You're planning a trip to see Mario, Harry Potter, and maybe get splashed by a rogue dinosaur on the Studio Tour. Naturally, you want to stay as close as possible. But here is the thing: "close" in Los Angeles is a relative term that can be the difference between a breezy 5-minute stroll and a soul-crushing 45 minutes stuck on the 101 freeway.
If you've ever tried to navigate Cahuenga Pass at 9:00 AM, you know exactly what I mean.
Honestly, choosing between the hotels closest to Universal Studios Hollywood isn't just about the thread count or the pool size. It’s about logistics. You want to be the person walking into Super Nintendo World while everyone else is still hunting for a parking spot in the Frankenstein garage.
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The "Big Two" That Are Actually on the Property
When we talk about being right there, we’re really talking about two specific properties. They sit on the hill, literally overlooking the park.
Hilton Los Angeles/Universal City
This is the heavy hitter. If you want to see the Jurassic World coaster from your pillow, this is your spot. It’s a massive, 24-story tower that basically acts as the park’s unofficial anchor.
People love the Hilton because it’s a roughly 0.3-mile walk to the front gate. That’s maybe 8 or 9 minutes if you aren't dragging a tired toddler. They also run a complimentary shuttle that zips back and forth constantly.
One thing most people don't realize? The pool here is open late—usually until midnight. After a long day of walking the Upper and Lower lots, soaking your feet while looking at the Hollywood Hills is a vibe. It's a Hilton, so it’s polished, but it definitely feels like a "theme park hotel" through and through.
Sheraton Universal Hotel
Right next door is the Sheraton. It’s often called the "Hotel of the Stars" because, historically, it was where a lot of folks working at the studio would crash. It feels a bit more "Old Hollywood" than the Hilton. Think crystal chandeliers and vintage photos.
The walk is nearly identical—about 0.36 miles.
The Sheraton has a more intimate, boutique-ish feel compared to the corporate vibe of the Hilton. Their pool area is fantastic, featuring cabanas that actually feel private. If you’re a Marriott Bonvoy person, this is your home base.
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The rooms were renovated not too long ago, and honestly, the views of the San Fernando Valley at sunset are worth the extra few bucks for a higher floor.
The Walkable "Hidden" Gems
Maybe you don't want to spend $400 a night at a major brand. I get it. There are a few spots just at the bottom of the hill that are technically walkable, though the "hill" part is important.
BLVD Hotel and Studios is about 0.6 miles away. It’s a stylish, chic little spot on Ventura Blvd. The rooms are surprisingly large, often with wood floors which is a nice break from the standard hotel carpet. It’s about a 12-minute walk to the tram that takes you up to the park entrance.
Then there's the Nite Inn.
Basic? Yes.
Clean? Usually.
Close? Absolutely.
It’s a classic L.A. motel vibe right next to the Universal City Metro station. You can walk across the bridge, hop on the free Universal tram, and you’re at CityWalk in minutes. Plus, they usually offer free parking, which is a rare unicorn in this part of town.
Why The Garland is the Real Expert Pick
If you ask a local where to stay, they’ll probably point you toward The Garland. It’s located in North Hollywood, about a mile and a half from the park.
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Wait, why would you stay further away?
Because it’s beautiful. Founded by actress Beverly Garland in the 70s, it has this incredible retro-chic, "Mad Men" in California aesthetic. They have a private trolley—an actual wooden-bench trolley—that runs every hour to the park.
It's a resort experience without the Disney-level chaos. They do poolside movies, have a great restaurant called The Front Yard, and the "KidSuites" have partitioned bunk beds so you don't have to stare at your kids while you try to sleep.
Budget Strategies and the Burbank Shortcut
If the prices at the hotels closest to Universal Studios Hollywood make your eyes water, look at Burbank.
Burbank is just over the hill. Specifically, the Safari Inn (you’ve seen its neon sign in movies like True Romance) and the Coast Anabelle offer free shuttles to Universal. You get the benefit of a quieter neighborhood, often cheaper rates, and free parking.
- Check the "Resort Fee": Many of the hilltop hotels tack on a daily fee. Always read the fine print before clicking 'book.'
- Parking Costs: Expect to pay $40–$60 a night for parking at the Hilton or Sheraton. If you aren't driving, take an Uber from LAX and save the cash.
- The Metro Option: If you stay in Hollywood (like at the Loews Hollywood), you can take the Red Line Metro one stop to Universal City. It’s fast, cheap, and avoids the nightmare of park traffic.
Realistic Expectations for Your Stay
Don't expect "On-Site" perks like you get at Disney or Universal Orlando. Staying at the Hilton doesn't get you Express Passes for free. Universal Studios Hollywood is a different beast—it's a working studio first, a theme park second.
The main benefit of proximity here is sleep.
When the park closes and thousands of people are funneling toward the parking garages, you’ll be the one already sitting at the bar at the Sheraton or tucked into bed at the Hilton. That 45 minutes of saved travel time is worth its weight in gold.
Your Next Steps for a Stress-Free Trip
- Map the Tram: If you stay at the bottom of the hill (like BLVD or Nite Inn), pinpoint the "Universal City Shuttle" stop on Google Maps. It’s free and saves you the steep hike up the driveway.
- Book Early for Horror Nights: If you’re visiting in October for Halloween Horror Nights, these hotels sell out months in advance. The walk home at 2:00 AM is much better than trying to find a Lyft in a crowd of 20,000 people.
- Check the Hollywood Bowl Schedule: If there’s a massive concert at the Bowl the night you arrive, the traffic near these hotels will be significantly worse. Plan to arrive before 4:00 PM or after 8:00 PM to avoid the gridlock.
Decide whether you value a brand-name luxury experience on the hill or a retro, family-focused vibe nearby. Either way, being close means you spend more time with Mario and less time with the 101.