The most unique places to stay in Los Angeles are the ones that feel like somewhere rather than just anywhere: a private cottage, a garden retreat or a house with a story, instead of another tower hotel. If you want space, privacy and a bit of enchantment, a private vacation rental is worth a look, and below we explain what to weigh and where our own Inn fits.
What makes a stay unique in Los Angeles
Los Angeles is huge, and where you sleep shapes your whole trip. Hotels are convenient, but they tend to look alike, and a night in one can feel the same whether you are in the Valley or on the coast. A unique stay usually offers one or more of these things:
- Character. A building with a point of view, whether storybook, mid-century or hidden away in a garden.
- Space. A real living room, a kitchen and outdoor areas, rather than a single room with a desk.
- Privacy. No lobby, no elevator, no neighbors on the other side of the wall.
- A sense of place. A stay that makes you feel you have gone somewhere, not just checked in.
The right choice depends on your group. A couple on a long weekend wants something different from a family of five with a theme park day planned.
Choosing your part of town
Los Angeles is a patchwork, and each area suits a different trip. The beaches suit sun and sand, Hollywood suits sightseeing, and the Westside suits shopping and dining. The San Fernando Valley is quieter, usually easier for parking and closer to the studios. If your plans include Universal Studios Hollywood, Warner Bros. Studio Tour or Griffith Park, the Valley puts you much nearer than a beach stay would.
From our home in Valley Village, the driving distances give a sense of how central it is: Universal Studios Hollywood is 4.9 miles away, Greystone Mansion 5.2, Beverly Hills and Rodeo Drive 6.5, the Hollywood Sign 7.2 and the Warner Bros. Studio Tour 7.4. The LA Zoo is 8.3 miles, Griffith Park 11, Santa Monica Beach 19 and Disneyland 37. Traffic changes everything in Los Angeles, so treat those as distances rather than travel times.
Hotel or private rental
A hotel makes sense for a one-night stopover or a business trip. It is simple, flexible and staffed around the clock. A private rental makes more sense when you are staying two nights or more, traveling as a group or want to cook, relax and spend time at home instead of in a lobby.
Weigh these points when comparing:
- Total cost. Rentals often add cleaning and admin fees, while hotels add parking and resort fees. Compare the final figure, not the nightly rate.
- Kitchen. Cooking breakfast and a few dinners can save real money for families.
- Rules. Rentals have house rules, minimum stays and cancellation terms. Read them first.
- Location. Check the drive to the places you actually plan to visit.
The Inn at the Enchanted Manor
Our Inn is a private vacation rental at 5235 Goodland Avenue in Valley Village, on a quiet cul-de-sac minutes from the 101 and 405. Georgia Durante, a former precision and stunt driver, spent 25 years remodelling her home into the manor, and she lives on the property. Her motto is "They come as strangers and leave as friends."
Inside, the Inn has a large living room with a fireplace and two down couches, plus a queen Murphy bed with a plush mattress. The full kitchen has a 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 on the pool and outdoor fireplace. You will also find premium cable, a DVD library, Wi-Fi, air conditioning, ceiling fans and laundry. For families there is a crib, a high chair, toys and games.
The Secret Room and the grounds
The favorite feature for many guests is the Secret Room, a finished attic behind a bookcase with four twin beds, reached by ladder. Because of the ladder, it is not suitable for very young children, the elderly or very tall adults. The Great Room, with its stone fireplace, adds 1,000 square feet. With both opened, the Inn sleeps a maximum of six guests.
Outside, the grounds cover more than 18,000 square feet. A saltwater grotto pool, free of harsh chemicals, has three waterfalls, a raised Jacuzzi and nine light colors for the pool and spa. There is a thatched gazebo bar with a refrigerator, sink and barbecue, a lava-rock fire pit, a private patio with an outdoor fireplace, a tri-level deck, an outdoor shower and fairy lights in the trees. A children's playhouse, a miniature version of the main house, has two twin beds, a fireplace and cable TV.
Guests describe it better than we can. Malaya G. wrote, "My kids didn't want to get out of the pool. They loved the secret room behind the book case." Andrew W. said, "It was hard to believe it was actually Los Angeles." And Mirela R. called it "not a back yard but an oasis."
Rates and house rules
Rates are $575 per night Monday through Thursday and $595 Friday through Sunday, with a two-night minimum. Each guest beyond two adds $50 per person per night. The Secret Room and Great Room are $100 per night. Additional charges include a $185 cleaning fee, a $190 admin fee and a refundable $300 deposit. A pet fee of $85 applies by agreement, and pool heating is optional at $10 per hour.
Check-in is after 3pm and check-out is at 11am. The minimum age to book is 21, and bookings are non-refundable once made. The Jacuzzi is open from 9am to 11pm, and quiet hours begin at 10pm. Parties are not allowed without permission. The rental has an alarm, and the exterior has cameras only. A private chef and masseuse are available if you want to be pampered.
As an example, a three-night weekend stay for two adults would be three nights at $595, plus the cleaning and admin fees, before any optional extras. Always confirm the final total with Georgia before booking.
Is it right for your trip
The Inn suits couples, small families and friends who want a home base rather than a hotel room. It is less suited to those who want daily housekeeping, a front desk or nightlife on the doorstep. If that sounds like you, a hotel may serve better, and that is fine.
If you are still deciding, our guides on places to stay near Universal Studios, where to stay in Los Angeles with kids and vacation rentals near Universal Studios Hollywood may help you compare.
Book your stay
To see photos, rates and availability, visit our vacation rental page, or call or text Georgia at (213) 999-3050. Tell us your dates and who is traveling, and we will help you work out whether the Inn is the right fit.
Frequently asked questions
How many people can stay at the Inn?
The Inn sleeps a maximum of six guests with both the Secret Room and the Great Room opened. Guests beyond two add $50 per person per night.
What is the minimum stay and what does it cost?
There is a two-night minimum. Rates are $575 per night Monday to Thursday and $595 Friday to Sunday, plus cleaning ($185), admin ($190) and a refundable $300 deposit.
What are the check-in and check-out times?
Check-in is after 3pm and check-out is at 11am. The minimum age to book is 21.
Is the Inn close to Universal Studios Hollywood?
Universal Studios Hollywood is 4.9 miles from the manor by road. The Warner Bros. Studio Tour is 7.4 miles and the Hollywood Sign 7.2 miles.
Is the booking refundable?
Bookings are non-refundable once made, so confirm your dates and total with Georgia before you book.
