Do you recall the Star Trek episode where Jim and Spock arrive on a hostile planet, are pursued by terrifying aliens, and finally find a hole in a hedge through which they escape into a bucolic world of gentle meadows, shimmering ponds, warm sunshine, and beautiful people? The same thing happened to us on a recent trip to Los Angeles.

We were moving along Highway 1 quite nicely when all of a sudden –BAM we were surrounded by unfriendly aliens on the Los Angeles Freeway system, and seemingly within seconds we were transported into a slow moving stream of snaking red taillights that extended for miles and miles.

However, and alas, we found the hole in the hedge and it was the entrance to the Westlake Village Inn. As we entered the gates and heard the rumble of cobblestones under our tires, we knew we had found an oasis.

We happened upon this extraordinary gem at lunchtime, while searching for a restaurant and needing a break from the debilitating traffic.

As we strolled through the expansive well-manicured grounds, we were impressed by fountains, trellised walkways, sparkling ponds, and fragrant gardens.

While we were enjoying our pleasant outdoor patio lunch at the Mediterraneo restaurant, we decided to put off fighting the freeway for the rest of the day, and spend the night at the Inn. We were not disappointed. The Westlake Village Inn is over 40 years old, but the rooms are well appointed, pleasingly modern-day elegant, and replete with all the necessary conveniences.

The Inn also has approximately 14,000 square feet of unique event space, all overlooking a tranquil pond and lush landscaping. If we were looking for a unique setting to hold a company affair, we would definitely consider the Inn with its excellent convention facilities that adjoin the Westlake golf course.

We decided to write about our little sojourn from freeway exhaustion in hopes that we might save a future wayfarer or two. On your next drive to Los Angeles and beyond, remember there is an old European style setting where you can relax, grab a bite, and give your nerves a chance to regroup.

The Westlake Village Inn is located at 31943 Agoura Road, Westlake Village, CA 91361, and just off the 101 Ventura Freeway.

For more information about the Mediterraneo: http://www.med-rest.com
The Westlake Village Inn: http://westlakevillageinn.com