LA’s Best Coastal Retreats: A Staycation Guide to Three Exceptional Pacifica Hotels

As a seasoned Los Angeles lifestyle enthusiast, I’m always searching for exceptional staycation experiences that offer both relaxation and a fresh perspective on our beautiful city. Recently, I had the pleasure of enjoying a multi-hotel stay at three distinctive Pacifica Hotels: Redondo Beach Hotel, Jamaica Bay Inn, and Marina del Rey Hotel. Whether you’re a local looking for a weekend escape or an out-of-town visitor seeking authentic LA coastal vibes, these properties deliver unforgettable experiences with their prime locations, exceptional amenities, and distinctive character.

Pacifica Hotels stands as the largest owner and operator of boutique hotels on the Pacific coast. This impressive collection of lifestyle and brand hotels in spectacular locations is dedicated to one singular mission — providing unforgettable experiences. With over 40 properties spanning California, from downtown LA to the Central Coast, as well as Hawaii, their design-forward hotels combine personalized service, innovative technology, and welcoming rooms in top-performing destinations. What I’ve consistently found with Pacifica properties is their meticulous attention to detail, ensuring each stay meets the high expectations of discerning travelers seeking both comfort and distinctive local character.

Redondo Beach Hotel: A Coastal Gem with Small-Town Charm

400 N. Harbor Drive, Redondo Beach, CA 90277; 310.376.0746

An image of the Redondo Beach Hotel.
Located steps from King Harbor with brilliant marina views, the hotel sits right across from Redondo Beach.

My coastal journey began at the inviting Redondo Beach Hotel, a new addition to the prestigious Tapestry Collection by Hilton, where Edward, the General Manager, welcomed us with a personalized site tour. This boutique property perfectly balances modern comfort with the relaxed atmosphere that defines Southern California living.

Located steps from King Harbor with brilliant marina views, the hotel sits right across from Redondo Beach where the city hosts concerts and various events throughout the year. During my stay, the Beach Music Festival was taking place, offering an unexpected perk – hotel guests can enjoy these performances from the comfort of their rooms, providing a VIP-like experience without battling crowds.

The hotel features comfortable, well-appointed rooms with coastal-inspired décor and all the amenities needed for a rejuvenating stay. After settling in, I spent some time exploring the property’s outdoor spaces and taking in the fresh ocean air.

An image of a guest room at the Redondo Beach Hotel.
The hotel features comfortable, well-appointed rooms with coastal-inspired décor and all the amenities needed for a rejuvenating stay.

One of the hotel’s standout features is its proximity to local attractions. Guests can easily rent bikes directly from the hotel and explore the iconic beach boardwalk connecting Redondo to neighboring Hermosa and Manhattan Beach. This scenic ride offers stunning ocean views and access to numerous local shops and eateries. For dining convenience, the popular Cheesecake Factory is located right across the street, perfect for casual meals with ocean views.

The on-site Azul Café serves a delightful breakfast with locally-sourced ingredients – perfect fuel before a day of coastal exploration. For dinner, we ventured to nearby Gabi James, a Mediterranean-inspired restaurant featuring Spanish and French coastal cuisine that reflects the area’s diverse culinary scene. Everything was so good, but the standout dish was the Seafood Paella. Picture juicy shrimp, tender calamari, tasty mussels, clams & savory chorizo seasoned to perfection and mixed with robust Spanish seasoned rice & squid ink aioli. Yeah, it’s that good.

An image of the seafood paella from Gabi James.
Nearby restaurant Gabi James serves an amazing Seafood Paella, made with juicy shrimp, tender calamari, tasty mussels, clams & savory chorizo seasoned to perfection and mixed with robust Spanish seasoned rice & squid ink aioli.

For a quintessential taste of the laid-back LA coastal lifestyle, the Redondo Beach Hotel stands out as an excellent choice. Its prime location, steps from the harbor and Redondo Beach – even offering front-row seats to local events – coupled with its modern comfort, bike rentals for boardwalk adventures, and delicious on-site dining options, makes it the perfect home base for exploring the South Bay and soaking in the vibrant Southern California spirit.

Jamaica Bay Inn: Marina Magic in a Tropical Setting

4175 Admiralty Way, Marina del Rey, CA 90292; 310.823.5333

An image of the exterior of the Jamaica Bay Inn Hotel.
The Jamaica Bay Inn in Marina del Rey offers a laid-back tropical-inspired vibe.

Just a short drive away, the Jamaica Bay Inn in Marina del Rey offers a completely different vibe with its tropical-inspired design. As part of the prestigious Tapestry Collection by Hilton, this boutique property boasts newly renovated guest rooms that blend luxury with beachfront comfort. Upon arrival, we were treated to a comprehensive site tour showcasing the property’s unique features.

The hotel’s standout feature is undoubtedly its exclusive position as the ONLY hotel located directly on Marina del Rey’s Mother’s Beach, a calm bay perfect for paddleboarding, kayaking, or simply lounging on the sand. Adventure seekers can even try paddleboard yoga—an activity I admittedly chickened out on this trip but am determined to master on my next visit! The lush landscaping and swaying palm trees create a resort-like atmosphere that feels miles away from the urban sprawl.

An image of a woman stand up paddle boarding.
The hotel’s standout feature is undoubtedly its exclusive position as the ONLY hotel located directly on Marina del Rey’s Mother’s Beach, a calm bay perfect for paddleboarding, paddleboard yoga, kayaking, or simply lounging on the sand.

My stay included an extraordinary culinary experience at Beachside Restaurant, the hotel’s waterfront dining venue. Our lunch featured a special “Mini Meet Your Makers” event with private barrel tastings that elevated the meal to a memorable gastronomic journey. The Ahi Tuna Cups paired perfectly with the tropical Tropi-Cali cocktail made with Kuleana Rum, while the Pan Seared Branzino in a saffron-lemon sauce (so delicious I cleaned my plate!) was masterfully complemented by their take on an Old Fashioned bourbon cocktail. My companions enjoyed the Petit Filet and Mushroom Risotto, which they declared equally delicious. For dessert, we indulged in Chocolate Mousse Cups paired with a yummy Cafe de Olla Martini, made with El Tesoro Private Barrel Anejo—a sophisticated twist on an espresso martini.

An image of a collage of 6 images of the food and drinks at Beachside Restaurant and Bar.
Jamaica Bay Inn’s signature dining venue Beachside Restaurant, features an elevated California coastal cuisine infused with global flavors.

Beyond our exceptional lunch experience, Beachside Restaurant is renowned for Executive Chef Ron Herrera’s weekend brunch served every Saturday and Sunday from 10:00 am – 2:00 pm, along with special events like Murder Mystery Dinners that attract both locals and visitors seeking unique dining experiences.

The Jamaica Bay Inn expertly blends luxury accommodations with laid-back beach vibes. The rooms feature contemporary furnishings with tropical accents, premium linens, and a private balcony overlooking the marina. The property’s central location provides easy access to Venice Beach, Abbot Kinney Boulevard, and other iconic LA destinations. It’s also perfectly positioned for those attending concerts or sporting events at nearby venues like SoFi Stadium, Kia Forum, or Intuit Dome—making it an ideal base for LA Rams, Chargers, or Clippers games.

Marina del Rey Hotel: Sophisticated Luxury On the Water

13534 Bali Way, Marina del Rey, CA 90292; 310.301.1000

An image of the exterior of Marina Del Rey Hotel.
The Marina del Rey Hotel sits directly on the world’s largest man-made small craft harbor, offering unparalleled views of luxury yachts and the bustling marina life.

The final stop on my Pacifica Hotels journey took us a mile and a half away from Jamaica Bay Inn to the elegant Marina del Rey Hotel. This sophisticated property sits directly on the world’s largest man-made small craft harbor, offering unparalleled views of luxury yachts and the bustling marina life.

Following a warm welcome and comprehensive property tour, I settled into my stylishly appointed room featuring nautical-inspired décor, premium bedding, and state-of-the-art amenities. My hotel room balcony became my favorite spot for working and afternoon relaxation, providing the perfect vantage point for people-watching and boat-gazing.

An image of the guest room at the Marina del Rey Hotel.
Each guest room at the Marina del Rey Hotel features nautical-inspired décor, premium bedding, and state-of-the-art amenities.

The property hosts an impressive calendar of events that cater to both guests and visitors. Live music fills the air every Thursday and Friday from 6 – 9:00 pm, creating a vibrant atmosphere against the marina backdrop. Special events like the upcoming “A Night with WhistlePig & La Brea Bakery” showcase the hotel’s commitment to creating memorable experiences. For those seeking weekend fun, Sunday Funday offers a luxurious poolside experience with refreshing drinks, delicious bites, and DJ tunes—the perfect way to conclude a weekend in LA.

An image of the pool at the Marina del Rey Hotel.
For those seeking weekend fun, Sunday Funday offers a luxurious poolside experience with refreshing drinks, delicious bites, and DJ tunes—the perfect way to conclude a weekend in LA.

Dinner at SALT Restaurant was undoubtedly a highlight of my stay. This waterfront dining destination specializes in contemporary American cuisine that is truly MOUTHWATERING. Our meal began with the impossibly creamy Avocado Hummus, followed by a gooey Caprese Burrata that melted in our mouths. The flavorful Hawaiian Ahi Tuna Poke and Blackened N.Z. Lamb Lollipops continued our culinary journey through the menu’s standout items. For my entrée, I opted for the Salmon Caesar Salad, which elevated the classic dish with perfectly cooked salmon. Dessert was nothing short of extraordinary—the Bread Pudding Souffle and Basque “Burnt” Cheesecake were both DELICIOUS, providing a sweet conclusion to an exceptional meal.

A birdseye image of  the spread at SALT.
Marina del Rey’s waterfront dining destination SALT specializes in contemporary American cuisine that is truly MOUTHWATERING.

Perhaps the most unique culinary experience at Marina del Rey Hotel is their “High Tea and Highballs,” offered Wednesdays through Sundays from 1:30 – 4:00 pm. This “High Tea on the High Seas” experience invites guests to embark on a luxurious voyage of taste where tradition meets the thrill of the ocean. Visitors can choose from the Cadet’s, Seafarer’s, or Captain’s Tea, each offering a selection of fine Dammann teas, paired with an amuse-bouche and a tower of gourmet tea sandwiches. The experience is elevated with signature highballs crafted with premium Japanese whisky.

I’ve been to a lot of afternoon teas, but this one is special. It’s more laid back, with meticulously crafted cocktails. My favorite was the Marina Fog—a cocktail made with Japanese Whisky and Earl Grey tea. The food tower was SOOO good! As a pescatarian, they thoughtfully swapped out the Chicken Curry Sandwich for a Shrimp po’ boy which was OUTSTANDING! The tower also featured an Avocado and Mushroom Tartine, and a delicious Lobster Roll. Sweet treats included Macarons, Scones, and assorted Baked Goods that perfectly complemented the savory offerings.

An image of a collage of 4 images from SALT's high tea.
Perhaps the most unique culinary experience at Marina del Rey Hotel is their “High Tea and Highballs,” offered Wednesdays through Sundays from 1:30 – 4:00 pm.

The Marina del Rey Hotel strikes an ideal balance between luxury accommodations and accessible amenities. with its thoughtful touches like the interactive high tea experience that elevate the stay beyond typical hotel offerings. Nestled in a prime spot, this property offers effortless access to the vibrant energy of Venice Beach, the trendy boutiques of Abbot Kinney Boulevard, and many of LA’s most famous landmarks. Its central location is also a dream for sports and music enthusiasts, providing a convenient home base for catching LA Rams, Chargers, or Clippers games at SoFi Stadium, the Kia Forum, or the brand-new Intuit Dome during your Southern California visit.

The Perfect LA Escape for Locals and Visitors Alike

What makes these three Pacifica Hotels particularly appealing is their versatility. For LA locals seeking a refreshing staycation, they offer a chance to experience familiar neighborhoods from a new perspective, complete with resort-style amenities and ocean views that remind us why we chose to live in Southern California.

For out-of-town visitors, these properties provide authentic Los Angeles experiences away from the typical tourist traps, showcasing the diverse coastal communities that give our city its unique character. The ease of moving between these three distinct neighborhoods – Redondo Beach, Marina del Rey, and Mother’s Beach – offers a comprehensive taste of LA’s beach culture.

Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway, seeking accommodation for visiting friends and family, or simply need a change of scenery without leaving town, Redondo Beach Hotel, Jamaica Bay Inn, and Marina del Rey Hotel deliver exceptional experiences that capture the essence of coastal Los Angeles living. From beach cruiser rides and waterfront dining to poolside relaxation and marina views, these Pacifica Hotels properties showcase the best of Southern California’s legendary coastal lifestyle.

An image of lifestyle blogger Ariel with two other writers at the marina.
Whether you’re a local seeking a weekend escape or an out-of-town visitor seeking authentic LA coastal vibes, these three Pacifica Hotels: Redondo Beach Hotel, Jamaica Bay Inn, and Marina del Rey Hotel, deliver exceptional experiences that capture the essence of coastal Los Angeles living.

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