Fodor's Expert Review The Ritz-Carlton Marina del Rey

Not all luxury brands are created equal, and not all Ritz-Carlton hotels are either. This incarnation, for example, goes above and beyond with its attention to detail, top-rate service, and one-of-a-kind amenities. Whether you’re on a family vacation or in LA on business, this hotel will cater to your every need and does so with a smile. It may be pricey, but this hotel is most definitely worth the cost.

One of the coolest perks of the hotel is the partnership they have with Porsche. You can book a package with your room that also includes the Porsche Experience Center where you can try out any model and fly around their various tracks.

room

Whether you’re on the club level, booking a suite, or staying in a standard king, every room faces the Marina and all have balconies with stellar views of the water. In-room amenities include smart TVs (you can sign in to your Netflix account), turndown service, and terry cloth bathrobes.

bathroom

White marble floors and sinks give way to lighted vanity mirrors and shower/tub combos. The hotel uses designer Asprey bath products.

lobby

The small and simple lobby is more of a pass through for guests to get to the in-house restaurant and bar.

pool

One of the gems of the hotel is the giant heated pool and Jacuzzi that’s open 24/7. Here, guests can eat and drink at Wave Restaurant and Bar or reserve pool-side cabanas for lazy days in and out of the sun.

Next to the pool are two tennis courts and a basketball court. The hotel can set up lessons and also holds cardio tennis classes.

spa

Spa del Rey is the hotel’s spa and features six treatment rooms for everything from manicures and facials to massages and body wraps.

gym

The hotel’s fitness center is also open 24/7 and is equipped with Life Fitness cardio machines and free weights. TVs are built right into the machines in case you want to get pumped to Wolf Blitzer while you sweat.

If you want to get a work out around the Marina or beach, you can rent bicycles for $10/hour.

dining

Cast & Plow is the signature restaurant of the hotel for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. There is ample seating outside where guests can dine next to fire pits and watch the giant boats come in and out of the Marina.

Dying to taste other restaurants in the area? Hop into the hotel’s complimentary car that will drop you off and pick you up within a 4-mile radius.

drinking

Not necessarily a drinking hotspot, there is a bar in Cast & Plow and at Wave by the pool. For club lounge members, on the 11th floor, there’s an open bar as well as snacks and other treats throughout the day.