Spring Getaway at The Portofino Hotel and Marina

On its own private peninsula in Redondo Beach, The Portofino Hotel and Marina feels worlds away when sitting on an oceanfront balcony and listening to the nearby barking seals in the channel leading out to the Pacific Ocean. These beloved mammals swimming in their natural environment entertain hotel guests in Spring.

The 161-room hotel was built in the 1960s by Mary Davis, a pioneer in car racing and stunt driving. It was purchased by Noble House Hotels in 1986, and after a multi-million-dollar refresh and renovation, guests walk into the elegant lobby “living room” to check-in.

Lobby in the Portofino

Plush upholstered furniture, glass tables and high-back chairs are placed in private alcoves near floor-to-ceiling windows. It’s an ideal spot for guests working during the day. At sunset and during the early evening, the area becomes a gathering spot for sunset cocktails before dinner at the nearby BALEENlounge and BALEENkitchen.

Seaside suites

Guests staying on the second or third floor ride an elevator with an underwater theme to their floor. The refreshed guest rooms, bathrooms, and luxury suites offer an elegant nautical vibe with blue hues and crisp white linens. Rooms on the bay side seem to float over the water looking out towards Palos Verdes Peninsula and Catalina Island beyond. Guest rooms on the Marina side overlook hundreds of boats in their slips.

Activities for guests during the a clear and warm Spring day, include swimming in the heated pool or soaking in the bubbling jacuzzi overlooking the ocean. The hotel offers complimentary cruiser bicycles for those who choose to ride along the flat 27 mile bike path to explore Manhattan Beach, El Segundo, Marina del Rey, Venice, Santa Monica to Malibu. The on-site activity center at Dockside Adventure Center, in partnership with REI rents paddle-boards and kayak excursions. Skim along the calm bay waters with others to visit the sea lions across from the hotel.

Ahi tacos and lobster Mac and cheese

Dine at the onsite all-day second-level BALEENkitchen and BALEENlounge offering picturesque marina views. Sip a cool drink at the comfortable lounge. Open daily the menu features breakfast items, and later crispy ahi tuna tacos, lobster Mac and Cheese, and larger plates that include grilled swordfish and bouillabaisse.

What makes the Portofino Hotel unique is The Cannonball Run, a car race from New York that finishes at the hotel. Race enthusiasts will notice a Cannonball Sea-To-Shining Sea Memorial Trophy clock at the entrance of the hotel. It states the current starting line time in New York at the Red Ball Garage in Manhattan and the finish line’s local Pacific time. Competitors had to ring a bell on the check-in desk to signal the completion of their race. This underground race became so popular, that it was made into a 1980s movie, Cannonball Run with scenes filmed at The Portofino Hotel.

The Portofino team is ready to help with wedding proposals and wedding celebrations. They offer a romantic package that includes a bottle of Veuve Clicquot Champagne, fresh strawberries, fresh florals in room, private two-hour sunset photography session, dinner for two at BALEENkitchen, elegant guest room and breakfast for two.

The resort is also pet friendly offering pet beds, treats and in-room dog bowls. The South Bay offers plenty of dog walking paths, parks and dog-friendly outdoor restaurants. There is a pet fee included in the package.

Within walking distance to the Redondo Beach Pier for whale watching in the spring and deep-sea fishing excursions, The Portofino Hotel and Marina is seven miles from Los Angeles International Airport (LAX).