4 Great Hotel Options for Universal Studios Hollywood

Universal Studios Hollywood embraces its position in the Hollywood Hills of Los Angeles. With iconic L.A. landmarks and well-known neighborhoods in every direction, Universal Studios Hollywood’s selection of preferred hotels includes properties and locations that will suit every type of traveler.

All four of these preferred hotels have something unique to offer — and all are within 5 miles of the theme park — but perhaps the best perk is that clients who book a package at any Universal Studios Hollywood preferred hotel receive entry into The Wizarding World of Harry Potter 30 minutes early.

Here’s a look at four Universal Studios Hollywood preferred hotels.

The Garland
Boutique and “retro-cool,” The Garland in North Hollywood is the perfect retreat after a busy day in the park, and the welcoming environment feels more like a home than a hotel. 

"Family and exceptional guest service are woven in the hotel’s fabric, and guests are treated like family,” said Scott A. Mills, general manager for The Garland.

The menu at on-site restaurant The Front Yard celebrates L.A.'s diverse food culture and, thanks to Southern California’s climate, the outdoor patio is a great spot for a meal any time of year. 

“With our close proximity to Universal Studios, we ensure that guests — and especially families — have a memorable experience, with family-friendly accommodations (including kids’ rooms and family suites with bunk beds) and unique programming such as ‘dive-in’ movies by the pool and weekly urban walks to the nearby ‘Brady Bunch House,’” Mills said.

To make transportation a breeze, The Garland offers complimentary shuttle service in a funky retro trolley to Universal Studios, Universal CityWalk and the Universal City Metro station, which provides easy access to Hollywood and downtown.

“The Garland has a cute, old-timey roadside-type location, but it’s definitely not old,” said Sue Ellen Knebel, director of travel services for DreamFinder Travel in San Marcos, Calif. “It is an updated hotel that’s perfect for the client looking for an ‘old Hollywood’ type of place.”

www.thegarland.com

Loews Hollywood Hotel
Loews Hollywood Hotel is a chic, 20-story tower in the shadow of the Hollywood Sign’s famous 45-foot-high letters.

“Loews Hollywood Hotel is great for an upscale client,” Knebel of DreamFinder Travel said. “It offers great views of the Hollywood Sign [from rooms on the north side] and is the perfect location for someone who wants to be in Hollywood."

The hotel’s prime spot also puts clients just minutes away from Universal Studios Hollywood (one stop via the Metro Red Line) and a few steps from iconic Hollywood Boulevard and its famous Walk of Fame.

“When guests stay at Loews Hollywood Hotel, they are in the epicenter of some of the best attractions the destination has to offer,” said Brian Johnson, managing director of Loews Hollywood Hotel. “Guests also have direct access to the Hollywood & Highland complex that features 70 brand-name retailers, 25 eateries, 12 high-tech bowling lanes, seven movie screens and more.”

Johnson also notes that Universal representatives are available daily at the concierge desk to provide information and discounted park tickets and VIP experiences.

After a fun-filled day hanging out with Harry Potter, The Simpsons and the Minions, families will want to chill out by the heated rooftop pool. Plus, the family- and pet-friendly hotel has amenities for kids and animals through the Loews Loves Kids and Loews Loves Pets programs.

www.loewshotels.com

Safari Inn, a Coast Hotel
Located in Burbank, the kitschy, 55-room Safari Inn, a Coast Hotel is close to Universal Studios Hollywood as well as Walt Disney Studios and Warner Bros. Studios (the latter offers public tours).

“The hotel is popular with guests visiting Universal because we offer complimentary parking and shuttle service to and from Universal Studios and Hollywood Burbank Airport without additional service charges, resort fees or amenity fees,” said Tony Garibian, general manager for Safari Inn.

Considered one of Burbank’s historical landmarks, Safari Inn — built in 1955 — is one of the only properties left with original 1950s retro decor, complete with its famous neon sign. Although it maintains a nostalgic feeling, Safari Inn still features amenities that modern families want, such as complimentary Wi-Fi access and a fitness center.

“Safari Inn is one of the most fun hotels we have ever stayed in,” said Maggi Whitehouse, a hotel guest and the mother of two teens from San Antonio. “We wanted to recreate the feeling of Universal's Cabana Bay Beach Resort at Universal Orlando, and Safari Inn has a really fun vibe, is full of history and is perfectly located close to Universal Studios Hollywood.”

www.safariburbank.com

Hilton Los Angeles/Universal City 
The AAA Four Diamond Hilton Los Angeles/Universal City is one of two hotels that share the hilltop with Universal Studios Hollywood (the other is Sheraton Universal Hotel). It’s located across the street from the theme park’s red-carpeted main entrance and the adjacent Universal CityWalk dining and entertainment district.

Cynthia Ordyke, vice president of sales and marketing for Hilton Los Angeles/Universal City, notes that the property is the only AAA Four Diamond hotel with a five-minute walk to the park. Plus, she says, the dedicated Universal Studios desk in the lobby ensures a memorable vacation. 

“Our hotel features amazing views from all guestrooms, but the most requested is the view of Universal Studios, including Harry Potter’s castle,” Ordyke said. “An additional benefit to reserving Universal Studios-view rooms is never missing the evening light show or fireworks."

www.hilton.com

The Details
Universal Studios Preferred Hotels
vacations.universalstudioshollywood.com