Things to Do in Orange County....A Local's Guide

The Hilton Orange County/Costa Mesa Hotel is perfectly located North of San Diego and South of Los Angeles steps from world famous South Coast Plaza Shopping and the Orange County Performing Arts Center. Beyond the hotel are Southern California's most popular attractions including Disneyland Park® and Huntington Beach. Not to mention easy access to John Wayne OC Airport just 5 minutes away, makes this OC hotel, a perfect destination for all.

I've compiled a list of our Team Member's Favorite Local Spots and Things to Do when visiting the OC (in no particular order)

1. Crystal Cove: Many consider this to be a local's beach, but hidden away off Pacific Coast Highway lies Beachcomber Cafe, a quaint restaurant located on the sand with panoramic ocean views. Reservation seating is limited and you'll want to be seated outside especially when the weather is good. You may even spot a whale or dolphins swimming nearby. - Terri Collins, Senior Catering Mgr
2. The "Wedge": A famous surf spot with large surf breaks close to shore located at the very tip of Balboa Peninsula. The Wedge is an elusive wave that breaks only a few times a year-it peaks during the summer months-and because of its unpredictability, it's no place for a board. Because of this, it remains a site for watching wave riding in its purest form- bodysurfing. - Kelly Edwards, HR Dir
3. Disneyland Park®: The second most visited park in the world is only 12 miles away in nearby Anaheim. I like the Wishes Nighttime Spectacular high-tech fireworks show—the biggest, brightest fireworks shown on most nights. - Keith Lambert, Dir. of Catering
4. South Coast Plaza: Southern California's premier shopping experience featuring over 280 boutiques, 30 restaurants and 4 Performing arts venues. Just a short walk or free shuttle ride away! A special South Coast Plaza Shopper package is available. - Christine Weijland, eMarketing Mgr
5. Orange County Fair: Over 1 million visitors flock to the OC Fair typically held for 23 days long over the Summer months at the OC Fair and Event Center. Themes and attractions vary every year from the concerts, exhibits, entertainment and fair food. - Scott Bruno, Senior Sales Mgr
6. The Lab: Affectionately known to the locals as the "anti-mall" is a compilation of unique boutiques and restaurants including a local fave, Habana Restaurant, known for its great Cuban food and beautiful outdoor patio seating. Located less than .5 mile away! - Kelly Edwards, HR Dir
7. Newport Beach Yachts: A favorite among the Sales Team for a quick getaway aboard a sunset cocktail cruise around the harbor. Also not to be missed is the annual "Christmas Boat Parade" featuring an array of multi million dollar yachts, canoes, kayaks dazzled in holiday lights in the harbor.- Sue Ohnemus, Assistant Dir. of Sales
8. Catalina Island: If you have a day to play, then we suggest Catalina Island which is just about an hour boat ride via Newport Beach's Catalina Flyer. Many will enjoy snorkeling, kayaking, dining, and sightseeing the island in a golf cart rental. - Melinda Luera, Sales Assistant
9. Laguna Beach: One of Southern California's most picturesque beaches located in South Orange County and home to beautiful sunsets. La Casa del Camino's Rooftop Lounge is Laguna Beach's sexiest spot to drink in the spectacular sunset. Be warned, this is the place to be seen and always draws a crowd. - Geoff Chao, Dir of Events
10. Local Eateries: Unlike In-N-Out, T.K. Burger and Wahoos Fish Tacos both started in the OC, but quickly gained popularity with the coastal communities. While Costa Mesa is home to some of the best fine dining (think Mastro's and Mortons Steakhouses), T.K. and Wahoos (original location is just a 5 min walk from the hotel) captures the surf culture for under $10 a person! - Kari Smits, Front Office

For reservations, please visit http://www.costamesa.hilton.com or call 1-714-540-7000

A Regal Themed Mother's Day Brunch!

Who better to be crowned royalty than mom? On Sunday, May 9^th from 10:00 a.m to 2:00 p.m, the Hilton Orange County/Costa Mesa is hosting a regal-themed brunch celebration "Queen Mother for a Day”. All the royal appointments will be in place and mom will be treated in the utmost of sovereign style from the moment she exits her chariot.

The reign of each Mother begins as she is greeted by imperial trumpet revelers and escorted down the red carpet by royal palace guards. During this magnificent procession, each mother will receive a flower as a token of love and appreciation. The centerpiece of this majestic event will include a custom-built royal throne fit for a queen that will be constructed in the lobby of the Hilton Orange County/Costa Mesa. The throne will serve as a regal stage for families to enjoy a one-of-a-kind photo opportunity. Once atop the throne, mother will be presented with a bejeweled crown and scepter to complete the sovereign setting. After receiving the photo, mothers will then enjoy an exquisite and fun-filled brunch.

Award Winning Hilton Executive Chef Chad Krahling and his team are preparing an extraordinary culinary experience for guests on Mother's Day. The spectacular buffet will include breakfast stations with made-to-order omelets and Belgian waffle bar, traditional eggs Benedict, grilled fish and poultry martini action station, carving stations featuring New York steak and honey glazed ham, a seafood bar featuring a crab cake action station, crab legs and tiger shrimp, create your own salad station, made-to-order pasta, an endless array of desserts and more.

As the perfect ending to a magnificent Mother's Day, a drawing will be held for various prizes including a weekend stay at Hilton Orange County/Costa Mesa and a weekend stay at the renowned La Quinta Resort and Club in Palms Springs plus a $50 Gas Card.

Hilton Orange County/Costa Mesa's “Queen Mother for a Day” Brunch will be served from 10:00 am until 2:00 pm. The price for adults is $45.00 and children (ages 5-12) are $22.50. Be sure to make your reservations early by calling (714) 438-4927.

Government Per Diem Rates are Now Offered with Free Breakfast!

Here at the Hilton Orange County/Costa Mesa, We understand the needs of our Government Travelers and Meeting Planners!

Government Per Diem Rates are offered throughout the year – for business and leisure travel:

• All government employees (federal, state, county, local governments)
  
• Military personnel
  
• State funded higher education universities and health care facilities
  
• Defense or Cost Reimbursable Contractors (CRCs)
  (Must show proof of identification at check-in)

Group or individual reservation accommodations includes complimentary breakfast

Book your next meeting or event with our Government/Military Sales Specialist:

• Offering state of the art meeting facilities and oversized guestrooms ideal for Government and Military groups
• Offering flexible menu pricing and room rental options
• Offering Meeting and Event incentives
• We are a FEMA approved hotel
• We are CCR registered hotel:
  
  • Payments can be wired directly to our hotel
  • Locate us through NAICS code 72110

Government Rates from $94 - $135

To Make a Federal Government Reservation Online, Please Click Here or Call us at 1-800-HILTONS.

To Make a State Government Reservation Online, Please Click Here, or Call us at 1-800-HILTONS.

Hotel Features

• Southern California’s premier meeting destination and full service hotel
• 50,000 sq. ft. of indoor/outdoor meeting space and 30 total breakout rooms.
• 486 oversized guestrooms featuring Hilton Serenity Bed Collection®, 42” flat panel TV, and large executive desk with ergonomic chair.
• High speed internet access available in guestrooms, meeting space and public areas.
• Hotel amenities include: 24 hour business center, gift shop, hair salon, Hilton fitness by PreCor, and outdoor pool.
• Dining options include: Bristol Palms Bar, Restaurant featuring breakfast buffet, Starbucks Coffee, and 24 in room dining.
• Complimentary shuttle service to and from John Wayne Airport and South Coast Plaza

A Perfect Location:

• Within steps of South Coast Plaza featuring 280 boutiques and 30 restaurants
• 3 miles from John Wayne Orange County Airport
• Minutes from famed Huntington, Laguna and Newport beaches.
• 12 miles from Anaheim Convention Center and Disneyland Park®
• Nearby Government businesses and agencies such as Superior Court of California, Orange County, Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC), and Boeing.

New Referral Program Can Earn You $100

The Hilton Orange County/Costa Mesa is excited to offer a referral program designed for the social media community in mind. With the rapid growth of potential customers using social media, it was a perfect opportunity to put an offer out that rewards our fans/followers. They may not necessarily have business for us, but knows of someone or may have their own twitter follower in search of meeting or event space. The plan is simple, refer them to us and you'll get rewarded with a $100 American Express Card. There are a few rules:

• New Business must be contracted through group sales or catering.
• Contract must have a minimum of $3,000 in total anticipated event revenue (pre-tax).
• Only (1) referral per contract is allowed.
• Referral must be new business in order to qualify for gift card promotion.
• Not valid with any other promotions. Offer subject to change.
• New Business must be contracted by 12/31/2010

And there is no limit on how many referrals are earned!

Email Christine Weijland for a referral form and Start EARNING!

You'll Flip Over This Meeting Offer!

Book by December 31, 2010 and receive 10% off your entire master account for a qualified meeting that will occur before December 31, 2011!

Then, Choose Your Reward

50 - 99 total rooms = Choose TWO (2) Rewards
100 - 399 total rooms= Choose THREE (3) Rewards
400+ total rooms = Choose FOUR (4) Rewards

• Double Hilton Honors Meeting Planner Points
• Complimentary Guestroom Internet
• Discounted $5.00 Overnight Self Parking
• ONE (1) Complimentary per 40 Paid Room Nights
• ONE (1) Complimentary Suite Upgrade at the Group Rate

And We’ll Give You a Flip Video Just for Signing!

Click Here for Full Details

Australia Day at the Hilton Orange County/Costa Mesa!

Join Us in Celebration of Australia Day at the Hilton Orange County/Costa Mesa Hotel Restaurant and Bar on Monday, January 25 from 5pm to 7 pm. Guests will enjoy a complimentary appetizer reception and happy specials featuring regional Australian food and beverages. Entertainment to include Australia Flag face painter and Nintendo Wii Stations.

Come Celebrate at the Hilton Orange County/Costa Mesa!