Hilton Garden Inn Los Angeles Marina Del Rey

While the Hilton Garden Inn Los Angeles Marina Del Rey's exterior smacks the '70s, the boxy blue, gray, and brown building underwent extensive renovations in 2013, giving the interior a fresh, modern look. The lounge is stylish and has a living-room like feel, with a two-story stone fireplace, a rustic, wood-paneled wall, and dark-wood shelves packed with books. There's also attractive upholstered furniture, including high-back chairs and cozy couches. The ambiance still feels a tad manufactured, but it's a comforting change from more generic parts of the hotel, like the tiled entryway near the reception desk and cookie-cutter guest rooms. The hotel draws a range of travelers from business guests to tourists, including families who want to take advantage of the spacious rooms. 

The hotel is situated in the seaside area of Marina Del Ray. While it's very close to the water, the hotel mainly offers views of the busy main road out front. The location, though, is a good one for those who want to be near greater LA's popular waterfront areas. The neighborhood has several tech start-up companies, and there are a smattering of restaurants, including some right across the street from the hotel overlooking the marina. Venice Beach in about 15 minutes on foot, Santa Monica Pier is roughly a 20-minute drive, and it takes about 45 minutes to drive to Hollywood. Los Angeles International Airport is a close 15-minute drive from the hotel, depending on traffic. 

Guest rooms at Hilton Garden Inn Los Angeles Marina Del Rey are clean, comfortable, and tasteful. All are done in neutral contemporary decor, with brown patterned wall-to-wall carpeting, platform beds with white bedding, cream-colored walls, and two-toned wood furniture. There's also Serta mattresses, armchairs, and work desks with ergonomic chairs. Amenities are a plus, with 42-inch flat-screen TVs with premium channels like HBO, mini-fridges, microwaves, Keurig coffeemakers, and free Wi-Fi. 

Many units have furnished balconies, and some rooms are housed in a separate building with direct access to the courtyard or pool. So-called "Bungalow" rooms add vaulted ceilings and other stylish details. Suites can be quite nice, with wood-floored nooks, collections of framed pictures on the walls, L-shaped heather gray couches, and leathery tufted ottomans. Bathrooms can feel a little tight, but they have wood floors and plenty of counter space, plus Neutrogena bath products and either walk-in showers or shower/tub combos. Guests occasionally note wear-and-tear, but for the most part rooms are well-maintained. Despite being near the water, units mostly have views of the road or courtyard, not the marina.

This Hilton Garden Inn has a solid lineup of amenities that cater to the property's diverse clientele. There's fresh fish served at the hotel's casual restaurant, which offers breakfast and dinner, plus light fare and drink specials during happy hour. Breakfast includes a la carte options and a standard buffet with hot choices like eggs, waffles, and pancakes, though it costs extra. Outdoor seating is available on a nice patio with plenty tables. A small market is situated near reception and sells grab-and-go items and microwavable entrees. Room service is offered in evenings. 

There's a small but nice heated outdoor saltwater pool and hot tub surrounded by a stone patio and lounge chairs, and while the fitness center isn't huge, it has two treadmills and two ellipticals, each with individual screens, plus some weightlifting equipment. 

The hotel has two meeting rooms and a pleasant business nook with two desktop computers and a printer for guest use. For those traveling with children, there are kids' menus, cribs, high chairs, and playpens. Bikes can be rented from the lobby, and underground parking is available for an extra charge. Wi-Fi is free throughout.