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Hilton Los Angeles/Universal City Review: Prices, Parking Fee, Shuttle & Honest Breakdown
- Alyssa
- Sep 23, 2024
- 7 min read
Updated: 2 days ago
This is our full review of the Hilton Los Angeles/Universal City, one of the closest hotels to Universal Studios Hollywood. We spent $351.82 for two nights in a king room, plus $99 for two nights of self-parking, and break down what you actually get for the price. The hotel is within walking distance of the park entrance, offers a free shuttle, and is about 35–50 minutes from LAX depending on traffic.
If you’re considering this hotel for a Universal Studios trip, here’s everything you need to know: prices, parking fees, room details, check-in/checkout times, shuttle info, and whether it’s worth it.
Getting to Hilton Los Angeles/Universal City
Hilton Los Angeles/Universal City sits in the heart of Universal City, making it easy to reach from either of LA’s major airports. Here’s how long it takes and the best transportation options depending on where you’re flying in.
From Hollywood Burbank Airport (BUR)
Distance to hotel: ~6 miles (10–20 minutes depending on traffic) BUR is the closest airport to Universal City and the easiest option for this hotel.
Ride-share (Uber/Lyft): $35–$50 depending on time of day. BUR has consistent ride-share availability.
Taxi: Meter-based; typically similar to Uber pricing. Expect ~$40–$50.
Rental Car: Good option if you plan to visit other parts of LA (Griffith Observatory, Santa Monica, Venice Beach). Average price is ~$500 for five days before insurance. Hotel parking: $45/night self-parking or $55/night valet.
Public Transportation (budget-friendly):
Metrolink from BUR RITC → Downtown Burbank Station ($2)
Burbank Bus Pink Line → Universal City ($1)Total cost: $3/person
This takes longer but is the cheapest option.
From Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)
Distance to hotel: 15–30 miles (35–60+ minutes depending on traffic)Traffic varies heavily at LAX, so expect higher prices and longer travel times.
Ride-share: $65–$100 depending on traffic and surge pricing.
Taxi: Around $80 on average, plus airport surcharges.
Rental Car: Same pricing as BUR, around $500 for five days before insurance. Hotel parking remains $45 (self) or $55 (valet) per night.
Shuttle Services: LAX Airport Shuttle offers $85 for the first guest + $10 per additional guest. A good option during peak traffic since pricing doesn’t surge.
Public Transit: Available but long (multiple transfers, ~2 hours).
Only recommended if you’re on a strict budget.
Should You Rent a Car?
A car is not required for Universal Studios itself, but it makes exploring the wider LA area much easier. If your plans include Griffith Park, Hollywood, Santa Monica, or the beaches, a rental car is worth it. Hotel parking is expensive, so weigh your plans against the $45–$55 nightly cost.
Check-In, Parking, Shuttle & Check-Out at Hilton Los Angeles/Universal City
Check-In Experience (4:00 PM Standard Check-In)
The standard check-in time for the Hilton Universal City is 4:00 PM, but the front desk is staffed 24/7 for late arrivals. We arrived around 2:00 AM, and someone was available within a minute to help us check in. The hotel is easy to find, you’ll feel like you’re entering Universal Studios, but clear signage directs you toward self-parking or valet, even at night.
During check-in, we were upgraded to a higher-floor room and received free breakfast
vouchers thanks to Hilton Diamond status. The front desk staff also explained:
breakfast hours
pool hours
how to access the Universal shuttle
walking directions to the park
The process was quick, friendly, and efficient.
Parking & Fees
Parking at this hotel is on the expensive side (typical for Universal City), and your query data shows people search for this a lot, so it needs to be clear and prominent.
Parking Options:
Self-Parking: $45 per night
Valet Parking: $55 per night + tax
The parking garage is multi-level with tight turns and dim lighting in some areas. However, even when we arrived late at night, there was plenty of space available. Hilton Diamond members also get designated parking spaces near the elevators, which made unloading luggage very convenient. From the garage, you can take the elevator directly into the lobby.
Free Universal Studios Shuttle
The Hilton Los Angeles/Universal City offers a complimentary shuttle to Universal Studios Hollywood. It runs frequently throughout the day and drops guests right near the park entrance. Walking is also an option, it’s about 10–12 minutes uphill to the park.
Check-Out Time
The standard check-out time is 11:00 AM at Hilton Universal City. Late check-out may be available for Hilton elite members, depending on occupancy.
Room Details at Hilton Los Angeles/Universal City
Quick takeaway: Rooms are clean, comfortable, and modern, with great views on higher floors. Ours was upgraded at check-in and included free breakfast thanks to Hilton Diamond status.
What We Paid & Room Type
We originally booked a standard king room but were upgraded at check-in to a higher-
floor king with views of Universal Studios.
Total paid: $351.82 for two nights, plus $99 for self-parking.
The room included:
a large smart TV
a small workstation
a sofa near the window
an entryway closet with a safe, robes, extra pillows, and blankets
Hollywood-themed décor and artwork
The upgraded floor also came with complimentary continental breakfast, which isn’t included for every room type.
You can check the current rates for this type of room, at the Hilton Los Angeles/Universal City here!
Cleanliness & First Impressions
The room felt clean and well-maintained, especially the bathroom. Carpets, counters, and furniture showed normal wear but nothing concerning. The Hollywood-themed art added character to an otherwise neutral room. There was an adjoining-room door next to the bed, which may not be ideal for light sleepers, but it was securely locked.
Bathroom: Clean & Modern
The bathroom was one of the cleaner ones we’ve had in LA hotels. Features included:
dual showerheads (overhead + detachable wand)
a shower/tub combo
clean tile walls
a bright backlit vanity mirror
plenty of towels (three of each type)
a stocked amenity shelf
Water pressure was solid, and there were no mildew, mold, or drainage issues during our stay.
Provided toiletries included:
large bottles of shampoo, conditioner, and body wash
individual lotion
hand soap
tissues
a shower cap
a hair dryer stored in a bag
In-Room Amenities
Near the entryway was a small coffee station with a single-serve machine, pods, and complimentary water bottles. The closet next to it offered:
two robes
a safe
extra blankets and pillows
The workstation was simple but functional, with a chair and lamp. A padded bench under the TV made unpacking luggage easy.
Overall Comfort
We slept well, the king bed was supportive, linens were clean, and noise from the hallway and other rooms was minimal. Higher floors have better city and park views, and we enjoyed looking out toward the Hollywood Hills and Universal’s attractions.
Property & Amenities at Hilton Los Angeles/Universal City
Pool & Fitness Center
The Hilton Los Angeles/Universal City has a large property with several on-site amenities. The outdoor pool is a good size with plenty of lounge chairs and cabanas, and the best perk is the extended hours, the pool is open 6:00 AM to midnight. After a long day at Universal Studios, it was great to relax and still have time for a late swim.
The fitness center is next to the laundry room and includes:
treadmills and ellipticals
a full dumbbell rack
a cable machine
towels and water station
We were able to get a complete workout in with no issues. The attached laundry room is small but convenient, especially if your clothes get soaked on the Jurassic World ride like ours did. One unique perk on the way to the pool: a CVS vending machine stocked with essentials like deodorant, medicine, diapers, and travel-size toiletries. Great for emergencies or forgotten items.
Free Universal Studios Shuttle
One of the best amenities here is the complimentary shuttle to Universal Studios
Hollywood. It runs every 15–20 minutes:
Mon–Wed: 7:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Thu–Sun: 7:00 AM – 11:00 PM
This shuttle is especially helpful for families, guests with mobility limitations, or anyone trying to avoid walking uphill to the park. We chose to walk since we had just missed the shuttle, and it was an easy 10–12 minute walk. There are multiple signs along the route, staircases and inclines to navigate, and a pedestrian bridge over the main road. We even passed a koi pond on the way.
Lobby Services & Guest Conveniences
The lobby has a surprising number of services, including:
Universal Studios Hollywood tickets
Tesla rentals
concierge desk
a water bottle refill station
a small gift shop
a jewelry stand
two massage chairs (popular after walking the park)
Even though we purchased our tickets ahead of time, it was nice knowing the concierge could handle last-minute ticketing or recommendations.
Dining Options
The hotel has five dining options, including:
Starbucks (lobby)
Atrium Lounge for drinks and light bites
Café Sierra (breakfast + continental options included with some upgrades)
FIVE on the Hill (full restaurant for lunch & dinner)
Pool Bar (seasonal)
Room service runs until 11:00 PM, with late-night pickup available at the front desk afterward.
Breakfast & Elite Perks
Because of our room upgrade, we received:
free continental breakfast each morning
$18/day Hilton Diamond food & beverage credit
These benefits vary by room type and status, so they may not be available for all guests, something to keep in mind when booking.
Is Hilton Los Angeles/Universal City Worth It? (Final Verdict)
We stayed two nights at the Hilton Los Angeles/Universal City in a king room and paid $450.82 total, including two nights of self-parking. Thanks to an upgrade, we enjoyed a higher-floor room with great views, a pull-out sofa, and complimentary continental breakfast.
The hotel delivered exactly what we needed for a Universal Studios trip:
a 10–12 minute walk to the park entrance
a free shuttle running throughout the day
clean, comfortable rooms
a pool, gym, and several dining options
helpful staff and smooth check-in/check-out
While parking is expensive (typical for the area), the unbeatable location and convenience made our visit easier and more relaxing. After a long day at the park, being able to walk or shuttle straight back to the hotel was a huge plus.
Overall, yes, we think the Hilton Los Angeles/Universal City is worth it, especially if your primary goal is visiting Universal Studios Hollywood. We would stay here again on our next trip.
Also, if you are looking for a full overview of Universal Studios Hollywood, checkout or review!
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