More about Terranea Resort
Great experience at Terranea
by TripAdvisor Member cgooch
My daughter and I had the opportunity to spend a night at this resort and we took advantage of the reasonable online rates. Check in was very efficient and although I booked a “resort view” room, I was given an ocean front room with two double beds. The resort was clean and bright which was to be expected as it is brand new. The room was well appointed and it was nice to have free wireless internet. The bed was extremely comfortable.
The signature restaurant Mar’sel was full that night so we enjoyed a casual meal at Nelsons which was pretty good and reasonably priced. The service was just ok. We ate inside as it was somewhat windy and cold but there was a good amount of outdoor seating as well with great views.
In the morning, I walked the grounds and took pictures of the beautiful scenery. The grounds are lovely and quite peaceful. We purchased a package that included breakfast. We opted for the buffet which offered a number of choices and was for the most part quite good. Once again the service was just ok.
As we had a late flight home we opted to hang out and relax at the pool for the afternoon which was quite enjoyable.
I think that this resort is a great getaway for couples or families. We enjoyed it and other than the mediocre service in the restaurants and at the pool which I think will improve as the resort is open longer, everything was perfect. I hope that I have the opportunity to visit again.
Looks are DEFINITELY deceiving
by TripAdvisor Member vjsinghisking
I stayed at Terranea for the night of June 19th, and having lodged at its sister property, The Royal Palms, I had high expectations given that I planned a relaxing and romantic getaway with my girlfriend.
The resort is perched upon a cliff with magnificent views of the Pacific Ocean and Palos Verdes mountains. We had an ocean front casita which is well appointed, but I'm hard pressed to provide further accolades.
The service is ATROCIOUS! I should have been forewarned as when checking in, I stood in line for approximately 30 minutes waiting for a front desk representative. The three concierges behind us were unoccupied, but they made no attempt to assist. Naturally, the queue of about 20 people all had exasperated looks. Then, upon check-in, no one informed us that only 2 of the 6 restaurants would be open beyond 8pm, and a restaurant reservation would be recommended. Your eyes did not deceive. Terranea closed the kitchens to the poolside grille at 8pm, forcing folks to frequent Nelsons or Catalina Kitchen. And since we had no reservation, the wait to be seated exceeded 45minutes. Naturally, we attempted to dull the pain with the complementary champagne, yet the waitress prevented us from taking two flutes. When we finally were seated, we noticed that one quarter of the tables were empty. I later learned that Terranea has yet to hire the requisite number of chefs, sous chefs, and waitstaff.
I have been very fortunate to have stayed at exceptional 5* properties worldwide such as Taj properties, Mandarin Oriental, Four Seasons, St. Regis, etc. And, if Terranea aspires to be 5*, management of the resort better adapt quickly. I wouldn't be surprised if Terranea has the staying power of a sitcom with Sanjaya. I won't frequent the hotel in the future.
Wow! Wow!! And another WOW!!!!
by TripAdvisor Member whatintheheck
I am a resident of the Palos Verdes Peninsula, and we were one of those people destined to tour the hotel when it opened. We didn't expect much, as we are used to travelling to top rated resorts around the world. But, we were definitely "wowed". Terranea is one of the most incredible resorts we have ever been to. It is situated in a stunning location, the grounds are gorgeous, and there is so much to do while at the resort. We live 10 minutes away, yet we will vacation here with our family, and I will recommend the resort to the most seasoned world travelers.
Stunning + spectacular yet soothing, seductive + surprisingly peaceful
by TripAdvisor Member b0nniej0y
W-O-W! From the second I walked into this resort, I was amazed at its stunning oceanfront location and its spectacular 270 degree ocean views. It was Father's Day and I met my family at Catalina Kitchen for a mid-day brunch. By the time we were seated, the restaurant was very busy with lots of people both inside and outside in the courtyard, with many more around the pool just beyond the restaurant's edge. Yet, it was not loud nor did it feel crowded. Rather, it felt peaceful and relaxing.
The brunch was excellent and the service was very good. The only thing I would have to note is that there were no green salads offered in the buffet. Otherwise, the food was as one would expect from a five star resort.
Afterwards we took a leisurely stroll around the resort and then my family went home. I opted to spend the night, seduced by Terranea's wonderful on-line "welcome" rates. My king size resort view room was very nicely appointed and I was happy to spend the rest of the day on my back "porch", watching everyone frolic around the pool.
The next day I enjoyed a wonderful "Alluring" seaweed pedicure at the Spa and then was told I could lay out for the rest of the day in the woman's outdoor lounge area. This is an experience not to be missed. The lounge lies directly above the surf, with waves that actually sound soothing as they crash over the rocks below. Add in some gentle spa music and wonderfully comfortable double-wide lounging chairs, and you have the recipe for a perfect day! I was able to order "room service" from Nelson's and I enjoyed my shrimp tacos and Bloody Mary immensely. The Spa staff went out of their way to get me my food and drink on time and in perfect order. Sadly, I had to leave after only three hours, but I did so feeling relaxed and calmed by the opportunity to "bond with the Pacific ocean." It was a magical experience, not to be missed. I highly recommend an overnight stay at this stunning new resort.
Awesome views and very relaxing
by TripAdvisor Member jkmom
I stayed two nights in an ocean view king bed room and had awesome views right from my room. The bed was super comfortable and I loved the large flat screen TV. I was staying at the hotel for a wedding and was very impressed by how well the staff prepared for it. The food was delicious and full of flavor. The hotel has only been open for a few weeks so there were a few kinks - like not getting maid service the first morning, room missing a few items, and my bath tub looked like it hadn't been cleaned (although I have to say I don't think anyone else has stayed in my room yet since it was brand new). The bathroom was georgous and very spacious.
I used the trails around the property to go jogging and was surprised that I was able to get about 45 minutes in. Also, the fitness center was fully stocked and the trainer was welcoming when I went in to do a little strength training after my run.
The pools were really nice and very clean. The large pool is great for kids and I enjoyed the water slide too. I would definitely stay here again. It's more of a destination than a hotel just to stay and go to amusement parks. I'd stay for at least 4-5 days to really experience it.
A True RESORT and great get away... location, location, location
by TripAdvisor Member Mattsaab
I was blown away at this resort since it offers one of the most beautiful locations on the California coast. The architecture is laid back and elegant and the views from nearly every room are of the ocean. The pools (3 of them) are unique, incredibly located on the cliff above the pacific and destinations in themselves. Another great thing are the restaurants--varried, great locations, nice menus and fair pricing. The paths around the hotel are fantastic and follw the coastline like no other hotel in LA.
Beautiful resort, stellar location, but not up to par yet!
by TripAdvisor Member mishottie
First, let me say I have been to several luxury properties, including some on CNT top 100 list - Post Ranch Inn, Sanctuary, Four Seasons, Grand Wailea and have high expectations. I would like to have rated a 4 or 5 but I could not based on my experience opening weekend. I stayed with two of my girlfriends in a double bed ocean view room for four nights on a discounted package. If I had paid anywhere near rack rate I would have been upset, but considering what we paid and the fact that they are still working out the kinks, it was okay.
Also, let me echo other's comments that it is a wonderful location with stellar views of Catalina on a clear day and we were fortunate enough to have unusually good weather during our stay. The resort is beautiful, but they have a lot of work to do to bring it up to the level they are purporting in their advertisements.
Here is the good, bad, and the ugly as I see it:
Good:- Beautiful grounds, views from entire property, location, location, location.
- Spa, while expensive, is located right on the edge of the ocean and is worth it if you make a day of it by using the amenities like the steam, sauna, courtyard and spa designated only pool (steam and sauna were non-operable when I was there which was a big disappointment).
- Comfortable beds, luxurious linens and towels.
- Most of the staff were pleasant and friendly
- Staff were trying to please and apologetic for mishaps
- Close to LAX, Manhattan Beach, but feels a world away from L.A.
Bad:
- Our room (deluxe oceanfront double) was extremely small (450 sf?) with one sink in bath and 2 double beds instead of queens (they should have opted for queens for families and girlfriends).
- We had only HOT water in our shower - could not get cool or cold at all unless we barely turned the handle and then it was lukewarm but with hardly any water pressure
(we called on this and someone did come up but we were still in the room and asked them to come back and they never did so we all took trickling showers for four days).
- Housekeeping inconsisent
- FOOD! I was so disappointed with the menus - they were very limited and so expensive for what you get and with the exception of one meal at Nelsons, the food was mediocre at BEST! Nelsons did have excellent fish n chips!
- Valet/Bellman - brought up some of our luggage but several pieces were missing and we had to track it down
- Drinks - they were very good, but they really should have some type of cocktail/happy hour for guests
- Concierge - no maps of surrounding areas (other than "Where" mag which is not for the immediate area) and when I called about activities I could not get any definitive answers for kayaking or yoga or any activities that might have been offerred.
- Don't expect a bottled water at valet on your way out like the montage or sanctuary - they don't offer it (they claimed some coastal commission regulation?)
- Only one elevator in main building and getting to rooms is a maze
- The areas off the elevators need some furnishings (ie...bench, plants, paintings, seating on the verandas - hopefully that is already being worked on.
- Windows on our floor were dirty the entire four day stay.
- Check your bill - ours was incorrect and I had to wait 30 min. at checkout to get it resolved.
At any other resort, we would have been upgraded or offered something to compensate for the mishaps, but because they were so busy and it was their first weekend, I didn't bother to make an issue of it. However, I have another reservation to return with a friend in late July and hope that these things will be worked out by then.
Tips: Drive to Manhattan Beach and go to Shade for happy hour and dinner in the square there (they have greek food, sushi, italian). Redondo, Hermosa, and Manhattan are about 15-20 minute drive. Also, just up the road from the resort a mile or so is a wonderful Starbucks where you can sit on the patio and enjoy the view with your coffee or take the kids to Subway (there is also a japanese and italian restaurant there). We had a drink at Admiral Risty's and put our name in for dinner, but after the terrible martinis and looking at the overpriced menu, we left. I truly hope things improve because the resort feels a world away from L.A. I plan to report again after my next visit.
Wait a year or two
by TripAdvisor Member Ryan1110
A nice looking hotel in a great location. The service across the board was truly horrible. The staff appears to have had no training. Restaurants look pretty but so so food comes with long waits and high prices. Stay away until the kinks are gone.
Crashing expectations
by TripAdvisor Member tashinski
I was so excited at the prospects of a brand new luxury Resort opening near LA. Envisioned the very best of everything, yet I was sorely let down once I stepped foot on the property. Granted the view is beautiful but the feel of the place resembles more like a train station than a secluded private luxury resort.
The staff is young and highly inexperienced. No one seems to know anything and you get bounced from one person to the next. Signs leading to the property are literally non existent and signs within the property pointing you towards the spa, lobby , pool or restaurant too few and far in between.
We got there at around 2pm and so it was too late for the main restaurant so we dined at the bar. Put simply, the bar food was horried! the kids fried chicken meal comprised of 2 overfried wings! The turkey salad was akin to MacDonalds version only at a much higher price point. Nelsons Bar was understaffed, poorly and inadequately trained!
The bar menu so limited..confined and utterly greasy! Fried, fried and more fried food accurately describes the gist of the menu! Knife, fork and napkin were considered a luxury at this place. You can only get it if you ask for it 3 or more times!
Altogether, a beautiful view, shame about the lack of concentration on the finer details.
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