Last month, my husband surprised me with a last minute (read: 4 hour warning) trip to southern California over the 4th of July weekend. We had been planning on a staycation where we got married!!), so when it came time to change our reservation, we were faced with a hefty cancellation fee. We decided to see if they would waive it if we booked a room at the Ritz Carlton Marina del Rey. (We stayed at the Ritz Carlton Los Angeles previously so we we wanted to try something new… and I might have heard that there could be fireworks.) The Marriott Rewards platinum line was able to help us get our reservation transferred in no time!
Ritz Carlton Marina del Rey – Arrival / Room
Our room was ready when arrived, but despite being platinum and trying really, really hard, we couldn’t upgrade to a club room. They try to keep club guests on the club floor, so I could understand that. The property was basically sold out since it was a holiday weekend, so we had a standard room with a king bed. The room did have a nice view of the marina with a small balcony. The bathroom was pretty small and very basic compared to most RC properties, but it was fine.
We enjoyed leaving the balcony door open and enjoying the view and the fresh air. Despite being July, it was sunny and the air was crisp. We definitely enjoyed being outside as much as possible, and there’s a nice pathway around the hotel that circles around the marina, perfect for walking. It’s a short walk to the beach, too.
Ritz Carlton Marina del Rey – Service
The service at this property was pretty outstanding. Valet was incredibly efficient with our car (and the large number of cars in and out all weekend). The front desk staff was incredibly friendly on the evening of the 4th of July. They seemed to always welcome us back by name and whenever we ran into any of the staff, they asked if we needed anything, what we were up to, and if we needed any assistance making plans of any kind. The service definitely lived up to what my husband and I both expect at the Ritz Carlton properties.
Ritz Carlton Marina del Rey – Amenities
We didn’t take advantage of the spa, room service, or restaurants on this trip, but we did enjoy the pool. The pool is heated and the hot tub is extremely warm. This works well because the ocean breeze off the marina can be pretty cool. There were plenty of towels and comfortable chairs.
On our last evening, they had a screen set up in the courtyard and they showed Frozen. (I still haven’t seen it, but I was listening for Let it Go.) In addition to fun blankets and pillows set up, they also had popcorn and drinks. (My Hubs snagged some and said it was awesome!) The whole thing was complimentary, and it looked really fun. I kind of wanted to join… but not be that creepy girl with no kids… so I didn’t. BUT I TOTALLY PLAN TO IF WE HAVE KIDS.
Ritz Carlton Marina del Rey – Final Thoughts
Despite the property being PACKED for the holiday weekend, we didn’t have any trouble feeling like the property was so booked. The pool was packed during the day, but letsbehonest, it’s summer vacation! What do you expect?! We didn’t have any noise problems, the rooms are quiet and well-insulated. I think this hotel is a steal if the price is right. It’s extremely reasonable for a Ritz Carlton property. We used our $50/night stay credit to pay for the extremely expensive valet parking. (It’s LA – whether you stay in Marina del Rey or downtown LA – you pay a premium for parking.) We found the freeway access from the property relatively easy, and aside from 4th of July traffic, did not have any trouble getting around… and we went EVERYWHERE.
Fantastic property, certainly recommend — especially for families! It’s a fun-family Ritz Carlton property for sure!!
I was just happy this meant I got to see you!! HORRAY!
That looks like a fun trip, and a nice change of pace from your original destination!
What a fun get away! That outdoor movie set-up was darling! Did you seriously only have four hours notice?? Was there a plane flight involved? How did this work??
Yes!! My Hubs was thinking he was going to get called to trial the following week, but when he got the call that they wouldn’t go, he said, “Let’s go to California!” The irony is – the flights were cheaper than when we had looked at them previously! (That never happens anymore…!)
Wow this sounds like it was a lovely weekend! Such a great idea to transfer your reservation to a different hotel, I’d never thought that was possible! And not going to lie, I would have totally crashed that viewing of Frozen! 🙂
This looks like a lovely weekend getaway – what a cute outdoor movie set-up!