You know that feeling when you drive toward the ocean and the air suddenly turns cold and salty? That’s the exact moment you realize Redondo Beach isn't just another Los Angeles suburb. It’s different here. And tucked away on a private peninsula, literally surrounded by the Pacific, sits The Portofino Hotel and Marina. It’s not the flashiest place in SoCal. Honestly, if you’re looking for the ultra-modern, glass-and-steel vibe of Santa Monica, you might be disappointed. But that’s kind of the point.
The Portofino is a vibe. It’s legacy. It’s one of the few places where you can actually hear the sea lions barking from your balcony without the sound of the 405 drowning them out.
The History Nobody Really Talks About
Most people check in, grab a drink, and never realize they’re standing on a piece of automotive history. Back in the early 70s, this hotel was the finish line for the Cannonball Baker Sea-to-Shining-Sea Memorial Trophy Dash. Yeah, the real Cannonball Run. Brock Yates, the legendary automotive journalist, used the Portofino as the final destination for a chaotic, cross-country race that eventually inspired the Burt Reynolds movies.
It wasn't always a Noble House property. It started with a vision by Mary and Tony Giraudo in the 1960s. They wanted something that felt like the Italian Riviera but lived in the South Bay. They succeeded. Even after massive renovations in the mid-2000s and more recent touch-ups, that "old world" nautical soul is still there.
Why the Oceanfront Side is the Only Side
Let’s be real for a second. If you book a room at The Portofino Hotel and Marina and you don’t get an oceanfront room, you’re doing it wrong.
There are two sides to the building. One faces the marina, which is cool if you like looking at expensive yachts and watching people struggle with stand-up paddleboards. It’s calm. It’s serene. But the ocean side? That’s where the magic happens.
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The waves literally crash against the rocks right beneath your feet. Because the hotel is built on a breakwater, there is no beach between you and the water. It’s just... ocean. You get these massive floor-to-ceiling windows and private balconies. If the tide is high and the swell is up, the sound is actually kind of loud. Some people find it distracting. Personally? It’s the best sleep you’ll ever have.
The Sea Lion Situation
You’re going to hear them before you see them. The Redondo Beach sea lions are a permanent fixture of the marina. They hang out on the nearby barges and docks, and they are incredibly vocal.
- They bark at 2:00 AM.
- They bark at 10:00 AM.
- They basically own the place.
If you’re a light sleeper, ask for a room on a higher floor or bring earplugs. But most guests find it charming—it’s a reminder that you’re in a living, breathing ecosystem, not some sterile Marriott.
Dining at BALEENkitchen
Forget the weird capitalization in the name for a minute. BALEENkitchen is actually one of the better hotel restaurants in the South Bay. It’s got this eclectic, slightly eccentric decor—think fire pits, velvet accents, and a bar that feels like a captain’s quarters.
The menu is heavy on seafood, as it should be. The blackened fish tacos are a staple, but the real winner is usually the local catch. They do a solid happy hour too. If you can snag a spot by the fire pits outside on the "marina-side" patio, do it. Watching the sunset with a "Portofino Margarita" in hand is basically a requirement for staying here.
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One thing to keep in mind: it gets busy. Not just with hotel guests, but with locals. Redondo Beach residents actually like this place, which is usually a good sign for a hotel restaurant.
The Local Area: Beyond the Lobby
You’ve got to get out of the hotel at some point. The Portofino provides complimentary beach cruisers, and you should absolutely use them.
You can hop on the Marvin Braude Bike Trail—commonly known as "The Strand." It’s a 22-mile paved path that runs all the way up to Will Rogers State Beach in Pacific Palisades. From the Portofino, you’re just a quick ride away from the Redondo Beach Pier.
The Pier vs. The International Boardwalk
Don’t get them confused. The Pier is the big, horseshoe-shaped concrete structure. It’s got the classic tourist stuff, some decent seafood spots like Quality Seafood (where you can pick your own crab and they’ll steam it right there), and some kitschy gift shops.
The International Boardwalk is a bit grittier but more fun. It’s tucked down at water level near the marina. This is where you’ll find Naja’s Place, a legendary dive bar with 88 taps of craft beer. It’s been there forever, the floor is usually a little sticky, and it is the absolute best place to watch a game or just people-watch after a day on the water.
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Is it Worth the Price Tag?
Let’s talk money. The Portofino isn't cheap. You’re paying for the location.
There are newer hotels in the area. There are cheaper hotels. But there isn't another hotel in Los Angeles where you are this close to the water without being in a boat. The rooms are spacious, the beds are comfortable, and the service is generally "California casual"—friendly, but don't expect the stiff formality of a Ritz-Carlton.
What you’re really buying is the view. If you’re looking for a corporate, "standardized" experience, go stay at the Hilton near LAX. If you want a place that feels like a quirky, upscale coastal retreat where you might see a dolphin from your shower, this is it.
Common Misconceptions
People often think Redondo Beach is just a stopover for LAX. It’s about 7 miles south of the airport, so yeah, it’s convenient. But it’s a destination in its own right.
Another mistake? Thinking you need a car for everything. If you’re staying at the Portofino, you can walk or bike to 80% of what you need. Uber is plentiful for the rest. Parking at the hotel can be pricey (valet only, usually), so if you can avoid bringing a car, your wallet will thank you.
Practical Steps for Your Visit
- Book the "Oceanfront" category. I cannot stress this enough. If you book the "Marina View," it’s still nice, but you’re missing the core experience of the hotel.
- Check the Surf Report. If there’s a big winter swell, the waves hitting the breakwater are spectacular. It’s a free show.
- Grab a Bike Early. The hotel’s fleet of cruisers is popular. If it’s a sunny Saturday, get down to the front desk by 9:00 AM to snag one.
- Visit the King Harbor Sea Lab. It’s right nearby. It’s a small, local spot that does great work with white seabass restoration and has some cool touch tanks for kids.
- Walk to Tony’s on the Pier. Known as "Old Tony’s," it’s a landmark. Go to the top-floor bar for a "Fire Chief" cocktail. You get to keep the glass. It’s a rite of passage.
The Portofino Hotel and Marina isn't trying to be the most modern hotel in the world. It’s lean, it’s salty, and it’s unapologetically coastal. It’s a place for people who actually like the ocean, not just the idea of it. Whether you're there for the Cannonball Run history or just to hide away from the city for a weekend, it delivers something that a standard hotel just can't: a genuine connection to the Pacific.