You're scrolling through travel sites, looking for that perfect spot in the South Bay, and you keep seeing the name Crowne Plaza Hotel Redondo Beach California. It looks great in the old photos. The location is killer. But then you try to book it and things get... weird. You might find yourself redirected or seeing a different name altogether.
Honestly, the biggest thing most people get wrong about this property is that it technically doesn't exist under that name anymore. It's undergone a massive shift that's changed the vibe more than just a new sign on the door.
The Big Rebrand: It's Now the Sonesta Redondo Beach & Marina
If you’ve been looking for the Crowne Plaza, you’ve likely found the Sonesta Redondo Beach & Marina. This isn't just a minor tweak. Back in late 2020 and early 2021, a massive wave of IHG properties—including the Crowne Plaza in Redondo—were transitioned over to the Sonesta brand.
Why? Business. Basically, the company that owned the actual building (Service Properties Trust) had a falling out with IHG and moved a huge portfolio of hotels over to Sonesta.
So, when you search for the Crowne Plaza Hotel Redondo Beach California, you are looking at a ghost of hospitality past. But the building is very much alive. It’s still sitting right there at 300 North Harbor Drive, overlooking the Pacific. The bones are the same, but the soul has shifted toward a more "lifestyle" brand approach.
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What the Experience Actually Looks Like in 2026
Walking into the lobby today, you’ll notice the shift away from that corporate, slightly stiff Crowne Plaza energy. It’s airier. There's a certain "California cool" that the new management has tried to lean into.
You’ve got 342 rooms here. Many of them have balconies that face the marina. If you’re lucky enough to snag one on a higher floor, you’re looking straight at the King Harbor Marina or the Palos Verdes hills. It’s breathtaking at sunset.
- The Pool Scene: The rooftop-style recreational deck is still the crown jewel. It has a heated pool and a hot tub. It’s the kind of place where you can actually watch the boats come in while you’re drying off.
- Dining Dynamics: They have two main spots. SOL Restaurant handles the breakfast crowd—expect patio seating and some decent Californian-fusion vibes. Then there’s the Harbor Bar & Bistro in the lobby for your evening cocktails and American standard fare.
- Pet Policy: Unlike the old days when bringing a dog felt like a covert op, the Sonesta brand is famously pet-friendly. They have a "PAWS" (Pets Are Welcome at Sonesta) program. No breed or weight restrictions. That's a huge deal for travelers who don't want to leave their golden retriever at home.
The Location "Cheat Code"
The reason people still obsess over the former Crowne Plaza Hotel Redondo Beach California is the geography. You are basically parked at the gateway to the Redondo Beach Pier.
It's a five-minute walk. Maybe six if you stop to look at a seagull.
Being this close to the pier means you don't have to deal with the absolute nightmare of pier parking. You just walk out the front door, cross the street, and you're at the International Boardwalk. You’ve got the fresh fish markets, the arcade, and those specific Redondo "tilting" views of the ocean.
Plus, you’re less than a mile from the SEA Lab and the Seaside Lagoon. If you’re traveling with kids, this is the ultimate home base. You can burn their energy off at the lagoon and be back in the room for a nap in ten minutes flat.
Addressing the "Wear and Tear" Rumors
Let’s be real for a second. This property has been around. While the rebrand brought new carpet, fresh paint, and updated bedding (we're talking high-thread-count Egyptian cotton now), it is still an older structure.
Some travelers mention that the elevators can be a bit slow or that certain corners of the hallways feel like they’re from a different decade. It's a trade-off. You’re trading ultra-modern, sterile architecture for a prime waterfront location and larger-than-average room sizes.
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If you want a brand-new, glass-and-steel box, you might look at the Shade Hotel down the street. But you’ll pay double. The former Crowne Plaza—now Sonesta—occupies that "upper-mid-range" sweet spot. It’s for the traveler who wants the view and the balcony without the $600-a-night price tag.
Is it Still a Business Hotel?
Crowne Plaza was always the "business" arm of IHG. Does that vibe persist? Sorta.
They still have 25,000 square feet of meeting space. That’s massive for this area. You’ll still see people in suits hanging out in the lobby, but they’re now mixed with surfers and families. It’s a hybrid. The 24-hour fitness center is solid, and the business center actually works.
If you're here for a conference, you’re going to be happy. If you're here for a wedding, the Coral Ballroom is still one of the biggest spots in the South Bay to host 500 people.
Actionable Tips for Your Stay
If you’re planning to book what was once the Crowne Plaza Hotel Redondo Beach California, here is how to do it right:
- Skip the "Standard" Room: Seriously. If you’re coming to the beach, pay the extra $30 for a Marina or Ocean View. A "City View" here often means looking at the parking lot or the back of another building. The balcony is the whole point of this hotel.
- Check the "Destination Fee": Like many SoCal hotels, they charge a daily destination fee (usually around $30). It covers the Wi-Fi, the fitness center, and sometimes includes a food and beverage credit. Make sure you actually use that $10 credit at the bar—don't leave money on the table.
- Parking Hack: On-site parking is pricey (upwards of $40/day). If you’re mobile and don’t mind a short walk, there are public lots nearby, but honestly, for convenience and safety, most people just bite the bullet and use the hotel garage.
- The "Intuit Dome" Connection: If you’re in town for a show or a Clippers game at the new Intuit Dome in Inglewood, this hotel is about 12 miles away. It’s a great "escape" spot. You do the high-energy event in Inglewood and then retreat to the quiet of the marina.
By understanding that the Crowne Plaza has evolved into the Sonesta, you avoid the confusion at check-in and can focus on what actually matters: the salt air, the pier, and that rooftop pool. It remains one of the most functional, well-located spots in the South Bay, even if the name on the building changed.