Ritz-Carlton, Marina del Rey: How it rates

Rating: * * *

New and notable: A $12-million room remodel this year and $4-million just-opened spa and gym provide a contemporary update.

The stay: A late-summer visit immerses visitors in all things wet -- a giant pool, a deluxe marina, new spa and 48 kinds of vodka.

The scene: Businessmen toting laptops debate over cocktails while moms coddle toddlers at the pool.

Deal maker: With luxury leisure amenities inside and nearby, it’s a (nearly) perfect, newly contemporary hotel for partners of business travelers.

Deal breaker: Service can have a short attention span.

Stats: 4375 Admiralty Way, Marina del Rey; (800) 241-3333; www.ritzcarlton.com.

Rooms: Rates from $466 to $3,200.

Rating is based on the room, service, ambience and overall experience with price taken into account in relation to quality.

* * * * * Outstanding on every level

* * * * Excellent

* * * Very good

* * Good

* Satisfactory

No Star: Poor