We were a little disappointed by this hotel. It is basically worn out and poorly maintained ...... for example our windows wouldn't open, the furniture was in poor condition, the carpets very dirty looking and marked, ice machine dirty. The pool water was murky, and the pool area not cleared up etc ... Much smell of cigarette smoke even in non smoking areas. We tried 3 rooms but all were the same. The internet didn't work the whole time we were there. The staff were polite but harrassed. The location is excellent. If you just want somewhere to stay in a good location away from the hustle and bustle it's fine. If you are looking for a positive experience from the hotel itself: avoid

We recently stayed at this hotel over the labor day holiday weekend. We originally got a nice second floor marina view room. We requested a change, though, because our room was also over the pool and it was quite noisy on that very busy weekend. Helga and the other pros at the desk were so friendly about the switch even in the midst of a whole huge wedding party checking in. They gave us a great alternative room, and when they found out it was my birthday they brought us a wonderful platter of treats and a bottle of wine. The hotel is a bit older, but it is clean with comfortable beds, hairdryers, a gift shop, etc... and the service and views are stellar!

Tip: Ask the front desk for a map to the hidden beach in Marina del Rey. There is even a free water bus that will take you directly from the hotel to that location and several other nice spots on the water nearby. The water is so warm on that beach compared to the ocean and it was not crowded - even on a holiday weekend.

Yes, the hotel could use some updating, but the only people we heard whining were our fellow Americans. All of the many international visitors seemed to appreciate the friendly, welcoming staff; the ideal marina location; the clean pool; and the comfortable beds. We wanted a true SoCal setting while moving our daughter into USC, and this spot couldn't have been more postcard perfect. Turns out lots of scenes of the "O.C." were filmed in Marina del Ray, which made this hotel even more of a hit with our teenager. If you can afford the Ritz, certainly stay there and more power to you. But if you are on a budget, want to avoid cookie-cutter chains, and love to wake up to a view of sailboats in the marina, then give the Marina del Ray Hotel a try. We did (despite the sketchy reviews below), and are glad we did. The free Internet (accessible by the pool too) and free parking were added perks in expensive LA. We will be back.

What a shame that the owners of this hotel have let it run down. The location on the Marina is fantastic and the rooms spacious with balconies and lovely views. The problem is the furniture and decorations are extremely worn and tired, making it feel gloomy and dirty - even though it had been well cleaned. Owners, please invest in a refurb to let this hotel reach its potential.