When you want to treat your family’s guest of honor with a little escape to celebrate, you don’t have to go far for a memorable family trip.
The Garland
North Hollywood | www.TheGarland.com
This retro chic iconic Hollywood boutique hotel sits in the heart of LA. Once a hideaway for the rich and famous tinsel town set, it now offers hip lodging with a ton of perks for families looking for a relaxing spot to hang. Visiting families will love the easy proximity to Hollywood landmarks and popular attractions, some of which you might not have yet explored reasoning it would always be “right there”.
The recently reimagined Garland has been renovated with a trendy restaurant which has become a rather popular local hotspot. The eatery’s cool décor and landscaping give the vibe of being in another world, albeit one in which locals flock to each night. Grab a cushy couch by the fireplace or sit among the flowering vines and people watch (you might see some familiar faces from the screen).
If the kids are wiped out after a day of exploring, take advantage of the fab happy hour at The Front Yard with tempting small plates and creative cocktails. The resort is so welcoming and relaxed, you might just want to grab a glass of vino and one of their generous gourmet salads to park by the pool and nosh as the kids cool off. Some nights, films are shown alfresco under the stars, allowing guests to float and enjoy the “dive-in” theatre.
If you are treating your little wizards and minions to a day of theme park fun, you will enjoy the resort’s private historic trolley that will drop you at the door of Universal Studios Hollywood. The wealth of nightlife and cafes at the Universal CityWalk. Some rooms offer family accomodations with full sized bunk beds and kitchenettes to help tame the hungry masses. The resort offers complimentary transportation to most of the area places of interest, and a Ralph’s and Starbucks are a mere block away.
Kimpton Shorebreak Hotel
Huntington Beach | www.ShorebreakHotel.com
From the ping pong table in the lobby, to the chalkboard behind reception boasting of complimentary S’more’s Kits, beach cruisers, drink coolers, lounge chairs, umbrellas and more… this cool boutique in the heart of Huntington Beach screams “your flip flops are welcome” from the first step through the door.
Kimpton, known in the industry for their superior service and perk-heavy attitude, holds true to its spirit at this beachfront hotel. Across the PCH from the iconic HB Ruby’s and a wonderfully endless expanse of golden sand, the location was prime even before the recent addition of the Pacific City one block down. With that development comes a wealth of dining, sipping and shopping options, as well as a full service spa and outdoor beach movies on tap for the summer months.
While those staying a few days would surely wander, you wouldn’t be blamed for staying put after a peruse through the Pacific Hideaway menu. The apres-surf beach tavern adds a solid dose of Pacific Rim fusion with Latin American influences in favorites like the Ahi Poke Tostadas and Shaking Beef Salad. A Beer Can Game Hen or fresh Wahoo platter nicely satisfy hungrier guests. If you need to cool off from a day in the sun, the “Trickster” and “Green Flash” craft cocktails are particularly refreshing.
Multiple firepits in the open courtyard beckon guests to mingle under the stars, as does the complimentary hosted wine hour each evening. (Special mocktails await the little ones.) Becoming part of the Karma Klub not only scores free wifi, but a tempting “Raid the Mini Bar” credit to indulge in the gourmet sodas, local artisan cookies and other normally verboten goodies. All guests enjoy a morning coffee bar and yoga mats in the rooms, as well as luxurious robes. If leaving Fido (or even Fluffy the Cat) behind gives your kids puppy dog eyes, bring them along — alert the reservationist, but enjoy the treats and fee-free pet friendly atmosphere
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