The best family-friendly hotels in Los Angeles

The ornate detailing on this Four Seasons-operated gem, famous for its role in Pretty Woman, recalls 19th-century French splendor, but contemporary additions such as a Richard Meier-designed restaurant add 21st-century sophistication. The hotel is within quick walking distance to Rodeo Drive and the restaurants are worth a visit on their own, but if all of this sounds like it's a little too grown-up for children, don't worry—there's plenty for the little ones, too. The spa offers kids treatments, like a Princess Mini Facial and a Rock Star Massage. Room service includes an extensive menu broken up into age groups (yes, there's even organic teething biscuits for toddlers), and there are babysitting services, child-size bathrobes and a welcome Hollywood Walk of Fame cookie with your kid's name on it.

Welcome to Paradise. Situated on an oceanside bluff in posh Rancho Palos Verdes, the picturesque resort is a Mecca of relaxation and resort life. The 102-acre resort boasts a nine-hole golf course, spa, four pools and eight—count 'em, eight—restaurants. And if that isn’t enough to keep you busy, there's also paddleboarding, snorkeling and horseback riding. Kids will love the Resort Pool, complete with a 140-foot water slide and a Splash Zone. Seasonal camps include Kids Club Workshops, Kids Night Out Camp and Daytime Adventure Camp, plus a closet full of board games at the concierge.

Towering above Universal City, the Hilton Los Angeles / Universal City is a destination for those looking to experience the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, Water World, The Simpsons Ride and everything else the theme park has to offer. The hotel's many ammenities include a gym, pool, sight-seeing tours and more—plus, it's pet-friendly, meaning you can bring Fido along on vacation. Have a couple kids in tow (of course you do, you're staying near Universal)? Family packages are offered as well, along with cribs, a children's menu and weekly children's activities. 

This unusual property is connected to the Academy of Magical Arts, an exclusive organization made up of roughly 2,500 American magicians; guests have access to the otherwise private Magic Castle, where AMA members perform nightly for clued-up crowds. Of the 40 units, three-quarters are apartment-style suites with kitchenettes and living areas;perfect for acclimating your kiddos to a homey atmosphere. While children can't get into the 21+ magic show, they are allowed during weekend brunch (plus, they'll be impressed just being in a castle anyway). The 24-hour heated pool is perfect for early morning swim sessions before they're all tuckered out.

The famous pink stucco façade, the manicured grounds and the sumptuous rooms of the Beverly Hills Hotel look as fresh and fanciful as they did on opening day 100 years ago. It oozes exclusivity: every screen legend from Valentino to Arnie has slept in this fabled hideaway or held court in its still-popular Polo Lounge. Your kiddos might not know who Valentino is, but they'll definitely appreciate a welcome snack of milk and cookies, a teddy bear waiting for them in their room and, for children 12 and under, a personal V-VIP credit card to use for complimentary sodas in The Fountain Coffee Room and The Cabana Cafe.

Located a stone's throw from Universal City, the Garland is situated in North Hollywood, and close to more than 50 shops and restaurants in this vibrant Valley neighborhood. Bright, modern suites cater to everyone from families to couples, and include a private balcony, complimentary WiFi and LCD flat-screen TVs. The Garland offers plenty of fun events to take advantage of—urban walks, craft beer tastings, tai chi and courtyard games. For kids, the dive-in movies—movies shown on a projector by the pool—are a blast, and the famiy suites offer bunk beds where the little ones can feel right at home.

Formerly a cool retreat for hot Hollywood stars and now a sister to Casa del Mar, Shutters has a relaxed but decidedly upscale style. Filled with comfortable sofas, club chairs and prints by modern masters such as David Hockney, the lobby mirrors the beach-cottage ambience of the rooms and suites, which in turn feature lovely, dark hardwood floors and the hotel's signature white shutters. Children's menus are available at the hotel's multiple restaurants, as are babysitting services, free cribs and rollaways, and beach toys.

Located on the sand, close to Santa Monica's shops and restaurants, this elegant and architecturally significant hotel is a local landmark. Most of the plush rooms and suites offer ocean and coastline views; for a really opulent stay, reserve one of the two-story penthouse suites or the super-deluxe presidential suite. Kids will love being right by the Santa Monica Pier, where they can spend an afternoon riding on the Ferris wheel, playing in the video arcade and wolfing down hot dogs. Rent bikes for the whole family and enjoy the bike path that stretches infront of the hotel and along the beach.