Rainbow Guest House in North Hollywood, CA

Pros

• The couple spent about twenty years remodeling the Rainbow Inn with passion.
• The Rainbow Inn feels like a Harry Potter Castle, full of stories.
• The host puts a great deal of effort into decorating every corner of the Rainbow Inn.
• The Rainbow Inn is a haven for readers.
• Breakfast is prepared daily at the requested time and served in a picnic basket on the deck with a view.
• Breakfasts are delicious and plentiful, giving guests a wonderful start to the day.
• Dona is a gracious and generous host, and the guest house is relaxing and quiet.
• The location provides easy access to wine country and the casino while remaining cozy.
• The decor is eclectic, and the setting is beautiful, peaceful, and relaxing.
• Dona and Scott are wonderful, generous hosts in a setting that is peaceful and relaxing.

Cons

• The food was meh.

Review

Rainbow Guest House in North Hollywood is best suited for couples and small groups who prize atmosphere, personal hospitality, and a retreat-like stay over corporate hotel predictability. This hillside property has been lovingly remodeled for years, and the result is a space that feels more like a literary residence than a typical lodging. A castle-like vibe, eclectic decor, and a library-worthy interior invite a slow, bookish morning and plenty of photos. Guests often find themselves unplugging quickly, aided by quiet rooms, starry nights, and breakfast delivered in a picnic basket to a deck with a view. It’s ideal for romance, readers, and travelers who want to savor a sense of place rather than clocks and checklists. Those chasing a standard business hotel experience or a venue with built-in activities beyond conversation should consider alternatives.

On the hospitality side, Dona and Scott are the defining feature. Review after review centers on their graciousness and generosity, a warmth that makes strangers feel like guests in a private home. The space reinforces this tone, with cozy, spacious quarters and a felt personal touch in every corner. Breakfast is a standout when aligned with guests’ schedules, delivered in a picnic basket and available to enjoy on a deck with unobstructed views. The kitchenette is stocked with essentials, enabling self-prep or casual grilling, which reinforces the sense of a private retreat rather than a hotel lobby. For travelers who value a human connection and a homey atmosphere, these hosts are the primary upside.

The setting itself reinforces the value proposition: quiet, privacy, and a view-rich escape. The property sits away from city noise while remaining accessible for day trips to nearby leisure spots, and the hillside location contributes to a sense of seclusion that many seek for a restorative weekend. Guests repeatedly praise the gardens, multiple reading nooks, and the chance to curl up with a favorite book. Outdoor spaces, pool and deck, offer tangible appeal for those who want a serene, sunlit backdrop for downtime. The price is consistently described as reasonable, which amplifies the appeal for travelers who want a memorable, character-filled stay without paying a premium for a polished hotel exterior.

Not every note is flawless. At least one guest labeled the food as “meh,” signaling that breakfast and dining are not the focal point here and may not meet expectations for travelers who want a robust, chef-style morning. Yet that concern sits alongside many positive voices that celebrate generous portions, plentiful options, and the ability to tailor meals through the kitchenette and grill. The property’s strength lies in ambience, personalities, and the home-like feel rather than formal service or haute cuisine. When balanced against the price, the overall package, ambience, hospitality, privacy, and a restorative setting, tends to offset occasional culinary gaps.

For decision-makers, Rainbow Guest House is a solid pick for romantic weekends, writerly escapes, or small group getaways that crave quiet, aesthetically rich environments. It works best for guests who lean into the atmosphere, books, gardens, starry skies, and conversation-friendly spaces, over those needing on-site programming, business amenities, or a bustling dining scene. Those requiring ultra-polished hotel service, easy accessibility features, or a wide range of dining options may want to compare other LA-area options that emphasize convenience and predictability in equal measure.

Overall, Rainbow Guest House offers a distinctive, character-forward stay that rewards visitors with personality, privacy, and a strong sense of place. It’s especially compelling for couples and book lovers who value quiet, thoughtful hospitality and a unique setting over standardized hotel experiences. It may not satisfy travelers chasing a busy itinerary or those requiring robust, on-demand services, but for the right guest, the combination of generous hosts, eclectic decor, and a reasonably priced, serene retreat makes it a top consideration in the North Hollywood area. A well-chosen option for a memorable, intimate getaway.

This part of North Hollywood, California, offers a convenient and accessible location for senior living. With several pharmacies nearby such as Rite Aid, CVS Pharmacy, and Walgreens, it ensures easy access to medications and health care needs. The area is also home to various parks like Playground and Van Nuys Sherman Oaks Park, providing opportunities for outdoor activities and leisurely walks. Additionally, transportation options are readily available with Burbank Airport Ride Share Pick Up and North Hollywood Metro Station within close proximity. There are reputable hospitals like Providence St Joseph Medical Center and Kaiser Permanente Emergency nearby for any medical emergencies. In terms of amenities, cafes like Starbucks and restaurants such as Porto's Bakery & Cafe are in the vicinity for dining options. Furthermore, entertainment options include theaters like AMC Burbank 16 and places of worship like St Michael & All Angels offer a diverse range of cultural experiences in the community.

Pharmacies

• Rite Aid (1.4 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (1.5 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (2.2 miles)
• Walgreens (2.5 miles)
• Walgreens (2.9 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (3 miles)
• Walgreens (3.2 miles)

Parks

• Playground (1.4 miles)
• Van Nuys Sherman Oaks Park (4.5 miles)
• Fryman Canyon Park (5 miles)
• Coldwater Canyon Park (5.4 miles)
• Nancy Hoover Pohl Overlook (5.8 miles)
• Franklin Canyon Park (5.9 miles)
• Lake Hollywood Reservoir (6.2 miles)

Transportation

• Burbank Airport Ride Share Pick Up (1.9 miles)
• Baggage Claim (1.9 miles)
• Hollywood Burbank Airport (BUR) (1.9 miles)
• Terminal A (2 miles)
• North Hollywood Metro Station (2.6 miles)
• Universal City Metro Station (4.7 miles)
• Van Nuys FlyAway Bus Terminal to LAX (5.6 miles)

Hospitals

• Kaiser Permanente Emergency (2.7 miles)
• Providence St Joseph Medical Center (4.7 miles)
• Veterans Administration (6.2 miles)
• Tebi, Sina Dr - Providence Holy Cross Medical Center Diabetes Education (6.7 miles)

Cafes

• Starbucks (3.3 miles)
• Starbucks (3.3 miles)
• Starbucks (4.1 miles)
• Starbucks (4.4 miles)
• Starbucks (7.1 miles)
• Starbucks (7.4 miles)
• The Butcher, The Baker, The Cappuccino Maker (7.8 miles)

Restaurants

• Porto's Bakery & Cafe (3.4 miles)
• Wendy's (3.4 miles)
• Taco Bell (3.7 miles)
• Wendy's (4 miles)
• In-N-Out Burger (4.2 miles)
• Bob's Big Boy (4.3 miles)
• McDonald's (4.4 miles)

Physicians

• Mid-Valley Comprehensive Health Center (3.7 miles)
• Southern California Orthopedic Institute (4.5 miles)

Theaters

• AMC Burbank 16 (4.5 miles)
• Universal Cinema AMC at CityWalk Hollywood (5.1 miles)
• Regal Sherman Oaks Galleria (5.8 miles)
• TCL Chinese Theatre (7.6 miles)

Places of Worship

• St Michael & All Angels (5 miles)
• Immanuel Bible Church (5.2 miles)