The 9 Best Hotels Near Universal Studios, Hollywood

With free morning coffee, a 24-hour lobby and free wifi, the Lexen Hotel in North Hollywood provides the ideal respite from your LA adventure. Only a short distance from attractions such as the Universal CityWalk, this boutique hotel is also within walking distance of NoHo restaurants and cafés, making it a great car-free experience. If you’re keen to explore further without a car, the North Hollywood subway station for the Metro Red Line is a short walk away, with stops in Downtown, Koreatown and (with a transfer) Santa Monica Pier.

Home to old-school diners and 1960s-style motels, retro vibes are all over North Hollywood. And the Garland fits right in – with modern amenities but a vintage aesthetic that plays up to its family history. Opened in 1970 by actress Beverly Garland and her husband, the couple’s son has since taken over. Offering guests free trolley rides to Universal CityWalk and Universal Studios (both are close by), it’s an ideal option for families – and anyone who wants to eat, shop and ride rollercoasters without hitting the highway.

With a complimentary shuttle to Universal Studios, this classic old-school motel in Burbank has convenience to match its character. The inn itself is also a part of Hollywood history, having featured in a number of blockbuster movies. The outdoor pool offers a much-needed reprieve from the LA heat – it’s an atmospheric setting for a dip, thanks to the neon motel-style sign that glows above.

If you’re looking for a modern-day update on a 1950s motel, The Tangerine is a whimsical space that strikes a perfect balance between traditional and contemporary. It’s just over two miles from Universal Studios, making the location ideal for those who want to stay in proximity to the film destination without compromising on easy access to the rest of the city – the Hollywood Walk of Fame is just four miles away. There’s also a small pool and a free continental breakfast from a local bakery.

Located north of Warner Bros. Studios, Hotel Amarano sits a short drive from the heart of Hollywood and on the outskirts of charming North Hollywood, which has a quieter, local vibe. Designed for the luxury-inclined, the hotel features a rooftop pool (complete with curtained cabanas) and serves a classic California breakfast in the Garden Room – think buttermilk pancakes, fresh fruit and egg-white frittatas. A great choice for couples, you can cosy up at the hotel’s tapas and cocktail bar in the evening, or explore any of the excellent Mexican restaurants within walking distance.

Attracting many of LA’s bright young things to its myriad busy drinking spots, W Hollywood comes with plenty of built-in fun. The brand is all about ultra-modern interiors and cracking facilities, including a pool lined with palm trees and day beds and an outdoor bar complete with cocktails, DJ sets and a fire pit. Book a Fabulous Room with a city view to look out over LA from a window seat.

This hotel is within walking distance of Universal Studios, and you can be at the famed spot in less than seven minutes (a novelty given that getting anywhere in LA within 10 minutes is a feat). The hotel is simple and contemporary, and while you won’t find luxurious amenities, it has everything you need for a convenient stay, including a small café, a 24-hour fitness room, an indoor pool and, crucially, a lounge with a happy hour. There’s even a spa if you could do with a reset after all that coaster riding.

An LA stalwart, the Hollywood Roosevelt sits stoically on Hollywood Boulevard – a recognizable figure rising high above the Walk of Fame. Interiors pay homage to the building’s history, particularly its heyday in the 1920s when it hosted the first ever Academy Awards ceremony. Expect deep leather furniture, mahogany wood paneling and a hushed, glamorous vibe. A piece of Hollywood history, it’s the perfect base for a trip to Universal Studios, which is a five-minute metro ride away.