Hotel Review: Ritz Carlton Marina Del Rey – Marina Del Rey, CA

There’s always two sides to a waterfront hotel.  The waterfront, and….um, the back.  Whenever I book one I seem to get the room that faces a solid wall, a parking lot or – worse, someone else’s room across the way.  So much for oceanfront property.

Not at the cozy Ritz-Carlton Marina Del Rey.  Unlike many bay-facing hotels, it is neither nautically-themed nor entirely glass-paneled.  And also unlike others, I did not find myself nose to brick with another part of the building whence I drew back the curtains.  Instead I found a 4-star property that meshed warmth, relaxation and hospitality in a way you hope for from a Ritz Carlton but don’t particularly expect from any fancy hotel.

If I could use one word to describe this hotel, it would be reserved.  The sign outside is tucked quietly among splashes of impatiens, the wood-paneled lobby is small and understated and the high-end restaurant and bar open and welcoming, rather than tucked into a corner as if for VIPs only who were willing to hunt for the food despite the price tag.  In typical Ritz fashion, the front office was affable and efficient, upselling without pushing.  A young bellman whom I ran into in the elevator twice in a 10-minute span introduced himself by name and offered his services for whatever we might need until his 10:00pm clock-out.  And the room – oh, the room!  I opened the door to a 2nd floor corner room and immediately saw an ocean sunset through the French doors at the opposite end.

Rm 227

The spacious room was outfitted with a loveseat, chaise, 2 chairs, large desk, massive king bed with 2 nightstands and a valet, then down a hall 2 dressers, a giant closet, and massive bathroom.  Frankly the bed looked and felt so fluffy I was afraid I’d wake up with a sore lower back (definitely not the case, as it would turn out).  Along the bay-facing walls were 2 sets of sliding French doors opening to a narrow but long balcony. 

ahhh...the view

It was clean (I checked), it was comfortable (checked that too), it was Ritz-y.  The robes were plush, not the thin waffly kind you usually find at hotels that soak through the second you put them on after your shower.  I wished only for 2 things: dual sinks, and some sort of surface in the bathroom/shower area, as there was nowhere to set my towel, clothes, etc. other than atop the toilet seat (um, no thanks).

And since I like to test-drive all included amenities I hit the outdoor pool/jacuzzi area for an evening dip…the bubbling hot tub could fit at least 30 people (I measured) and there was no shortage of lounge chairs around the sparkling, palm tree-fenced pool area which spilled out almost onto the bay itself.  The romantic, dimly-lit noir bar inside restaurant jer-né was perfect for a late-night dessert cocktail after a leisurely dinner at nearby Tony P.’s Dockside Grill.  Staffed by a woman who’s effervescent enthusiasm stood in stark contrast to the candlelit darkness and moody, clandestine atmosphere, I snacked on heavenly white truffle potato chips and sipped a glass of port contentedly.

Photo courtesy Ritz-Carlton, Marina Del Rey

There was no shortness of service or luxury.  If you’re an Angeleno looking for a local staycation destination, passing through the California coast on a roadtrip or find yourself on the Left Coast for whatever reason, the Ritz-Carlton Marina Del Rey is a pleasurable spot to rest your bones and inhale the ocean breeze without the oft-tiring attitude, trendiness and beach bum lifestyle found at other southern California properties.

• 304 rooms, including Club Level and suites, all non-smoking
• Pet-friendly
• pool & Jacuzzi (open 24 hours), fitness center with steamrooms, shops
• 2 restaurants, 1 bar
• 24-hour business center
• 24-hour room service ($$$!)

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