I spend a variety of time in resorts and theme parks, which additionally means I spend a variety of time in theme park resorts.
One of a very powerful options I search for is proximity to the theme parks. If it is a five-minute bus trip between my resort room and my favourite points of interest, nice. If I can stroll, that is even higher.
Related: The finest resorts close to Universal Studios Hollywood
Universal Studios Hollywood stands out from different theme parks in some ways, one in every of which is that there are not any on-site resorts. However, that does not imply I could not discover a resort with the all-important comfort issue.
Luckily, there are a handful only a brief stroll from Universal Studios Hollywood’s iconic crimson carpet and all of the enjoyable that awaits contained in the gates.
For my most up-to-date go to, I selected the Hilton Los Angeles/Universal City. According to Google Maps, it is the closest resort to Universal Studios Hollywood. So, I packed my suitcase and laced up my strolling footwear to search out out for myself.
Convenient location
The Hilton Los Angeles/Universal City’s claims that it is the closest to Universal Studios Hollywood turned out to be true.
I walked from my resort to the park’s entrance gate in lower than 10 minutes. The path was well-marked with signage that pointed me in the precise course. Coming residence within the night was simply as straightforward. After exiting the park, signage factors you again to the strolling path.
If you select to not stroll, the resort additionally provides a complimentary shuttle to Universal Studios Hollywood. A ride-hailing service between the resort and Universal value me $10, together with a tip, for those who go that route.
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If you might have a automotive, you may drive, however you would need to pay for theme park parking, which prices $35 per day earlier than 5 p.m. or $10 after 5 p.m. This can be along with the resort’s every day parking charge of $35.
The rooms are giant and cozy
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TARAH CHIEFFI/THE POINTS GUY
Because I used to be on the town to go to Universal Studios Hollywood, I opted for a theme park view room to increase the expertise of being within the park to my resort room. The worth distinction between my nook room with a theme park view and an ordinary room is, on common, lower than $40 per night time, which felt greater than value it after I noticed my room.
For comparability, commonplace rooms begin at round $224 or 61,000 Hilton Honors factors per night time. The room kind I stayed in begins at round $260 or 100,000 Hilton Honors factors per night time. I paid money for my keep and earned 20,575 factors.
Related: How to decide on one of the best Hilton bank card for you
My room had a king mattress and a queen couch mattress, sleeping as much as 4 visitors. There was a closet within the entryway, in addition to open storage cabinets and a espresso and tea maker.
Because of the distinctive nook format of the room, the toilet was one of many largest I’ve seen in an ordinary resort room. The sink provided a variety of counter house, and it had a lighted mirror. There was additionally a separate vainness space with a lighted mirror (nice if in case you have a number of folks preparing without delay).
In addition to the mattress and couch mattress in the primary residing space, the room included a big desk for working, a dresser with storage drawers and a hidden mini-fridge, a big sensible TV and loads of USB and eclectic retailers across the room for charging my units.
The actual cause I selected this room was the view, and I used to be not disillusioned.
Amazing theme park views
The home windows in my nook room spanned the complete size of 1 wall. When I pulled again the curtains to see if the view was pretty much as good as I had hoped, I shrieked with delight. I might see all of Universal Studios Hollywood proper exterior my window.
Related: Thrills for all ages: 6 finest rides at Universal Studios Hollywood
In the space, I might see the turrets of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, the colourful surroundings in Super Nintendo World and the long-lasting crimson carpet and globe at Universal Studios Hollywood’s entry arch.
The San Fernando Valley and Verdugo Mountains views past the park weren’t too shabby, both.
Full-service facilities
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TARAH CHIEFFI/THE POINTS GUY
Though I spent most of my time on the theme park, I appreciated that the rest I wanted was proper there on the resort. The 24/7 health middle was bigger than many resort gyms I’ve seen, with separate areas for cardio and energy coaching and complimentary towels and water. There was even a Peloton bike so you may stick together with your at-home schedule even if you journey.
The pool space had a sizzling tub, loads of seating, cabanas out there to lease, an accessible pool elevate and a poolside bar and grill. There was additionally a big reward store within the foyer with not solely the standard objects like toiletries, medicines, snacks and different objects you could have left at residence but in addition clothes, jewellery and souvenirs.
Drink and dine all day lengthy
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TARAH CHIEFFI/THE POINTS GUY
Running round a theme park all day requires plenty of gasoline within the type of meals and caffeine. Luckily, I used to be in a position to fulfill each of these wants on the Hilton Los Angeles/Universal City. The on-site espresso store is open every day from 6 to 10:30 a.m. and serves Starbucks espresso drinks, in addition to snacks and pastries.
Also, Cafe Sierra within the foyer atrium serves breakfast. You can select from a buffet with a choice of worldwide and conventional American breakfast objects or order off the menu. Cafe Sierra additionally opens on Saturday evenings for a seafood and prime rib buffet and on Sunday mornings for a Champagne brunch.
Thanks to my Hilton Honors gold standing, I earned a $15 every day meals and beverage credit score for every day of my keep.
Related: What is Hilton Honors elite standing value in 2023?
Dinner is served open air at Five on the Hill, a fine-dining restaurant with handcrafted cocktails, shareable small plates and beautiful views.
After an extended day at Universal Studios Hollywood (and a variety of work to atone for), I used to be too drained to dine on the restaurant and opted for the 24/7 room service. The crispy seasoned fries and hearty burger have been simply what I wanted to refuel on the finish of the day.
Theme park perks
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TARAH CHIEFFI/THE POINTS GUY
The Hilton Los Angeles/Universal City is taken into account an official Universal Studios Hollywood Partner Hotel. There was a concierge desk within the foyer the place resort employees might help you together with your Universal ticket purchases and add-ons like Universal Express skip-the-line passes and VIP excursions.
Checking out
Next time I go to Universal Studios Hollywood (which I hope is ahead of later), I plan to move straight again to the Hilton Los Angeles/Universal City.
Even although it is not technically a “theme park resort,” the views and walkability to Universal made it really feel like one. Pair that with incomes Hilton Honors factors and the resort’s full-service facilities, and I used to be a contented theme park fan and resort fan.