Best Beach Hotel In LA? JW Santa Monica Vs Ritz Vs Marriott Marina Del Ray
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Which is the best beach hotel In Los Angeles? JW Marriott Santa Monica Versus Ritz-Carlton Marina Del Ray vs. Marriott Marina Del Ray. We have also reviewed the best club lounges in Los Angeles if none of these hotel options work for you.

The JW Marriott Santa Monica has the best location but is the only one of these three hotels without a club lounge in Santa Monica. There are loads of restaurants and bars in the area of Santa Monica directly surrounding this JW Marriott hotel, and of course, you have the beach, boardwalk, and pier just steps away.

Ritz-Carlton Marina Del Ray is a gorgeous hotel with a great club lounge, but you will need a car as you really need to be able to drive to activities. It’s also not on the beach.

Marriott Marina Del Ray is and feels cheaper than the other two hotels. It isn’t as luxurious, but this is reflected in the price in both Marriott Bonvoy points and in cash.

Other options are the Fairmont Miramar, and further south, there are hotels in Manhattan Beach and Huntington.

1. Ritz-Carlton, Marina del Rey

Probably the best luxury hotel with the best club lounge in Los Angeles is the Ritz-Carlton, Marina del Rey, an authentic Southern California retreat located on one of the largest recreational marinas in the world and crucially, just five minutes from LAX.

One thing to note about this hotel, it is located in a Marina and not really accessible to the beach, so if you want a beach, this is not your best choice.

Immerse yourself in stunning coastal surroundings in one of their 304 waterfront guest rooms and suites, relax at Sisley Spa, farm-to-table, dine at Cast & Plow or exercise on the tennis and basketball courts or in their gorgeous heated saltwater pool. Nearby, the Strand provides a scenic pathway for walking, running, and cycling, while the marina is a top destination for water activities.

Book a Club Level Guest Room and enjoy partial Marina and city views, personal “Juliet” balconies, expansive windows and doors for enhanced vistas and light, luxurious Asprey bath essentials and exclusive Club Lounge access.

Ritz-Carlton Club rooms are a great deal because of the access to the Club Lounge. Amenities including a dedicated team who assist with special requests and vacation plans. More importantly, complimentary small bite food and beverage presentations are offered throughout the day, more than enough to fill you up. Premium cocktails and wines are also available for purchase. Extra activities included for free are a cocktail demonstration from a mixologist highlighting local ingredients from the farmers market and a wine lesson from our Sommelier and learn about what pairs well with certain blends.

The decor in the lounge is nautical blue, relaxing, and luxurious, and the location is on the club level floor 11 (club floors are 11 and 12). Club lounges at Ritz-Carlton hotels tend to be some of the best, with some of the best food of any club lounge. The continuous culinary offerings throughout the day include breakfast, light lunch, evening hors d’oeuvres, desserts, and sweets.

2. JW Marriott Santa Monica Le Merigot

JW Marriott Santa Monica Le Merigot is in a brilliant location, and there are loads of restaurants in that area of Santa Monica as well as the superb beach, boardwalk, and pier. In fact, the hotel is really near the pier, so there is a wide variety of entertainment and food for all ages.

Santa Monica is a great location for driving to both Malibu and Venice Beach. This high-end Marriott has an excellent beachside location and a very good spa.

Rooms have city beach and ocean views, many with private balconies. The problem with this hotel is that, although it is a great choice, the JW does not have a lounge. They do vouchers for Elite Marriott Bonvoy members (platinum, titanium, and ambassador) for breakfast for 2.

3. Marina del Rey Marriott

Your other Marriott Bonvoy option in Marina del Ray is the Marina del Rey Marriott. This hotel is not nearly as good as the Ritz and JW mentioned above but is still worth considering if you are in the area.

Located in the heart of one of the most desirable coastal communities, five miles from LAX and minutes from famous Venice Beach, this hotel offers spacious hotel rooms with pampering amenities and a private balcony offering incredible views of the Marina or Santa Monica. The only problem with this hotel is that there’s not much within walking distance.

Stop by their popular restaurant, Sinder, where the locals meet for delicious dining and fun weekly events. Go for a swim in the pool, work out in the gym, or head out to the beach across from our hotel. Host business meetings or weddings in conference rooms or the ballroom with unmatched views of the ocean. Los Angeles is nearby, as are Marina del Rey’s shops, restaurants, and nightlife.

There is a club lounge at Marina del Rey Marriott, which is decent, with wonderful city views, but the lounge is small with limited food and drinks, and it gets very busy, so it should not be a reason to choose this hotel alone.

Parking is expensive here. The website says around $37 USD valet. Directly across the street is MDR Parking Lot #10, which costs $6 USD for a 24-hour period weekdays in the low season and tends to be a much better deal.

Note: Benefits & upgrades subject to availability. Benefits offered correct at the time of writing. Terms & conditions apply. Enquire for more information. Posts may be sponsored by the proprietor or brand being appraised. All opinions remain our own & are in no way influenced.