One thing I love doing is traveling with each of my children individually.  We’ve gone on trips to NYC, Hawaii, and many local adventures one-on-one and it’s a real treat to get that rare and unique time together!  Last month I headed down to southern California with my oldest daughter.  Our weekend getaway was extra special because she started her first semester at college and currently lives in the campus dorms.  She was home for winter break, so it was the perfect time to get away!  We planned our trip around a historic hotel in Burbank, Safari Inn.  We don’t normally do this, but with it’s major amenity of having free shuttle service, the Safari Inn was a smart and money-saving way to enjoy a vacation!

Right off the bat, we got a fabulous rate on airline tickets into Burbank from San Jose.  A quick hour’s flight had us navigating the small airport in no time and grabbing our bags from one of the two outdoor carousels.  Safari Inn’s free shuttle service begins with a pickup from the airport to the hotel, just make reservations ahead of time.  Because of flight delays or traffic, your shuttle may not be waiting for you but with a quick call, and a short 4 mile drive, they’ll be there in no time driving a Coast Hotel branded van or small car with a smile.

Burbank’s famous Safari Inn is a landmark and was built in 1955, one of the only properties left in the city with a 1950’s retro décor and a neon sign that lights up Olive Avenue.  Well known throughout the entertainment industry, you may have seen it featured in films that have included Blockbuster movie titles such as “True Romance,” “Coach Carter,” “Apollo 13,” along with numerous appearances in breakthrough series such as “Six Feet Under,” “CSI: Vegas,” “Prison Break,” “Desperate Housewives” and “Monk.” The exterior of the Safari Inn has also been used in album covers for famous rock bands such as “The Wallflowers.”

We were a few hours early for official check-in but the staff greeted us warmly and we were happy to hear our room was ready!  We walked across the parking lot to our first floor double double, one of 55 rooms and suites.  The room was bright and fun with it’s animal print accents and comfy red chair.  It was comfortable and if you want to call the bathroom areas “retro” I was thinking the same thing, if not just slightly old-fashioned, not modern.

We put our stuff away on the bathroom counter and small armoir and decided to go grab a bite to eat.  The hotel doesn’t have a restaurant on site, but does offer room service from Olive’s Bistro just a two minute walk next door at their sister property the Coast Anabelle Hotel.  We decided to walk over for breakfast, they have a great menu and there was plenty of seating.We enjoyed a few meals here, even shared one with their generous portions, so delicious. During our stay we had a few activities lined up, and thanks to the Safari Inn’s shuttle service, we had a free ride to every one. We made sure that we touched base in the lobby and made reservations for pick up and drop off for each location.  If you’re not already in the lobby waiting when the shuttle arrives, they’ll ring your room or your cell phone.  Our first trip was to and from Warner Brothers Studios and Luis our driver was prompt, so nice to chat with and gave us a few history lessons on the area.

Our first night at the hotel, we showered with plenty of hot water and great water pressure and got comfortable for the night.  We were soon aware the walls of the hotel rooms were pretty thin when we could make out our neighbor’s conversation.  Their loud voices resonated through their room to ours well close to 11pm and we also learned there was a dog in the room.  They are allowed, but I will inquire from now on about animals in rooms next door and possibly ask to be moved another part of the hotel.  I was sure to inform the staff in the morning and they offered a room change.  I was pleased they could be accommodating.

Hotel guests will be happy to know that the pool is heated year round and we met a family from North Dakota who were enjoying it in 60 degree weather compared to their -40 at home!  There’s also a great sundeck to relax or read with a lovely view of the mountains.Your gym routine doesn’t have to be put on hold with their exercise room.The next day we slept in to some pleasant quiet, but you do hear a bit of street traffic.  We planned on doing some shopping so we took the shuttle to Burbank Town Center.  Pick up was right on time, and then we returned to the Warner Brothers Studios lot for a taping of Conan O’Brien later in the day.  We took full advantage of the shuttle as we dined at Universal City Walk (adjacent to Universal Studios/Wizarding World of Harry Potter) for our last evening out.

The shuttle service at the Safari Inn saved us over $120 in car rental fees for our two night stay (per our airline rewards program quote).  It is by far one of the best ways to travel to Burbank and take in the area sights and tourism.  There may have be a few moments where you may miss the control of having a car at your fingertips, but with a well planned trip, it’s really not needed.  The staff at the hotel was extremely helpful and we’re happy to refer either the Safari Inn or Coast Anabelle Hotel to anyone planning a trip to the area!

For more information and to book a stay, visit, http://coastanabelle.com/safari/.

Our stay was hosted in exchange for an honest review.  We had a discount at the restaurant, paid for our meals and gratuities.  We offered our driver a gratuity on each of our shuttle trips.