The Westin Long Beach Hotel stands close to the shops and restaurants of CityPlace and the blue waters of Long Beach Marina. Vacationers are four to 14 miles from horse racing, gambling casinos, golf courses and a public park, where they can find a sand beach, picnic areas, waterskiing and Jet skiing. Ferries close to the hotel shuttle visitors to Catalina Island, where even more fun awaits. The hotel also sits halfway between the Los Angeles International and Orange County airports.

To some guests, this pet friendly Long Beach hotel is a sight unto itself. With teak furniture and gurgling fountain, the patio offers patrons views of Long Beach's whale mural and Performing Arts Center. The lobby's glass walls showcase palm trees, plants and flowers that decorate the grounds. The indoor outdoor lounge features flat screen TVs, weekday happy hours, coffee creations, margaritas, tropical cocktails and 15 types of wine. The Grill prepares tableside martinis and dishes up a la carte breakfasts, continental style buffets, gourmet pizzas and pastas.

Guests also can exercise in the boffo 24 hour fitness facility, which comes complete with complimentary Reebok workout guides, flat screen TVs, digital music, saunas, outdoor pool and spa tub. During business hours, corporate travelers can use the computer, high speed Internet and other equipment in the mezzanine's office nook.

The Westin's accommodations include 460 guestrooms with Westin's signature Heavenly beds, cribs and dog beds; high speed Internet access; premium channels, pay movies and video game consoles; and bathrooms with bathrobes and double headed massage showers; and minibars, coffeemakers and ubiquitous Starbucks coffee.

In addition, the kid friendly Westin provides children with complimentary sports bottles, coloring books, bath toys and safety kits.

The typical scene at the Westin Long Beach features bellhops, dressed in black and white checkered vests, wheeling luggage carts and followed by conventioneers, cruise ship passengers, business types, families and couples looking to create quintessential L.A. experiences.