Mixing business & leisure

Kyoto Grand Hotel

120 South Los Angeles Street, Los Angeles; 213-629-1200; www.kyotograndhotel.com

This smallish hotel (434 rooms) in Little Tokyo provides a tranquil oasis from the bustle of downtown. Its showpiece is its "Garden in the Sky," a half-acre retreat on the 3rd floor that is modeled after an authentic Japanese "strolling garden," with waterfalls and lush greenery sure to delight kids. The hotel also offers a free shuttle to any place in a three-mile radius, making it easy to get children to nearby attractions like the Walt Disney Concert Hall and the Museum of Contemporary Art.

The Standard

550 South Flower Street, Los Angeles; 213-892-8080; The Standard LA Website

Need to prove that you're still with it? Book a room for yourself and the kids at The Standard Downtown and they can't fail to be impressed with your cool quotient. This bastion of hipness boasts the best and most happening rooftop pool in the area (maybe even in the city, but note it's closed to minors after 7pm), and, in the lobby, you'll probably find a DJ spinning, an art event, and if you're lucky, even a celebrity or two. This spot is best for teenagers, not youngsters, but definitely gives a Hollywood vibe for those older kids.

Hilton Checkers

535 South Grand Avenue, Los Angeles; 213-624-0000; www.hiltoncheckers.com/

This boutique-style outpost of the Hilton chain is, in our opinion, the best hotel in the downtown area both for its elegance and friendliness. It's got an intimate feel, with excellent amenities, including a rooftop pool (which kids will love, but an adult must be with them), a stellar spa and an attentive staff. If you're planning a mother-daughter getaway, take advantage of the guided shopping trips of sample sales and secret locales offered on the weekends.

The Westin Bonaventure

404 S. Figueroa Street, Los Angeles; 213-624-1000; Westin Bonaventure LA Website

The Westin is a large convention hotel with all the usual amenities of a big-city facility, from workout spaces to food courts. For kids, the hotel offers a welcome package that includes child-proofing items like socket covers to keep toddlers safe, as well as fun items like a mini-backpack and a rubber duck. The concierge will also help arrange babysitting from one of two licensed, bonded, all-female services, and for an added bonus, the hotel is even pet-friendly, so Fido can come along if you're game.

Millennium Biltmore

506 South Grand Avenue, Los Angeles; 213-624-1011; Millennium LA Website

If you are traveling with a little prince or princess, the Millennium Biltmore is a palatial spot perfect for a cultured weekend. With grand 1920's architecture and a friendly old-school vibe, little ladies and gents will be thrilled to wander the high-columned halls and play in the gracious Roman-style indoor pool. Moms will love the babysitting service that the concierge is happy to arrange.

Omni Los Angeles

251 South Olive Street, Los Angeles; 213-617-3300; Omni LA Website

The downtown Omni puts you in the heart of urban LA, but still allows you to feel safe and cloistered in its California Plaza location, where you'll find lots of great options for quick eats. When it comes to kids, the Omni goes out of its way to make little ones welcome with its "Sensational Kids" program that includes a goodie bag of games upon check-in and a kid-friendly room service menu—and even a nightlight to make going to bed a bit more comforting.

Sheraton Delfina

530 Pico Blvd., Santa Monica; 310-399-9344; www.sheratonsantamonica.com

This business-traveler destination also favors families. Its contemporary, bright rooms in shades of blue and green play off the colors of the distant sea (several blocks away), and a free shuttle takes you anywhere within a mile of the hotel, like the beach or Promenade.

Loews Santa Monica Beach Hotel

1700 Ocean Avenue, Santa Monica; 310-458-6700; www.santamonicaloewshotel.com/

This top-rated family hotel sits overlooking the beach and has the best Westside kid pool. The airy yellow rooms in a beach-cottage style will please mom and dad, while the welcome toys, kidbanas by the pool, and pet-friendly policies will please the small fry and four-legged family members.

Fairmont Miramar Hotel and Bungalows

101 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles; 866-540-4470; www.fairmont.com/santamonica/

Opt between the ocean-view tower rooms or upscale bungalows in the tropical garden replete with waterfalls. Fairmont has a private beach club with chairs, umbrellas and butler service, along with a variety of toys for sandcastles for the kids. On special holiday weekends, Sari’s Playhouse opens with puppet shows, puzzles and playtime for little ones.

Fairmont Chicago Millennium Park

200 North Columbus Drive, Chicago; 866-540-4408; www.fairmont.com/chicago

A convenient location near the Loop, Millennium Park and Lake Michigan, plus babysitting services and a pet-friendly policy, make traveling with the entire family smooth sailing from start to finish at the Fairmont.