Family-Friendly Hotel near Los Angeles Offers Beautiful Outdoor Pool

The Simi Hills separate the city of Simi Valley from Los Angeles 35 miles to the east. The hills effectively shield Simi Valley from the whir of the metropolis, and a serene atmosphere prevails here. Nestled in the foothills of this oasis is the Grand Vista Hotel, a secluded spot surrounded by park preserves. At the heart of the property, a modern pool deck is adorned with cream-colored umbrellas, a bubbling hot tub, and towering palm trees. Guests can soak up the Southern California sunshine here year-round or venture out to explore the local family-friendly attractions.

The hotel is located about 30 minutes from Universal Studios Hollywood and Six Flags Magic Mountain, a 260-acre park filled with thrill rides including the world’s tallest and fastest standup roller coaster. Southern California’s famous state beaches are only 20 miles away, and it’s a straight shot south to Malibu’s stunning coastline.

After a day out, families can come back to Grand Vista Hotel for California-style meals. Settle on a spacious patio that overlooks the valley at Vistas Restaurant to dine on dishes such as tequila-sautéed halibut or braised lamb shank. Arena Sports Grill and Bar offers a livelier scene with pool tables, more than 25 TV screens, and a large dance floor.

Simi Valley, California: Secluded Community Surrounded by Theme Parks

Simi Valley is situated 35 miles east of Los Angeles. One of its landmark attractions is the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library, which holds the Air Force One plane that once carried President Reagan around the globe. From the plane’s cockpit, you can look out to the Simi Hills, which are situated amid the Santa Susana Mountains. For a quiet afternoon, head out to the hiking trails around these mountains.

If you want a taste of Hollywood, though, it's an easy drive to LA. West Hollywood has so many famous landmarks and attractions it almost seems unreal. And plenty of what goes on here is unreal: you can stroll by CBS studios, movie sets, and streets that have been used as filming locations for the silver screen over and over again.

That surreal aura extends miles to the north at Universal Studios. Here, a one-hour tram tour ushers visitors through extensive sets from films such as War of the Worlds and How the Grinch Stole Christmas.

While you're in town, stroll around the Melrose shopping district populated by comedy clubs, funky clothing boutiques, vintage stores, and kitschy themed restaurants. Melrose is designed for pedestrians, and it's a nice change of pace from the traffic and sprawl of the city as a whole.

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