The Ritz-Carlton Marina Del Rey
4375 Admiralty Way
Marina Del Rey, CA 90292-5400

The Ritz-Carlton Marina del Rey is Los Angeles' only AAA Five Diamond waterfront hotel.

In Marina del Rey, the land of boats, beaches and Los Angeles, we are surprised to discover only one hotel with a 5 Diamond ranking. In Beverly Hills they have three Five Diamond properties and yet, no beach. In Orange County at Dana Point, they have two Five Diamond hotels, a Ritz-Carlton at the beach and a resort with a golf course on site.

So why is this unassuming building on the bay in Marina del Rey worthy of a 5?  First off, the staff exudes the service and can-do attitude you'd hope to find throughout the Ritz-Carlton global family. If you've never stayed at a Ritz, you really need to try it once. And this hotel seems to be more affordable as Ritz-Carltons go so it would be a great test model. Let's say you want some packing tape for a box you need to ship out. We called room service and got packing tape in short order. That's a small request but if you are not accustomed to service, it proves an example.

The Ritz on the bay reflects its audience and their needs. The hotel has spent its valuable space on athletics. With so many professional athletes visiting the city, the need for gyms is extremely important. You'll notice that the Ritz and nearby Four Diamond boutique hotels such as Loews and Le Merigot JW Marriott hotels in Santa Monica have focused on creating gyms.

Next, you'll discover the swimmer's dream, a 25 meter lap pool overlooking the bay.  Having been a lap swimmer who needed to put in 4000 meter per day, this editor used to stress over finding accommodations with lap pools nearby. It was seldom easy to find a pool while traveling.

In addition to the gym and pool, there are two lighted tennis courts and two basketball courts. If you need a spa experience such as massage or treatment, the hotel is equipped with top notch professionals to provide a first class experience. 

You have your bases covered if you're an athlete on the road.  For average folks, the hotel rents bicycles and other items for beach fun.  There's a paved path that stretches from Redondo Beach south of the hotel past Santa Monica. You can get a sizeable workout on a bicycle or blades, but if you're trying to see the entire coastline, you may need a good portion of the day to ride the path round trip.

The hotel sells out on special events such as holiday fireworks shows as it offers one of the best seats in the house for views as the City of Los Angeles Harbors & Beaches department serves up a great fireworks show. Near the hotel in the summer are free concerts, too.

If you want a special getaway in exciting L.A., you can stay overnight and book a dinner cruise on the the Hornblower Yacht. We sometimes just drive to Marina del Rey for the yacht cruise but it would sure be fun to spend the night at the Ritz so we could linger and explore. The Hornblower Cruises are offered regularly and usually require reservations. We consider the Ritz Carlton - Marina del Rey one of the great California beach resorts.

Here are few of the offerings at the Ritz-Carlton, Marina del Rey:

The Fitness & Massage Center with Simplex Tuff Stuff weight machines, Life Fitness cardio machines, free-weights, exercise balls, mats, locker rooms and dry saunas. The Massage and Fitness Center also offers massage and body treatments, Epicuren facials and luxury spa gifts. tennis court and bike rentals, in-room fitness bags and portable CD players.

Los Angeles' Only Waterfront Pool is a 3,200 square foot heated outdoor pool with a rectangular shape for lap swimming. It features a sand-colored stone tiled pool deck, teak lounge furnishings, cabanas and a separate whirlpool area.

Two lighted tennis courts located at the marina are lighted for night play. Tennis courts are available on a first come, first serve basis with a fee charged and racquets and balls available.

Bicycle Rentals are available so you can explore Venice Beach next door, Waterside Marina Shopping Center or Abbott Kinney Boulevard, which boasts boutique style shops and fine art galleries.

In-Room Fitness Bags for guests who prefer to work out in their guest rooms feature Yoga, Pilates and Free Weights. Each bag has the appropriate equipment for each workout activity, a bottle of water and face towel. Guests can check out fitness bags by visiting the Fitness & Massage Center.

Great Dining is served at Jer-ne Restaurant + Bar, where New World cuisine features gourmet meal preparations with beautiful views.