The best place to stay in Los Angeles with kids is somewhere with room to spread out, a kitchen, and something to do that is not a theme park queue. For most families that means choosing a base in the San Fernando Valley or near Universal, rather than a single cramped hotel room. Here is how to decide, what to look for, and why our Inn at the Enchanted Manor is a quiet, storybook alternative.
What families actually need from an LA stay
Los Angeles is spread out, and children get tired. Before you compare neighbourhoods, decide what matters most:
- Space. Two adults and two or three children in one hotel room is a recipe for early bedtimes and late arguments. A separate living area changes the trip.
- A kitchen. Breakfast at home, snacks on hand and a fridge for milk save both money and tempers.
- Somewhere to unwind. After a long day out, kids still have energy. A pool, garden or play space means you do not have to go anywhere else.
- Easy driving. Pick a base close to the attractions you care about, because traffic is real.
Choosing the area: where to base your family
Near Universal and the Valley
If Universal Studios Hollywood or the Warner Bros. Studio Tour are on your list, the Valley is the practical choice. From our address in Valley Village, Universal Studios Hollywood is 4.9 miles away and the Warner Bros. Studio Tour is 7.4 miles. Griffith Park is 11 miles, the LA Zoo is 8.3 miles, and the Hollywood Sign is 7.2 miles. You are also close to the 101 and 405, and easy from both Burbank and LAX airports.
Hollywood and Beverly Hills
Convenient for sightseeing, though more crowded and usually pricier per room. Beverly Hills and Rodeo Drive are 6.5 miles from us, for reference.
The beach
Santa Monica Beach is 19 miles from the manor and Venice Beach 19.5 miles. If your trip is mostly sand and sea, stay near the coast. If it is a mix, many families split: a few nights in the Valley, a day trip to the beach.
Anaheim
Disneyland is 37 miles from us. If it is the centrepiece of your trip, stay near it, and treat the rest of Los Angeles as a second leg.
Hotel, rental or something in between
Hotels win on convenience: daily housekeeping, an on-site breakfast, nothing to prepare. Their weakness for families is size and noise. A vacation rental wins on space and privacy, and you can cook, spread out and put children to bed without sitting in the dark.
The middle path is a private guest house, which is how we describe the Inn. You get the privacy of a rental, a host on the property if you need anything, and the sense that you are somewhere rather than just sleeping somewhere.
Why families love the Inn at the Enchanted Manor
The Inn is a vacation rental on the grounds of our private estate in Valley Village. It sits on more than 18,000 square feet of grounds, on a quiet cul-de-sac with the LA River behind the house. Our host, Georgia Durante, spent 25 years remodelling her home into the manor and lives on the property.
What children tend to remember:
- The saltwater lagoon pool. It has three waterfalls, a raised Jacuzzi and nine light colours, and there are no harsh chemicals. Our guest Malaya G. wrote, "My kids didn't want to get out of the pool."
- The Secret Room. A finished attic behind a bookcase with four twin beds, reached by ladder. Malaya G. added that the kids loved the secret room behind the book case. It is not suited to very young children, elderly guests or very tall adults.
- The children's playhouse. A miniature version of the main house with two twin beds, a fireplace and cable TV.
- Fairy lights in the trees and a lava-rock fire pit in the evening.
For parents, the practical side matters just as much. The Inn has a full kitchen with fridge, stove, oven, microwave, blender and coffee maker, with coffee and tea provided. There is a large living room with a fireplace and two down couches, plus a queen Murphy bed. The octagonal breakfast room has French windows on all sides and two skylights, overlooking the pool. You will also find premium cable, a DVD library, Wi-Fi, air conditioning, ceiling fans, laundry, a crib, a high chair, toys and games.
Sleeping arrangements for a family
The Inn's queen Murphy bed and down couches work well for a couple with younger children. For larger families, the Secret Room (4 twin beds) and the Great Room, a 1,000 sq ft addition with a stone fireplace, can be opened up. With both opened, the Inn sleeps up to 6 guests.
A few house rules help set expectations. Check-in is after 3pm and check-out is 11am. The renter must be at least 21, the Jacuzzi is open 9am to 11pm, and we ask for quiet after 10pm. Bookings are non-refundable once made, and parties require permission.
What it costs
Rates are published so you can compare honestly with hotels:
- $575 per night Monday to Thursday, $595 Friday to Sunday, with a 2-night minimum.
- An additional $50 per person per night over 2 guests.
- Secret Room and Great Room: $100 per night.
- Cleaning fee $185, admin fee $190, and a refundable deposit of $300.
- Optional pool heating at $10 per hour.
Do the maths against two hotel rooms plus restaurant breakfasts and you may find the Inn is competitive, particularly for families of four to six who need space.
Tips for a smooth LA trip with children
- Do one big thing per day. LA distances are long. Pair a major attraction with a slow afternoon back at base.
- Time your drives. Avoid the freeways at rush hour wherever you can.
- Book the parks early and plan breaks. Our Universal Studios Hollywood tips may help.
- Use the pool. After a day of walking, a swim does more to calm children than another attraction.
For more options, see our guides to where to stay in Los Angeles with family and vacation rentals near Universal Studios Hollywood.
Book your family stay
If a private, storybook base sounds right for your trip, see the Inn's details and availability on our vacation rental page, or call or text Georgia at (213) 999-3050. Our motto is "They come as strangers and leave as friends", and we would love to welcome your family.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best area to stay in Los Angeles with kids?
If Universal Studios or the Warner Bros. Studio Tour are on your list, the San Fernando Valley is a practical base. The manor is 4.9 miles from Universal Studios Hollywood and 7.4 miles from the Warner Bros. Studio Tour.
How much does the Inn cost per night?
$575 per night Monday to Thursday and $595 Friday to Sunday, with a 2-night minimum and $50 per person per night over 2 guests. Cleaning is $185 and admin is $190.
How many guests can stay at the Inn?
Up to 6 guests with the Secret Room and Great Room both opened, at $100 per night for the two.
Does the Inn have a crib and high chair?
Yes. The Inn provides a crib, high chair, toys and games, plus a full kitchen and laundry.
What is the minimum age to rent the Inn?
The renter must be at least 21.
