25 cool Los Angeles hotels for families

Last updated on November 24, 2023

Los Angeles is a proper sprawl of a city with a massive range of different neighborhoods and vibes. You’ve got everything from the glitz of Beverly Hills to the eclectic madness of Venice Beach, and then every option in-between. Where you choose to stay in Los Angeles will hugely shape your impression of the city, and everyone has a different favourite – it’ll depend on your personality and needs. Personally I’m a big Venice Beach fan, although if I lived there, I’d probably go for Silver Lake.

In this post, I’m focusing on the best places to stay in Los Angeles with kids, but you’ll probably find the neighbourhood guides useful even if you’re travelling without children. As always, we’ve focussed on stylish accommodation that always has something special about it – be it the location, view or interiors. There’s nothing bland in here! It’s a guide to the coolest Los Angeles hotels for families.

I’ve broken the post down into the best L.A. neighborhoods for kids (with pros and cons for each) and then added some L.A. family hotels and accommodation for each one.

Also don’t miss our guide to the best things to do in Los Angeles with kids (and our dedicated Disneyland and Universal Studios guides).

And if you’re headed to San Diego, we also have a round-up of the coolest family-friendly hotels there.

Cool Los Angeles hotels for families and kids

Map of hotels in Los Angeles for families

Where to stay in Los Angeles with kids

Venice Beach

Venice Beach is one of my favourite spots in Los Angeles. It’s famous for its vibrant (and somewhat crazy) boardwalk where you’ll find the iconic Muscle Beach (where Arnie used to work out before he found fame), a popular skatepark on the beach, impressive street performers and all sorts of eccentric characters. It’s an “anything goes” sort of place. 

It’s an area that attracts creatives and as such there are loads of fantastic independent businesses, especially along the super hipster Abbot Kinney Boulevard. The Venice Canals are also lovely for a walk, and the beach is massive (albeit with unclean water, so I wouldn’t be tempted to swim).

Family hotels in Venice Beach

The Kinney

The Kinney is my top pick for kids in Venice Beach. It has a boutique, hip style with bold colours and cool murals. It has a heated pool (albeit very small) and a fun courtyard – The Quad – with fire pits and ping pong. It’s within walking distance of Venice Beach and just steps from Abbot Kinney Boulevard. It’s one that suits everyone, from couples to families. It has a well deserved reputation as one of the coolest hotels in Los Angeles.

Find the latest deals and book now.

Hotel Erwin

Hotel Erwin is by no means a specifically family hotel, but it does welcome kids, and it’s an option that creative families might want to consider in Venice Beach. It’s been around since the 70s and is right next to the Venice Beach Boulevard, so close to all the eclectic madness! A bit of a love it or hate it option, depending on your vibe.

Find the latest deals and book now.

Venice Breeze Suites

With spacious suites and full kitchens, Venice Breeze Suites provides a comfortable home-away-from-home experience. It’s right next to the boardwalk on the seafront, and features a rooftop terrace with panoramic views, perfect for enjoying the sunset.

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Inn at Venice Beach

The Inn at Venice Beach is a good value option in Venice Beach with a monochrome base design, complemented by bright art. It’s popular with couples and groups, but also welcomes families. The suites are particularly spacious, so a good option for families.

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Venice Beach Airbnbs

We’ve also put together a guide to the best Venice Beach Airbnbs, perfect if you’d like a bit more space. They are fairly expensive though – watch out for the cleaning and service fees!

Santa Monica

Santa Monica is by far the most popular choice for families in Los Angeles, and as such has the largest amount of hotel options on this list. 

The biggest attraction is the iconic Santa Monica Pier, where you’ll find amusement rides, games, and a vibrant atmosphere (be warned, it’s super touristy, so it won’t be everyone’s vibe). And people also love the shopping on Third Street Promenade (although we prefer the more independent-focussed Abbot Kinney Boulevard).

Santa Monica suits families seeking a relaxed beach vibe with plenty of activities. Plus it’s right on the PCH and also at the end of Route 66, so a classic USA road trip stop. 

Personally, I’d pick Venice Beach over Santa Monica because it has a lot more character. But if you prefer something a bit more refined and don’t mind being in a tourist-centric spot then Santa Monica is a good choice. The beach is lovely and the hotels are more resort-style than the ones you’ll find in Venice. 

The most expensive hotels are on the beach itself, but you can find some more budget-friendly options along Ocean Avenue, which is still in walking distance of the pier.

Family hotels in Santa Monica

The Pierside 

The Pierside is one of the newest additions to the Santa Monica hotel scene. It’s a stylish stay with a laidback, beachy vibe. The on-site Board Shop offers all sorts of useful rentals, from surf boards to Go-Pros.

Find the latest deals and book now.

Palihouse Santa Monica

This gorgeous and unique hotel, the Palihouse Santa Monica, is surprisingly family-friendly with free cookies in the afternoon, kids’ games in the lobby and bocce ball on the lawn. Set in a beautiful Spanish Colonial Revival Mansion, it’s a few blocks from the beach, and a wonderfully unique place to stay in Santa Monica.

Find the latest deals and book now.

Shutters on the Beach 

Shutters on the Beach is a fancy resort-style hotel right on the beach in Santa Monica. It has a charming Cape Cod style facade with wooden balconies and shutters in a stylish white and grey palette. It’s pricey but worth it if you have the cash to spare. And while it caters more to adults than kids, the rooms do have sofas or rollaway beds for children, and families are more than welcome to stay. Just look at that view!

Find the latest deals and book now.

Shore Hotel

Located just steps away from the beach, the Shore Hotel has contemporary rooms with eco-friendly amenities. The hotel features an outdoor pool (no designated kids area) and, while not specifically aimed at families, it’s definitely welcoming to all ages.

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Casa del Mar

Casa del Mar is another fancy Santa Monica hotel option that dates back to 1926. If you’re going all out, you could book a four-bedroom ocean-view interconnecting suite for the whole family!

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Cal Mar Hotel Suites

Cal Mar is a more budget-friendly option in Santa Monica. All the suites have a fully-equipped kitchen so it’s also handy for saving money on food. And there’s a pool too.

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Santa Monica Motel

The Santa Monica Motel is the cheapest option on our list of family-friendly Santa Monica hotels. It’s about 2km from the pier, but has free parking, which is a big bonus in L.A. The rooms are basic but clean and fairly modern.

Find the latest deals and book now.

Santa Monica Airbnbs

We’ve also put together a guide to the best Airbnbs in Santa Monica, which are ideal for families who want to self cater and have a bit more space.

We also love the look of the Proper Hotel, but this is better suited to couples as it has a grown-up, sophisticated feel.

Hollywood

Immerse your family in the excitement of Tinseltown by staying in Hollywood. The iconic neighborhood is home to world-famous attractions like the Walk of Fame and the TCL Chinese Theatre where stars gather for all the big premieres. 

Unfortunately, the actual Hollywood neighbourhood isn’t quite as glamorous as you’d imagine and is a fairly grubby part of town (the glitzy houses are hidden in the hills). But it’s convenient for the main sights and it’s an exciting place to be. 

The popular hop-on-hop-off tours stop here, and it’s also convenient for Universal Studios, which is just one metro stop away.

Family hotels in Hollywood

Magic Castle Hotel

Staying at this hotel grants you access to the legendary Magic Castle. But if you’re travelling with kids, make sure you book for a weekend as kids are only welcome to the Saturday and Sunday brunch shows.

Staying at the hotel comes with all sorts of fun added extras for kids, including daily free ice cream, a huge snack bar, kiddie-sized bathrobes and the ability to order a poolside ice lolly by using the Popsicle Hotline, a little red telephone that’s used exclusively for ordering lollies! The hotel itself isn’t all that special in terms of decor, but these added extras make it a fun, memorable stay.

Check prices and book now.

Hollywood Hotel

The Hollywood Hotel is a good budget-friendly choice for families. It’s really family-orientated and well priced for Hollywood. The area isn’t the best for walking and is a bit run-down like much of Hollywood, so you’d ideally have a car. 

Find the latest deals and book now.

Beverly Hills 

If you’re looking for glamour in Los Angeles then Beverly Hill is the place to stay.  Home to many celebrities and the fabulous Rodeo Drive, it’s a truly luxurious part of the city. But of course that comes with an expensive price tag, and a fair share of snootiness from its residents. It wouldn’t be my first choice for a stay in L.A., but it could be fun for the novelty and opulence.

Family hotels in Beverly Hills 

The Peninsula Beverly Hills

The Peninsula Beverly Hills is a luxurious oasis of calm, surrounded by lush, landscaped gardens, and crowned by a rooftop pool. Despite its grown-up glamour, the hotel is extraordinarily family-friendly, offering fun courses for kids, including baking. And the Camp Peninsula package recreates the experience of camping within the hotel, complete with a full teepee set-up and flameless s’mores!

Find the latest deals and book now.

Beverly Wiltshire

Any fans of Pretty Woman (me!) will recognise The Beverly Wiltshire, part of the Four Seasons group. Probably not a film reference the kids can appreciate, but the hotel is a great option for families looking for a luxury stay with multiple pools and a programme of family events. They also have cute extras for kids, such as welcome cookies and kid-sized pool furniture.

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Beverly Hills Hotel

The Beverly Hills Hotel, or “Pink Palace” as it’s affectionately known, has a star-filled history, including the likes of Elizabeth Taylor and Marilyn Monroe. John Lennon and Yoko Ono even staged a ‘bed-in’ here. It’s an alluring place with a striking design, from the candy-striped pool beds to the pink plaster walls and palm-printed wallpaper. Kids get a VIP card they can use for free drinks, and babysitting is available.

Find the latest deals and book now. 

West Hollywood

West Hollywood (or WeHo) is a trendy area just south of Sunset Boulevard and next to Beverly Hills. It’s well known for its nightlife, especially the LGBTQIA+ scene, so a lot of the appeal will be lost on families unless you can take turns to go out! That said, it’s centrally located, so it’s an option if you’re keen to experience the area.

Family hotels in West Hollywood

The Pendry

The Pendry is a gorgeously stylish hotel that welcomes kids with open arms. They even get to choose a stuffed toy at check-in. And they also get welcome cookies and milk. The rooftop pool is also good for a splash around, although it tends to have a more grown-up vibe. Make use of the pool earlier in the day if you don’t want to feel self-conscious about noisy kids.

Find the latest deals and book now.

Kimpton La Peer Hotel

I’ve always found the Kimpton brand to be a great fit for creative families. They manage to blend stylish interiors and grown-up elegance with a welcoming embrace to all, including little kids. The Kimpton La Peer in West Hollywood has a warehouse style with lots of bold art and plants galore. Children get a welcome pack upon arrival.

Find the latest deals and book now.

Beverly Grove

Beverly Grove is right next to Beverly Hills but comes with a much less expensive price tag. There are some great boutique hotels, good restaurants, and some brilliant family-friendly museums, including the LaBrea Tar Pits. It’s a good area for walking around, and is also convenient for many other areas of Los Angeles, being around 20 minutes from most of the main attractions. 

Family friendly hotels in Beverly Grove

Beverly Laurel Hotel

The Beverly Laurel Hotel is a cool little hotel in Beverly Grove with spacious rooms, and an outdoor pool. Within a short distance, families can explore the renowned Original Farmers Market, and the popular Grove shopping center and entertainment complex.

Find the latest deals and book now.

Universal City

If you’re heading to Universal Studios then the most handy place to stay is right on its doorstep in Universal City. There isn’t really any other reason to stay in this part of town, so only consider it if Universal Studios is part of your itinerary.

Family hotels in Universal City

The Garland

The Garland hotel is just 10 minutes from Universal Studios. They even have a free trolley service that takes you to the park and saves you money on parking. It’s a stylish boutique hotel with retro-cool decor that echoes California in the late 1970s – think warm orange tones, bold patterns and retro touches.

The hotel is well set up for families, and kids will love the outdoor pool. Plus, they have special rooms and suites for families that come complete with a partitioned area for bunk beds.

We stayed here when we went to Universal Studios and loved it.

Find the latest deals and book now.

Downtown Los Angeles

Downtown Los Angeles is often touted as an ideal place for families in Los Angeles, but I don’t agree. We stayed there last time we were in the city, and it’s not a comfortable place to be with kids. The streets are pretty dirty (difficult if your kids decide to sit on the street and refuse to move like mine did!) and there are a lot of visible mental health and drug issues among the homeless population, which results in unpredictable behaviour. It felt pretty sketchy and I didn’t enjoy walking around there with kids. That said, there are lots of interesting attractions downtown, so I think it’s worth visiting on a day trip, especially to see The Broad, Walt Disney Hall and Grand Central Market. 

If you do go downtown, according to locals, the worst areas and places to avoid are east of the Los Angeles river, south of 3rd street, north of 7th street, west of Alameda Street, and east of Main street.

Family hotels in downtown Los Angeles

Omni Los Angeles Hotel at California Plaza

If you’re set on staying in downtown Los Angeles, I’d choose the Omni Los Angeles as it’s one of the closest hotels to the big museums, so you won’t have to walk around too much. This area tends to feel safer than some of the other downtown streets. It also has a pool and is known for being welcoming to families.

Find the latest deals and book now.

Echo Park and Silver Lake

For a hip and trendy atmosphere with a touch of bohemian charm, Echo Park and Silver Lake are fantastic neighborhoods to explore. They’re pretty expensive, especially Silver Lake, so you might also want to look at neighbouring Los Feliz for some cheaper, and still trendy, options. This is a convenient place to stay for exploring Griffith Park and Echo Park Lake, which are both perfect for families with lots of activities for kids to enjoy. 

Family friendly hotels in Silver Lake and Echo Park

Silver Lake Pool & Inn

The Silver Lake Pool & Inn is THE place to stay in Silver Lake. The uber trendy hotel features retro-inspired rooms, an outdoor pool, and a charming courtyard. Families can relax by the pool or explore the cool Silver Lake neighborhood with its eclectic mix of boutiques, coffee shops, and street art. 

Find the latest deals and book now.

The Line Hotel

The Line Hotel is stylish boutique hotel offering spacious rooms with panoramic city views. Families will appreciate the outdoor pool, complimentary loaner bikes, and the hotel’s proximity to Echo Park Lake and Dodger Stadium.

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Hotel Covell

With chic and individually styled rooms, Hotel Covell provides a boutique experience in the heart of Los Feliz, near Silver Lake. Families will enjoy the unique design, personalized service, and the neighborhood’s proximity to Griffith Park and the Griffith Observatory.

Find the latest deals and book now.

Pasadena

Nestled at the base of the San Gabriel Mountains, Pasadena is a charming part of Los Angeles that’s popular with local families. It’s a bit outside of the main part of the city, so not the most convenient for exploring all the classic tourist sights of Los Angeles. But it does give a good taste of local family life and is a peaceful place to stay, known for its beautiful gardens and parks. 

Family friendly hotels in Pasadena

The Langham Huntington, Pasadena

The Langham Huntington luxurious resort-style hotel offering spacious rooms and a host of amenities for families. Kids will love the children’s pool, playground, and the chance to take part in Langham’s Kids Program.

Find the latest deals and book now.

Sheraton Pasadena Hotel

Located in the heart of Pasadena, the Sheraton Pasadena Hotel provides comfortable rooms and easy access to popular attractions. Families can enjoy the outdoor heated pool, and the hotel offers a complimentary shuttle service within a 3-mile radius.

Find the latest deals and book now.

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