Note: I was hosted by the Sonesta Redondo Beach & Marina. All opinions are my own.
Sometimes the best getaway isn’t across the country — it’s right down the coast.
I’ve explored a lot of the Los Angeles beach scene over the years, but Redondo Beach has always held a special place for me. It has this wonderful energy: laid-back but lively, local but welcoming, and just a little under the radar compared to the tourist bustle of Santa Monica and Venice. So when I had the chance to staycation at the Sonesta Redondo Beach & Marina, I jumped at it.
Here’s the full, honest breakdown.
Sonesta Redondo Beach Review
Sonesta Redondo Beach & Marina: The Location
Let’s start here, because location is genuinely where this hotel shines. The Sonesta Redondo Beach sits right on the marina, and the surrounding neighborhood is a treat — you’re steps from the waterfront, within walking distance of the pier, and surrounded by great restaurants and local spots to explore.
If you’re an LA local looking for a staycation that actually feels like an escape, or a visitor who wants the beach experience without fighting the crowds of Santa Monica or Venice, Redondo Beach is an underrated gem — and this hotel puts you right in the middle of it. It’s one of my favorite beaches in the LA area, and experiencing it from this vantage point made me love it even more.
The Room: King Ocean View
We stayed in the King Ocean View room, and the views alone made the trip. Watching the sun set over the Pacific from our room was genuinely spectacular — the kind of moment that makes you put your phone down and just be present. (I eventually picked it back up for photos. Obviously.)
The room itself has refined decor and custom hardwood finishes. I’ll be honest — some of the furnishings feel a touch dated, and if you’re comparing this to a freshly renovated boutique hotel, you’ll notice that. But the room is comfortable, functional, and well-appointed with everything you’d need: a Keurig coffee maker, mini-fridge, lighted makeup mirror, iron and ironing board, hair dryer, laptop-safe, and a flat-screen TV.
And then there was the welcome gift. 🍾
We arrived to find a chilled bottle of prosecco and chocolate-covered strawberries waiting for us in the room — a thoughtful touch from the team that immediately set the tone for the stay. It’s a small detail, but that kind of warmth goes a long way.
The Staff
Speaking of warmth — the team at the Sonesta Redondo Beach was genuinely lovely throughout our entire stay. This is the kind of hotel where the staff remembers you, makes you feel welcome, and elevates the overall experience just by being present. It’s not something you always notice until it’s missing, and here it was impossible to miss.
Dining: Harbor Bar & Bistro
The Sonesta Redondo Beach has two on-site dining concepts: Harbor Bar & Bistro and SOL Restaurant. We dined at the Harbor Bar & Bistro, which I’d describe as solid, reliable, and worth a visit — especially if you’re not looking to venture far after a long day.
The steak was the standout for us: well-prepared, satisfying, and exactly what you want on a relaxed evening. The food options overall are good. I’ll be transparent that the ambiance felt a little lackluster — it’s more casual lounge than destination restaurant — but the kitchen more than makes up for it.
I didn’t get a chance to try SOL Restaurant, their other concept that serves breakfast only, so that’s on my list for a return visit.
The Pool & Amenities
We peeked at the pool area — it looked lovely and well-situated near the water — but we didn’t end up using it during our stay. The hotel also has a fitness center on property. Honestly, between the views, the neighborhood exploration, and an unhurried dinner, we kept plenty busy without ever needing to think about the gym.
Who Is the Sonesta Redondo Beach & Marina For?
This is genuinely a hotel for a lot of people, which I mean as a compliment:
- Couples looking for a romantic waterfront escape — those sunset views and the prosecco welcome are made for exactly this.
- Families wanting beach access without the chaos of the more heavily trafficked LA beaches — Redondo has a great beach and pier scene that feels more manageable.
- Visitors to LA who want the beach experience without necessarily staying in Santa Monica or Venice. Redondo is special, and this hotel is a beautiful home base for exploring the South Bay.
- LA locals who just need a genuine reset that doesn’t require getting on a plane.
The Verdict
The Sonesta Redondo Beach & Marina isn’t a flashy, trend-forward hotel — and it doesn’t need to be. What it delivers is something more important: a wonderful location, an attentive and genuinely kind team, and the kind of slow, beautiful evening that reminds you why a staycation can be just as restorative as a trip abroad. Those sunset views over the Pacific will stay with me for a while.
Would I go back? Absolutely — and next time, I’m trying SOL.
What’s your favorite underrated LA beach town? Drop it in the comments — I’m always looking for the next one to explore!
This stay was hosted by the Sonesta Redondo Beach & Marina. All opinions are my own.
Photos by Tom McGovern
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