Deciding which is the best hotel for a Universal Studios Hollywood trip can be challenging with many options available in the nearby area. However, certain Universal Studios Hollywood hotels stand out due to their prime location, convenient amenities, FREE shuttles to Universal, and other appealing offerings.
In our below list of the best hotels near Universal Studios Hollywood, we take into account factors like location and quality of the amenities offered, and we will give you a brief description of the hotel's offerings to help you in your planning. Many of the hotels that are bookable through our travel partner, Get Away Today, offer significant benefits like free breakfast or a free shuttle to Universal Studios Hollywood.
Keep reading for the 10 best hotels near Universal Studios Hollywood and what makes them stand out! We visit Universal frequently and have a perspective on the best options for where to stay.
Best Hotels Near Universal Studios Hollywood
There are a variety of Los Angeles hotels near Universal Studios Hollywood. Many people are adding their Universal trip onto an existing Disneyland vacation. For those who are just going to drive up from Disneyland to Universal specifically for the day there, it's likely best just to stay at one of the hotels near Disneyland. See the best hotels near Disneyland we would recommend with both affordable and luxury options detailed.
If you are going to visit Universal Studios Hollywood at the beginning or end of your trip before flying home (the nearby Burbank Airport is a great option to fly out from Universal) or as part of a bigger Los Angeles visit then there are some great options of hotels for your Universal stay. A majority of these options are a short drive away from the park, with a few located within walking distance.
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Best Prices for Universal Studios Hollywood Hotels
For the below hotels, you can get the best deal by booking through our travel partner, Get Away Today. They offer the lowest prices out there for Universal Studios Hollywood hotels and tickets.
When you book a vacation package for Universal Studios Hollywood through Get Away Today, you'll be able to enjoy perks like free downloadable coupons for area restaurants and attractions. You can also take advantage of their convenient Layaway Plan, which allows you to reserve your vacation for $200 down.
You can access our exclusive Mickey Visit pricing for Get Away Today through this link!
Top Pick! The Garland Hotel Near Universal Studios Hollywood
The Garland Hotel is one of the best hotels near Universal Studios Hollywood. This is a family-owned hotel from the 1970s that has been lovingly updated with modern conveniences. The hotel also has a very convenient free shuttle to Universal Studios Hollywood that runs almost every hour.
You'll be able to enjoy amenities like a pool area with two hot tubs, a fitness center open 24/7, and laundry facilities at The Garland Hotel. The hotel has more of a resort feel to it and offers complimentary classes and activities like a walk to see the Brady Bunch house or morning yoga. The Garland Hotel also has a great on-site restaurant called The Front Yard, which is ideal for dinner after returning from a day at Universal Studios Hollywood. The restaurant offers a breakfast buffet with a selection of hot foods, pastries, and more, which we really enjoyed.
We recommend The Garland Hotel as our top pick due to its great amenities and recreation opportunities, excellent quality restaurant, and convenient free shuttle service. As we mention in our full review of The Garland Hotel, hours are shorter at Universal and you can accomplish a lot with a good plan, so it's important to stay at a hotel with an atmosphere where you can relax in the evenings.
***Get the BEST savings on The Garland Hotel from Get Away Today HERE!***
Holiday Inn Express North Hollywood – Burbank Area
The Holiday Inn Express North Hollywood is another option located near Universal Studios Hollywood (at about a 10-minute drive) that has several appealing amenities. Guest rooms have amenities like a coffee maker, microwave, mini fridge, and complimentary coffee/tea supplies. At the hotel, guests can enjoy a heated outdoor pool, complimentary WiFi, a complimentary fitness center open 24 hours, and on-site self-laundry facilities.
The Holiday Inn Express North Hollywood also offers a free hot breakfast buffet with items like pancakes, warm cinnamon rolls, whole fruit, cereal, milk, yogurts, muffins, toast, bagels, scrambled eggs, cheese omelets, hard boiled eggs, sausage, bacon, biscuits, gravy, oatmeal, coffee, tea, and fruit juices.
The complimentary breakfast here is a great way to save money during your trip, as you can enjoy the variety of food options offered before Universal Studios Hollywood opens in the mornings. The hotel's proximity to Universal Studios Hollywood also makes the drive back and forth easy—see our guide to Universal Studios Hollywood parking for everything you need to know.
***Book the best prices for Holiday Inn Express North Hollywood – Burbank Area HERE!***
Residence Inn by Marriott Burbank Downtown
Residence Inn by Marriott Burbank Downtown is about a 15-minute drive to Universal Studios Hollywood and is also located near other popular attractions like Dodger Stadium and the Los Angeles Zoo.
At the hotel, you'll be able to enjoy spacious suites with full kitchens and separate living and sleeping spaces, as well as amenities like free WiFi, a complimentary breakfast with both traditional offerings and healthy options, a fitness center, an outdoor pool, on-site laundry, dry cleaning service, and The Market open 24/7 with snacks and beverages. The hotel's location in Downtown Burbank means guests can find plenty to do in the area with more than 600 shops, restaurants, and businesses.
The location of Residence Inn by Marriot Burbank Downtown makes it a great option for guests who want to keep busy outside of their time at Universal Studios Hollywood with plenty to do and explore in the surrounding area. The spacious rooms and variety of amenities offered will also keep guests comfortable during their time there.
***Book the best prices for Residence Inn by Marriott Burbank Downtown HERE!***
Springhill Suites by Marriott Burbank Downtown
Springhill Suites by Mariott Burbank Downtown is conveniently situated near several attractions including Universal Studios Hollywood, Warner Brothers Studios, Walt Disney Studios, and Nickelodeon Studios. Universal Studios Hollywood is about a 15-minute drive from the hotel.
The hotel offers suites with Smart TVs and complimentary WiFi, as well as other amenities including a complimentary breakfast buffet and outdoor pool. You'll also have access to a fitness center and laundry at the hotel. Guests can enjoy Nineteen26 Bar & Lounge, their Marilyn Monroe-inspired bar, as well as The Market open 24/7 where you can grab any quick items you need.
Springhill Suites by Marriot Burbank Downtown receives favorable reviews from guests, and its comfortable, spacious rooms and convenient amenities make it an appealing option.
***Book the best prices for Springhill Suites by Mariott Burbank Downtown HERE!***
Holiday Inn Express & Suites Glendale Downtown
Another great hotel within about a 15-minute drive of Universal Studios Hollywood is the Holiday Inn Express & Suites Glendale Downtown, which is located within easy access to several other Los Angeles attractions including the Hollywood Bowl, Hollywood Walk of Fame, and Dodgers Stadium. The hotel is located between The Glendale Galleria and The Americana at Brand, giving guests convenient access to the shopping, dining, and entertainment offered.
At the Holiday Inn Express & Suites Glendale Downtown, you can enjoy amenities like free breakfast, free WiFi, and spacious guest rooms. The complimentary breakfast includes options like pancakes, scrambled eggs, hard boiled eggs or cheese omelets, bacon, sausage, biscuits and gravy, and warm cinnamon rolls. The hotel also offers on-site self-laundry facilities, an outdoor pool, and a complimentary fitness center overlooking the pool area that is open 24 hours.
The Holiday Inn Express & Suites Glendale Downtown is an appealing option for guests who will be enjoying a longer vacation or want to enjoy multiple Los Angeles attractions beyond Universal Studios Hollywood on their trip itinerary.
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The Coast Anabelle Hotel
Another good option near Universal Studios Hollywood (at about a 10-minute drive) is The Coast Anabelle Hotel, an upscale boutique hotel that is also located near other popular attractions like Warner Bros. Studios.
A big perk of The Coast Anabelle Hotel is that it offers a complimentary free shuttle that runs Monday through Sunday from 6 am to 10 pm to Universal Studios Hollywood, the Hollywood Burbank Airport, Warner Brothers Studios, and Downtown Burbank. Note that free shuttles must be reserved in advance by filling out a form on the hotel's website, and seats are limited.
Guests can enjoy the hotel's sundeck and dining at Olive's Bistro & Lounge. The hotel also offers perks like complimentary WiFi and parking as well. Though The Coast Anabelle does not quite have the same range of amenities as other hotels on this list, its proximity to Universal Studios Hollywood and convenient free shuttle service make it an appealing option for guests.
***Book the best prices for The Coast Anabelle Hotel HERE!***
The Safari Inn
The Safari Inn is the sister property of The Coast Anabelle Hotel and is located right next to it, so it is also about a 10-minute drive away from Universal Studios Hollywood. Over the years, The Safari Inn has made appearances in various TV shows and movies, including True Romance.
The hotel offers a free shuttle service to Universal Studios Hollywood, the Burbank Airport, Downtown Burbank, and Warner Brothers Studios that runs Monday through Sunday from 6 am to 10 pm. Note that shuttles must be reserved in advance by filling out a form on the website, and seats are limited. The Safari Inn also has amenities like free parking and WiFi, complimentary local calls, a fitness center, an outdoor pool, and dining at Olive's Bistro and Lounge.
***Book the best prices for The Safari Inn HERE!***
Sheraton Universal Hotel
Photo courtesy of Sheraton website
The Sheraton Universal Hotel is one of the closest hotels to Universal Studios Hollywood within walking distance. The hotel also offers a complimentary shuttle service to Universal Studios Hollywood that takes less than 10 minutes.
You'll be able to enjoy amenities at the Sheraton Universal Hotel like a fitness center, outdoor pool and hot tub, free WiFi, a convenience store, and dry cleaning service. You can enjoy various dining options at the hotel including The California's, their signature restaurant which serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner, the Terrace Bar open seasonally for light bites and cocktails, and their hotel restaurant and bar In the Mix.
Photo courtesy of Sheraton website
The hotel's proximity to Universal Studios Hollywood is a major draw, and the great onsite dining locations provide you with the opportunity to enjoy some food or drinks and relax after your time at the park.
Hilton Los Angeles/Universal City
Photo courtesy of Hilton website
The Hilton Los Angeles/Universal City is a hotel located within a mile of Universal Studio Hollywood that provides a free shuttle service for a quick trip to the park. The hotel's amenities include a fitness center, outdoor pool, and multiple dining options to choose from.
You can have a drink or a snack at Atrium Lounge, get a coffee at Coffee Corner, enjoy outdoor dining and cocktails with a beautiful view at FIVE on the Hill, or enjoy food and drinks poolside at the Pool Bar & Grill. The hotel's restaurant Cafe Sierra offers a daily breakfast buffet, a Seafood and Prime Rib Buffet every Saturday, and a Champagne Brunch on Sunday.
Photo courtesy of Hilton website
There is an impressive variety of dining options at the Hilton Los Angeles/Universal City, so you won't have to go far to enjoy a meal or drink during your time outside of the park.
Tilt Hotel Universal
Photo courtesy of Tilt Hotel Universal/Hollywood website
The Tilt Hotel Universal is a boutique hotel located at about a 15-minute walk from Universal Studios Hollywood. It has in-room amenities like free high-speed WiFi, oversized showers, a large flat screen HDTV, a coffee maker, and more. The hotel also offers an indoor heated pool and guest laundry. The hotel's location makes it convenient for guests to explore area attractions and is closeby Sunset Strip and Hollywood Boulevard.
One of the biggest advantages that the Tilt Hotel Universal, Sheraton Universal Hotel, and Hilton Los Angeles/Universal City all have in common is their close proximity to Universal Studios Hollywood. As they are all located within walking distance, you won't have to worry about theme park parking costs on the days you are visiting.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What hotel is in walking distance to Universal Studios California?
There are some hotels in walking distance of Universal Studios California, including the Sheraton Universal Hotel, Hilton Los Angeles/Universal City, and Tilt Universal Hotel. We discuss the offerings of these hotels within walking distance of Universal Studios Hollywood in our article above and other options that are a quick 10-15 minute drive from the park.
How many days do you need at Universal Studios Hollywood?
For most visitors, one day at Universal Studios Hollywood should be enough to see and do everything if you plan your time well. You can see our article above for our recommendations on the best hotels to stay at during your time visiting Universal Studios Hollywood and our full Universal Studios Hollywood guide for a breakdown of rides, entertainment, and everything else you need to know when planning your trip.
How early should I arrive at Universal Studios?
We recommend arriving early at Universal Hollywood Studios 30 minutes before opening. This is when Universal will usually start scanning tickets and letting people in the gate, and you can position yourself near where you want to start so that you're one of the first there when the park officially opens. Staying at a hotel near Universal Studios Hollywood is important so that your travel time is minimal in the mornings—see our top recommendations above. You can also read our Universal Studios touring strategy in our guide for the ride order we'd recommend going and Universal Studios Hollywood hours for everything you need to know about typical park opening hours.
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