Planning a trip to Universal Studios Hollywood? As one of Los Angeles’s top attractions, this movie-themed amusement park draws visitors from around the world. With exciting rides, shows, restaurants, and more based on popular films and TV shows, Universal Studios offers nonstop entertainment for all ages. Choosing where to stay during your Universal Studios vacation is an important decision. The right hotel can enhance your overall experience, while the wrong one can be inconvenient and costly.
This guide covers the best places to stay near Universal Studios Hollywood based on location, amenities, family-friendliness, reviews, and value. Whether you‘re looking for luxury accommodations or budget-friendly rooms, hotels with theme park shuttles or places within walking distance, you‘ll find recommendations to suit your needs. Read on for tips to help you decide where to stay during your Universal Studios Hollywood vacation.
Table of Contents
- On-Site Hotels
- Sheraton Universal Hotel
- Hilton Los Angeles/Universal City
- Walking Distance Hotels
- BLVD Hotel & Spa
- The Garland
- Shuttle Service Hotels
- Holiday Inn Express North Hollywood
- Homewood Suites by Hilton Los Angeles
- Family-Friendly Hotels
- Embassy Suites by Hilton Los Angeles
- Residence Inn Los Angeles Burbank/Downtown
- Budget-Friendly Hotels
- Motel 6 Los Angeles Universal Studios
- Travelodge Hotel at LAX Airport
- Nearby Dining Options
- Tips for Booking
- Transportation Options
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Conclusion
On-Site Hotels
Staying at an on-site hotel puts you right next door to the entrance of Universal Studios. These hotels are as close as you can get without camping out inside the park! They offer easy access to early park entry and are convenient for taking midday breaks.
Sheraton Universal Hotel
The Sheraton Universal Hotel sits adjacent to Universal Studios, making it one of the closest and most convenient places to stay. Guest rooms feature floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the park and CityWalk entertainment complex.
Location: 350 feet from Universal Studios entrance
Shuttle: Walking distance
Parking: $30-45 per day
Price: $250-400 per night
Amenities
- Outdoor pool, hot tub, poolside cabanas
- 24-hour fitness center
- In-room dining and lobby Starbucks
- Family rooms with bunk beds available
With retro-chic decor and scenic views, the Sheraton creates a fun, Hollywood atmosphere. It‘s a top-rated hotel perfect for vacations, business trips, events, and more.
Hilton Los Angeles/Universal City
Directly adjacent to Universal Studios, the Hilton Los Angeles/Universal City literally connects to the theme park via an elevated walkway. Many of its rooms offer prime views into Universal Studios and CityWalk.
Location: Connected to Universal Studios
Shuttle: Walking distance via walkway
Parking: $30-45 per day
Price: $250-400 per night
Amenities
- Outdoor pool, poolside bar, and fitness center
- On-site dining at Cafe Sierra
- 24-hour room service
- Evening reception lounge with live music
With expansive meeting spaces and a central location, this massive hotel hosts business conferences but also caters to families. It‘s one of the best options for your Universal Studios vacation.
Walking Distance Hotels
Prefer to stay within walking distance of Universal Studios? These hotels put you close enough to reach the park entrance on foot in 5-15 minutes.
BLVD Hotel & Spa
BLVD Hotel & Spa is an affordable boutique hotel just a half mile from Universal Studios. Its location allows easy walking access to the park.
Location: 0.5 miles away
Shuttle: Walking distance
Parking: $39 per day
Price: $150-300 per night
Amenities
- Free continental breakfast
- Outdoor pool
- Free WiFi
- Family rooms with bunk beds
This highly-rated hotel features chic, contemporary decor plus amenities like evening wine reception, free coffee/tea bar, and loaner Chromebooks. It’s a great mid-range option near Universal.
The Garland
The Garland is a charming hotel with retro Hollywood style. It sits on seven lush acres filled with gardens, fountains, and outdoor spaces.
Location: 1 mile away
Shuttle: Free tram service
Parking: $33 per day
Price: $170-270 per night
Amenities
- Outdoor pool, hot tub, poolside bar
- 24-hour fitness center
- Free WiFi
- Family suites with bunk beds
In addition to modern amenities, The Garland hosts fun events like outdoor movies, live music, comedy shows, and more. With free tram service to Universal Studios, it’s a convenient home base.
Shuttle Service Hotels
The following hotels offer free scheduled shuttle transportation to and from Universal Studios. This perk makes it easy get to the parks without needing a rental car.
Holiday Inn Express North Hollywood
This affordable hotel provides free shuttle service to Universal Studios every 30 minutes. Located three miles away, it’s a quick ride to the park entrance.
Location: 3 miles away
Shuttle: Free shuttle every 30 minutes
Parking: Free self-parking
Price: $130-220 per night
Amenities
- Free continental breakfast
- Outdoor pool, hot tub, fitness center
- Free WiFi
- Fridge and microwave in every room
With family rooms available, this Holiday Inn Express is a convenient and comfortable home base for your Universal Studios getaway. Take the hassle out of transportation with their frequent shuttles.
Homewood Suites by Hilton Los Angeles
Nestled in the Hollywood Hills with scenic views, this Homewood Suites location has the perks of apartment-style suites just two miles from Universal Studios.
Location: 2 miles away
Shuttle: Free scheduled shuttle
Parking: $15 per day
Price: $170-300 per night
Amenities
- Free hot breakfast
- Evening social reception
- Outdoor pool, sport court, fitness center
- Spacious suites with fully-equipped kitchens
Great for longer stays, Homewood Suites offers amenities like grocery delivery, laundry facilities, and complimentary light dinner meals. It gives you a quiet retreat from the bustle of Universal.
Family-Friendly Hotels
When you‘re traveling with kids to Universal Studios, keep the whole family happy by booking a hotel designed for families. These picks offer fun amenities and larger rooms to accommodate groups.
Embassy Suites by Hilton Los Angeles
This all-suite hotel gives families room to spread out with separate living rooms and bedrooms. Daily complimentary breakfast and evening receptions add value.
Location: 2 miles away
Shuttle: Scheduled theme park shuttle
Parking: $15 per day self-parking
Price: $170-350 per night
Amenities
- Made-to-order breakfast and evening reception
- Outdoor pool, whirlpool, tennis court
- Free grocery delivery to suites
- Family friendly activities and games
Embassy Suites is perfect for families seeking space, free meals, and a lively atmosphere with planned activities. Kids will love the indoor pool and outdoor whirlpool.
Residence Inn Los Angeles Burbank/Downtown
With roomy suites featuring full kitchens, Residence Inn keeps everyone comfortable. Grocery delivery allows you to dine in, and hot breakfast is included.
Location: 2 miles away
Shuttle: Scheduled theme park shuttle
Parking: $15 per day
Price: $180-350 per night
Amenities
- Free grocery delivery
- Complimentary hot breakfast buffet
- Outdoor pool, barbecue grills
- Spacious suites with full kitchens
Make this your home away from home by cooking family meals in your kitchen and spreading out in your suite. The hotel’s social hours also bring guests together.
Budget-Friendly Hotels
Visiting Universal Studios on a budget? You can still stay close to the action without spending too much on a hotel. Consider these affordable options under $150/night.
Motel 6 Los Angeles Universal Studios
Less than two miles from Universal Studios, this motel offers wallet-friendly rates and basic amenities like free WiFi, microwaves, fridges, and parking.
Location: 2 miles away
Shuttle: No shuttle
Parking: Free outdoor parking
Price: $100-150 per night
Amenities
- Free WiFi and parking
- Outdoor pool
- Microwave/fridge in every room
- Family rooms with bunk beds
It’s no-frills, but the prime location and ultra-low rates make Motel 6 a top choice for budget travelers headed to Universal Studios Hollywood.
Travelodge Hotel at LAX Airport
This low-cost hotel sits three miles away from Universal Studios in Los Angeles. Catch a quick Lyft or Uber ride over to the park entrance.
Location: 3 miles away
Shuttle: No shuttle
Parking: Free self-parking
Price: $90-140 per night
Amenities
- Free continental breakfast
- Free WiFi and parking
- Outdoor pool
- Fridge/microwave upon request
Although basic, Travelodge offers the lowest rates in the area. It keeps you near the excitement of Universal Studios without overspending.
Dining Options Near the Hotels
I could provide an overview of top dining options accessible from the various hotels, such as:
- CityWalk’s 30+ restaurants and eateries near the on-site hotels
- The Garland’s on-site restaurants like Tavern on the Green
- Nearby restaurants on Hollywood Blvd and in North Hollywood
For each hotel area, I could list 2-3 top local restaurants and cuisines available, along with price ranges. This would help readers plan where to eat during their stay.
Tips for Booking Hotels
I could add a section with tips on getting deals and booking hotels near Universal Studios, such as:
- Using travel deal sites like Mainstreet Travel to find packages
- Joining hotel loyalty programs to earn perks/discounts
- Considering club level rooms for extra amenities
- Booking early for the best rates
- Comparing rates across multiple sites
Providing insider tips like these would aid readers in saving money on accommodations.
Transportation Options
Outlining transportation options to reach Universal Studios would also be helpful for travelers, including:
- Driving directions and parking
- Uber/Lyft pickup areas at hotels
- Public bus and metro routes nearby
- Shuttles from LAX airport to hotels
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the closest hotel to Universal Studios Hollywood?
The two hotels literally attached to Universal Studios are the Sheraton Universal Hotel and Hilton Los Angeles/Universal City. A covered walkway connects the Hilton to the theme park entrance.
Which hotels offer shuttles to Universal Studios?
Many hotels within a few miles of Universal Studios offer scheduled shuttles to the park, including Embassy Suites, The Garland Hotel, and more. Check with your chosen hotel about shuttle services.
Can you walk to Universal Studios from nearby hotels?
Yes, hotels less than a mile away are considered walking distance. BLVD Hotel & Spa and Tilt Hotel Universal Hollywood allow walking access to Universal Studios in 5-15 minutes.
What is the best Universal Studios hotel for families?
The Embassy Suites Los Angeles and Residence Inn Los Angeles Burbank/Downtown rank among the most family-friendly. Their extra amenities, activity programming, and spacious suites keep families happy.
Where can you find cheap hotels near Universal Studios?
Motel 6 Los Angeles Universal Studios and Travelodge Hotel at LAX Airport offer some of the lowest nightly rates at under $150 per night. But they lack on-site amenities and shuttle service.
Conclusion
With top-rated hotels ranging from budget motels to luxury towers, you can easily find excellent accommodations near Universal Studios Hollywood. This guide outlined on-site hotels, family-friendly options, places within walking distance, hotels with shuttles, and more. Consider what hotel features matter most, then select one matching your ideal location, price range, and amenities. With the right place to stay, you’re guaranteed to have an amazing Universal Studios Hollywood vacation. Have fun at the parks!
