The Ritz-Carlton, Marina del Rey

We had the opportunity to stay at the Ritz Carlton in Marina Del Rey and I must say that I was not really impressed. As a hotel it was nice enough but compared to other Ritz Carlton properties it was extremely lacking. Starting with the room it was a little dated but well up-kept. The bed sagged so badly on the sides that the center felt like a little hill. Simple items that were always present at every other Ritz property we stayed at were missing here (bath robes, slippers, soap). The door lock to our room also died and had to be fixed mid stay and we were unable to access out room while we waited for maintenance to show up and fix it (granted it only took the 5-10 minutes to get there). I had also ordered chocolate cover strawberries and truffle platters to be set up in our room prior to our arrival which I also confirmed by phone with the catering department and even told them what time exactly we would be checking in. Not only were the platters not ready for us but they hadn’t even started the order (just to be clear this wasn’t an early check in as we got there at 9:30 pm). I had to call down to the catering department who apologized and said they’d make it right away. They did bring up a complimentary bottle of champagne to make up for the error but they also didn’t make what I had originally ordered and paid for. Finally, be aware that there are no ice machines on the property, though every room has ice buckets. After wandering around on my floor with no success I made it down to the lobby where I asked the person working the front desk only to be told that there are no ice machines on the floors and they would have to have the ice sent up to my room. The hotel grounds themselves are nice but small and not nearly at the level of what I’m used to experiencing at Ritz Carlton properties and was more along the quality of what I’d expect from a regular Marriott hotel. The most redeeming quality of the hotel and the absolute best part of the experience was the staff. Everyone was extremely friendly and helpful and always willing to go above and beyond to help make our stay as pleasant and enjoyable as possible. All though the staff were amazing, im not sure id stay here again as I just don’t think the value is there for what you pay.

We stayed here regularly years ago but haven’t been back in about 10 years. What a difference that decade has made and not in a good way. Rooms are now dated, tired and dirty and basic amenities such as dental flosser picks, emery board etc are no longer provided. There aren’t even glasses in the bathroom. Rooms bizarrely lack minibars or even mini fridges and the stated reason (so they can provide “customized” and “curated” ones for you) is INSANE, especially since nobody tells you this when you check in… I just read it now in management’s responses to other reviews). I mean how about even if we wanted COLD WATER in the room???!!! The in room coffee maker was broken. The welcome amenity that should be provided to us as Amex centurion members was a few sad, bruised and dirty pieces of fruit in one room and NOTHING whatsoever in the other. At other ritz properties it’s been a beautiful fruit plate, a bottle of wine and a cake or pastry, and that’s what it USED to be here. As to why the second room received nothing, that is a mystery since the amenity itself couldn’t have cost them more than $2. Menu options are extremely limited and SO lazy (many items on the breakfast menu are exactly the same as the dinner menu?!?!?!) What is worse is that the food and service itself reminded me of what you’d get at a particularly mediocre Marriott… or maybe more accurate to say that the taste and presentation gives off a distinct Aramark vibe. And it took us over an hour and a half to get our entrees at dinner last night because “there was a large party” dining at the same time. Overall the impression is that the hotel is trying to save money in a million ways and is not worthy of the Ritz name. Overpriced, hugely disappointing and would never stay here again… and it makes me want to avoid other Ritz properties worldwide if this location is an indicator of how parent Marriott is now running the brand. We have a couple more days here and I am too lazy to move bc I’m here for work but I can’t wait to get out of this Ritz. Ps the doors have a huge gap under them which not only lets in lots of light from the hallway but also helpfully makes every sound from outside he hallway carry distinctly into the room to wake you up multiple times during the night. Which is why I’m (furiously) typing this review at 6 am.

My husband and I had a lovely weekend in Marina Del Rey. It’s been many years since we stayed at the Ritz and we were pleasantly surprised by the service, room, and facilities. We had an AmEx package and hubby has hotel status so we had food credits. Otherwise, food and beverages are very pricey (a simple Prosecco at pool is $20, plus service charge.) Two breakfasts and a meal at the pool and everything was delicious. Most of the were especially helpful: Shane in Cast and Plow was attentive, friendly, and service oriented even when the restaurant got busy. He offered us a nice table with views both days. Nancy and Carlos offered great food service. Tyler at the pool stood out from colleagues for his calm, attentive service. Bradley at the concierge was friendly and helpful. We stayed away for many years because of the arctic air conditioning in the hotel. We were astonished that this is still the case. It literally takes your breath away how cold the A/C is set in hallways and lobbies! Pool is large enough with plenty of chairs. Glass helps protect from the ocean breeze while allowing you to see the marina.

It’s like the Ritz Carlton forgot that this property is in their portfolio. I travel a lot for work and this Ritz is by far one of the worst hotels I have stayed in. The rooms are old and filthy, bathrooms are not adequately cleaned and the beds are in terrible shape. The mattress sinks as soon as you get into the bed and the bed skirt is ridden with stains. Sheets are left out in the hallway. There is a strong mold odor in the room that meets you as soon as you walk in. Do not stay here. Horrible waste of money.

We loved our stay here. The club level is great, the spa is perfect, the pool area is lively, the bikes are a good option, and everyone is super friendly. The location right next to the marina was very convenient. Venice Beach and Santa Monica are very close by bike or car.