Glitz & glamour plus some family-friendly gems – best hotels for kids in LA
There’s plenty of glitz and glamour in Los Angeles, but I’ve also unearthed some family-friendly gems! Yes, L.A. stays aren’t cheap, but there’s one particularly good deal in the bunch. So pack your bags and head to the California sunshine.
1. Loews Santa Monica Beach Hotel
1700 Ocean Avenue, Santa Monica
Right on Santa Monica’s famous Muscle Beach, Loews Santa Monica Beach Hotel provides guest with sunset views of the Pacific Ocean and the Santa Monica Pier. Enjoy amusement park rides, explore 26 miles of paved beach pathway or just sit poolside and soak in the sun. Rooms are clean and elegant, and for a price, come with a furnished patio and fire pit. Starts $500/night.
2. The Garland
4222 Vineland Avenue, North Hollywood
A boutique hotel with a retro feel, The Garland offers on-site activities like board games in the courtyard, daily evening happy hour, and even dive-in movie nights (classic movies shown poolside). Its location in North Hollywood makes for convenient trips to Universal Studios, Universal CityWalk, and Griffith Park. There’s even a free trolley to Universal Studios and CityWalk. Rooms with bunk beds available. Starts at $229/night.
3. Farmer’s Daughter
115 Fairfax Avenue
Farm-style hospitality in a boutique hotel? Sounds a bit odd, but it works. The Farmer’s Daughter is inviting for families with unique décor (think barnyard animal art), swimming pool with giant rubber duckies, and plenty of activities nearby, including the Los Angeles County Museum of Art, Hollywood Walk of Fame, Griffith Park, and The Grove. Starts at $285/night.
4. Magic Castle Hotel
7025 Franklin Avenue, Hollywood
Providing a memorable stay, the Magic Castle Hotel doesn’t use smoke and mirrors or any slight of hand to please. Complimentary breakfast, centrally-located in Hollywood with the Walk of Fame just a block away, and oh yeah, they can get you into the exclusive Magic Castle Club next door to see performances from the world’s greatest magicians (age restrictions apply). Hungry teenagers and parents take note: the Magic Castle Hotel has a list of 40 snack items, available 24 hours a day and at no charge. That’s right, free snacks available 24-7. Starts at $199/night.
5. Hotel Casa Del Mar
1910 Ocean Way, Santa Monica
Stunning. Everything about Hotel Casa Del Mar is breathtaking: the views, the rooms, and the service. With beach front lounging (cabana rental available), two restaurants on site, and live music, you may not want to leave the property. Of course, if you do, the hotel will rent you bikes or set up surf lessons. Starts at $659/night.
6. Beverly Wilshire, A Four Seasons Hotel
9500 Wilshire Boulevard, Beverly Hills
Perhaps most famous for its role in Pretty Woman, the iconic Beverly Wilshire has attracted Hollywood celebrities since it opened in 1928. The hotel, indeed, looks like something out of a movie, but the attention to detail sets it apart and makes it surprisingly kid-friendly. The hotel provides special amenities for kids, including child-size bathrobes, step stools to reach sinks, kids’ menu for in-room dining, and even babysitting services. With advanced notice, the Beverly Wilshire will even help you plan an itinerary for your family during your stay. Starts at $695/night.
7. Le Montrose Suite Hotel
900 Hammond Street, West Hollywood
Nestled in a neighborhood area of West Hollywood, the all-suite Le Montrose features a rooftop pool and tennis court. Near the Sunset Strip, this stay is probably better for older kids. Its location makes for easy day trips to the beach, Hollywood sightseeing, and visits to any of the Los Angeles museums. Starts at $355/night.
8. Le Parc Suite Hotel
733 North West Knoll Drive, West Hollywood
A quiet retreat in West Hollywood, Le Parc Suite Hotel features a skydeck with heated pool, spa, cabanas, and lighted tennis court. All rooms are suites and include kitchenettes, perfect for those looking for a longer stay or those trying to cut costs by eating in. Le Parc is also pet-friendly. Its West Hollywood location is just minutes from Beverly Hills, downtown Los Angeles, Santa Monica, and Venice. Starts at $229/night.
9. Shutters on the Beach
1 Pico Blvd., Santa Monica
A beach house feel with hotel service, Shutters on the Beach has something for everyone: bike rentals, volleyball, paddle tennis, and surf lessons for the active, and poolside lounging, cabanas, and yoga in the sand for those looking to chill out. Whether you’re looking for a snack after a morning at the beach or fine dining, three on-site restaurants give you plenty of choices. Starts at $675/night.
10. Terranea Resort
100 Terranea Way, Rancho Palos Verdes
The 102-acre private resort is away from the hustle and bustle of Los Angeles and provides peaceful tranquility for everyone in the family: a full-service spa, 9-hole golf course, tide pools, horseback riding, ocean kayaking, bocce ball, and four swimming pools. One pool has a 120-foot curving water slide; another pool is dedicated to adults. For the younger kids, there’s a splash zone with sand and beach toys. Terranea Resort sports a kids’ clubs (ages 2 to 12) with even more activities, but it does cost extra. Starts at $395/night.
For Top 10 Plays in Los Angeles, click here.
For Top 10 Eats in Los Angeles, click here.
Michael Benkoski is a former journalist and current stay-at-home dad with two kids in Westlake Village, California. His fondness for coffee has turned him into the neighborhood barista.
This writer received some complimentary stays for the purpose of this review. However, all opinions expressed are solely his own.
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