Los Angeles & Southern California - Andrea Schulte-Peevers [133]
Omni Los Angeles Hotel (Map; 213-617-3300, 800-843-6664; www.omnihotels.com; 25 S Olive St; r $170-290, ste $320-1000; wi-fi) Omni is all buttoned-up business during the week but its lower weekend rates make it an attractive base choice for families and culture vultures. The best rooms overlook the Museum of Contemporary Art and the Walt Disney Concert Hall, both just steps away. If you’ve got little ones in tow, ask about the Omni Sensational Kids package. Parking costs $28.
TOP END
Millennium Biltmore Hotel (Map; 213-624-1011, 800-245-8673; www.thebiltmore.com; 506 S Grand Ave; r $160-360, ste $460-3000; wi-fi) Drenched in tradition and gold-leaf, this palatial hotel has bedded stars, presidents and royalty in modestly sized but gold-and-blue-hued rooms with all the trappings. The gorgeous art deco health club takes the work out of workout. Wi-fi is free but only works in the lobby. Parking costs $32. Also Click here.
San Fernando Valley
Most of the major studios, including Warner Bros and Universal, are based in the Valley north of the Hollywood Hills.
Safari Inn (Map; 818-845-8586, 800-782-4373; www.safariburbank.com; 1911 W Olive Ave, Burbank; r $160-180, f $200; wi-fi) This 1950s motel boasts a vintage neon sign but has of late been spruced up nicely. Beds are draped in boldly colored patterned spreads, and framed poster art adds charm to rooms that are otherwise on the small and darkish side. The ‘breakfast’ of wimpy coffee and stale Danish is rather lacking, but the pool is nice and you’ll be close to the studios.
Coast Anabelle Hotel (Map; 818-845-7800, 800-782-4373; www.coasthotels.com; 2011 W Olive Ave, Burbank; r $160-180, ste $230; wi-fi) The Safari’s more grown-up sister hotel, the Annabelle, is right across the street. The rooms are larger and everything is a bit nicer here, from the airy lobby to the art, furniture and mattress. The Olive bistro does good business and gets high marks for its friendly staff. The pool is shared with the Safari Inn (above).
Graciela Inn (Map; 818-842-8887, 888-956-1900; www.thegraciela.com; 322 N Pass Ave, Burbank; r $200-365, ste $560-745; wi-fi) This business-savvy boutique hotel near Universal and Warner Bros is a breath of fresh air in the charm-challenged Valley. Rooms are draped in fresh vanilla tones and feature ultracomfy beds, while the marble baths have extra-big tubs. Enjoy great views from the rooftop sundeck with hot tub. Parking costs $24.
If Universal Studios is the focus of your visit, you won’t get any closer to the gate than by staying at the Sheraton Universal Hotel (Map; 818-980-1212, 800-325-3535; www.starwood.com/Sheraton; 333 Universal Hollywood Dr, Universal City; r $180-260, ste $330-1000, child under 18 free; ) or the Hilton Los Angeles/Universal City ( 818-506-2500, 800-445-8667; www.hilton.com; 555 Universal Hollywood Dr, Universal City; r $160-340, child under 18 free; ). Both of these monolithic glass towers have nicely appointed rooms with great city views from the upper floors, and shuttle service to the theme-park entrance. The Sheraton has special dog beds for Fido, and parking costs $16. Parking at the Hilton costs $15 to $20.
Pasadena
Pasadena is clean, quiet and blessed with excellent museums, stunning Craftsman architecture, bountiful gardens and a happening after-dark strip, but it gets hotter than hell in summer.
BUDGET
Saga Motor Hotel (Map; 626-795-0431, 800-793-7242; www.thesagamotorhotel.com; 1633 E Colorado Blvd; r $77-130; wi-fi) This well-kept ’60s vintage inn puts you right on historic Route 66 without taking too big a bite out of your wallet. Rooms are dated but spotless and clean. The nicest face the well-proportioned pool with plenty of chaises and chairs for kicking back. Families should ask about the extra-large units.
MIDRANGE
Pasadena Inn (Map; 626-795-8401, 800-577-5690; www.pasadena-inn.com; 400 S Arroyo Parkway; r $100-330; wi-fi) This older property won’t be featured on the pages