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Hoppin' Hotels Near Universal Studios Hollywood

by Mommy Frog on January 2, 2025
Los Angeles

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One of the most common questions we get about Universal Studios Hollywood is where to stay nearby. If you are looking for hotels near Universal City, you've come to the right place. Let's discuss Universal Studios Hollywood hotels in terms of distance to the park, budget and closeness to other attractions.

Hotels Near Universal Studios Hollywood

Hotels Near Universal Studios Hollywood

You'll be hoppy to know that there are a lot of hotels for every budget near Universal. Aside from the cost, another concern directly related to Universal Studios Hollywood hotels is how to get to the park. Los Angeles commuter traffic is no joke. Whether you want to stay closer to avoid traffic or are willing to commute a bit to save money, we have some suggestions. Some hotels are within walking distance or offer free shuttles. Others are about a $10 Uber or Lyft ride away. Some are located near public transportation. We'll even talk about staying near Disneyland and driving to Universal.

And if you are a Universal Orlando frequenter, you'll definitely want to hop over to our Universal Orlando Fan's Guide to Universal Studios Hollywood because the differences between the parks on each coast do not stop at the hotels.

Does Universal Studios Hollywood Have Hotels?

Hotels Near Universal Studios Hollywood - Studio Tour at Hollywood

If you have visited Universal Orlando, you may know that the property in Florida, similar to Disney, has many on-site Universal hotels. The Florida hotels have early entry benefits and other perks to staying on-site. It has more of a resort feel than Hollywood. Universal Studios Hollywood does not have any official Universal on-site hotels connected to the theme park or CityWalk. There are, however, some close-by options. A few are even within walking distance or have free shuttles. But none of them come with the same perks as the on-site hotels in Orlando, unfrogtunately. With that being said, let's hop into the best lodging options near Universal Studios Hollywood!

What Are the Best Hotels Near Universal Studios Hollywood?

What is most important to you in a Universal Studios Hollywood hotel? There are so many factors to consider. Is avoiding the drive your goal? Is a good, kid-friendly pool important? Are you purely looking for a place to sleep for the lowest possible cost? Or do you want to be reasonably close to Universal but also near other attractions? Let's find some options that meet your needs and budget. Looking to save money? We have great discount rates for most of these locations.

Hotels Within Walking Distance

Hoppin' Hotels Near Universal Studios Hollywood - Hilton pool

There are three hotels within walking distance of Universal, although there is a bit of a hill to climb. Luckily, the two closest options both offer free shuttles to the park and CityWalk, which has shopping and restaurants. Convenience and amenities do make them pricier options though:

Hilton Los Angeles/Universal City: It's a really nice, upscale hotel with a pool (open until midnight, so you can swim after you return from the park) with fire pits and a lawn area. It has a great breakfast buffet for an additional fee. Valet and self-parking have a fee, but there is no daily resort fee. This is slightly closer to Universal than the Sheraton. It's a 9-minute walk to the park.

Sheraton Universal Hotel: This "hotel of the stars" is the most luxurious choice (influenced by the golden age of film) near the park. You can purchase grab-and-go items at breakfast, and it has a pool. Located below the Hilton, it is a 10-minute walk to the park.

Hoppin' Hotels Near Universal Studios Hollywood - Universal Studios transportation signage

There is also a third, and more budget-friendly option, with a farther walk:

Nite Inn on Ventura Blvd. is the cheapest option within walking distance but also the furthest of the three. It's a no-frills motel, but it offers free parking and a free continental breakfast. You also get to enjoy a refrigerator and a microwave in your room. Additionally, if you want to save your flippers from climbing the hill to Universal, this hotel is only a 3-minute walk to the free Universal Studios shuttle service at the Metro station.

Hotels with a Park Shuttle

Hotels Near Universal Studios Hollywood - Garland park shuttle

These hotels have a free theme park shuttle:

Be sure to check with the hotel for the shuttle schedule. For some shuttle services, you need to reserve in advance.

Burbank Hotels Near Universal Studios Hollywood

Hotels Near Universal Studios Hollywood - WB Water Tower

Burbank offers some less expensive (but still nice) hotel rooms, presenting ways to save some money, as well as a little bit of Hollywood history. Some offer free shuttles to the park or are about a 10- to 15-minute drive. For hotels without a shuttle, you can expect to pay about $15 to $20 each way on a ride-share app. For comparison, general parking is $35 at Universal Studios ($55 for preferred parking and $75 for front gate parking).

Another really fun thing to do in Burbank is to take the Warner Bros. Studio Tour (save $12 a ticket with Undercover Tourist)! We highly recommend it if you have older kids, teens or adults in your party. You can read all about it and see some pics of the tour in our guide to the Warner Bros. Studio Tour.

Hotels Near Universal Studios Hollywood - Garland Lobby

Just 10 minutes from Universal, The Garland (as low at $306 a night, plus tax) has a homey, retro LA chic decor feel. The hotel was opened by a Hollywood actress, Beverly Garland, and her husband in 1970. It's located three blocks from the Metro, right off the freeway and offers complimentary trolley service to Universal. This hotel has easy access to Hollywood and the center of Burbank. Guests enjoy nearby shops, restaurants and fine-dining options. Some room options include kids' rooms and family suites with bunk beds, a hit with the tadpoles for sure. It has an outdoor pool, hot tub and poolside bar.

Hotels Near Universal Studios Hollywood - Garland Pool Area

Enjoy the on-site restaurant, The Front Yard, which offers breakfast, lunch and dinner. All rooms and suites include a balcony and free Wi-Fi. On Friday and Saturday nights, take the tadpoles to a family-friendly "dive-in" movie at the pool with games, drinks and dining starting at sundown.

These next two locations are right next door to each other in a more residential area. Warner Bros. Studios are just down the street from them.

Hotels Near Universal Studios Hollywood - Coast Anabelle

Coast Anabelle (as low as $261 a night, plus tax) is a cozy boutique hotel (about 10 minutes from Universal) that offers a free shuttle service to Universal, which will also save you some green on theme park parking. If you do have a car, parking at the hotel is free! If you hoppen to be flying into the Burbank airport, the hotel has complimentary shuttle service to and from Burbank Airport as well (with required advance reservations). Book a Mini-Suite or Superior Studio Suite to cook some of your meals in the full kitchens these rooms offer. That is one of our Frog Family's favorite travel hacks, especially when traveling with picky eaters.

Hotels Near Universal Studios Hollywood - Safari Inn

The Safari Inn (as low as $197 a night, plus tax) is just next door to Coast Anabelle in Burbank and is about a 10-minute drive from Universal. The hotel offers complimentary shuttle service to and from Burbank Airport, Universal Studios Hollywood and within the city of Burbank (advance reservations required). Go ahead and Google, "Which movies have been filmed at the Safari Inn in Burbank?" You'll be surprised to see many recognizable titles! This is a small motel with rooms leading out to the parking lot.

Hotels Near Universal Studios Hollywood - Hotel Amarano exterior

Hotel Amarano (as low as $255 a night) is a luxury boutique hotel near Warner Bros. and is just one mile from Universal Studios Hollywood. You get free chocolates as a welcome gift for staying there! The hotel charges a daily amenities fee, which includes Wi-Fi, but it includes free parking. There is a grocery store across the street and some restaurants to grab a bite at.

The Hampton Inn & Suites Los Angeles Burbank Airport (as low as $195 a night, plus tax) is located near shopping, dining and entertainment. One thing to note is the late check-in hour, falling at 6 p.m. This hotel offers free parking; however, it is about a 20-minute drive from Universal.

Hotel Burbank is another affordable choice, located about a 15-minute drive away from Universal Studios Hollywood.

Glendale Hotels Near Universal Studios Hollywood

The city of Glendale is east of Universal Studios Hollywood but contains hotels less than 10 minutes away from Universal by car.

The Embassy Suites (as low as $201 a night) has free breakfast, a welcome reception and special suites which are perfect for large families. Parking is free at this hotel. It also features a covered outdoor pool. This hotel is about 5 minutes from the LA Zoo.

The Hilton Los Angeles North Glendale & Executive (as low as $154 a night) has a free shuttle to the Burbank Airport every other hour from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. It has an outdoor pool as well. Guests must pay a fee for parking on this property.

Staying in Hollywood

Hotels Near Universal Studios Hollywood - Big Bus Tour

If you are visiting Universal for a single day of your journey and want to experience more of Los Angeles, you might want to stay somewhere with more to do around you. You'll want to use extra caution walking around Hollywood, especially at night. But it is fun to walk out the door and be right on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, with access to tour buses, museums, theaters (such as El Capitan and Hollywood Bowl), souvenir shops or the Chinese Theatre. Here are some popular things to do in Los Angeles with kids.

Hotels Near Universal Studios Hollywood - Loews Exterior

Loews Hollywood costs as low as $336 per night, plus tax. This upscale urban hotel has a rooftop heated pool (but no hot tub) and specious junior suites. It is less than three miles from Universal Studios Hollywood (you can drive, Uber or take the red line on the Metro). Some rooms have a view of the Hollywood sign!

Tadpoles will get a kick from the Loews Loves Kids program. It offers a welcome gift, a list of tourist attractions popular among kids and a "kids closet" filled with toys and other items to use during your stay. And the teen frogs will love borrowing a video game system from the lending library. Maximum occupancy in a standard room is four. Parking costs an additional fee.

Hotels Near Universal Studios Hollywood - Loews Lobby

You'll need a room key to take the elevator up (making this city hotel secure) and there is a coffee shop just off the lobby, as well as an Avis rent-a-car office.

Hotels Near Universal Studios Hollywood - Ovation shopping mall next to Loews

Right next door to Loews is Ovation, an outdoor shopping mall with restaurants. It opens right onto Hollywood Blvd. and the Hollywood Walk of Fame. There are small museums, including Madame Tussauds, on the same block, as well as The Chinese Theatre. It's also near many theaters, including The Dolby Theatre (where they film the Oscars), El Capitan Theater, El Capitan Entertainment Centre (where they film Jimmy Kimmel) and The Hollywood Bowl. The Pantages is just down the street.

As you leave the Loews area, you'll pass the next two hotels, which are next door to each other. They are within walking distance of the Hollywood Bowl and two blocks from the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

Hotels Near Universal Studios Hollywood - Holiday Inn Express Hollywood

The first is the Holiday Inn Express & Suites Hollywood Walk of Fame, which costs as low as $283 a night. It includes free breakfast and a small outdoor pool. It is within walking distance of the Hollywood Walk of Fame and is 3.3 miles from Universal Studios. You have to pay to park there.

Hotels Near Universal Studios Hollywood - Hilton Garden Inn Hollywood

The affordable Hilton Garden Inn (as low as $248 a night) has free parking and is also a short walk from the excitement of Hollywood. This hotel has a small pool and hot tub, as well as a kids club.

All three of these Hollywood hotels are located on Highland Ave., which leads to the 101 freeway. Take the 101 North and pass just a couple of exits to get to Universal Studios Hollywood.

Staying in Anaheim

Hotels Near Universal Studios Hollywood - Kids at Disneyland Hotel pool

Many families visit both Universal Studios and Disneyland while in town. Since Disneyland is larger with two theme parks, people might want to stay in Anaheim near Disneyland and take the drive to Universal for a one-day visit. You can toadally do this, but it's best done if you rent a car. Plan about two hours to get to Universal Studios in the morning and try to leave Universal after 7 p.m. to avoid traffic. If you plan to rent a car, be sure to put it in your cart when you book your hoppin' hotel or purchase discount theme park tickets (for Universal Studios Hollywood, Disneyland and others) through Undercover Tourist. When you bundle these purchases with a rental car, it unlocks an even better deal on the rental car of up to 50 percent off!

Hotels Near Universal Studios Hollywood - Train Station

Don't want to drive? You can take the train from Anaheim ARTIC to Union Station in Los Angeles, then leap onto the Metro red line to Universal Studios and take a free tram ride to the park entrance. (You can walk from the train station, but Universal Studios is a steep, long, uphill walk from the train station.) You'll need to look at all of the train and Red Line schedules to coordinate this. Keep in mind that you might not have the flexibility you want with this option, nor the same comfort as if you were driving your own vehicle. It won't save you any time and may take longer, but you won't have to worry about navigating car traffic and it's the least expensive option. Alternatively, you could use Uber or Lyft, but it could be an expensive option, considering prices fluctuate.

Hop over to our posts on hotels near Disneyland and the benefits of staying at a Disneyland Resort hotel for advice on where to stay in the Anaheim area.

Hopfully, you have a better idea of the hotels available near Universal Studios Hollywood now. You can get a hoppin' deal and save some green on hotel stays, Universal Studios tickets and rental cars when you book with your favorite froggy friends. Ribbit!

Related: Best Los Angeles Hotels for Large Families

Related: Where to Stay in Los Angeles with Kids

Hoppy planning!

Keep hopping, Mommy Frog!
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