Ritz-Carlton Marina del Rey

Five minutes from both the main Los Angeles airport (LAX) and the beach, the Ritz-Carlton Marina del Rey is both a posh and convenient landing spot whether or not you arrive by yacht via the adjacent marina. Some guest rooms, as well as the outdoor pool and the breezy poolside bar, offer views of the sailboats headed out for a day in the California sun and back to harbor. Take a photo tour of the Ritz-Carlton Marina del Rey

After checking in, I walked straight through my guest room to the sliding glass doors, stepped out onto the private balcony, and spent some time gazing enviously at the sailboats below. Some were heading out for a day in the coastal breeze, while some anchored steadfastly among their peers.

Despite the picture-perfect combination of beautiful views and ideal weather, returning inside wasn't too much of a sacrifice. The elegantly comfortable Ritz-Carlton surroundings included a pillowtop bed, a small but poshly all-marble bathroom, and a nice large (42") flat screen TV. My tech side was also soothed with free Wi-Fi and an iPod docking station.

Downstairs off the lobby, Jer-Ne presented a cozy and tempting scene. Breakfast, lunch and dinner menus were full of mouth-watering dishes like white asparagus with prosciutto and a slow-cooked aged beef with four cheese sauce. Diners on the al fresco terrace could gaze at the sleek boats close-up. A casual restaurant and bar poolside is another option year-round in southern California's weather.

Of course, if there's anything I love more than a stay at a Ritz Carlton, it's a stay at Club Level. I enjoyed most of my meals upstairs, where the staff was outstanding. They anticipated guests' needs and remembered preferences, all while doting over children and whisking away used plates with blink-and-you-miss-it speed. Breakfast, lunch, hors oeuvres and cocktails were enough to take the edge off hunger or even make a light meal; the Champagne was a popular choice among the guests. Two computers with printers were a convenient addition to Club Level, and the lounge has a dedicated concierge ready with helpful suggestions and personalized service.

I took advantage of the hotel's great location by requesting a complimentary ride in the Ritz Carlton towncar, which dropped me off three miles away in Santa Monica. It was a breezy and fun walk back, past the carnival rides of the pier, a surfing competition off the beach and the quirky collection of street venders and performers along the wide Venice Beach walkway.

Back at the hotel, I joined other guests in enjoying the dwindling afternoon sun at the waterfront pool, where a few lucky souls lounged in cabanas and cocktail servers refilled cups with fruity drinks. Had I needed to burn more calories, the hotel also offers two lighted tennis courts and a fitness center.