You’re looking for the Crowne Plaza Redondo Beach and Marina. I get it. It’s been a staple of the South Bay skyline for decades. But honestly? If you try to book a room under that name today, you’re going to run into some confusion.
The hotel everyone still calls the "Crowne Plaza" hasn't actually been one for a while. It's now the Sonesta Redondo Beach & Marina.
It’s one of those things where the old name just sticks. Like how people in Chicago still call the Willis Tower "Sears Tower." But if you’re planning a trip in 2026, you need to know what’s actually happening behind that concrete exterior on North Harbor Drive. Because while the name on the sign changed, the vibe—and some of the quirks—stayed exactly the same.
The Identity Crisis of 300 North Harbor Drive
The transition from Crowne Plaza to Sonesta wasn't just a paper swap. It was part of a massive shift in how big hotel brands are staking their claim in Southern California. For years, the Crowne Plaza Redondo Beach and Marina was the go-to for business travelers who wanted to see a seagull once in a while.
Then Sonesta moved in.
They kept the bones of the place. The 342 rooms? Still there. That massive, slightly-imposing concrete structure? Hasn't moved. But they’ve been slowly trying to scrub away that "standard corporate hotel" feel. It’s a work in progress. Kinda like Redondo Beach itself—always balancing between being a gritty fishing harbor and a high-end coastal escape.
What It's Really Like Inside Right Now
If you walk into the lobby today, you’re greeted by a massive fish tank. It’s arguably the coolest thing in the building. Tropical fish darting around while you wait for a front desk agent to find your reservation. It sets a mood that the rest of the hotel sometimes struggles to keep up with.
Let’s talk about the rooms.
They are big. Really big. If you're used to those tiny "boutique" rooms in Santa Monica where you can't open your suitcase without hitting the bed, this place will feel like a palace. Most rooms have balconies. Some face the pool, which can get noisy if there’s a weekend crowd, but the ones facing the marina? Those are the winners. You can sit out there with a coffee and watch the boats come in. It’s peaceful.
But here’s the kicker: it still feels a bit like 2005 in some corners. They’ve updated the bedding (thick, white, high-thread-count stuff) and the tech, but you’ll still spot the occasional "retro" fixture. Honestly, it’s part of the charm for some people. It doesn’t feel like a sterile hospital wing.
The Truth About the Location
Most people book this place because it’s "on the beach."
Well, sort of.
Technically, it’s across the street from the King Harbor Marina. You aren't stepping out of the lobby directly onto sand. You’re stepping out onto a sidewalk, crossing Harbor Drive, and then you’re at the water. If you want actual toes-in-sand beach time, you’ve got to walk about five to ten minutes south toward the pier or the Seaside Lagoon.
Why the Location Still Wins
- The Pier: You’re a stone's throw from the Redondo Beach Pier. It’s weird, it’s old-school, and it has some of the best fresh seafood in LA.
- The Strand: The bike path starts right here. You can rent a "beach cruiser" at the hotel and ride all the way to Santa Monica if your legs can handle it.
- The View: Watching the sunset over the masts of the sailboats in the marina is legit.
The Logistics: Parking, Fees, and "The Catch"
Travelers usually get grumpy about two things here: the parking and the destination fee.
In 2026, expect to pay around $40 to $45 a night for parking. It’s Los Angeles; they charge you for the air you breathe if they can. The garage is covered and secured, which is a plus, but it’s an extra expense you have to bake into your budget.
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Then there’s the "Destination Fee." It’s usually around $30-35 a night. They try to justify it by giving you "free" Wi-Fi, bottled water, and maybe a $10 credit for the bar. Is it annoying? Yes. Is every other hotel in California doing it now? Also yes.
Eating at the Marina
You’ve got two main options on-site: SOL Restaurant and the Harbor Bar & Bistro.
SOL is where you’ll find the breakfast buffet. It’s fine. It’s exactly what you expect from a high-end hotel breakfast—scrambled eggs, fruit, some decent pastries. But the real move is the patio seating. Eating breakfast while looking at the Pacific is a vibe that never gets old.
The Harbor Bar is better for a late-night drink. They do a solid "American coastal" menu. Think fish tacos and burgers. But honestly? You’re in Redondo. Walk across the street. Go to Kincaid’s for a steak or hit up one of the local spots in the International Boardwalk for some Korean sashimi.
Is It Still a Business Hotel?
Actually, yeah. The Crowne Plaza Redondo Beach and Marina legacy lives on in the meeting spaces. They have over 25,000 square feet of event space. If you're here for a conference, you’re in luck. The "Coral Ballroom" is huge, and they handle logistics better than most of the smaller hotels nearby.
But the "blended traveler"—people who work in the morning and surf in the afternoon—is who Sonesta is really chasing now. They’ve beefed up the 24-hour fitness center and made the pool area a bit more "resort-ish."
Surprising Details Most People Miss
The tennis court.
Hidden away on the recreational deck, there's a full-sized tennis court. Hardly anyone uses it. If you’re a player, it’s like having a private court with an ocean breeze.
Also, the soundproofing is surprisingly good. Even though the hotel is on a main road, once you shut those heavy balcony doors, the traffic noise basically disappears. It’s one of the benefits of that "heavy concrete" construction from the hotel's original era.
The Actionable Verdict
If you’re looking for a ultra-modern, glass-and-steel skyscraper, this isn't it. But if you want a reliable, spacious home base that’s walking distance to the best parts of the South Bay, the old Crowne Plaza (now Sonesta) is still a powerhouse.
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Next Steps for Your Trip:
- Check the Name: Always search for "Sonesta Redondo Beach" when checking rates; third-party sites sometimes lag with the old Crowne Plaza branding.
- Request a Marina View: Avoid the "City View" rooms if you can. Looking at the back of an apartment complex isn't why you came to the coast.
- Join the Loyalty Program: Sonesta’s "Travel Pass" often gets you that destination fee waived or gives you better room upgrades than booking through a discount site.
- Pack for the Breeze: Even in July, the marina gets chilly at night. That balcony is great, but you’ll want a hoodie.
Check the local event calendar before you book. If the BeachLife Festival is happening at the Seaside Lagoon, this hotel will be packed and the prices will triple. If you aren't there for the music, pick a different weekend. If you are, you won't find a better spot to stay.