The Lavender Cottage was a lovely escape within LA, up in the hills of Sierra Madre. It was away from the snarling traffic and hustle and bustle, and yet equidistant between the Getty Museum and Disneyland--a perfect perch from which to do everything (except get to the beach--that would be a long schlep). But Sierra Madre is a gorgeous, quiet neighborhood. We walked from our door up into the mountains and got stunning views over the city. There were flowers everywhere (it was April). And the place was lovely, quiet, clean, cozy, with a great sitting area out back.