Ritz Carlton Hotel Marina del Rey, Los Angeles

With its own private dock at Marina del Rey, this waterfront hotel is less than two miles from Venice Beach, four miles from Santa Monica Beach, and six miles from LAX. It offers the city's only waterfront pool and whirlpool, and it is less than five miles from the Los Angeles International Airport. European-style rooms, with full or partial marina and Los Angeles city skyline views, feature private Juliet balconies, 2-poster beds, high-speed Internet access, and large marble bathrooms with make-up mirrors and phones. Luxury suites provide private balconies with views of the marina and the city's skyline. Bicycle rentals are available to travel to nearby beach attractions in Venice, Santa Monica and Malibu, but the getaway experience can also be achieved within the hotel grounds at the first-class spa, the state-of-the-art fitness center or the two lighted tennis courts. Dine at the Michelin-recommended restaurant and bar, jer-ne, which captures local California cuisine at fine-dining standards.