Los Angeles Staycation – Portofino Hotel & Yacht Club, Redondo Beach
Another in a series of great getaways close to home

The pier at Redondo Beach has been something I have managed to miss for many years. My family discovered its allure during a stay at the lovely Portofino Hotel & Yacht Club. As part of the Noble House family of resorts, the PH&YC offers a boutique luxury vibe on a quiet edge of the Redondo King Harbor.

Our adjoining rooms were nicely appointed, with an obvious refurbishment of the bathrooms. Indeed, the entire complex has recently benefited from an $11 million upgrade. Looking out over the breakwall from our porch, the sea lions and gulls were comfortably at home and we felt likewise.

The magnificent lobby was decked out in holiday trimming, with the fireplace crackling away.  We sat for several hours, enjoying the free WiFi and challenging each other to our usual rounds of backgammon, poker and Hive.

Once the PH&YC bellman ensured a proper fit of our bike seats , the free use of beach cruisers sent us north to Hermosa Beach and south to the Redondo Pier.  We then enjoyed some clam chowder and sightseeing while wandering the multi-pronged pier.  We also enjoyed the wonderfully improbable opportunity to ice skate on the beach.  Nothing like sunny skies, T-shirts, a beach and …ice skates.

Back at PH&YC, we dined at their signature restaurant BALEEN. With a tasteful and eclectic menu, we enjoyed an array of flavors.

Executive Chef Daniel Roberts has assembled a fine menu.  The crab cake starter was pleasantly lumpy. The Scottish salmon entrée had a light yuzu buerre blanc. The kobe flat iron steak was tender and flavorful, although it initially arrived undercooked.  The trepidation of our girls around the idea of truffles was diffused once they tried the shoestring fries drizzled lightly with truffle oil and garlic. 

Breakfast the next morning was downstairs at marina level, overlooking plenty of yachts.  The stack of blueberry pancakes was covered in a tasty blueberry syrup, and the eggs benedict included a lightly tart Hollandaise sauce.

The service throughout the PH&YC was efficient and friendly.  It is a quiet getaway only a stone’s throw from Los Angeles.

www.hotelportofino.com