Even though I'm from Santa Clarita, I've stayed at a few of the hotels for various conferences I've attended. The Hyatt is the nicest and is fairly close to COC where you are going. There are a new Residence Inn and Embassy Suites a little farther north that look very nice, but they are in the industrial center. They are really only about 2 exits north beyond Valencia Blvd. which is where COC is located. There is a Holiday Inn Express that is also fairly close to COC, but I really prefer the Hyatt. On the other side of the freeway from COC, and not all that far away, is the Hilton Garden Inn, but right now they are doing some major construction in that area and I would avoid it. There are a few other hotels a little farther south off of Lyons/Pico, but that is a very busy area since everyone tends to get off there for a rest stop.
Santa Clarita is a very nice area, and the majority of our hotels are in nice places. The Hyatt is directly across the street from our mall, and a lot of restaurants.