Last updated: October 10, 2026 · By Ronen, Stay Near The Venue
Universal Studios Hollywood sits on a hill in Universal City, in the San Fernando Valley next to Studio City. Traffic and parking fees are the main headaches, so staying nearby or near the Metro makes the day easier.
Quick answer: stay at one of the hotels on Universal Hollywood Drive with free shuttles, or in Hollywood near the Metro B Line if you want to explore LA too.
Top hotel picks at a glance
| Hotel | Location & highlights | |
|---|---|---|
| Sheraton Universal | about a 10-minute walk, with a free shuttle every 15–20 minutes. | Check price |
| Hilton Los Angeles/Universal City | one block from the park entrance area, also with a free shuttle. | Check price |
| BLVD Hotel & Spa | in Studio City, about 5 minutes on foot to the Metro station. | Check price |
| The Garland | in North Hollywood, with a free daily shuttle. | Check price |
| Loews Hollywood Hotel | in Hollywood near the B Line, good for a longer LA stay. | Check price |
Prices change daily – tap “Check price” for live rates on your dates.
This article contains affiliate links. If you book through them we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Transport, perks and hotel details change, so always confirm with the venue and the hotel before you book.
See hotels near Universal Studios Hollywood
Hotel map: live prices near the venue
Recommended hotels
- Sheraton Universal – about a 10-minute walk, with a free shuttle every 15–20 minutes.
- Hilton Los Angeles/Universal City – one block from the park entrance area, also with a free shuttle.
- BLVD Hotel & Spa – in Studio City, about 5 minutes on foot to the Metro station.
- The Garland – in North Hollywood, with a free daily shuttle.
- Loews Hollywood Hotel – in Hollywood near the B Line, good for a longer LA stay.
Getting there
- Metro B Line: ride to Universal/Studio City station, cross Lankershim Blvd and take the free shuttle or walk about half a mile uphill.
- Driving: park parking is paid; a hotel with a shuttle saves money.
Tips
- Arrive at opening time; lines grow fast at midday.
- Staying in Hollywood and taking the Metro avoids LA traffic both ways.
Getting to Universal Studios Hollywood by Metro
The easiest public transport route is the Metro B (Red) Line to Universal City/Studio City station. From Metrolink, take a train to Los Angeles Union Station and transfer to the B Line, or use Burbank-Downtown station and the BurbankBus Pink Route to the same Metro station. From the station, cross Lankershim Boulevard to Universal Hollywood Drive, then walk about half a mile or take the shuttle to the park, which is at 100 Universal City Plaza. Travel guides report the shuttle runs every 10 to 15 minutes; check current hours before you go.
Hotels in Hollywood are also reachable on the Red Line, which makes them a useful alternative to staying right next to the park.
Where to stay around the park
Hotels within walking distance include the Sheraton Universal and Hilton Los Angeles/Universal City, and the Sheraton is reported to offer complimentary shuttles. Hollywood hotels connect by Metro, and Burbank and Glendale are common value options. Confirm shuttle details with the hotel before booking.
Parking and rideshare
Recent reports put general parking at $40 before 5 p.m. and $10 after 5 p.m., with premium options costing more. Prices change often, so check the official site. Rideshare drop-off at the Frankenstein garage is reported to be free, but confirm current rules before relying on it.
How to decide between a Hollywood, Universal City or Burbank base
Los Angeles is spread out, and the area you choose affects almost every part of your trip. Staying close to Universal Studios Hollywood means short trips to the park, and you can often walk or take a brief ride. Staying in Hollywood puts you near the sights, restaurants and nightlife, while a base in Burbank or the nearby valley can offer a calmer atmosphere and sometimes lower prices. Think about whether you want the theme park to be the center of the trip or one stop among several.
If you plan to see several attractions across the city, think about the cost and time of getting around. Traffic in Los Angeles can be heavy at certain times, and a trip that looks short on a map can take much longer. If you do not plan to rent a car, favor a hotel with easy access to the park, a rail station or a reliable rideshare pickup, and check recent reviews for comments on the neighborhood at night.
What to plan for a Studio Tour day
Universal Studios Hollywood is known for its Studio Tour, which takes visitors through the working backlot, along with rides and shows within the park. Because the experience is a full day, plan to arrive rested and early, bring water and sun protection, and wear comfortable shoes. Check the park’s official page for current hours, since they can change by season and day.
Make a loose plan before you go. Decide which attractions matter most, and visit those first, when the crowds are generally lighter. Build in a break for lunch and a shaded rest, especially in warm weather. If you are traveling with children, check height requirements for the rides you most want to do before you arrive, and have a backup plan in case someone is too short for a particular attraction.
Booking and cancellation advice for Los Angeles stays
Hotels near major Los Angeles attractions tend to fill around holidays, summer and weekends, and prices can vary widely between a quiet weekday and a peak weekend. Book soon after you settle your dates, but choose a rate with free cancellation so you can adjust if your plans or the price change.
Read the cancellation deadline carefully, and note whether the hotel charges extra for parking or similar services. Parking at Los Angeles hotels can be a significant additional cost, so compare the total cost rather than the headline rate. If you are traveling with others, make sure everyone knows the address and the check-in procedure, and keep a copy of your confirmation on your phone.
Arrival day, luggage and getting started
If you arrive in Los Angeles from a long flight, give yourself time. Airport pickup, traffic and check-in can all take longer than expected. Ask your hotel whether it can store bags if your room is not ready, and plan a simple first evening rather than a full schedule.
On the way out, check the flight time, the traffic you may face on the way to the airport and the hotel checkout time. A late-afternoon flight may allow a relaxed morning, while an early flight means packing the night before. Keep passports or ID, tickets and chargers in a small bag so you can find them quickly.
Questions to ask a hotel before you book
A few direct questions can prevent most problems. Ask what is included in the rate, whether there is a daily facility fee, and how much parking costs. Ask about noise, since some rooms face busy streets, and ask whether a quieter floor is possible.
If someone in your group has mobility needs, ask about step-free access, elevators, accessible bathrooms and the distance from the room to the entrance. If you are traveling with children, ask about cribs, rollaway beds and any family-room options, and confirm those details in writing so there are no surprises at check-in.
Common mistakes to avoid
The most common error is underestimating distances in Los Angeles. A hotel can seem close to the park yet involve a long drive at peak times. Check actual routes and times of day before you book, and have a backup plan for getting around.
Another frequent mistake is trying to see too much in one day. The park alone can fill a day, and adding a late-night outing can leave you exhausted. Pace yourself, drink plenty of water and allow time for rest. Finally, avoid booking nonrefundable rooms too early, since your plans may change.
Pairing the park with the rest of a Los Angeles trip
Many visitors combine Universal Studios Hollywood with other Los Angeles sights, and the order of the days matters. Place the theme park on a day when you have the most energy, and keep the days for city sightseeing separate so that you are not driving across town at rush hour after a long day on your feet. Grouping nearby attractions on the same day cuts down on time in traffic.
If you are staying for several nights, consider choosing one hotel and making day trips rather than moving every night. Changing hotels costs time on both ends, and a single base with a reliable way of getting around is usually easier. If you plan to use public transport or rideshare, test the route and cost in advance so you have a realistic idea of what each day will involve.
Leave one flexible half day in the plan. Weather, tiredness or a spontaneous recommendation from a local can change what you want to do, and a loose schedule lets you adapt without stress.
A simple checklist before you travel
Confirm your ticket type and the date, and check the official park page for any entry rules, bag policies and hours. Save your hotel confirmation and the cancellation deadline on your phone. Check the weather forecast, and pack sunscreen, a hat, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes.
Charge your phone, and bring a portable charger, since photos, tickets and maps drain the battery quickly. Agree on a meeting point if your group may get separated, and note the hotel address in case you need a ride back late in the evening.
Official sources: Universal Studios Hollywood official website. Check it for current schedules, transport and ticketing before you book.
How we checked this guide
The “Last updated” date at the top of this page is when we last reviewed it end to end.
- Parking rates, shuttle fees and transport times are taken from the port’s, venue’s or operator’s own published pages and from each hotel’s own website — not from aggregator sites.
- Distances and journey times are the figures the venue or transit operator publishes, not our estimates. Where we give a distance, we say what it is measured to.
- Hotel amenities (breakfast, shuttle hours, pet and parking policies) come from each hotel’s own site. These change more often than anything else here, so confirm them when you book.
- Room rates are deliberately not listed anywhere on this site. They move daily, and a price written one month is wrong the next. Our links take you to live pricing instead.
- We have not stayed at every hotel we write about. Where we contacted a property directly, the guide says so and gives the date. Where a figure comes from a third-party report rather than an official source, we say that too.
Found something out of date or wrong? Tell us and we will fix it.
FAQ
What is the closest hotel to Universal Studios Hollywood?
The Hilton and Sheraton on Universal Hollywood Drive are the closest, both about a 10-minute walk with free shuttles.
More venue guides
Theme parks: Walt Disney World, Disneyland, Universal Orlando.
Convention centers: Las Vegas Convention Center, Javits Center, Orange County Convention Center, McCormick Place. Also see our stadium hotel guides, festival guides and cruise port hotel guides.
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We start at the venue and work outward: walking time, shuttle and transit options first, then guest review scores and value for money. Hotels can’t pay to be listed. Some links are affiliate links, so we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Prices and availability change daily, so always check live rates before you book.
