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Sheraton Universal Hotel Review: Staying Next Door to Universal Studios Hollywood
Updated: Oct 10
Is the Sheraton Universal Hotel worth staying at for a trip to Universal Studios Hollywood? We spent two nights here during a December weekend getaway to experience Grinchmas and the holiday festivities at Universal CityWalk. With most of our time planned around the theme park, we wanted a hotel that was comfortable, convenient, and close enough to avoid dealing with LA traffic.
The Sheraton Universal Hotel is one of the few hotels within walking distance of Universal Studios Hollywood, with a free shuttle and a walkable route to the park entrance. We paid $456.30 for our two-night stay, plus $45 per night for parking, making convenience a significant part of what we were paying for.
In this Sheraton Universal Hotel review, we'll share our firsthand experience, including the rooms, amenities, parking fees, and how easy it actually is to get to Universal Studios Hollywood. We'll also cover what we liked, what could have been better, and whether we'd recommend staying here for your next theme park trip.
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How Far Is Sheraton Universal Hotel From Universal Studios Hollywood?
The Sheraton Universal Hotel is approximately 0.4 miles from Universal Studios Hollywood, making it one of the closest hotels to the theme park. Guests can either walk to the entrance in about 8–10 minutes or take the hotel's complimentary shuttle. We found the location incredibly convenient during our stay, especially since we spent most of our time at Universal Studios and CityWalk.
Walking From Sheraton Universal Hotel to Universal Studios
Although the Sheraton sits just below Universal Studios Hollywood, the walking route isn't quite as straightforward as it looks on a map. From the hotel entrance, follow the main driveway through the parking area and take the elevator up the hill toward the Hilton Los Angeles/Universal City. From there, follow the Hilton's posted walkway signs toward Universal Studios and CityWalk. We've walked this route several times, and it typically takes us 8–10 minutes, depending on our pace. The walk is pedestrian-friendly but includes an uphill section, which can feel longer in the summer heat or after a full day at the park.
We prefer walking in the morning before CityWalk gets crowded. In the evening, the route can be busier with guests leaving the park, but it's still manageable.
Sheraton Universal Hotel Free Shuttle
The Sheraton Universal Hotel offers a complimentary shuttle to Universal Studios Hollywood, with the ride taking less than 10 minutes. It's a convenient alternative to walking, especially for families with younger children or anyone who wants to avoid the uphill climb.
The shuttle drops guests off near Universal CityWalk, leaving a short walk to the actual theme park entrance. Shuttle schedules are tied to regular park operating hours, and service may be limited during special events like Halloween Horror Nights. We recommend confirming the latest pickup times with the hotel before heading to the park.
Is It Better to Walk or Take the Shuttle?
For us, walking was the easiest option, especially in the morning when we wanted to get to Universal Studios without waiting for transportation. However, the free shuttle is a nice perk if you're tired after a long day, traveling with kids, or simply don't feel like walking uphill. Either way, being this close to Universal Studios Hollywood is one of the biggest advantages of staying at the Sheraton. You can leave your car parked at the hotel and avoid the hassle of driving to the theme park.
How Much Does It Cost to Stay at Sheraton Universal Hotel?
We paid $456.30 for two nights at the Sheraton Universal Hotel during our early December visit, averaging approximately $228 per night. For a hotel within walking distance of Universal Studios Hollywood, we felt the price was reasonable, especially during the busy holiday season.Keep in mind that parking is not included in the room rate. Self-parking currently costs $55 per night, which adds another $110 before applicable taxes for a two-night stay. Room rates also fluctuate depending on demand, with higher prices possible during major Universal Studios events like Halloween Horror Nights and Grinchmas.
Was it worth the price? For us, the biggest advantage was convenience. Being able to walk or take the complimentary shuttle to Universal Studios without dealing with LA traffic made the Sheraton a practical choice for our theme park weekend. If you're planning to spend most of your time at Universal Studios Hollywood, we'd recommend comparing the total room cost, parking fees, and any additional charges before booking.
Sheraton Universal Hotel Parking Fees
Parking at the Sheraton Universal Hotel currently costs $55 per day for self-parking or $63 per day for valet parking, according to Marriott. Parking is not included in the standard room rate, so this is an additional expense to consider when booking your stay.
During our December visit, we paid $45 per night for self-parking, which has since increased. The parking structure connects directly to the hotel lobby, making it convenient for unloading luggage and accessing your room.
One thing to keep in mind is that the entrance can get congested during afternoon check-in hours, especially when shuttles and rideshares are arriving. We left our car parked for our entire two-night stay and had no issues accessing the garage. For a two-night visit, self-parking now adds $110 to your hotel bill before any applicable taxes. However, because the Sheraton is within walking distance of Universal Studios Hollywood and offers a complimentary park shuttle, you can leave your car at the hotel rather than drive to the theme park.
Our tip: If Universal Studios is the main reason for your trip, consider whether you'll need a rental car at all. Between hotel parking and rental fees, transportation costs can add up quickly.
Rooms & Comfort at the Sheraton Universal Hotel
Room Layout & Design
The rooms at the Sheraton Universal Hotel are clean and comfortable, though the décor leans more traditional than modern. Standard rooms include either a king bed or two doubles, a desk area, and large windows overlooking the Hollywood Hills or Universal Studios. Our room had a partial park view with plenty of natural light during the day. The blackout curtains worked well, blocking light from nearby Universal City at night. The air conditioning ran quietly and kept the room cool without fluctuation, something we appreciated after long park days.
Beds, Noise & Sleep Quality
The beds were firm but supportive, with soft, freshly laundered linens. We slept comfortably both nights, though hallway noise and elevator sounds were noticeable during peak evening hours. If you’re a light sleeper, request a higher floor or corner room to minimize noise. Because many guests are families visiting Universal Studios, the hotel has more hallway activity than a boutique property, but it’s rarely disruptive once inside the room.
Bathroom & Cleanliness
The bathroom was bright and functional, with good lighting, strong water pressure, and consistent hot water even during the morning rush. Counter space around the vanity was generous and well-lit, making it easy to get ready before heading to the park.
Housekeeping came daily and was thorough, but one unexpected issue stood out, the towels had a strong vinegar smell, almost like pickles, and felt stiff and rough to the touch. They didn’t dry well, and it was noticeable enough that we commented on it after the first night. It didn’t ruin the stay, but it’s something the hotel could improve easily.
In-Room Amenities
Rooms come with a mini fridge, coffee maker, safe, ironing set, and flat-screen TV. There’s also a comfortable sofa to relax after a long day or get some work done, though Wi-Fi speed varied during our stay. Standard Wi-Fi is free; faster connections require an upgrade. The layout of the property can be confusing at first, especially when finding the gym or elevators on the lower floors. A printed map from the front desk helps, but clear signage would make navigation easier.
Our Verdict on Comfort
Overall, the rooms at the Sheraton Universal are exactly what most travelers expect, clean, practical, and reliable for short visits. The hotel’s biggest selling point is still its location next to Universal Studios Hollywood, not cutting-edge design or luxury features. If you value convenience and consistency, the Sheraton gets the job done. But if you prefer newer interiors or slightly more upscale touches, the Hilton across the street might be the better pick.
Amenities & Dining Options at the Sheraton Universal Hotel
Dining Options
Although we didn’t eat at the hotel during our stay, the Sheraton Universal Hotel has two on-site dining options plus a grab-and-go area:
The California’s Restaurant – Serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner with a focus on California-style cuisine.
In the Mix Lounge – Located near the lobby, offering cocktails and light bites in the evening.
Grab & Go Market – Open 24 hours with snacks, coffee, and drinks, convenient if you’re arriving late or leaving early for Universal Studios.
If you’re looking for more variety, Universal CityWalk is only a few minutes away and offers plenty of restaurants, from quick eats like Blaze Pizza and Panda Express to sit-down spots like Antojitos Cocina Mexicana and Vivo Italian Kitchen.
Pool Area
When we visited, the pool and surrounding deck area were under construction, which made the entire section of the hotel somewhat confusing to navigate. There were no clear signs explaining detours or closures, and the main pathways that would normally lead to the pool were partially blocked by barriers. Despite the construction, the pool itself appeared well-maintained and modernized, with lounge chairs stacked nearby and lighting indicating an active renovation rather than neglect. Under normal operation, this space includes a heated outdoor pool, cabanas, and a sundeck, ideal for relaxing between park visits. If you’re staying soon, it’s worth checking with the hotel in advance to confirm whether construction is complete.
Fitness Center
The fitness center was open during our visit but extremely difficult to find. The posted signs actually led us through part of the construction zone surrounding the pool area. We eventually found our way by cutting back through that same section, but there was no clear signage indicating that route was allowed. Once inside, the gym was clean and equipped with standard cardio machines, free weights, and a few resistance stations, but the layout and lack of direction made getting there more complicated than it should have been. For a large, otherwise organized property, the poor navigation stood out as one of the more frustrating aspects of the stay.
Final Verdict: Is the Sheraton Universal Hotel Worth It?
After spending two nights at the Sheraton Universal Hotel, we'd recommend it to anyone planning a trip centered around Universal Studios Hollywood. Its biggest selling point is the location, with an easy 8–10-minute walk to the park and a complimentary shuttle that makes getting to Universal CityWalk even more convenient.
The hotel isn't luxurious, and some areas could use updating. During our stay, construction around the pool and fitness center made navigating the property a little confusing, and small details like worn bathroom towels and outdated signage showed the hotel's age. However, our room was clean and quiet, check-in was quick, and the staff were friendly and efficient, even when we arrived around 11 PM.
At $456.30 for our two-night stay, we felt the Sheraton offered reasonable value for its location, although the additional parking fees are worth factoring into your budget. What you're really paying for is the convenience of staying close to Universal Studios without having to deal with Los Angeles traffic.
Would we stay at the Sheraton Universal Hotel again? Yes, especially for another Universal Studios-focused trip. If your priority is a comfortable place to sleep within walking distance of the theme park rather than a luxury hotel experience, the Sheraton is a practical choice.