Hotels near universal studios hollywood theme park

Awesome amenities make the Hilton Los Angeles / Universal City our top pick

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The hotels near Universal Studios Hollywood aren't just near one of the country’s best theme parks—they’re also right next door to where all the movie magic happens. Whether you’re looking for an affordable hotel for the family, a luxury stay to provide a quiet oasis after a long day of park rides, or a venue with a rooftop or an indoor pool, you’ve got great options close to the action.

The 7 Best Hotels Near Universal Studios Hollywood in 2022

Best Overall: Hilton Los Angeles / Universal City

Hilton Los Angeles / Universal City

Why We Chose It

A theme park shuttle and extensive amenities make this the clear winner for the Universal Studios experience.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Closest hotel to Universal Studios

• Theme park shuttle

• Two restaurants on-site

Cons

• Self and valet parking for a fee

• Reviews mention problems with AC and HVAC systems

• Reviews mention long wait times to talk to the front desk

This pet-friendly hotel is the best choice if you want nicer amenities and an easy walking distance to Universal Studios Hollywood—but there’s also a free shuttle that will take you back and forth to the park, too, so it's very accessible. Two restaurants, including one outside by the pool, plus a lounge and a coffee shop will keep you well-fed. The Hilton Los Angeles / Universal City is also close to a Metro stop if you’d rather not drive. Higher floors either have a view of the city or the park.

Notable Amenities

• Pet-friendly
• Outdoor pool and on-site fitness center
• Room service
• Business center

Best for Families: The Hollywood Roosevelt

Why We Chose It

This hotel on Hollywood Boulevard has live music often and a beautiful pool—and it's nestled right in the beating heart of Hollywood.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Frequent live entertainment

• Right across the street from the famed Chinese Theater

• Pool on-site with reservable lounge chairs

Cons

• Time limit on poolside lounge chairs during peak times

• Resort fee

• Hotel is in a high-traffic tourist area

If you’re looking for a hotel with Old Hollywood vibes and history to match, the Hollywood Roosevelt is your choice. The hotel opened in 1927 and counts Marilyn Monroe as one of its longtime residents. Now, its location on the Hollywood Walk of Fame close to the iconic Chinese Theater attracts people looking to be a part of that history. It’s even rumored that hotel guests have witnessed Marilyn’s ghost right on the property. Several dining options on-site are run by Michelin-starred chef Nancy Silverton, one of Los Angeles’ most in-demand culinary talents. A speakeasy with a bowling alley and board games, plus a pool with reservable lounge chairs, will keep the whole family entertained.

Notable Amenities

• Speakeasy with bowling alley

Best Budget: BLVD Hotel & Suites

Why We Chose It

What this hotel lacks in amenities it makes up for in value and proximity to the park.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Walkable to Universal Studios

• Among the least expensive lodgings near the park

• Indoor pool on-site

Cons

• No-frills accommodations

• Reviews mention rooms in need of updates

• Not in a scenic location

A more budget-friendly option that’s also walkable to Universal Studios is BLVD Hotel & Suites, which has a partnership with the park to sell tickets right at the hotel. A restaurant and lounge provide quick bites, and there is a small indoor pool that’s perfect on those rare rainy days in Los Angeles. The hotel does offer suites with full kitchens, which can make up for the mediocre views (mostly of the parking lot or the freeway). 

Notable Amenities

• Park ticket sales through the hotel
• Spa on-site

Best Splurge: Kimpton Everly

Why We Chose It

A luxury hotel with views of the Capitol Records Building, the Kimpton Everly is the nicest hotel in close proximity to Universal.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Rooftop pool

• Three restaurants and lounges on the property

• Very close to the park

Cons

• WiFi fee for non-members

• Pricey valet and self-parking

• Lobby bar can get crowded

From the moment you walk into the art-filled lobby at this hotel, you know you’re somewhere special. The Kimpton Everly is located in the center of Hollywood, with views of the Capitol Records building from the lobby bar. Upstairs, a rooftop pool features sweeping city views and the attached lounge area offers complimentary sunset happy hour daily.

Notable Amenities

• Pet-friendly
• Yoga mat in the room
• Bikes on-site for guest use

Best for Adults: W Hollywood

Why We Chose It

This stylish hotel is a grown-up playground with a rooftop pool and suites designed for entertaining.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Rooftop pool

• Prime location on Hollywood Walk of Fame

• Themed suites

Cons

• Party atmosphere can be noisy

• Resort fee

• Reviews mention long delays for valet and bell service

The W Hollywood encapsulates the Hollywood experience: There’s always something lively happening, but up on the roof, the chill vibes are as easy to access as the California sun. Its location, right on Hollywood and Vine above the Hollywood Walk of Fame, allows for easy walking to local restaurants and bars. The hotel itself has two restaurants, so it's easy to plan a night right on the property. Rooms on higher floors have full views of the Hollywood Hills (where the Hollywood sign is located), or of the city skyline. Stylish suites have fun themes—and one even has a recording studio built in.

Notable Amenities

• Personal assistant service on-site
• Pet-friendly
• Electric car charging stations
• Limo service
• Barber and beauty shop on-site

Best Pet-Friendly: The Garland

Why We Chose It

This retro-chic property has a green space just for dogs and offers a welcome amenity for four-legged guests.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Pet-friendly with outdoor dog area

• Free trolley to Universal Studios

• Daily programming like wine tastings and yoga

Cons

• Fee for pets

• Reviews mention hotel can be noisy

There’s dog-friendly, and then there’s “give your dog a check-in gift” dog-friendly. If you’re staying with pets, the Garland provides a dog toy, a dog mat, and a water bowl–with bottled water, of course. The property has a dedicated off-leash green space for pets as well.

For humans, the retro theming has a distinct 1960s vibe in the best way possible (think vintage design elements) and a highly rated restaurant. A free trolley provides transportation to Universal Studios and the Universal Metro stop.

Notable Amenities

• Extensive pet amenities
• Private balcony in every room
• Sustainable toiletries from LATHER

Best Atmosphere: Loews Hollywood Hotel

Why We Chose It

With Egyptian theming that matches the storied Egyptian Movie Theater nearby, this hotel is the closest you’ll get to feeling like you’re truly in the movies.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Located in the Hollywood Highland Center

• Rooftop pool

• Three restaurants and cafés

Cons

• Busy location with lots of foot traffic

• Reviews mention so rooms in need of updates

There is no hotel more in the center of the action than Loews Hollywood, which is in the Hollywood Highland Center, an outdoor shopping and dining area adjacent to the Walk of Fame and the storied Chinese and Egyptian theaters. Loews has a heated rooftop pool with stellar views and three great restaurants and cafés on the property. Since parking can be pricey, it's best to just forget the car while staying in this walkable location.

Notable Amenities

• Babysitting and shoe shine services on-site
• Business center, catering service, and conference facilities on-site
• Fitness center

Final Verdict

Universal Studios Hollywood isn’t just one of California’s best theme parks, it’s also a working Hollywood production studio where projects are filming every day (you can easily spot a celebrity or two during your visit). While you can’t stay right on the property (as you can at Disneyland), you can stay right in the action by choosing a nearby hotel in and around Hollywood that gives you up-close access to the movies and the stars.

For its proximity to Universal Studios and for its amenities, the Hilton Los Angeles / Universal City is the standout. The free transportation to the park, on-site dining options, and relaxing pool area make the guest experience easy and convenient and allow for maximum relaxation after long days in the theme park.

Compare the Best Hotels Near Universal Hollywood

How We Chose These Hotels

We evaluated the top-rated hotels within a 3-mile radius of Universal Studios Hollywood before settling on the best for the chosen categories. We considered such elements as location, amenities, and the status of current and planned renovations to the properties. We also considered the property’s dining options, resort fees, and the types of experiences (on-site activities, etc.) included. In determining this list, we evaluated numerous customer reviews and considered whether the property has collected any accolades in recent years.

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