Sonesta Redondo Beach & Marina: Affordable Beachfront Getaway

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collage of photos from sonesta redondo beach
There are many fun things to enjoy in and around the Sonesta Redondo Beach & Marina. Photo credit: Kim Orlando

The newly remodeled and renamed Sonesta Redondo Beach & Marina offers first-class service, a gorgeous rooftop swimming pool and a location that can’t be beat — it’s just 7 miles from Los Angeles International Airport and within easy walking distance of shopping, the South Bay bike path and the Pacific Ocean.

Sonesta bought the former Crowne Plaza property in 2020 and renovated all of the 342 guest rooms. The common areas, meeting rooms and business center are spacious. The gift shop is cute, with beach necessities and a couple of locally made items.

Guests are a mix of business travelers, weekend vacationers and bridal parties.

The hotel is so pet-friendly that there is an Instagram spot at the entrance where you can pose with your furry family members.

When my 24-year-old daughter and I visited in March, we found this Redondo Beach hotel was exactly the right home base for a restorative weekend getaway.

Read More: Fun Things to Do in Redondo Beach

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Highlights of the Sonesta Redondo Beach & Marina

  • Comfortable recently renovated rooms
  • Convenient location that is close to the beach and many area attractions
  • A huge heated outdoor pool
  • Innovative menu created by Chef Hayato at SOL, the on-site restaurant
  • Front desk check-in staff is friendly and accommodating of our request for more puffy pillows and a late check-out time.
  • Award-winning concierge available on-site for directions and suggestions.
  • Valet parking and self-parking in the parking garage next door
View of a double queen room with balcony and pool view at the Sonesta Redondo Beach & Marina.
Room with two queen beds and balcony with pool view. Photo credit: Sonesta Redondo Beach & Marina

Sonesta Redondo Rooms

All of the 342 guest rooms have been renovated. Room configurations include two queen beds that can sleep four people. king rooms that sleep two, junior suites that sleep 3 and a presidential suite with a sitting area that can sleep 3. Some of the rooms have full or partial ocean views.

Daily housekeeping is provided upon request.

Our deluxe room had two queen beds and a balcony with a pool view (where we sipped our morning coffee/tea). Their attention to bedding and light decor created a restful, calm atmosphere- we slept great!

Room amenities include:

  • Signature Sonesta bedding
  • Work desk & chair
  • Lighted make-up mirror
  • Mini-fridge
  • Keurig coffee maker
  • Iron & ironing board
  • Hair dryer
  • Free Wi-Fi internet access
  • Laptop-size safe
  • Flat-screen television
  • Radio/alarm clock
  • Air conditioning

Hotel Amenities

The rooftop saltwater swimming pool is heated and there’s a hot tub, too, which makes it usable, even on a chilly spring day. But even better is the rooftop view of the Pacific Ocean and the Palos Verdes Hills from the pool lounge chairs!

My daughter and I skipped the on-site fitness center, opting instead for rented electric bikes to be outside and near the beach.

We took advantage of the free yoga class on the rooftop patio next to the outdoor pool and tennis courts. Practicing outside adds a whole other level of calm. About 10 guests joined the class for gentle flow followed by sound bath meditation.

Dining at The Sonesta Redondo Beach Marina

Chef Hayato stands outside the SOL restaurant at the Sonesta Redondo Beach & Marina
Chef Hayato at the SOL Restaurant. Photo credit: Kim Orlando

SOL Restaurant

SOL serves an expansive breakfast menu and an intriguing dinner menu. There is indoor and outdoor seating with fire pits.

Executive Sous Chef, Hayato Yanai, grew up in San Diego, studied French cuisine and trained in Japan. He took over SOL in late 2022 and is making waves.

His dedication to precision mixed with his San Diego roots results in menu items such as Carne Asada fries (best seller) and Chasyu Toast (braised pork belly and melted brie with eryngi, shimeji, & white mushrooms on toasted sourdough). Even better? ALL menu items are under $25. I liked my meal so much that I returned with a friend the next evening for dinner.

Chef showing young woman how to make sushi at the SOL restaurant at the Sonesta Redondo Beach & Marina.
My daughter learning to make sushi with the chef. Photo credit: Kim Orlando

My daughter and I learned to make sushi with Chef in his newest venture: sushi making classes. We sipped a little sake while we made spicy tuna rolls, crudo and veggie rolls. We need a lot more practice but our lumpy rolls were tasty and Chef made it super fun. My daughter and I laughed and ate and had a great time. I would definitely do this again on a girl’s getaway or with my whole family.

Harbor Bar & Bistro

Harbor Bar & Bistro serves local lunch and dinner favorites & signature cocktails in a hip atmosphere.

We can recommend a very fresh Caesar salad from room service but preferred the lychee martini at Sol Restaurant over happy hour at the Harbor Bar & Bistro. I went off the happy hour menu and was not impressed with my dirty martini – too cloudy, not cold enough, old olives. The $7 menu was missing healthy finger food options.

Things to do Near Sonesta Redondo Beach Marina Resort

Here are some of the activities my 24-year-old daughter and I enjoyed during our stay at the Sonesta Redondo Beach Marina.

View from our room's balcony at the Sonesta Redondo Beach & Marina
View from our room at the Sonesta Redondo Beach Marina Resort. Photo credit: Kim Orlando

Redondo Beach Pier

Just a 5-minute walk from the hotel, the Redondo Beach Pier is a landmark and a fun destination for locals and tourists. It is the original deep sea port of Los Angeles with a variety of water activities and stunning ocean views.

The Pier offers a variety of events throughout the year from yoga to outdoor concerts and of course, surfing.  The shops are beachy and the dining options vary from funnel cakes to elegant patio meals overlooking the water.

The Beach

Surf, kayak, beach comb or play volleyball on some of the most beautiful beaches in the South Bay. The hotel is close to Hermosa Beach, Manhattan Beach and RAT Beach (Right After Torrance).

Kayaking

King Harbor Marina offers a range of activities and rentals, including boating, fishing, kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding.

Biking

Explore the South Bay bicycle trail, a 22-mile paved bike path that runs along the beach with access just across the street from the Sonesta Redondo Beach Marina. The ride is scenic with beautiful ocean views in both directions. Turn left out of the front door of the Sonesta to get to Palos Verdes; turn right and ride to Hermosa Beach, Manhattan Beach, all the way to Malibu. Bike Rentals are available on the first floor of the Sonesta Redondo Beach Marina at Sports Rents.

Whale Watching

Redondo Beach is known for its whale-watching tours where you can spot various species of whales, dolphins, and other marine life. But you don’t have to take a tour. It’s possible to spot these majestic creatures from the shore, and from the rooftop deck of Sonesta’s swimming pool.

Seaside Lagoon

The Seaside Lagoon is a saltwater lagoon that offers swimming, paddleboarding, and other water sports.

Redondo Beach Farmers Market

The Farmers Market is held every Thursday and offers a range of fresh produce, local crafts, and delicious food.

Surf Lessons

Redondo Beach is a great place to learn how to surf, and there are several surf schools in the area that offer lessons for all skill levels.

Sunset over the beach near the Sonesta Redondo Beach & Marina
Beautiful sunset over the beach. Photo credit: Kim Orlando

Watch the Sunset

The beach offers stunning views of the sunset over the ocean, making it the perfect spot for a romantic evening or a relaxing end to a busy day.

Play at the Park

Veteran’s Memorial Park is a short walk from the Sonesta Redondo Beach Marina. The 6 acre park is home to the historic Veterans Community Center, Veterans Senior Center, the Veterans Memorial and a spectacular playground. The memorial was built in 2010 as a tribute to all military.

Shop

Riviera Village is a charming shopping district 2 miles from the hotel. Most of the shops, restaurants and cafes are locally owned. It’s a great place to stroll around and enjoy the local vibe.

View of the front of the Sonesta Redondo Beach & Marina.
View of the front of the hotel. Photo credit: Sonesta Redondo Beach & Marina

Sonesta Redondo Beach & Marina FAQs

  • The hotel is located at 300 N. Harbor Dr., Redondo Beach, California.
  • Self-parking and valet parking are available for a fee.
  • There’s a 24-hour business center with workstations, printing & copying equipment.
  • The outdoor pool is heated and open year round.
  • A car is not necessary. Take an Uber from LAX and you can walk just about everywhere else during your stay.
  • The hotel is pet friendly, with no breed or height restrictions.

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