The most family friendly places to stay in Los Angeles are the ones that give kids room to play and parents a kitchen, laundry and a short drive to the big attractions. For many families that means skipping a single hotel room and booking a private home or vacation rental in the San Fernando Valley, close to Universal Studios Hollywood and the freeways. Here is how to choose an area, what to look for, and why our Inn in Valley Village is one storybook option.
Best Areas for Families to Stay in Los Angeles
Los Angeles is huge, and where you sleep shapes your whole trip. Pick your base around the things you actually plan to do, because crossing town at rush hour with tired children is nobody's idea of a holiday.
The San Fernando Valley (Studio City, Valley Village, Burbank)
The Valley is a favourite for families because it is quieter and more residential than central Hollywood, and it sits close to Universal Studios Hollywood and the Warner Bros. Studio Tour. It is also an easy run to Burbank airport and close to the 101 and 405 freeways for days out across the city.
Santa Monica and the Westside
If your trip is mostly about the beach, the pier and the coast, staying near Santa Monica keeps the sand close. The trade-off is longer drives to the studios and theme parks inland.
Anaheim and Orange County
If Disneyland is the main event of the trip, staying near Anaheim saves a long drive each day. It is less convenient for the rest of Los Angeles.
Hollywood and central LA
Central for sightseeing and the Walk of Fame, but busier, noisier and often with less space for the money than a residential neighbourhood.
What to Look For in a Family Friendly Stay
Whether you choose a hotel, a suite or a vacation rental, these are the details that make a stay with children genuinely easier.
- A real kitchen. Breakfasts and simple dinners at "home" save money and meltdowns.
- Separate sleeping spaces. Room for kids to sleep while adults stay up makes a trip far more restful.
- Laundry. Families on a longer trip need it, especially after a day at the beach or a water ride.
- Baby gear. Ask whether a crib and high chair are available so you do not have to pack them.
- Somewhere to play. A pool, garden or games give kids downtime between big outings.
- Parking and freeway access. LA is a driving city. Easy parking and quick freeway access save time every single day.
- Quiet. A residential street usually beats a busy boulevard for early bedtimes.
Hotels vs Vacation Rentals for Families
Hotels are simple: daily housekeeping, a front desk and often an on-site restaurant. For a short stay or a single night near the airport, they can be the easiest choice. The downside for families is space. One room with two beds means everyone shares the same lights-out time, there is nowhere to cook, and the pool is shared with every other guest.
A private vacation rental gives you a whole home to spread out in, a kitchen, laundry and usually outdoor space. You lose the front desk, but you gain room, privacy and a calmer base to come back to. Read the house rules carefully: many rentals have minimum stays, age requirements for the person booking, quiet hours and cleaning fees, so add those to the nightly rate when comparing.
The Inn at The Enchanted Manor
Our Inn is the private guest quarters at The Enchanted Manor, Georgia Durante's storybook home on a quiet cul-de-sac in Valley Village. Georgia spent 25 years remodelling the property and still lives on site. Families arrive along a brick path, through a stone archway and up to large arched wooden doors, which tends to set the tone for children straight away.
Inside, the Inn has a large living room with a fireplace and two down couches, a queen Murphy bed with a plush mattress, and a full kitchen with fridge, stove, oven, microwave, blender and coffee maker, with coffee and tea provided. The octagonal breakfast room has French windows on every side and two skylights, looking out over the pool and the outdoor fireplace. There is premium cable, a DVD library, Wi-Fi, air conditioning, ceiling fans and laundry, and for little ones a crib, high chair, toys and games.
For bigger families, two optional spaces open up more room. The Secret Room is a finished attic hidden behind a bookcase, with four twin beds reached by a ladder. Children adore it, though it is not suited to very young kids, elderly guests or very tall adults. The Great Room adds another 1,000 square feet with a stone fireplace. With both opened, the Inn sleeps up to six guests.
"My kids didn't want to get out of the pool. They loved the secret room behind the book case." — Malaya G.
The grounds
Outside are more than 18,000 square feet of grounds. The saltwater lagoon pool uses no harsh chemicals and has three waterfalls, a raised Jacuzzi and lights in nine colours. There is a thatched gazebo bar with a barbecue, a lava-rock fire pit, a private patio with an outdoor fireplace and plush couches, a tri-level deck and an outdoor shower. The grounds also include a children's playhouse, a miniature of the main house, and a tree house, and the trees are strung with fairy lights for the evenings. A private chef and a masseuse can be arranged if the grown-ups want a night off.
As Nerio R. told us, "Because of the beauty of the Enchanted Manor, we spent most of our time in the property itself."
Family Day Trips From Valley Village
One of the best things about staying in the Valley is how close the family favourites are. Approximate driving distances from the manor:
| Destination | Distance |
|---|---|
| Universal Studios Hollywood | 4.9 miles |
| Warner Bros. Studio Tour | 7.4 miles |
| Hollywood Sign | 7.2 miles |
| Los Angeles Zoo | 8.3 miles |
| Griffith Park | 11 miles |
| Santa Monica Beach | 19 miles |
| Six Flags Magic Mountain | 26 miles |
| Disneyland | 37 miles |
A simple rhythm works well for families: one big outing in the morning, back to the pool in the afternoon, then dinner on the deck or by the fire. Traffic in LA is easier to manage when you avoid weekday rush hours, so plan the longer drives, like the beach or Disneyland, for earlier starts.
Good to Know Before You Book
- Rates are $575 per night Monday to Thursday and $595 Friday to Sunday, with a 2-night minimum.
- The rate covers two guests; each additional guest is $50 per night. The Secret Room and Great Room are $100 per night.
- Cleaning is $185, the admin fee is $190, and there is a $300 refundable deposit. Pool heating is optional at $10 per hour.
- Check-in is after 3pm and check-out is 11am. The person booking must be at least 21.
- The Jacuzzi is open 9am to 11pm, and quiet hours start at 10pm. Bookings are non-refundable once made.
- Pets may be welcome by agreement for an $85 fee.
The rental has an alarm, and there are exterior cameras only. Parking is available on the cul-de-sac, and the house is easy to reach from both Burbank and LAX airports.
Book Your Family Stay
If you want a family trip to Los Angeles that feels like staying in a storybook rather than a hotel corridor, we would love to host you. As Andrew W. said, "It was hard to believe it was actually Los Angeles." See photos, rates and availability on our vacation rental page, or call or text (213) 999-3050. Celebrating something while you are in town? The manor also hosts private events and parties.
Frequently asked questions
How many people can stay at the Inn?
The Inn sleeps up to six guests when both the Secret Room and the Great Room are opened. The base rate covers two guests, with $50 per additional guest per night.
Is the Inn good for young children?
Yes. It has a crib, high chair, toys and games, a full kitchen and laundry. The Secret Room is reached by a ladder, so it is not suited to very young kids.
How far is the Inn from Universal Studios Hollywood?
Universal Studios Hollywood is about 4.9 miles from the manor, and the Warner Bros. Studio Tour is about 7.4 miles.
Is there a minimum stay?
Yes, there is a 2-night minimum. Rates are $575 per night Monday to Thursday and $595 Friday to Sunday.
Does the vacation rental have a pool?
Yes. Guests enjoy a saltwater grotto pool with three waterfalls and a raised Jacuzzi; pool heating is optional at $10 per hour.
