Hi Everyone,

Trying to decide between the two for travel soon. We're a couple going away for a long weekend in LA to visit friends, hang out etc...location not so much an issue as hotel itself. Any advice would be GREATLY appreciated.

Thanks.

Er, it's called the Ritz-Carlton Huntington Hotel-- nowhere near Huntington Beach. Nowhere near a beach or an ocean. But far and away the better choice. The Ritz-Carlton Marina del Rey is nice, but it's a more business-oriented property. The Huntington is elegant, historic, beautiful.

Sorry--got carried away. Yes I meant Ritz Huntington - Pasadena. No beach. Thanks!

Pasadena is quite a drive from LA, Santa Monica, the Valley. etc. That said, the Huntington is a much nicer property. The Marina Ritz is a Ritz, so you'll do fine there. It all depends on how much time you will spend at or near the hotel. If a lot, I'd go with the Huntington, if not, the Marina.

The Huntington is one of the finest hotel I have stayed at anywhere. I have stayed there over a dozen times, and at times for up to two weeks.

I've stayed extensively in both hotels and have driven from both daily for weeks at a time into LA. If you need to drive into LA, ask the concierge at the Huntington for the surface road driving directions into LA. You end up on Ceaser Chavez and go right into downtown in about 30 min door to door (same time as it takes to get downtown from Santa Monica or Marina Del Ray). Much better than the freeway from Pasadena to LA, which narrows to two lanes each direction.

Try to get a room on the Horsehoe garden at the Huntington. And if you can, splurge on a club level rm. on the horseshoe garden. That is a fodorite's heaven. 5 food presentations a day in the club, amazing quality (breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea, dinner time appetizer's that you can make a meal out of, and then after that, after dinner drinks and chocolates and desserts. Just amazing service too.

I noticed that this week's show of America's Next Top Model took place at the Huntington, and it made me really miss it and want to go back. I love that hotel. Nothing ever goes wrong there for me it seems. Consistently, over the last 10 years I've stayed there.

Love, love, love The Huntington. As previously mentioned the Club level is great. I live in the area and have stayed at the hotel just for fun. The spa is terrific too. I try to get pedicures there every couple of months (they offer a glass of wine while you sit in super comfy chairs). I've also had some of the more full service spa services and have been very pleased. They also have a decent fitness facility. The terrace does a wonderful Sunday brunch and serves (off-menu) the best BLT sandwich ever! As for things to do, don't overlook Pasadena. There are several first rate museums, shopping, and dining options.

I live in Southern CA and have stayed at both the Marina Del Rey and Huntington Pasadena Ritz Carlton's and just love the Pasadena Huntington Hotel. I also agree the club level is expecially nice and Pasadena is a great city ot wander around and shop and eat. Not much to do in Marina Del Rey in my opinion - unless you go to Santa Monica and I still prefer Pasadena. Whichever you choose, have fun.