So, having just returned from Los Angeles – a city I never expected to be half as family-friendly as it is – I stand firmly corrected. I flew to LAX in late March with Lola and, honestly, wasn’t sure what to expect. I had been to LA before with her when she was a tiny baby but, returning with her as a toddler, I wasn’t wholly convinced a sprawling Californian metropolis, infamous for bad traffic and even worse air quality, was really the finest choice of destinations for the Easter holidays. But we had a bawl. Los Angeleans are lovely, children are thought of at every single turn and the luxury family hotels tick absolutely every single teeny tiny box. Lola announced at one point, “Mummy, I love America” and, considering the fabulous places we stayed, I can’t blame her. Herewith, our best family hotels in Los Angeles.
The Langham Huntington, Pasadena
Located in the stunning and very picturesque area of Pasadena, The Langham Huntington is a perfect, very luxurious family-friendly hotel. A far cry from the tattoo parlours and edgy bars of West Hollywood, the area is defined by large, sweeping avenues, enormous and very beautiful homes, lovely local eateries and excellent shopping. The Langham Huntington is a sensational property and, though it is close to downtown Los Angeles, it feels a million miles from the heaving traffic and buzz of the city. Set against the San Gabriel mountains, there are no less than 23 lush garden acres to explore and a fantastic swimming pool that serves as the real heartbeat of the hotel. An array of wonderful activities for children interject every major holiday throughout the year (such as the hotel’s infamous Easter egg hunt followed by brunch) but, no matter what time of year you arrive, children are welcomed with open arms and a gorgeous backpack of goodies, to boot.
To book this hotel click here.
The Peninsula, Beverly Hills
The Peninsula Beverly Hills is one of those hotels that leaves you wondering what on earth you ever did to deserve such a spoiling stay. From the moment you walk into to the lobby – adjacent to the hotel’s sitting room where delightful tea is served every day – you’ll be blown away by the immaculate level of service, to-die-for interiors and gorgeous, luxurious touches. The concierge is one of the best we have ever encountered with a knowledge of the area that must be unrivalled. The food is memorably good and the swimming pool, with its near panoramic views of the city, takes you far and away from the hustle and Beverly Hills bustle below. Just a few blocks from Rodeo Drive, this is a great choice if some retail therapy is on the agenda.
To book this hotel click here.
The Four Seasons Los Angeles at Beverly Hills
The Four Seasons Los Angeles at Beverly Hills is one of those rare hotels that manages to combine old school Hollywood glamour with all the trappings of a modern day, contemporary, and very luxurious hotel. An iconic property in the heart of the much sought after Beverly Hills area, the Four Seasons is a large but very welcoming family-friendly hotel that is an ideal spot no matter how large or small your family. The bedrooms are huge, especially if you book into a suite, so there is room for everyone and many have (well secured) balconies that offer sweeping views across the Los Angeles cityscape. The outdoor pool is a gorgeous area that you’ll naturally all gravitate towards. The pool is spacious, (you’ll find sunscreen ready and waiting so don’t worry if you forget your own) and it is nicely nestled next to the gorgeous Cabana restaurant (where you’ll enjoy breakfast each morning) and the infamous spa. Whatever you need, the hotel’s knowledgable concierge will gladly help and the hotel, like all respectable LA properties, offers a valet service for cars so you can rock up, hand over the keys, and relax. Oh, and the flowers must be seen to be believed……
To book this hotel click here.
Or, for more luxury family hotels in Los Angeles, click here.