Upon checking in I was welcomed with a glass of Champagne. I absolutely love when hotels offer this to guests it really takes you out of the stressful travel mood (as I just flew in that morning from San Francisco) into pampering, vaca & R & R.  This was a glass of Louis Roederer, a brand I adore and have visited in Reims, France. Read about Maison Louis Roederer here.

Taking in the gorgeous views of Marina del Rey as I checked in with my lovely glass of Champagne! It’s so relaxing here you really feel as if you’re on vacation by the water (which you are) which is crazy because you’re literally 40 minutes from downtown LA as well. This hotel has the best of both worlds, relaxation by the Marina meets close proximity to Los Angeles as well!

The lobby relaxation area was super inviting. We had drinks down here one night before heading out for dinner and it was bustling with guests.

We stayed in the Marina Guest Room with stunning views of the waterfront.  I was in LA with my college girlfriends for the Oprah Tour so it was a lot of fun all staying together at this fabulous hotel and having a girl’s reunion at The Ritz-Carlton, Marina del Rey. What a treat!

We were welcomed with a surprise from Ed, The Ritz-Carlton, Marina del Rey Marketing & Sales Director. How sweet of him to send a bottle of Chardonnay (which I LOVE!) to our room. Thank you Ed for the thoughtful welcome.

I arrived early Friday morning so spent the day at the pool relaxing and enjoying these stunning oceanfront views. They also offer poolside restaurant service so you can truly relax and not have to move all day if you want (which is what I did)!.

The Ritz-Carlton, Marina del Rey is situated directly along this great promenade where you can bike, walk or run. We borrowed bikes from the hotel (another amazing perk The Ritz-Carlton, Marina del Rey offers to guests) and rode to Santa Monica (approx. a 15-20 minute) ride which was so much fun!

Sunset views by the pool of the gorgeous Marina. As I said, you really feel like you’re on vacation at this stunning hotel!

The restaurant Cast & Plow at The Ritz-Carlton, Marina del Rey has waterfront views as you’re dining along the edge of the water.

All smiles with my girlfriends enjoying the lovely Ritz-Carlton, Marina del Rey

Farewell! Thanks for a magical weekend stay at The Ritz-Carlton, Marina del Rey. I can’t wait to come back next time I’m in the area. Thanks to the team for partnering with me on this stay.