I have stayed at this hotel three times now, in 2004, 2005 and 2006 and can not fault anything at this hotel. If you're on a family vacation it's probably out of your price range and you need to drive to most things, but I stayed for business and everything was managed to perfection!

Check in was really good. Each time I stayed here it was part of a group, although we all arrived individually. The man at checkin remembered me from the time before each time which I though was a nice touch. He probably looked through the hotel records in advance to see who had stayed as part of our group before, although I was one of the few people to be there each time, but it was a nice touch nonetheless. After checkin I was personally shown to the elevators and told about the hotel features and services.

The food and drink in the hotel was really nice. I didn't sample their full menu but I ate at the breakfast buffet and couldn't fault it. I've also had a couple of Pizzas from their main menu and these were really nice, as were the drinks in the bar - even something as simple as Orange juice.

The rooms are large, spacious and come with everything you need - however if there is something you need extra all you need to do is call the front desk and it will be done quickly for you. The beds were comfortable, the bathroom was large and the views were really good. Every room has a balcony or terrace and many of them look out onto Marina Del Rey, which the hotel borders. If your room is on the other side you overlook the hotel entrance, but you have great views across the city all the way to the mountains behind Hollywood.

Location wise the hotel is a little far out from things and if you are staying here for anything but business you will most likely need to drive to it or get a texi, which can be expensive ($25 to airport and $60 to Hollywood). However if you're staying in LA for a vacation you are almost certain to have a car anyway as the city is very large so this doesn't present a problem. If you're looking for nightlife in the area there probably isn't much. There are a few restaurants and a couple of bars within walking distance but not a huge selection and I've never eaten at them so can't really comment. However if you're looking for more of an atmosphere at night just get a taxi to Venice Beach if youre there in summer and there's plenty to do there.

The thing I praise the most is the service. Every staff member prides themselves in doing everything they can to make your stay more pleasurable. The staff at the front desk are very efficient and friendly, the concierge will drop everything to help you, the parking people outside are VERY good and the restaurant / bar staff are quick and friendly.

A point about service that really stands out. Last time I stayed at the hotel a group of us got a taxi to the conference we were attending. However when we got out he rushed off to another call without letting me get my bag out of the back which wasn't good. I had all the essentials on me like passport and tickets but most of my money and everything else I needed was in the bag. Aaron at EA, who coordinated our group and Alan at the hotel (he's one of the people outside on the taxi / parking desk thing) did everything they could to sort it out and the bag was there waiting for me when I woke up the following day. Not bad service considering how many taxi's there must have been in the city and all we could remember was the colour of the taxi.

To conclude - this is a VERY nice hotel with great views and an extremely high standard of service. It's probably out of the price range of the average family on a vacation but if you can afford it or really want to stay here then you will not be able to fault anything at the hotel. It's not really near anything other than a couple of restaurants and the Marina itself but Los Angeles is so spread out nothing is really near anything else.

I would highly recommend this hotel to people who have it in their price range!

My husband and I stayed one night at the Ritz Carlton in Marina del Rey, and I cannot recommend this hotel more highly. The best part about the hotel is the amazing service. Every hotel staff person that we met was friendly and went out of his or her way to make our stay so enjoyable. Wonderful, wonderful, wonderful!!

I stayed here for business on the concierge floor and the staff was the best part. While I would not recommend this hotel if you are vacationing in LA due to its remote location, it was pleasant overall. The spa is average at best and in need of an update. The beds are probably the most comfortable I have ever slept in. And the restaurant is not bad - if your company is paying. Again - the staff was great but other than that I would not stay here unless it's a business trip and you have no choice.

We only stayed one night before boarding our cruise liner but what a glorious place to stay. The atmosphere from the first greeting was one of relaxed hospitality and after our flight and usual 2 hours standing in immigration it was a joy! The rooms were spacious and tastefully furnished with wonderful views over the marina. The bathroom didn't skimp either and the Bulgari toiletries were an added bonus.

Breakfast was a plentiful feast without breaking the bank and could be taken either inside or on the terrace. On top of all this the staff were helpful, friendly and some the most professional we have come across. We were part of the T5 debacle and reception provided everything we might require for our immediate needs and the concierge team worked through the night to secure any hope of recieving at least some of our luggage (something BA were not even interested in!)
I hope if you get the chance to stay here it will be for longer than one night.