The Garland

The hotel is over 40 years old and sits on land that was once a horse ranch owned by legendary entertainer Gene Autry. It opened as a hotel in 1972 and has been family-owned since, with charming decor that has the feel of a 1950s California country club with contemporary sensibilities. The guest rooms are split across two buildings and continue the stylish retro theme. The hotel is family friendly and the vibe throughout is tranquil and laid-back, a welcome change given the bustling Studio City location. There are plenty of places for guests to relax throughout the property, including at the pool, the poolside bar, in the lobby bar, or at the popular on-site restaurant, The Front Yard. Guests here are mostly families and couples, though some business travelers pass through as well.

Set on a seven-acre plot off the freeway, the hotel is located in trendy Studio City in North Hollywood. The hotel sits in the valley just to the north of the Hollywood Hills and has a secluded feel despite being close to the busy freeway (some noise can be heard on the property, but it's not too terrible or intrusive). Lively Ventura Boulevard -- home to a range of hip bars and restaurants ranging from Japanese to Jamaican cuisine -- is just across the Los Angeles River, a 10-minute walk from the hotel. The Garland is especially popular for guests visiting Universal Studios Hollywood, which is only five minutes from the hotel by car. The Hollywood Bowl, Hollywood Walk of Fame, and Warner Brothers Studios are a 10-minute drive from the hotel as well. LAX takes around an hour to reach by car. 

A gray-and-orange color scheme dominates the rooms, which offer a stylish blend of mod and contemporary design trends. Contemporary light wood veneer furniture mixed with geometric prints in the taupe wallpaper and brown carpets give the guest rooms a modern-retro feel. Some rooms face the pool area, while others look towards the Hollywood Hills and Universal Studios, though others will overlook the freeway. Room sizes vary widely, and some even have bunk beds, making them ideal for families. There are many different room types available, the largest being the James Suite, which has a wet bar, kitchenette with a full refrigerator and microwave, plus a powder room and three balconies with views of Universal Studios. All rooms have a flat-screen TV with satellite channels, a private balcony, free Wi-Fi, a coffeemaker, mini-fridge, and air-conditioning. Bathrooms are also sleek and contemporary, with white tiling, chic printed wallpaper, walk-in showers and high-end toiletries, although some are compact. Noise from the freeway is generally not an issue when the balcony doors are closed, and rooms are well soundproofed.

The hotel's restaurant, The Front Yard, is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. It's a popular spot for hotel guests and locals, and serves modern American cuisine including steaks, burgers, pasta, and salads, and also has a good drinks menu with a range of wines, beers, and cocktails. The restaurant has a large outdoor patio with different seating areas and a fireplace. Breakfast is not included in room rates, and the buffet can be pricey. An outdoor pool is a pretty area to soak up the sun, as it's surrounded by gardens. In the summer months, the hotel screens movies around the pool in the evenings. The property has over 16,000 square feet of event space, including a stunning garden which is popular for outdoor weddings. There is also a ballroom which can seat up to 300 guests. A free shuttle service is available to Universal Studios Hollywood and the nearby L.A. Metro Red Line, which gives easy access to Hollywood and downtown, and the hotel also has bikes available for rent. There’s also a fitness center with a range of modern equipment on site, plus a laundry room. Wi-Fi is free throughout the property and a free daily newspaper is provided too. Pets are welcome with some restrictions and are subject to a weekly fee.