In a city filled with chain hotels, The Garland sets itself apart as a true local gem. Founded by Hollywood actress Beverly Garland and her family in the 1970s and still run by her kids, this boutique property is a true Los Angeles icon. Whether you want to spend your days by the pool, catch a movie in the hotel’s private theater or explore the local attractions (including Universal Studios just a stone’s throw away), The Garland offers a perfect launching point for the City of Angels.
From the moment you turn off a busy North Hollywood street into the entrance of the hotel, situated on 7 acres of prime land in the heart of the city, you feel like you have stepped into another era. Once you check in, the hustle and bustle melts away as if you are back in the Hollywood heyday. It can be hard to mix chic sophistication with family-friendly amenities, but at The Garland, it seems effortless.
Friendly staff welcome guests in the eclectic ’70s-style lobby, where you can either unwind by the fire or grab a cold beverage in the bar. Maybe it is the constant sunshine or the acres of greenery, but the staff throughout the hotel are always smiling and willing to help make your stay memorable. Families will find The Garland to be the perfect home base to explore the Los Angeles area, as well as an oasis where you can escape it.
One of the hardest parts of booking a hotel with kids is finding a room configuration that fits your needs. The Garland has mastered the ideal setup — some of its 257 rooms offer bunk beds partitioned from the main sleeping area. There are multiple suite options as well. The flexible accommodations help parents and kids sleep better and feel more relaxed, ready to tackle a day of fun in the Southern California sunshine.
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It’s hard to talk about The Garland without including the hotel’s onsite restaurant, The Front Yard. Sophisticated comfort food is the name of the game at this local hot spot, leaving kids and parents happy and very full. This is no ordinary hotel restaurant — it’s a hip happy hour meeting spot for locals and the brunch spot in North Hollywood. My personal favorites are the Avocado Toast and the kitchen’s own take on a Pop Tart. Parents, don’t forget to try the signature mimosas during brunch!
There is no shortage of great activity options for families here. Once you make your way through the lobby, you will be drawn to the wonderful pool area, which offers a refreshing spot to cool off during the day and movies under the stars at night. The Garland has an extensive list of daily activities for all ages, including lawn games, macrame classes by the pool, craft beer tastings, Pilates and a guided urban walk through the beautiful neighborhood outside (and glimpse the famous Brady Bunch house).
Most people think of flying into LAX when coming to Los Angeles, but The Garland is easily accessible from Burbank’s Bob Hope Airport, which allows you to escape the worst of the traffic and hit the pool sooner rather than later.
TIP: If you are planning to enjoy all of the fun at Universal Studios Hollywood, The Garland offers a complimentary shuttle to the park throughout the day. Also, the Universal Express Pass is well worth it — you’ll spend more time playing and less time in line.
Relevant Links:
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Editor’s Note: Katy received a complimentary stay as part of a media trip in order to review The Garland for families. As always, all opinions are our own on Ciao Bambino. Photos by Katy Hanagan except where noted.
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By Katy Hanagan
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