California: Inn at Playa Del Rey

The Inn at Playa Del Rey has 21 rooms, making it large for a bed and breakfast, but small for a hotel - and it embraces that space gracefully. The word that kept running through my head during our three night stay was RESPITE. It really was a great little getaway.

This pretty little inn was named to the Conde Nast Gold List in 2009, and you can see why - it truly is special. From the moment you put you step into the building (after being buzzed in by the front desk), you are pampered by a staff that takes care to go the extra mile.

Crisp white linens greet you in beautiful clean rooms - the moment I saw the bed I just wanted to dive in and stay there for the duration of the visit. They can bring my food there, right? Maybe turn me occasionally?

Of course, then I would have missed wine and cheese in the afternoon, walks along the beach, and the delicious breakfast. Breakfast was hot and tasty each morning, featuring delightful menus varying each day. The view from the breakfast room was lovely. It takes something special to be 10 minutes from LAX and still relaxing and secluded. Thanks to the Ballona Wetlands on two sides of the Inn, this little spot does just that.

A short walk down the street is a beautiful sandy beach, with lots of space to spread out and enjoy the sand and surf.

(Tip: They call themselves family-friendly, but I would definitely not feel comfortable there with children who were anything but perfectly behaved. We brought our three-year-old, and on several occasions, I felt a bit like the other guests were being protected from us...not a very relaxing feeling!)

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Minnesota: Minneapolis-St.Paul Airport Children's Area

Kudos to the Minneapolis-St. Paul Airport for being family friendly and offering the littlest travelers a place to run off some energy. The Children's Play Area is clean, simple, and fun for little ones. There are several options for playing, including slides, climbing toys, and vehicles to pretend to drive around! Our three-year-old loves it, and almost always finds a new friend when she plays there.

The little touches go one step farther, too, with a changing table on one wall, and a vending machine packed with diaper bag basics. Forgot the wipes? Lost the pacifier? No problem. While the prices might not be on par with the grocery store, they aren't insane, either, and anyone who has traveled with a child has had a "my kingdom for a ..." moment at some point. Phew, crisis averted.

There are two of these play areas located in the airport. We visited the one on Concourse C in the Lindbergh Terminal. There is also one in the Humphrey Terminal on Level 2.

MSP has other family-friendly features, as well. There is a family center on Concourse E, with a rocking chair, crib, and family restroom. It's a great spot to go with tiny little ones. There is also a nursing room on Concourse C. It is private space, so visit the Travelers' Information desk across from gate C12 for access if you are looking for a space to nurse your little one or pump.

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