Honestly, if you're looking at the Crowne Plaza Los Angeles Harbor Hotel San Pedro, you’re probably not hunting for a five-star luxury resort with gold-plated faucets. You're likely trying to figure out if it’s the best place to crash before your cruise leaves the Port of Los Angeles.
It is. Mostly.
The hotel sits right in the middle of San Pedro’s "Little Italy" district. It’s a bit of an old-school landmark in the area. Built back in 1986 and having gone through several facelifts—the most recent notable one being around 2022—it’s got that specific "solid" feel that newer, cheaper builds lack. You’ve got 10 stories of concrete and glass overlooking a working harbor. It’s gritty, it’s salty, and it’s incredibly convenient.
The Logistics: Getting to the Crowne Plaza Los Angeles Harbor Hotel San Pedro
Location is basically the only reason this hotel stays as busy as it does. You are roughly 15 miles from LAX. In Los Angeles traffic, that could mean 30 minutes or it could mean two hours of questioning your life choices on the 405.
If you're driving, the hotel is at 601 S. Palos Verdes St.
✨ Don't miss: How Long Ago Did the Titanic Sink? The Real Timeline of History's Most Famous Shipwreck
Parking here is a bit of a thing. They have a "Park and Cruise" package that is legendary among frequent travelers. Basically, you stay one night, and they let you leave your car in their covered garage while you're out at sea. This is almost always cheaper than paying the daily rates at the World Cruise Center terminal lots.
Shuttle Realities
Don't expect a free ride to the ship unless you booked a specific package.
- Standard Shuttle Cost: Usually around $5.50 to $10.00 per person.
- Timing: It runs frequently, usually starting around 9:00 AM.
- Walking: You can walk to the terminal. It’s about 15-20 minutes. But if you're dragging three suitcases and it's 85 degrees out? Just pay for the shuttle.
What’s Actually Inside?
The rooms are surprisingly big. That’s the benefit of an older building. You aren't squeezed into a "micro-room" like you see in downtown LA. You get actual floor space.
There are 244 rooms here, including 56 suites. If you can, snag a room on a higher floor facing the water. Watching the massive container ships and cruise liners creep in and out of the harbor at 6:00 AM with a cup of mediocre hotel coffee is actually a vibe.
🔗 Read more: Why the Newport Back Bay Science Center is the Best Kept Secret in Orange County
The Amenities Rundown
The fitness center is decent—open 24 hours. The outdoor pool and hot tub are on a raised deck. It’s heated, but let’s be real: San Pedro gets breezy. If the marine layer is thick, you might find the pool area a bit chilly.
Blu Restaurant + Lounge is the on-site spot.
It’s fine. It’s reliable.
They do a breakfast buffet that usually costs about $27 for adults. Is it worth $27? Probably not if you just want toast. But if you’re planning on eating enough bacon to power a small village before your 11:00 AM embarkation, go for it. Their dinner menu is "California eclectic," which is code for "we have burgers, salads, and a really good craft beer list." They actually have about 15+ craft beers on tap, which is a nice touch for a hotel bar.
What Most People Get Wrong About San Pedro
People think the area around the harbor is just industrial wasteland. It’s not.
Because the Crowne Plaza Los Angeles Harbor Hotel San Pedro is in the Business Arts District, you’re actually walkable to some cool stuff.
💡 You might also like: Flights from San Diego to New Jersey: What Most People Get Wrong
- The Battleship USS Iowa: It’s right there. You can see the massive guns from some of the hotel windows. It’s a 10-minute walk.
- Little Italy: There are some genuinely fantastic Italian spots nearby. Check out La Bocca Felice for dinner if you want to escape hotel food.
- The Trolley: There’s a free downtown trolley (usually runs Thursday through Sunday) that loops around the waterfront.
The Elephant in the Room: Age and Service
Look, this isn't a brand-new Marriott. Some guests complain about "tired" decor or elevators that take their sweet time. It’s a high-volume hotel. On "Turnaround Sunday," when one ship is arriving and another is leaving, the lobby can feel like a chaotic bus station.
The staff is used to it. They are efficient, but don't expect them to have a 20-minute chat about your travel itinerary when there’s a line of 40 people with luggage carts behind you.
Insider Tips for a Better Stay
- Request a "Marina View": Avoid the courtyard rooms if there’s a wedding. This hotel does a lot of events, and the courtyard can get loud until late.
- Enterprise Rental Car: There’s an Enterprise office literally in the same parking lot. If you’re doing a one-way rental from the airport, this is the easiest drop-off point in the city.
- The Market: There’s a 24-hour marketplace in the lobby. It’s overpriced, but if you forgot your toothbrush or need a late-night snack, it's a lifesaver.
Is It Worth the Price?
Rates fluctuate wildly. Sometimes it’s $180, sometimes it’s $450 if there’s a major convention or multiple ships in port.
If you are cruising, the convenience factor usually outweighs the price. Being able to wake up, see your ship out the window, and be at the check-in counter in 15 minutes is a luxury that's hard to put a price on.
Actionable Next Steps
- Check the Cruise Schedule: Before booking, see how many ships are in port the day you arrive. If it’s more than two, book your shuttle slot the second you check in.
- Book the Package: If you're driving, specifically look for the "Park & Cruise" rate on the IHG website. Booking them separately usually costs more.
- Explore Early: If you arrive the day before, drop your bags and walk three blocks to the waterfront. San Pedro has a specific maritime charm that most people miss because they just stay in their rooms.
The Crowne Plaza isn't trying to be the Ritz-Carlton. It's a functional, well-located hub for the Port of Los Angeles. If you go in expecting a solid basecamp with great views and easy access to the ships, you’ll leave happy.