I knew the moment my GPS took a turn into the marina that I was about to have the sort of coastal experience one can only get in Marina del Rey. While nearby Venice is famous for it beaches and other coastal towns have their own claims to fame, Marina del Rey is a seaside community on Los Angeles’ Westside that is home to North America’s largest constructed small-craft harbor.

Driving up to the hotel, the harbor’s 5,000 boats are what immediately set the stage, creating a stunning view that makes one long to go sailing.

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My destination was the Marina del Rey Hotel, a luxury boutique property built in 1964.

Nestled between the Santa Monica pier and the Venice Beach Boardwalk, it is right off Highway 1. It’s a hotel that has thought about its target market. Near the entrance is a collection of new Tesla superchargers—ones that boast an ability to charge the vehicle in 15 minutes. Friendly valet attendants immediately greet guests and offer their services.

The overnight stay at the property was filled with a regatta-like flavor, a full celebration of place that took advantage of its enviable location.

Why You’ll Love It

One almost suspects that the designers of the Marina del Rey Hotel wanted to fool their guests into thinking they’d never left the outdoor paradise. Large windows let in natural lighting, each floor opens into the lobby, adorned with sea-inspired art work.

The walls have a wavy texture and natural materials accent the striped furnishing and nautical décor. From the ceiling, a large flock of sculpted seagulls hang, looking for all the world as if they are guiding their land-locked counterparts to the ocean.

The front desk staff was warm and welcoming and filled with tips on how best to enjoy the stay. They offered a run-down of hotel services and promoted the property’s restaurant and bar.

Heading up to my room and exiting the elevator, I was impressed to see a large lounge-like public area, one that beckoned you to curl up with one of their books from the bookcase that spread across the wall. Everything was designed to welcome you into a leisurely experience.

What to Expect

Marina del Rey Hotel offers 10,000 square feet of event space and is a popular wedding venue, in part because they have Marina del Rey’s only waterfront lawn, giving bridal parties the option for an indoor or outdoor event.

The Regatta Ballroom has floor-to-ceiling windows that when open offer a resplendent view of the harbor. It can accommodate up to 300 people and connects to the Edgewater Room if more space is needed. Or for smaller events, the Edgewater Room is available on its own for up to 80 people and outdoor patio space.

The outdoor 3,500-square-foot Marina Garden is available for events of up to 300 people.

It was raining the day I arrived and I had to leave early the next morning, but otherwise I would have been drawn to the property’s outdoor pool area. Backed against the harbor and the yachts and sailing ships moored there, the area has a heated infinity pool and hot tub. Surrounding the pool are oversized blue and white striped loungers with bright yellow umbrellas and tents.

The property also offers bike rentals for those who want to head to nearby Venice Beach or the Santa Monica pier—or just downtown shopping.

Cuisine

A destination in itself, the SALT Restaurant and Bar serves up the culinary creations of Chef Sean Collins, the property’s executive chef.  SALT serves up seafood and classic cuisine with a constantly changing menu. There is daily brunch, happy hour and dinner and then a special executive chef’s weekend brunch.

Kamala, one of Spa & Beauty Today’s editors, joined me for dinner there and we enjoyed a sampling of the many courses that they offer. We started off with a serving of calamari and a plate of avocado hummus. The two dishes demonstrated the range of tastes available from the crispy squid with its spicy aioli to the crunchy, fresh colorful vegetables and grilled pita served with the creamy hummus.

Chef Collins outdid himself with the entrée I enjoyed—half-roasted Jidori chicken Marsala served with asparagus and mushrooms. Every bite was a moment of culinary heaven.

And while you are likely to be as full as we were by the time desert rolls around, it was impossible to pass up the pistachio sorbet, a nice light touch to finish a perfect meal.

They also offer a wide selection of signature cocktails, curated wine and craft beers. We both went off menu and asked the waiter what sort of mocktails he recommended. He asked both of us what sort of flavor we were seeking and came back with two offerings that delightfully met our needs.

If you’re there on a weekend, there is a 10-course brunch filled with specialties personally selected by Chef Collins.

Accommodations

The Marina del Rey hotel has 164 rooms, mostly categorized by whether they are poolside, marina view or city view. They also have a collection of suites of different sizes, some with living rooms, some with bars, some with wraparound patios.

Designed for luxurious comfort, they continue to make the most of the location with their views and the reminder that you are surrounded by coastal amenities. My room had sleek white décor, a large, comfortable bed and a modern desk with all the chargers one needs.

However, the part of the room with the biggest draw was the attached patio with the seating that lets you indulge your senses in all the marina has to offer.

The bathroom had a large walk-in shower. The amenities are from Lather: Modern Apothecary and include such items as lavender-lime moisturizer, yuzu bergamot conditioner, and mint-thyme shampoo.

The Marina del Rey Hotel is surrounded by places to go and things to do, but even if you never leave the hotel, it’s a luxurious stay that never lets you forget where you are and why you want to be there.

For more information and to book a stay at Marina del Rey Hotel, call 310-301-1000 or visit their website. Follow them on Instagram: @marinadelreyhotel

13534 Bali Way, Marina del Rey, CA 90292

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[Photos courtesy of Marina del Rey Hotel/Bridgette Redman]

Bridgette Redman, who is a second-generation journalist, fell in love with spas and travel while working as a writer and editor for 16 years at the Educational Institute of the American Hotel & Lodging Association. As a freelancer for the International SPA Association, she co-wrote two textbooks, nine workbooks and numerous case studies on spas. Her freelance career began in the 80s and she has written for publications in Michigan, Arizona, California, and Texas along with several regional and national publications. She is a committed storyteller who loves sharing narratives which improve people's quality of life and build community. Born and raised in Michigan, she currently lives in Lansing with her husband and son. See more of her writing at www.bridgetteredman.com