Hyatt Regency Huntington Beach551

Hyatt Regency Huntington Beach Resort and Spa can best be summed up in the words of a six-year-old we know who recently stayed there: "Wow, mom! This is paradise!"

That kid wasn't just whistling Dixie. The 517-room Spanish-style luxury hotel is the perfect family getaway, offering a delightful mix of luxury, whimsy, and ease. Stepping through the doors into the lobby is like entering a small town full of everything a vacationing family could possibly need: restaurants, grocery store, gift store and sundries shop, bike rentals, tennis and surfing instructors, huge heated outdoor pools, outdoor jacuzzis, and best of all, direct access to one of the most beautiful beaches on the coast. Huntington Beach is a wide expanse of clean white sand featuring dozens of fire pits and a paved road for biking. Can you say "ahhhhh?"

One entire pool area has been designed specifically for family activities, with three fantastic water slides, one whole pool less than two feet deep, a normal size pool, and a kid jacuzzi (think PBJ and a smoothie in the hot tub). Poolside activities include hair braiding, temporary tattoos, and arts and crafts. Cabanas are available for rental with widescreen TVs; loads of pool toys are on hand, and the bar offers a reasonably priced kids' menu.

Standard rooms are spacious, airy, and well laid out. Larger families might prefer to book a Regency Club Suite, with swoon-worthy ocean views from a large living room and bedroom; suites include a fold-out queen-sized bed in the living room as well as a king and chaise lounge in the bedroom.

Amenities for families include 24-hour room service (including a Kids' Menu with favorite fare like chicken nuggets, PB&J, and grilled cheese); lots of inflatable toys for use in the pool; Camp Hyatt Beach Club (ages 3-7) and Sophistikids (ages 8-12) daytime programs that include beach games, arts & crafts, pool time, and games; and infant massage classes. Hotel guests are also invited to use the fitness center and heavenly Spa Grotto; escaping for some quiet, indulgent adult time in either of these is facilitated by the many kids' programs, some of which are included gratis.

We highly recommend taking advantage of the Regency Club benefits which include gourmet appetizers at sunset, yummy drinks and snacks, and a continental breakfast that features homemade granola and lots of fresh fruit - as well as all day access to the espresso machine.

Pacific Waters Spa offers a wide range of massages and spa treatments, including sea stone massage, white algae body massage, mimosa manicures, and organic enzyme peels. Use of the steam room, dry sauna, and relaxation lounges are complimentary for hotel guests. Ask about SophistiSpa Kids Services for children ages four to 18 - 'Lil Mademoiselle Manicures, Chocolate Kiss Pedicures, beach braids, and more.

Nearby adventures include Disneyland, Disney California Adventure, Queen Mary, Aquarium of the Pacific, and Knott's Berry Farm.