The hype
Guests are obsessed with the marina views and the 'floating' sensation of the rooms, but torn on the noise levels.
The Portofino Hotel & Marina
$170-280/ nacht
Boek dit als You want to wake up floating over the Pacific with a sea lion chorus line right outside your balcony.
Waarom mensen ervan houden
- Legitimate over-water rooms that feel like a ship's cabin
- BALEENkitchen's fire-pit patio is the best sunset spot in the South Bay
- Free beach cruiser bikes to hit the 27-mile coastal path
Snel Overzicht: A charming, slightly tired nautical hideaway where the views are world-class but the sea lions are louder than a frat party.
Beoordeeld door @ChanelPel: I came here needing a serious reset, and honestly, this place delivered. Sitting on that balcony watching the boats go by was pure therapy. The room felt super private, and having wine by the fire in the lobby was the perfect end to the day. Highly recommend for a quiet escape.
Gast die hier verbleef zei
Reality check
The 'Marina View' rooms often look directly at a parking lot unless you're on a higher floor.
- You love wildlife and don't mind the 'nature noise' of barking seals
- You want a romantic, fireplace-equipped room right on the water
- You plan to bike the Strand to Hermosa and Manhattan Beach
Schoonmaak & Onderhoud
8
- Housekeeping: Generally reliable daily service, though some recent reports mention missed dust on headboards.
- Bathroom hygiene: Bathrooms are clean but dated; grout lines show age in some units.
- Maintenance: The property is older and fights the salt air constantly. Expect some rust on balcony railings and worn carpet edges.
- Linens & towels: Crisp and standard hotel quality. No major complaints here.
- Odors & scents: Lobby smells like fresh ocean air; ocean-side balconies smell like sea lions (fishy/musky).
Sleepability™
6.5GEMATIGD
0-4LUID
4-7.5GEMATIGD
7.5-10STIL
- Barking sea lions (constant, day and night)
- Marina boat traffic and fog horns
- Thin walls in connecting rooms
Voordat je boekt
Goed om te weten
- Resort fee is ~$40/night and covers bikes, wifi, and lobby coffee.
- There is no AC in some oceanfront rooms; they rely on sliding doors and fans.
- The hotel is technically on a private peninsula, so it feels secluded but is a 10-min walk to the main pier.
Wat je mee moet nemen
- High-quality silicone earplugs (essential)
- A light jacket for the evening marine layer (it gets chilly even in summer)
- Binoculars for watching the dolphins and seals from your balcony
Kamer Genie
Beste keuzes
- Marina Side, 3rd Floor: The quietest option that still offers a water view without the direct seal noise.
- Ocean Side Suite: If you want the full immersive experience and have earplugs, the view is unbeatable.
Kamers om te vermijden
- Ground floor Marina Side (often looks at car bumpers)
- Rooms near the 'Living Room' lobby bar if you go to bed early (music/crowd noise)
Kamer Aanvraag Genie – kopiëren en plakken
“I would love a room on the 3rd floor, Marina Side, to minimize the sea lion noise while still keeping a water view. Please avoid ground-floor units facing the parking lot.”
Veelgestelde vragen & Verborgen tips
Alles wat je eigenlijk wilt weten voordat je boekt.
Is the sea lion noise really that bad?
Yes. It is a constant, barking roar. Some find it charming; most find it impossible to sleep through without earplugs.
Does the hotel have air conditioning?
Most rooms do, but some ocean-front units rely on the breeze. Confirm 'Air Conditioning' is listed on your specific booking.
Is breakfast included?
No. There is free coffee in the lobby, but full breakfast at BALEENkitchen is à la carte ($15-30).
Can I walk to the beach?
Yes, you are surrounded by water, but the sandy swimming beach (Redondo Beach) is about a 10-15 minute walk north.
Is the pool heated?
Yes, the outdoor pool is heated and overlooks the marina, open 8am-9pm.
Are pets allowed?
Yes, dogs are welcome for a $150 fee per stay. They even have a 'Pups Program' with treats.
Tips van Insiders
- ✨
BALEENkitchen has a 'Grog Happy Hour' Mon-Fri from 3pm-7pm with solid discounts on tacos and drinks.
- ✨
The 'Seaside Lagoon' next door is a heated saltwater swimming hole perfect for kids—hotel guests don't get free entry, but it's cheap and safer than the open ocean.
- ✨
Ask for a room *away* from the breakwater if you want to minimize the seal smell, which can be strong when the wind shifts.
5 dingen die je moet weten voordat je gaat
💡The smell. The sea lions are cute, but a colony of hundreds of them creates a distinct, pungent fishy odor.
💡The 'Marina View' rooms on the lower floors often stare directly at the grill of a parked Chevy Tahoe.
💡The water in the Seaside Lagoon next door is actually warmed by the nearby power plant's cooling pipes (it's clean, just a weird fact).
💡The hotel shares the peninsula with a permanent apartment building, so you'll see locals walking dogs and living their daily lives.
💡The 'Living Room' lobby bar is actually one of the best hidden spots for a quiet work-from-hotel session during the day.
Lokaal Playbook
Kaart
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