Hilton Waterfront Beach Resort050

The AAA four-diamond rated Hilton Waterfront Beach Resort in Huntington Beach rated two thumbs up from the seven-year-old boy we brought for a weekend stay.

"This place is awesome. It's got two big screen televisions and when you shut the curtain I have my own room and there's lots of space to play and the beach is right THERE," he said pointing out the sliding glass doors that opened to provide an unobstructed view of the crashing waves and bike trail of pristine Huntington Beach.

The Hilton Waterfront Beach Resort is wonderful in so many ways. To enjoy it fully, we suggest you splurge and reserve one of the rooms with a panoramic view of the Pacific Ocean. Even at night it is worth it; dozens of fire pits dot the beach and the site is spectacular.

The suite we stayed in was spacious, light, and airy. The bedroom, with a lush queen size bed, boasts a gorgeous view of the coast, wall-mounted flat screen TV, and sliding doors to a small balcony. The bedroom is separated from the rest of the suite by a sliding cloth curtain, enough to give parents a bit of privacy.

The living area is tastefully decorated with wood furniture and marbled tiles, the room done in soothing hues of brown, beige, and blue. A large L-shaped sectional couch doubles as a pull-out queen bed, as well as a chaise lounge for another kid. It's also a comfy place to watch pay-per-view movies on the second flat screen TV.

The dining table, with two chairs, is not quite large enough for a family of four to share room service, but there is lots of other room for the kids to dine - ours chose the balcony! The small table and chairs were perfect and the railing is high enough that we didn't worry; though folks with wee ones will need to keep a close eye out.

The bathroom - on the small side, with a typical tub shower combination - is separated from the vanity area by a door, cleverly allowing optimum use of the space.

The resort offers plenty of family-friendly amenities, including a mini-bar stocked with snacks, cribs and refrigerators upon request, rollaway beds, children's games, and pool toys. Oh, and a gorgeous heated outdoor pool to go along with those pool toys!

Parent-only niceties include a business center, fitness room, outdoor Jacuzzi, and same-day laundry service.

Though there are a dozen great eateries within walking distance, families shouldn't miss the chance to have a few meals at Shades Restaurant, located on lobby level of the hotel. The staff is amazingly warm and kid-friendly and the setting is lovely - allowing for indoor or outdoor dining, with a view of the pool and ocean.

The children's menu - on site or through Never Leave Your Room service - includes the Wave-A-licious Waffle, Cowabunga French Toast, Sand Dollar Cakes (blueberry pancakes), Cheezy Sandwich (grilled cheese and turkey), Wipe Out PB& J, and the Hula Dog. The staff is eager to please. When our kid couldn't decide if he wanted chocolate on his ice cream or not, the waiter winked and said, "I've got an idea." He returned with some plain vanilla ice-cream and some side dishes of delightful toppings like sprinkles and chocolate sauce.

Parents enjoy gourmet dining that includes an ever-changing menu of seasonal produce, seafood and meats, paired with an extensive selection of wines. On Sundays, Shades offers a Champagne Brunch, which features made-to-order omelets, pastries, breakfast meats, waffles, and more. A strolling magician provides a delightful surprise for the kids.

Hilton Waterfront Beach Resort is just a fifteen minute walk from the pier and Main Street, offering people watching, music, and volleyball, as well as dozens of restaurants, candy stores, souvenir shops, surf shops, and swim shops.

The place is easily summed up in a seven-year-old's terms: "This is the life; this place is SO cool."