The Best Hotels to Book in Glendale, California

Don’t be surprised if you can make it from this Hilton to Universal Studios Hollywood faster than you can get through the line for the Harry Potter rides. The park is only 8mi (13km) away from your room, giving you all the time you need to wake up unrushed and begin your day right. Pro tip: it’s wise to get your fill of food at the on-site restaurant rather than spending a small fortune on a single turkey leg at the theme park.

Staying at the Embassy Suites in Glendale will be a constant battle of wanting to stay put at this hotel in Glendale versus seeing Glendale’s great outdoors. The evening reception’s free drinks and finger foods do a really good job of convincing you to stay in with a night swim in the pool. However, its location less than 10 minutes from the LA Zoo, Glendale Peak and Griffith Park makes a day spent under the California sun almost impossible to resist.

A City of Angels gem if there ever was one, the Glenmark is the hotel for an intimate introduction to Glendale. Exclusive roasts are brewed in the cafe, while exceptional views of the Verdugo Mountains are always on tap in the rooftop bar. Full-wall murals in your guest room give you a small preview of the vibrant culture roaming the city streets; chic hardware, marble countertops and dazzling tilework in the bathrooms will inspire you to be just as creative as the Glendale natives.

Cheer on the Dodgers at home with a convenient stay nearby Dodgers Stadium at Hotel Brandwood, while away games are effortless to watch with DirecTV on your room’s flatscreen – the Wolfgang Puck coffeemaker beside the television will help you make it through the extra innings. On home game nights, you can hit the ballpark in less than 20 minutes by cab. Late-night eats nearby in downtown Glendale will be awaiting your return.

Shop until you drop – then drop into a Cozy Corner sleeper sofa at Hyatt Place. The Americana at Brand mall is right across the street, tempting you to reach a new cash-back record on your credit card. Check into this hotel in Glendale with a piece or two of luggage and check out with hands full of LA style. You don’t need a double-queen room, but if you book one, you’ll have an extra 100sqft (9sqm) of space to unload your haul and try on all of your new clothes.

Every night is a movie night when you’re settling into a room at Residence Inn by Marriott. Your studio suite has a flatscreen TV with plenty of channels to surf if the mountain views from your window don’t captivate your attention. The mini-mart in the lobby has the snacks necessary for movie marathons. Walk across the street to the Laemmle for the latest indie flicks, or cruise around the corner to Electric Dusk Drive-In to catch your favorite films from yesterday.

Choosing Hampton Inn & Suites is a bright idea. Who could say no to a free breakfast and a boozy evening reception? The second-story outdoor pool has panoramic views of LA, with a seat for you to digest and enjoy the view. Plan on keeping your shades on after the sun goes down – the Museum of Neon Art a few doors down will light up your night with iconic and historic signage.