Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
98
Kids
Family-Friendly Hotels
Beverly Garland's Holiday Inn
(p. 100) is a t errific choice for wallet-watching
families: R ates ar e lo w, the Nor th Holly wood location is close t o Univ ersal
Studios (a fr ee shuttle ride a way), k ids sta y and eat fr ee, and k ids ev en get
their own rooms, called K idSuites.
Hotel Er win
(p . 76) g ives families a plac e t o sta y just off the carnival-like
Venice boar dwalk. The suit es ar e a t errific choic e f or the br ood, sinc e each
features a full k itchen, a dining ar ea, a pullout sofa, and a c onnecting door
to an adjoining r oom that lets y ou f orm an aff ordable t wo-bedroom, t wo-
bathroom suite.
Inn at V enice Beach
(p . 77) is ideal f or oc ean-loving families , thanks t o its
near-the-beach location. The 3-block walk is lined with snack bars , surf shops,
and bike and sk ate rentals. The 12-and-under set is w elcomed free of charge,
and everyone starts the da y with a c omplimentary breakfast.
Loews Santa Monica Beach Hotel
(p. 71) w elcomes k ids 10 and under with
open arms, gifts, and special menus. And with a great location near the beach
and Santa M onica amusement pier , the hot el couldn't be bett er situated for
families in sear ch of sur f and sun.
Magic Castle Hotel
(p. 94) is a good budget choic e, with r oomy apar tment-
style suites; it's close t o Hollywood Boulevard's family-friendly attrac tions.
Sheraton Univ ersal Hotel
(p . 100) enjo ys a t errifically k id-friendly location,
adjacent to Universal Studios and the fun Cit yWalk mall. Babysitting services
are available, and there's a game room on the premises.
5
graceful air thanks to elegant accents and artworks from the likes of Jim Dine and David
Hockney. The spacious, conser vatively styled r ooms ar e amenity-packed—25-inch
flatscreen TVs and fluffy robes; business rooms feature extra-large work desks with halo-
gen task lighting and desk-level inputs. At $50 extra for two, Club Level rooms are a great
value considering the accompanying freebies: continental breakfast, all-day beverages and
pastries, ev ening cocktails and appetiz ers.
Tip:
R equest a r oom o verlooking the Walt
Disney Concert Hall.
251 S. Oliv e St., L os Angeles, CA 90012.
&
800/444-6664
or 213/617-3300. F ax 213/617-3399. w ww.
omnihotels.com. 453 units. $179-$390 double; fr om $499 suite. AE, DC, DISC, MC, V. Valet parking $30.
Amenities:
Restaurant; lounge; babysitting; children's programs; concierge; executive-level rooms; exer-
cise room; access to nearby health club; out door heated lap pool; r oom service.
In room:
A/C, TV, hair
dryer, minibar, Wi-Fi ($9.95 per day; free with Select Guest membership).
Westin Bonaventure Hotel & Suites
This 35-story, 1,354-room monolith is
the hotel that locals love to hate. The truth is that the Bonaventure is a terrific hotel. It's
certainly not for travelers who want intimacy or personality in their accommodations—
but with numerous restaurants and bars, a full-service spa, a monster health club, a busi-
ness center, and much mor e on hand, y ou'll be har d-pressed to want for anything her e
(except maybe some individualiz ed attention). The hotel 's fiv e gleaming glass silos
