Although this gym functions as a full-time gymnastics studio with classes scheduled on an ongoing basis, once a week (currently Thursday mornings) are preschool story time.

For just $5 your little one can bounce, jump, tumble, roll and swing the morning away (getting out lots and lots of energy!) almost guaranteeing a fantastic naptime!!

My little one enjoyed our time there with a local playgroup, and the rare 2-hour-nap that followed was AMAZING!!

The Omni Hotel at California Plaza is conveniently located in Downtown Los Angeles amidst beautiful tall buildings, hip sculptures, art and culture and is downtown’s only four-diamond-resort.

Despite the urban location and close proximity to all of Downtown’s major attractions, the Omni possesses a relaxed, hip and amazingly natural ambiance. Your first impression of the Omni will be the cascading waterfall at the valet stand; the sound of running water forcing you to take a slower pace despite the busy surroundings. Inside the lobby, natural light floods in through an atrium like ceiling through a beautiful sculpture and on to a massive display of fresh and beautiful flowers. The flowers give off a sweet aroma, and the natural light descends on two matching staircases framing the entrance.

Right away, my kids were made welcome at the Omni. Upon check in they received their very own Omni Sensational Kids backpacks—they had to restrain themselves in the elevator ride to not tear them open right away. The backpacks were stuffed full of maps and activities, crayons, a ball, Frisbee, magnifying glass and more that they are still in fact playing with here at home. In all honesty, my kids were hooked on the hotel from this simple gesture alone. They donned their backpacks the entire trip and the packs provided literally hours of entertainment for my kiddos, a mom tired of hotel TV programming was thankful for the diversion! Although my kids stayed well occupied, guests of the Omni can request additional kid’s games, books and toys to enjoy during your stay free of charge.

We had the privilege of staying in one of the Omni’s Club rooms; although just slightly larger than the standard Deluxe Room, the Club rooms offer free access to the Club Lounge featuring a continental breakfast, evening appetizers, drinks and desserts. I was a little hesitant to bring my kids to the Lounge in the evening, thinking that they might be an annoyance to other guests. I checked out the scene solo first and was assured by an exceptionally friendly staff member named Sunday that our kids were more than welcome. In fact, even the appetizer selection was kid-friendly and featured freshly battered chicken & even french fries! The kids hopped on a large sofa, sat comfortably snacking on chicken fingers, fries, veggies and of course, Shirley Temples. The staff even changed the TV programming from basketball to a kid-friendly station without asking. I snuck back later while the kids were already sleeping for dessert: chocolate covered strawberries, lemon tarts, cookie bars and fudge!

The rooms were beautifully appointed and amazingly mixed both the urban vibe with a relaxed and comfortable ambiance. The walls are full of beautiful photography highlighting the city of Angels from the nearby Walt Disney Concert Hall to close ups of flowers or artistic gardens. The beds were comfortable and luxurious; even my two year old wiggled down against the soft bedding and pillows with a grin. The room featured a stocked (and thankfully locked) mini-bar/fridge, a large flat screen TV, sitting area, and large bathroom with separate shower and tub. The bathroom was full of not only your typical soaps and shampoos, but also generously provided, without request, an extra toothbrush, toothpaste and razor just in case.

The hotel boasts two restaurants: Noé and the Grand Café, in addition to a Starbucks coffee shop snack area stocked full of travel necessities. We had the privilege of dining at the Grand Café; it was an incredible breakfast full of traditional favorites and refreshingly healthy alternatives. Read my review at: http://www.trekaroo.com/restaurants/the-grand-cafe-los-angeles-california

As part of Omni’s goal of catering to the littlest guests, our children received organic milk, cookies & fresh fruit as an evening snack in our room! What a treat!


The hotel is directly adjacent to many numerous downtown attractions, two within view from our window perched on the 16th floor: Angel’s Flight and the Watercourt at California Plaza. Both activities were well worth the very short walk to get to. The Museum of Contemporary Art is next door as well; kids interested in art (or just amazed at large sculptures) can get a free preview of the museum right from the hotel grounds. So much to see and do is literally a walk away from the hotel. If you do feel the need to travel a bit further, you can arrange for free transportation using the hotel car; I was impressed with the prompt service we received using the car to travel to Chinatown. It was perfect to not have to pay for additional parking or cabs.

Although it was an unusually cold, wintry day during our visit, the Omni does have a great heated outdoor lap pool, Jacuzzi and fitness center. A full service spa is on site. Check in begins at 3pm and checkout is at a late 12pm, so you will have plenty of time to enjoy the hotel and nearby attractions.

Overall, the Omni at California Plaza provides an exceptional value: luxury accommodations, fresh amazing food, thoughtfulness & perks directed toward even the youngest of customers, and a close proximity to all things downtown LA has to offer.

Disclosure: This review is based on a complimentary stay at the Omni at California Plaza. I received no other compensation besides the hotel stay and meal at the Grand Café. The hotel did not state any requirements that I express a particular point of view. All opinions are my own.

The Grand Café offers a casual, relaxed setting serving amazing, fresh and natural food for breakfast and lunch.

The restaurant features California cuisine, offers both indoor and outdoor dining, and is nestled right next to the Museum of Contemporary art, overlooking both the awesome sculpture in front, as well as beautiful reflection pools and waterfalls.

We had the privilege of dining at the Grand Café for breakfast and, despite their extensive menu selection, choose to enjoy the breakfast buffet. Breakfast buffets can be hit or miss for me, but the Grand Café rose to the challenge. One of the amazing perks of the restaurant, and the buffet in specific, was its attention to offering healthy selections. Everywhere I looked on the menu and in the buffet were healthy choices and offerings: the peanut butter was all natural, the jellies organic. The bread was fresh baked and the fruit selection went beyond the typical offerings and included a mountain of fresh, tasty berries. A large gluten-free area was available and included a wide array of gluten free breads, cereals and its own designated toaster. Even the cereal offered in the buffet was far from standard and included health-conscious brands like Kashi instead of entirely sugar based alternatives.

The rest of the buffet was filled out with an amazing omelet station, fresh-to-order Belgian waffles, French toast, pancakes, fluffy scrambled eggs, bacon, sausage (a very tasty and unusual blueberry version that was extremely delicious!), and bread pudding. Numerous fresh bread offerings are available, as well as locks and cream cheese—which my children seemed intrigued by, but simply couldn’t bite the metaphorical bullet. Fresh oatmeal with the full line of toppings as well as bottomless sweet orange juice rounded out our meal. At only $8.95 for kids, the buffet is a steal. Numerous hotel packages include free buffets, so be sure to check for specials.

Bottom Line: The Grand Café sits next to beautiful scenery, offers delicious food, and a mom can walk away feeling like her kids got full on quality, natural food. What more could you ask for?

The restaurant is open M-F 6:30am-3pm; weekends 7am-3pm.

Disclosure: This review is based on a complimentary meal at the Omni’s Grand Café. The hotel did not state any requirements that I express a particular point of view. All opinions are my own.

Although we had to wait in a very long line to obtain the famous (since 1908) french dip; the lines moved quickly and we secured what amounted to be an incredibly delicious sandwich.
Sawdust lines the floor, the atmosphere is loud and casual and the menu selection is great for the whole family ranging from the famous french dips to salads or PB&J for the little ones. Lemonade prices are $.75 and if you are in need of some coffee, grab a cup for $.09!!

The restaurant has been around since 1908, and in some ways, the counter service, cash only, casual feel mixed with old fashioned phone booths and vintage signs makes you feel as if you are indeed stepping back in time.

If you have a child art enthusiast, be sure to stop by this hip museum in downtown.

Bright colors and unique impressions await as you explore contemporary art with your budding Jackson Pollack.

Be sure to check with the docent before buying tickets as some exhibits might represent a more mature theme than you expected.

Studio Sundays offer FREE hands on art workshops and interesting exhibits designed JUST FOR FAMILIES!! (1st sunday of each month)

Children 12 & under are always FREE!!