The hype
Travelers love the retro style and free parking, but often wish the walls were thicker.
Tangerine
$150-250/ night
Book this if You want a cool, budget-friendly launchpad for Warner Bros. and Universal without the corporate beige of a chain hotel.
Why People Love It
- Incredible location walking distance to Warner Bros. Studios
- Free parking (a rare unicorn in Los Angeles)
- Retro-chic aesthetic that feels more 'boutique' than 'motel'
Quick Take: It's a gussied-up motel with a great paint job and thin walls, but the vibe and value are undeniable.
Reviewed by @mrs.mcclainsbrains: I honestly loved using this spot as our base for Universal! The retro style is super cute—especially that orange door—and getting ready here was such a vibe. We grabbed the free pastries, hopped in the car, and were at the park in minutes. Such a hidden gem in Burbank.
Guest Who Stayed Here Said
Reality check
The AC units are the old-school under-the-window type, meaning they can be loud and cycle on/off right next to the bed.
- You're planning to spend your days at the nearby studios
- You appreciate mid-century modern design over luxury amenities
- You refuse to pay $50/night for hotel parking
Cleanliness & Maintenance
9
- Housekeeping: Daily service is reliable; the concrete floors make it easy to spot (and remove) dust.
- Bathroom hygiene: Bathrooms are small but generally sparkling; grout lines are well-maintained.
- Maintenance: Paint is fresh and murals are vibrant, though some exterior wear is visible.
- Linens & towels: Towels are standard motel quality (functional, not plush), but sheets are crisp.
- Odors & scents: Rooms smell neutral and fresh, thanks to the lack of old carpet.
Sleepability™
6.5MODERATE
0-4LOUD
4-7.5MODERATE
7.5-10SILENT
- Traffic on Riverside Drive
- Loud in-room AC units
- Footsteps on exterior walkways
Before you book
Good to know
- Check-in starts at 1:00 PM, which is incredibly early for LA standards.
- There is no on-site gym, but they can direct you to nearby partners.
- The hotel is 100% non-smoking.
What to pack
- Earplugs or a white noise machine (essential for street-facing rooms)
- Slip-on shoes for grabbing ice/coffee (exterior corridors)
- Swimsuit for the heated pool (open year-round)
Room Genie
Best picks
- Room 235 (rumored filming location for the movie 'Heat')
- Pool-facing rooms (set back from the street)
- Second-floor rooms (no overhead footsteps)
Rooms to avoid
- Ground floor rooms facing Riverside Drive (privacy and noise issues)
- Rooms directly near the ice machine/vending area
Room Request Genie – copy & paste
“I would love a quiet room on the second floor, facing the pool or inner courtyard and away from Riverside Drive. If possible, please avoid rooms directly next to the vending machines.”
FAQ & Hidden tips
Everything you actually want to know before you book.
Is there a resort fee?
No. Parking, WiFi, and breakfast pastries are all included in the rate.
How close is it to Universal Studios?
About a 10-minute drive or Uber ride. It's not walking distance.
Is the pool heated?
Yes, the outdoor pool is heated year-round (around 89°F).
Can I walk to Warner Bros. Studios?
Absolutely. It's about a 10-minute walk to the tour entrance.
Is breakfast included?
Yes, but it's continental: pastries from Homeboy Bakery, coffee, and tea. No eggs or bacon.
Are pets allowed?
No, the hotel has a strict no-pets policy (service animals excepted).
Insider Tips
- ✨
The pastries are from Homeboy Bakery, a famous LA social enterprise — grab the jalapeño cheese roll if they have it.
- ✨
There's a 24-hour coffee machine in the lobby that makes surprisingly decent lattes.
- ✨
You can walk to Bob's Big Boy on Friday nights to see a classic car show for free.
5 things to know before you go
💡It was a filming location for the movie 'Heat' (scenes were shot in Room 235).
💡You can order a 'Concierge Doctor' to your room via a partnership with Doctor2Me.
💡The floors are polished concrete — looks cool, but can be cold on bare feet.
💡Check-in is at 1:00 PM, giving you a half-day bonus compared to most LA hotels.
💡The murals in the rooms are hand-painted by local artists, not just wallpaper.
Local Playbook
Map
See where Tangerine is located and what's nearby.