The hype
The location is the main selling point, with most guests tolerating the dated decor for the convenience of walking to the park.
Sheraton Universal Hotel
$200-300/ night
Book this if You want the absolute closest walk to Universal Studios without paying Hilton prices, and you appreciate a bit of old-school Hollywood nostalgia.
Why People Love It
- Walkable to Universal Studios & CityWalk (approx. 8-10 mins)
- No hidden resort fee (a rarity in Los Angeles)
- Heated outdoor pool with a retro-glam atmosphere
Quick Take: A reliable, high-traffic convention hotel with 'old bones' that trades modern luxury for unbeatable theme park proximity.
Reviewed by @lifewidmame: I booked this for a quick Universal trip and it was perfect. The bed was insanely comfortable after walking all day, and I loved the little Hollywood touches in the decor. Super clean, quiet, and literally steps from the park shuttle. 10/10 would crash here again.
Guest Who Stayed Here Said
Reality check
You will likely hear your neighbors, and the 'recently renovated' rooms still feel a bit tired in the bathrooms.
- You are visiting Universal Studios and hate waiting for shuttles
- You want a heated pool to relax in after a day of walking
- You are a Marriott Bonvoy member chasing points
Cleanliness & Maintenance
7.8
- Housekeeping: Generally reliable daily service, though recent reviews mention occasional missed spots or rushed cleaning.
- Bathroom hygiene: Clean but dated. Grout lines show age in some rooms; towels can be a bit scratchy/worn.
- Maintenance: Functional but aging. Expect slow elevators and the occasional scuff mark on walls.
- Linens & towels: Standard Sheraton white linens; crisp but not luxurious.
- Odors & scents: Lobby smells like the signature Sheraton 'Warm Oak' fragrance; hallways can smell a bit like old carpet.
Sleepability™
7MODERATE
0-4LOUD
4-7.5MODERATE
7.5-10SILENT
- Hallway noise from excited families
- Elevator mechanical sounds (near elevator banks)
- Connecting room doors
Before you book
Good to know
- There is currently NO daily resort fee, which saves you ~$35/night compared to nearby competitors.
- The walk to Universal involves a hill; it's manageable but steep on the way back.
- You can use the 'Hilton Elevator Shortcut' to avoid part of the hill (see Hidden Tips).
What to pack
- Earplugs or a white noise machine (essential for thin walls)
- Good walking shoes (for the hill and the park)
- Refillable water bottle (water stations in lobby)
Room Genie
Best picks
- High-floor 'Corner King' for dual-aspect views and less neighbor noise
- Park View rooms (odd numbers on higher floors) for views of Hogwarts and the Minions
Rooms to avoid
- Rooms near the elevator banks (constant dinging)
- Lanai rooms on the pool level (can be noisy during the day)
- Connecting rooms if you aren't booking both sides
Room Request Genie – copy & paste
“I would appreciate a room on a high floor (15+), away from the elevators. If available, a Corner King or a room with a view of Universal Studios would be fantastic. Please avoid connecting rooms if possible.”
FAQ & Hidden tips
Everything you actually want to know before you book.
Is there a free shuttle to Universal Studios?
Yes, a complimentary shuttle runs every 10-15 minutes to the park entrance, but walking is often faster.
How much is parking?
Steep. Expect to pay around $47-$55/night for self-parking and over $60/night for valet, plus tax.
Is the pool heated?
Yes, the outdoor pool is heated year-round, typically open from 6am or 8am to 10pm.
Can I walk to Universal Studios?
Absolutely. It's about an 8-10 minute walk. You walk out the driveway, up the hill (or take the elevator next door), and cross the bridge.
Is breakfast included?
Usually no. The buffet at 'The California's' costs around $30-$34 per person unless you have a package or specific Bonvoy status.
Are pets allowed?
Yes, dogs up to 40 lbs are welcome for a non-refundable fee of $125 per stay.
Insider Tips
- ✨
The 'Hilton Elevator Shortcut': Walk out of the Sheraton, go to the neighboring Hilton, take their outdoor elevator up to the bridge level, and skip the steepest part of the hill.
- ✨
The 'Lanai' rooms on the terrace level have direct pool access—great for families who want to swim, but bad for privacy.
- ✨
The lobby bar 'In the Mix' is surprisingly lively and a good spot to spot industry folks or tired parents decompressing.
5 things to know before you go
💡The 'resort fee' is technically $0, which is practically unheard of in this zip code.
💡The bathroom doors in some renovated rooms are sliding 'barn doors' that don't lock or seal sound well.
💡You can see the fireworks from Universal (and sometimes Disney in the far distance) from high-floor south-facing rooms.
💡The self-parking garage is tight; if you have a large SUV, you might be forced to valet.
💡The 'Starview Room' on the top floor is for events only—you can't just go up there for a drink unless you're crashing a wedding.
Local Playbook
Map
See where Sheraton Universal Hotel is located and what's nearby.