Adrian Visiting theme parks is an expensive business and in today’s economy every little help. You can of course stay near the Universal theme park, but if you’re staying at the resort or next to it. You typically pay a premium for the convenience. Let’s be honest, they are usually overpriced three-star experiences that you are getting.
We’ve compiled a list of the top 5 hotels that are within a commutable distance of Universal studios and that offer a shuttle to the park. All of these hotels are 3/4star offerings and average no more than $200 a night.
Top Value Hotels near Universal Studios Hollywood
One of the best elements about this version of Universal Studios is that there is so much to see and do near the park. It’s located centrally in Los Angeles, so when you’re visiting there are so many more options to make this a vacation to remember.
Address: 4222 Vineland Ave, North Hollywood, CA 91602, United States
Average Nightly Rate – $200
This spot is just squeezing into our price range, but on average it cost $200 a night to stay here. If you are visiting during peak times, you will be paying more, but for its convenient location and standard of experience, it’s a steal at that price. I
The hotel itself has a lovely atmosphere to it. There is a Mexican hacienda style to its decor. The reception and communal areas are modern and nicely done and definitely the best facilities of any of the options on our list. The hotel overall is spotless and the staff is very welcoming. There is even a really decent pool on offer.
The lobby bar and food options also are really good. The only downside is that some of the rooms are backing onto the freeway and they can be quite noisy. So, be sure that you request a room at the front of the hotel.
It’s just a 6-minute drive from the park and there are complimentary shuttles that run throughout the day. Check out the full schedule here.
Lexen Hotel – North Hollywood Universal Studios
Address: 5268 Tujunga Ave, North Hollywood, CA 91601
Average Nightly Rate – $195
Located in North Hollywood, it’s just only a 5-minute drive to Universal. The NoHo arts district that’s it in is also a nice spot. There are theatres, art studios, galleries, and public art on show, so it’s nice to have a stroll around.
The hotel itself is a very good 3-star offering. The rooms are spacious, modern, and clean and the vibe of the hotel is very nice. If you are traveling with a family the Lexen is your perfect choice, as the rooms a really quite large. Parking is available on site too at a cost of $10 a day, which isn’t too bad for LA.
The one downside to this hotel is that it doesn’t offer a shuttle service, but with it being such a short hop an uber ride will only cost you around $10.
Address: 1911 W Olive Ave, Burbank, CA 91506
Average Nightly Rate – $170
The Safari looks like it has been transported right from the 1950s with its neon signs and motel vibes. It gives off some serious retro vibes. Luckily though the atmosphere and vibe are the extents of nostalgia.
The rooms and facilities are all clean and modern and the overall experience is perfectly acceptable. The hotel is rated as a 3-star offering and the experience won’t blow you away. It’s perfectly acceptable considering the price point.
Rooms here are on the smaller side, but they do have rooms with kitchens available. So if you are traveling with a family or fancy cooking, this is a solid option.
There is a complimentary shuttle service to Universal studios that runs on the hour. It’s only a 10-minute drive to the park, so if you are getting an Uber it’s around $15.
Address: 11117 Ventura Blvd Studio City, Los Angeles
Average Nightly Rate – $190
The El Royale is a solid budget option The area around the hotel is pretty nice too, there are a few places to eat as well as a Starbucks and a Ralphs. Vivian’s Millennium Cafe is literally a 2 minute’s walk away and is the perfect spot to grab some breakfast before heading to the park.
The staff here are super welcoming, the rooms are modern and well kept and there are fridges and microwaves in the rooms.
There is no shuttle service at the El Royale, but you can actually walk to Universal from here. It’s only a 20-minute walk or a 5-minute Uber ride away.
Address – 3901 W Riverside Dr, Burbank, CA 91505-4327
Average Nightly Rate – $189
Categorized as a boutique hotel, the Tangerine is ranked as a 2-star offering, but we do feel that it punches above its star rating. Similar to the Safari Inn, the Tangerine has a retro motel-style vibe to it. The rooms are modern and super clean and at this price point, you really can’t go wrong.
There isn’t a shuttle bus on offer, but it’s just a 7-minute drive from the park, so an Uber should only be around $12.
The Tangerine is also right next to the Warner Brothers studio tour. It’s within walking distance and a great day out and well worth a visit.
There is a really good Mexican restaurant right next to the hotel. It’s a must-visit if you are staying in the Tangerine. It’s called Don Cuco and you can get some really solid tacos here. Yakumi Sushi is also next to it and they do really well-priced/good-quality sushi.
