I visited this hotel for a spring wedding but I can't imagine a better place for a weekend winter escape. This is LA-hassle free. Just fly into LAX and you're minutes from the hotel. Not that you feel like it. Redondo Beach is a little beachy community off by itself. We had ocean views that included seals. (At first when my husband said he heard seals I thought he was deluded and teasingly asked him if he also heard zebras!) The hotel is within walking distance of several restaurants and a small shopping center with a drugstore, grocery, etc. The lobby is very pretty, like the entry hall of a mansion. We didn't get to spend much time here because we basically flew in and out for the wedding so I hope we get an opportunity to return.

My wife and I visited a friend in Redondo Beach. For proximity, our friend recommended the Portofino and Crowne Plaza. I price shopped and could not find a room under $140 at Portofino. But, fate was kind and the hotel ran a January sale at $120/night. Sold! The hotel has an attractive Cape Cod feel and there's great access to the beaches. (We spent most of our time at Hermosa Beach.) We made good use of the restaurant and bar areas for breakfast and dinner. Drinks by the fire in the hotel are a must. Staff members were exceptional. In searching for a complaint, food and beverage prices were on the higher side BUT were consistent with selection, service and the area. (Whisky choices at the bar were thoughtfully selected.) High season rates likely push this fine property out of our budget but we look forward to returning in a future off-season.

We stayed overnight New Years Eve in a spa room. Everything was great except the view, which was overlooking the water but since it was a bottom floor the view was just eh due to the water breakers. Bathroom was clean, jacuzzi tub was clean, sleeping area was clean. I would absolutely recommend the hotel and I would definitely stay again.

Try to choose an ocean view room; the sound of the harbor seals at night is very soothing. This is the second or third time we've stayed at this property (we live about 5 minutes away!) and this room was the nicest of all. The spa tub faced the outside window with french doors on either side. The toilet was a bit oddly placed adjacent to the tub, but the curtain could be pulled for privacy. The beds are up against the wall facing the ocean, so one could literally see the water sitting upright.

Like many older hotels, the walls are thin and outside noise is common. Also, the decks are nice, but when someone is smoking on one of them, the smoke travels into your room fairly quickly. Other than making the hotel completely smoke free, I'm not sure there is a way to get around that. Inconsiderate guests add to the issue when they smoke, yell, talk loudly at 1:00 a.m. and sing on their balcony, but it's Redondo Beach and you expect some of that.

Baleen is adjacent and they have a nicely done Happy Hour in a beautifully appointed room.

The lobby of the Portofino is wedding worthy. It's a lovely Wedgewood blue with white trim with a large fireplace in the center. It would be wonderful if food were served; I think you can only get drinks after a certain hour in the evening.

Even if you are not staying there, it's a nice place for a quick after work meeting to sit and relax and watch the boats sailing in and out of King Harbor.