The Ritz-Carlton, Marina del Rey

This is the second time I’ve tried to stay at this property. I say “tried” because I cancelled my reservation same day. The property seems to regularly close the pool and hot tub without putting it on their website. I stayed here last fall, specifically to enjoy the pool and hot tub. We were alerted the morning of the area was to be closed at 2pm for a private function. I complained and received various excuses but eventually a room credit and points. This past weekend I again made a reservation. I asked through the Bonvoy app if the pool and hot tub would be open and it was confirmed it would be available. However a few hours later, after I had gone to bed, the hotel messaged me through the app to inform me the pool and hottub would be again closed mid afternoon. Thankfully I was able to insist on a free same day cancellation. However in changing my plans I had cancelled a reservation elsewhere, and ended up paying a premium to rebook. Generally speaking this is a nice property. But it is poorly managed.

I stayed at the Ritz-Carlton Marina del Rey for three nights last week while my husband underwent medical appointments and surgery nearby. The staff were unfailingly polite, professional, and kind, and both the gym and spa were clean and well appointed. The on-site restaurant was excellent, though expensive and clearly oriented toward corporate travelers. We were upgraded to a top-floor “club room” through our credit card program, but this did not include access to the club lounge. The “club floor” designation felt misleading, as it amounted only to being on the top floor without any of the expected amenities. What ultimately ruined the stay was the last night. The guests (plus a few friends) in the adjoining room were extremely loud and disruptive from midnight until nearly 3:00 a.m. I contacted the front desk, and while security did respond, it took time and the noise resumed shortly afterward, including said guests pounding on the wall. The walls were far thinner than expected for a luxury property. Given that my husband was recovering from surgery and I needed rest before a long drive home to Central California, this was especially frustrating. While the behavior itself was not caused by the hotel, I did not expect this level of disturbance—or the lack of effective resolution—on a Ritz-Carlton club floor. That final night significantly overshadowed what otherwise could have been a very good stay.

This was a splurge, and it’s a lovely hotel in a beautiful location but it seems a bit worn. Service was also a bit spotty. The holiday decorations were lovely though and we thoroughly enjoyed our stay.

This property has some pluses and minuses. It’s an old school Ritz property that’s due for a refresh. While the furnishings in the room were dated, they were in working order and having a balcony to let in fresh air was a nice bonus. Bed was fine, although could tell we were sleeping on some form of a plastic cover. The location is decent enough to take a walk along the water front/harbor. Food was fine. Room service breakfast was one of the weaker ones I’ve enjoyed recently with several of the hot items arriving lukewarm. The staff was largely well intentioned and very kind, however we left a personal item in the room and no one has called us about it a week later. This is probably one of the better options in this part of LA, but it’s a tired property ready for its facelift.

It’s ok an OKAY hotel. I expect higher quality for Ritz. Definitely not 5 stars, but should fall into 4 stars. The room is more like 3-4 star. Bathroom floor is sticky every steps I take, even after mopped by a cleaning lady. Urine stain around toilet is just unacceptable for 5 star hotel.