How the Portofino rates

Hotel nameRating: *

New and noteworthy: An $11-million renovation has added elegance to a slightly nautical design theme.

The stay: Micro-resort contrasts slightly formal décor with the urban oceanfront.

The scene: Low-key travelers and locals who rent marina slips make it a land-based home.

Deal maker: Baleen is the rare waterfront restaurant that’s pretty and good.

Deal breaker: With views of the marina, not the water, and a distant beach, the ocean seems removed.

Stats: 260 Portofino Way, Redondo Beach; (800) 468-4292, www.hotelportofino.com.

Rooms: Rates now begin at $259.

*Rating is based on the room, service, ambience and overall experience with price taken into account in relation to quality. Five stars: Outstanding on every level. Four stars: Excellent. Three stars: Very good. Two stars: Good. One star: Satisfactory. No star: Poor.