Hilton Los Angeles/Universal City
Why We Like It
If you’re looking to bring the family for an LA vacation or you just want to experience the new Harry Potter World at Universal Studios, then this is the hotel for you. What’s truly great about this hotel’s location is the access to a metro that can take you everywhere in the city or the ability to walk for five minutes to access dozens of restaurants, bars, retail shops, movie theaters and more.
Fodor's Expert Review
Guests looking for a perfect Universal Studios experience would be hard-pressed to find a hotel more perfectly situated. One of only two properties inside Universal City, this family-friendly spot caters to tourists looking for that ultimate Los Angeles adventure.
Tip Though it’s only a short walk to Universal Studios and Universal City Walk, there’s a free shuttle that runs every fifteen minutes that will take you to either spot, if you hate walking.
Recommended Fodor’s Video
Room
The rooms here aren’t anything to write home about stylistically, but they’re clean, comfortable, and spacious. The best part, though, is if you stay on the upper end of the 24-story tower, you’ll have epic views of Universal Studios on one side and the Hollywood Hills on the other.
Bathroom
The bathrooms are fairly standard and feature Peter Thomas Roth bath products. Shower/tub combos are typical in most rooms.
Lobby
There are a few modern touches that help distinguish the lobby here, but it’s only a hub of activity during standard check-in and check-out times because the hotel enjoys an average 90% occupancy rate. Off the lobby, guests will find a fully equipped gift shop, business center, and if they’re lucky, a photo-op with a Madam Tussaud’s wax figure (the hotel is a partner with the famed wax museum).
Tip Universal Studios has their own ticketing booth right inside the hotel where you can purchase multiple packages and tours. The hotel concierge can also sell you tickets to Madam Tussaud’s Wax Museum.
Pool
One of the best features of the hotel is the expansive pool deck. Sunbeds and first-come-first-serve cabanas circle the water and a full bar and food stand sits adjacent. Guests tend to dip in at the end of a long, hot day of sightseeing for a quick cool down.
You Should Know Because this hotel is so family-friendly, don’t be surprised to see the pool teeming with kids. This shouldn't surprise you, as the hotel is right next to an amusement park.
Dining
Café Sierra is the main, and popular, restaurant to the left of the lobby. Known for their seafood and prime rib buffets, the restaurant is particularly crowded on major holidays with locals and guests alike. Further past the lobby, guests can partake in Peet’s Coffee and small grab-and-go items, or prop themselves up at the Lobby Bar for more American fare. The hotel does offer 24-hour room service--order as late as you want. Have a meal at 3am--it's your life.
Drinking
The Lobby Bar is a hub of activity after a day of touring LA. There’s no happy hour, but a full menu is geared towards beer and burger lovers.
You Should Know The bar here isn’t a wild scene, so if you’re looking for something with a little more energy, head to City Walk or metro down to Hollywood for endless nightlife options.
What's Nearby
Getting Around
There’s a metro stop at Universal Studios that can take you directly to Hollywood, Downtown LA or even Santa Monica. Getting around to Warner Bros. Studios or other nearby attractions is easily drivable or just hail an Uber or Lyft for cheap taxi options.
Restaurants
Universal City Walk (5-minute walk) is practically next door and features 32 separate restaurants that range from Taco Bell and Blaze Pizza to Hard Rock Café and Wolfgang Puck Bistro.
Bars
Inside City Walk, drinkers can sing along to dueling pianos at Howl at the Moon or drunkenly attempt to stay on the mechanical bull at Saddle Ranch Chop House.
Photos
Quick Facts
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