Both polished and laid-back, The Ritz-Carlton, Marina del Rey is a waterfront retreat where LA’s cinematic energy meets marina calm. With sunlit rooms, a marina-facing saltwater pool, Sisley Spa indulgences, and some of the best views in the city, it’s a luxurious base for travelers who want Los Angeles at their fingertips but prefer to unwind beside the boats.
California, Los Angeles, Marina del Rey
The Ritz-Carlton, Marina del Rey
(5 stars)Background and Concept
Marina del Rey has a way of surprising even seasoned Los Angeles travellers. As one of Southern California’s most inviting enclaves, it’s a breezy pocket where sailboats slip through quiet channels and palm trees sway in neat formation. The Ritz-Carlton sits at the center of it all, anchored in a neighborhood that feels more Mediterranean port city than metropolis. Opened as one of the marina’s defining properties, the hotel balances business-friendly ease with a resort-like spirit that embraces sunlight, sea air, and relaxed luxury.
Location
The setting alone is a major draw. The hotel stands directly along North America’s largest man-made small-craft harbour—4,600 slips and a shoreline dotted with sleek condos, yacht clubs, and waterfront paths. Venice and Santa Monica are minutes away, LAX is close enough to make travel smooth, and studio-filled Culver City is close by. It’s an ideal spot for travelers who want the full sweep of Los Angeles without staying in the thick of it.
Rooms and Suites – Overview
The hotel’s 304 guest rooms and suites are bright, spacious, and designed to frame the marina as the star. Most include Juliet balconies angled directly over the boats, creating a residential feel that suits longer stays. You’ll find plush beds, cozy robes, Dyptique bath products, Nespresso coffee machines, and a palette that reflects the coastal setting.
My Room
My king guest room offered a wide, airy layout and a Juliet balcony overlooking both the pool and the harbor. Sunrise was the showstopper. I pulled back the curtain early one morning to find a warm golden glow rising over the hills and the boats, lighting up the water in slow, beautiful gradations. The view at night was equally striking, with the boats moored in gentle rows, their lights flickering across the marina. I relished both times of day for this breathtaking panorama.
My stay was further enhanced with access to the Club Lounge on the 11th floor. This dedicated space is cozy and urbane, also with those stunning views. With its multiple culinary preparations from dawn to dusk, and a variety of beverage offerings (fine wines, beer, spirits, soda, coffee, etc.) it provided the ideal space for both a bit of work and a bit of relaxation. And the house made cookies: sugar, peanut butter, chocolate chip and oatmeal raisin are reason enough to upgrade. Yum. The Club Lounge has a residential feel that encourages guests to settle in as though the hotel were a second home. And I did.
Food and Drink
Cast & Plow is the hotel’s culinary anchor, serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner with a distinctly Californian perspective. Menu items change with the seasons; you’ll always find something fresh and new. On this visit a lobster/gemelli pasta was a standout, as was the Hamachi crudo and the Pacific salmon. And the Brussels sprouts were a delicious surprise, served with a bourbon glaze and smoked bacon. The patio, overlooking the marina, gives every meal a sense of place—boats drifting by, sunlight softening across the water, and the feeling that you’ve chosen one of the marina’s best tables without needing to leave the hotel. The restaurant was clearly a favorite of locals as well as hotel guests.
Fun Fact
Part of the fun here is the unmistakable Hollywood pedigree. The hotel pops up in more TV shows and films than most guests realise, (The Parent Trap, Curb Your Enthusiasm, Off the Boat etc.) and every so often you’ll wander through the lobby to find a camera crew at work. Right next to reception, a loop of film clips shows all the moments the hotel appears on screen, a little wink to anyone who appreciates an LA deep cut. stretched across a sun-warmed boat slip.
The Facilities
The saltwater pool, framed by palms and softened by the waterfront breeze, contributes to the easy, resort-like rhythm that separates this property from its urban counterparts. The modern fitness center, offering marina views, keeps workouts from feeling routine, as does a bike ride around the harbor. Rent one from the hotel fleet. An indulgent Sisley Spa brings French skincare expertise to Los Angeles, offering facials and body treatments that reflect the brand’s botanical approach. It’s a true refuge after a day of exploring LA.
Other Points of Interest
The surrounding marina is its own playground—ideal for walking, jogging, paddleboarding, or simply watching the boats. Step outside and you’ll find locals walking their dogs, cyclists cruising the paths, and sunbathers relaxing on the decks of sailboats. From here, it’s also an easy hop to Venice’s creative pulse, Santa Monica’s beach paths, Culver City’s studio campuses, and even Beverly Hills or West Hollywood for dining and shopping.
Final Thoughts
The Ritz-Carlton, Marina del Rey brings together everything travelers love about Southern California: water, sunshine, and effortless access to the city’s top districts. Yet its greatest strength is the calm it provides. LA may deliver nonstop energy, but the marina delivers a relaxing refuge, and this hotel captures that combination beautifully.
Top Tip
Wake early at least once to catch the sunrise over the harbor. The light is extraordinary and worth every minute of lost sleep.
