Step back into the best of the 70’s at the newly-remodeled Garland Hotel in North Hollywood and you’ll be greeted by macramé planters, an orange and brown color scheme, and even a portrait of the hotel’s namesake, actress Beverly Garland. But don’t worry, they’ve also added the best of today as well, including high-speed Internet, Dive-In movie nights poolside, a fabulous restaurant and craft cocktail bar (The Front Yard), and even a trolley to shuttle you around the neighborhood — and quite a bit more.
This post was first published in 2015.
The Garland has been dubbed the hotel that was born “…when Mom and Dad met at the W, then needed a place to stay when they were traveling with their kids.” And it shows: the decor is hipster-fabulous, but nothing is so precious you would worry if a toddler had a little mishap. In fact, the hotel seems pretty sturdy, so I wouldn’t even worry if a few teenagers — or rowdy conventioneers — had their way with it.
The guest rooms and public spaces have been made over with a retro-chic vibe by the actress’ son, James Crank. In fact, the hotel has been family-owned for generations.
There are plenty of amenities, including the aforementioned pool movies, plus poolside games, personal trainer “open house” events in the fitness center, macramé classes, guided walking tours of the neighborhood with stops at the famous Brady Bunch house nearby, Tai Chi classes in the garden (which is also a beautiful spot for weddings), and of course, the trolley, which can whisk visitors right up to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Studios as soon as it opens next year.
The Front Yard
Dining and cocktailing are not to be missed here at The Garland’s restaurant, The Front Yard. The food is overseen by Executive Chef Chris Turano, and the specialty cocktails are made with care. The menu is filled with Farmers’ Market freshness and local, in-season delights. The signature drink, the Cranky J, will have the opposite effect on anyone who tastes it since it’s made with St. Germain, the patron saint of happy hours everywhere. Serving from 11 a.m. – 10 p.m., with weekend brunch from 11 – 2:30 p.m. and Happy Hour from 4-6 p.m., as well as at the lobby bar and poolside.
The Garland is a fabulous family travel destination, perfect if you’ve just flown into Los Angeles or are looking for a Staycation treat.
Recipe: The Cranky J
1 1/2 oz. gin
1/2 oz St. Germain
1/4 oz simple syrup
1 oz hand-pressed lemon juice
1 sage leaf
Mumm’s Champagne
In a mixing glass, add simple syrup, lemon juice, and torn sage leaf. Add gin, St. Germain, and ice. Shake well and strain into a cocktail glass with one ice cube. Top with Champagne. Garnish with lemon zest. Enjoy!
The Garland, 4222 Vineland Ave., North Hollywood, CA 91602
Sarah Auerswald is the co-Founder of MomsLA.com. She was given a tour of the hotel and a sample of the food & beverage menu for this review.
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YNona
Sunday 20th of December 2020
The Garland was awesome, my toddler, teen and husband loved it. The rooms are spacious so are the restrooms and the balcony was refreshing.