The Traveler Guide

Marina del Rey, with its close proximity to LAX and the famous southern California beaches, is often considered a popular destination for vacationers. The area boasts several different hotels that each caters to very different clientele. The key in planning your next vacation is to choose the hotel that best meets your needs -- with amenities and budget. Choosing a hotel that fits within your budget ensures that your family will be able to properly enjoy the rest of your trip. If you choose a hotel that stretches your pocketbook a bit, then most likely you will spend the remainder of your trip pinching pennies and worrying about your budget. Here are three different hotels to suit any budget:

Marina del Rey Hotels For The Budgeter

If you're on a budget, don't think you'll be spending a lot of time in your hotel room, or would just rather spend more money on attractions than a hotel, then choosing a budget hotel makes the most sense. For the budget traveler, there are two options from which to choose. Located on the water, the Best Western Jamaica Bay Inn offers up the views of the area while allowing the budget traveler to keep some money in their pockets. 

Expect to pay $135 a night and up depending on the season. If you're staying for a longer range, the Marina International Hotel and Bungalows are worth checking out. With rates starting at $93 during the week, this is one of the few Marina del Rey hotels that offers all of the comforts of home while still being close to all of the attractions the area has to offer.

Marina del Rey Hotels For The Mid-Range Traveler

If it's a city view that you're looking for, check out the Foghorn Harbor Inn, one of the Marina del Rey hotels that offers low rates while still providing a Marina or city view. For the mid-range traveler looking for a comfortable place to stay, while still being close to all of the action, the Foghorn Harbor Inn is the perfect choice with rates beginning at $129 depending on the season.

Luxurious Marina del Rey Hotels

For travelers looking for a package getaway, the Marriot is an excellent option. Offering up packages like "Escape! Romance in California," a package that offers views of the city, long stem roses, and a bottle of champagne, or "Glow," a package that includes visits to some of the newest night clubs in Los Angeles, the Marriot is one of the few lodgings in the area that takes care of all of your travel plans. If your trip consists of business or you're looking for luxury accommodations.

The Ritz-Carlton is right up your alley. You can choose from marina or city skyline views, visit one of the key-access only Ritz-Carlton Club level rooms, book an appointment at the newly renovated Boutique spa, or work out in the state-of-the-art cardio and weight studio. With prices starting at $325 a night, the Ritz is well suited for the traveler looking to be pampered. It's no wonder that this area is a prime vacation spot for both business travelers and vacationers alike. With stunning views and attractions for all ages, Marina del Rey is a travelers dream. And with a few choices for each budget range, anyone can afford to make this area their next vacation stop.

Cruises may still be associated with older travelers, but the times when older travelers are the only ones enjoying a cruise vacation are long passed. A cruise is an extremely attractive option for anyone seeking to escape from the demands of work and everyday life. Fortunately, cruise lines now offer a variety of programs allowing them to meet the holiday needs of any traveler’s lifestyle and preferences. Cruising is no longer about simply showing off your new wardrobe, playing shuffleboard or socializing in the lounge. 

These may all be great parts of a cruise vacation, but there is a wide range of activities and amenities perfect for every traveler. A new trend in cruising is the celebrity cruise which is perfect for anyone wanting to be pampered and feel like a “celebrity.” These luxury ships offer a range of services on board. Maids and butlers are ready to serve the passengers once on board. There is, of course, plenty of time for relaxation that can include massages, lounging or swimming, for instance. With the extraordinary catering, this entire cruise can become a fabulous treat for any passenger. 

Families with children will need to find a babysitter, but once that is taken care of, they will have a wonderful ocean vacation to look forward to. Family cruises are a great option for families desiring to spend their holiday with their kids. Activities are geared for both adults and children. Theme cruises such as Disney, for example, offer even more specialized activities and fun with some of the famous animated characters the kids will surely enjoy. A benefit to these cruises is that the programs and activities planned for the children keep them busier for longer periods of time allowing the parents to spend a little more time together and relax away from the hassle of everyday life onshore. 

At night, entertaining events bring the family back together and provide the opportunity for fun as a family all evening. If your children are older, they will probably like the idea of an adventure cruise even more. This is a great way to explore new areas and experience trips where your kids can feel like they have discovered new, exciting places and different cultures. There is possibility for this travel all over the world, whether Antarctica, the Costa Rica rainforests or the ancient ruins of the Incas in Mexico. 

Adventure cruises offer a good balance of exploration and time for relaxation since there are still plenty of opportunities to recreate the adventures once on board. Finally, there are even ships designed especially for those travelers tired of the single life. Going on a singles cruise just might be that turning point in your love life. They offer a good combination of socialization, relaxation and planned activities. There is an even number of men and women on board providing even more opportunity for you to meet your partner. But, even if you do not meet your dream partner on board, you will surely find many new friends to socialize with and enjoy the many activities offered.