Garden Cottage B & B

The Garden Cottage Bed and Breakfast is picturesque. In its lush, tranquil garden, guests can listen to the babble of the fountain while reading at one of the wrought-iron tables, or enjoy the fruit from one of the apple or orange trees on the property. The garden gets a nice mix of shade and sun, so whether guests are looking to tan or cool off, it's a nice place to be. 

Inside, some of the antique furniture gives the Victorian house a slightly more formal vibe-- the winged armchairs and the dining room's jacquard tablecloth elevate the style, though the place has a laid-back, welcoming feel. Bookshelves can be found in the living room, hallways, and rooms, and guests are encouraged to grab books at their leisure. The bright black-and-white tile kitchen is large and homey. There is coffee, tea, and fruit available at all times, though guest cooking is not allowed. 

The furniture of the common spaces, such as the blue couch and sun-stained reading chair in the living room, show their age as fabric is worn in places. The ultra homey vibe here makes the hotel best suited for self-sufficient, low-maintenance guests who embrace the distinct, home-like experience. 

The Garden Cottage is in West Hollywood -- a popular, generally affluent neighborhood. On a quiet residential street, the B&B feels like an escape from the trafficked city, but it's conveniently within walking distance of many of the neighborhood's attractions. The Grove, Fairfax Farm Stand, and Beverly Center are all within a few minutes' walk. Shops and restaurants can be found in every direction. To visit Greater Los Angeles, a car is ideal and the B&B offers free parking.

The rooms at the Garden Cottage are, on a whole, lovely. They are large, with queen-size beds, desks or tables, reading chairs, and flat-screen TVs.  Rooms are also equipped with Wi-Fi and microwaves. Every room is different, but each maintains the same general B&B aesthetic -- beautiful bed frames and headboards, antique carpets and armoires. Small dishes of M&Ms and nuts, plus fresh-cut flowers, demonstrate an impressive level of hospitality on the part of the owners, and ensure a welcoming, restful stay. Some rooms have shared bathrooms. The bathrooms are generally large and bright, though they may show some rust stains and calcification. The house gets a lot of light. Regardless of which room guests choose, it'll be warm and bright, although some feel more upscale than others. Some rooms have direct access to the garden, while the Terrace Room, which is noticeably larger, has its own porch with a table for four, which overlooks the greenery. There is also the separate Garden Cottage, which has its own living room and kitchen. 

As typical with bed and breakfasts, the breakfast is the biggest additional feature of the hotel, and generally the Garden Cottage is best for low-key, self-sufficient guests. That said, the welcoming decor, the serene garden, and the cheerful homey nature of the Garden Cottage are all true perks. The location, in a quiet neighborhood but still within walking distance of food and fun, is good too.