Family-friendly L.A. doesn’t have to mean three days at Disneyland. While a pit stop at the Magic Kingdom might be your cup of tea, equally appetizing for a family trip to La La Land is bumming around Venice Beach, visiting the world-class museums or learning how to hide some magic tricks up your sleeve.
We’ve handpicked a few of the best family-friendly hotels in Los Angeles to start off a perfect vacation to the City of Angels.
The Garland
A North Hollywood Hotel for the Modern Family
Located in a bustling yet laid-back patch of North Hollywood, The Garland is mere minutes from Universal City. Their partnership with Universal Studios means the whole fam can get in early to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter without needing to stuff everyone under an invisibility cloak.
Rooms are laid out to accommodate families with bunk beds and a funky, modern design with free WiFi. You can stay busy during your stay with a whole slew of family-friendly activities offered onsite from movies projected on a hot summer night at the pool, guided urban walks, courtyard games and crafts.
Hotel Erwin
A Venice Beach Hotel for the Family of Surfers
Does your family long to spend your LA days taking in the waves, sun, sand, and atmosphere of Venice Beach? Hotel Erwin brings the spirit of the skaters, surfers, and rockers of this historic ‘hood to your stay. You’ll be greeted by a massive mural painted by a local tattoo artist and encounter photographic homages to the legends of 60s and 70s music in the halls while ambling towards your room. Inside, pillow top mattress and deluxe linens set you up for sweet dreams with rooms available in double queen configurations, perfect for your nuclear family. The ocean view from the balcony will lure you out to the beach quicker than you can tell the kids to put their swimsuits on.
Health-conscious families will want to dive straight into the Whole Foods-curated honour bar for the array of gluten-free and vegan snacks which get updated seasonally.
The Inn at Venice Beach
The Los Angeles Hotel When Travelling with Teenagers
Just five minutes from the cafes and restaurants of Venice Beach is the Inn at Venice Beach. This small property is ideal for families travelling to Los Angeles with teens in tow. The spacious loft suites allow everyone a bit of their own space with a queen bed upstairs and a queen sofa bed downstairs.
Free WiFi and a free continental breakfast in the sunny courtyard will help keep the kids happy. Cruiser bikes are also available for rent — the perfect way to explore the Venice Beach scene.
Residence Inn Los Angeles L.A. Live
Your Downtown Los Angeles Hotel Away from Home
Searching for the comforts of home in LA? The Residence Inn by Marriott delivers with their all-suites format with separate living and sleeping areas and a full kitchen, including dishwasher. Don’t expect to be cooking breakfast, however, with a full complimentary hot breakfast buffet served up fresh every morning, paramount to starting off your busy day right.
Whether you decide to spend the day at the rooftop pool with the kids practicing their best cannon balls or you head out for a day of culture at the Museum of Contemporary Art (just a mile away!), your home away from home welcomes you back to its graciously soft beds. Busy families can rejoice at the convenience of leaving a grocery list for the hotel with all the goods delivered right to your suite door later in the day.
Kinney Venice Beach
The LAX Hotel that Doesn’t Look It
Located in the Hippie-haven of Abbot Kinney, The Kinney Venice Beach flaunts their old school vibe with a lobby record player and beach cruiser bikes. You’re within walking (or cruiser) distance to the Marina, the boardwalk and all the local skate bowls for your little aspiring skaters.
The Crash Pad Suites have a separate living area with a pullout sleeping sofa and a King-sized bed in the bedroom for a bit of parental privacy. Kids will love the room design with bold, colourful splashed wallpaper and equally vibrant accents throughout. Everyone can pick their own fixings when you build your own super healthy Acai bowls for breakfast. Outside in the courtyard, you can have a quick dip in the plunge pool or orchestrate a family ping-pong tournament — loser buys ice cream for everyone, of course.
Magic Castle Hotel
The Hollywood Hotel for Budding Magicians
Add a bit of magic to your LA family hotel stay at the Magic Castle Hotel. Integrated into the exclusive Academy of Magical Arts, guests can catch a glimpse of the secretive association that only grants access to their shows for members and hotel guests. Kid-friendly shows take place during the weekend brunch.
Rooms are clean, generously sized with pull-out sofas and kitchenettes that make it all the easier to prepare food for hungry tummies. The one-bedroom suite can sleep a family of five. Outside, you’ll find a heated outdoor pool in an interior courtyard surrounded by tall palm trees. A free continental breakfast is served in the morning with fresh pastries and muffins from a local baker, plus snacks and sodas are available all day.
Do you have your own go-to family-friendly stay in L.A.? Let us know below!
This article originally appeared on trivago magazine US.