I am a huge fan of Ritz Carlton and I realize that they all have individual owners but this property is in need of a renovation to the rooms and the common areas. They are showing their age and that is just not up to par with other Ritz properties.

I actually changed hotels after staying there for 2 nights. We were in town to look at nearby colleges and assumed this Ritz would be like every other Ritz property. Not so. I would stay elsewhere in this case, The Montage in Bev. Hills is amazing but quite a hike from this area. Santa Monica is nearby and Shutters is a nice hotel there.

The other issue to staying in Marina del Rey is that although you have a wonderful water setting, there is not much to do in the immediate vicinity.

I wasn't going to stay here because I believe that Ritz Carltons should all have separate baths and showers but I was glad that I did. The service was very good and the rooms were nicely appointed ( even the shower curtain looked ok!!!!). It is in a good location on the Marina but is a little bit of a walk to Venice Beach and a long walk to Santa Monica. I didn't mind the walk though because I could then justify a visit to the Cheesecake Factory!!!
The hotel supply free bottled water, slippers, robes etc and free coffee in the lobby which I enjoyed outside on the wonderful terrace. The pool area was nice as were the gardens.

We spent a couple nights at the Ritz during our recent trip to the Rose Bowl game. Staff greeted us with everything ready along with some complimentary snacks in the room. We overlooked the pool and marina in a room that was spacious, clean and comfortable. After the big game, we were too exhausted to go out and navigate finding food, so we did room service. The food was first class and delicious, service, impeccable. After a pleasant night's sleep, we went down a got some great directions for a run along the beach toward Santa Monica, perfect weather. There was a genuine level of caring from the staff and I would not hesitate returning on another trip to the LA area.

The hotel is preparing for some updates/reburishments but the room I had (unrefurbished standard room overlooking pool) was spacious, clean, quiet and comfortable. Hotel staff accomodated my requests (examples: for a king bed; a change to preparation of an item on the breakfast menu). Valet service was pricey (as expected for a hotel of that class in LA area) but the car always was brought out quickly with no "back ups." Room service delivery was always prompt and friendly, and the food was tasty.