If you’re searching for hotels near Universal Studios Hollywood in 2026, staying close to the park can save you time, money, and stress—especially if this is your first visit to Los Angeles.
Why staying near Universal Studios Hollywood matters
Universal Studios Hollywood is not just a park — it’s a full-day experience.
If you stay far:
- You lose time in LA traffic 🚗
- You reach late → longer ride waits
- You leave early → miss night shows
If you stay nearby:
- Walk, shuttle, or quick Uber
- Enter early
- Rest mid-day if needed
👉 Location = experience quality
If you’re exploring beyond Los Angeles, check out our Hidden Gems of California 2026 guide for unique places, scenic backroads, and lesser-known destinations worth adding to your trip.
Best areas to stay near Universal Studios Hollywood
Staying in walkable hotels near Universal Studios Hollywood helps you skip traffic and reach the park early for popular rides. For official park hours and visitor details, check the Universal Studios Hollywood official website.
1️⃣ Universal City (closest & easiest)
Distance: 0.5–1 mile
Best for: First-timers, families, short trips
Why this area works
- Closest hotels to the park
- Shuttle access
- No freeway stress
👉 Ideal if Universal is your main reason for visiting LA.
2️⃣ Studio City (best balance of price + location)
Distance: 1–2 miles
Best for: Budget travelers, couples, longer stays
Why people love Studio City
- Cheaper than Universal City
- Great restaurants & cafes
- Quick Uber or metro ride
👉 Best value for money area.
3️⃣ Hollywood / North Hollywood (only if prices spike)
Distance: 3–5 miles
Best for: Multi-attraction trips
⚠️ Expect:
- More traffic
- Longer commute times
🏨 Closest Hotels (Walkable or Shuttle)
If staying as close as possible to Universal Studios Hollywood is your priority, hotels in Universal City offer unmatched convenience. Properties like Hilton Los Angeles/Universal City and Sheraton Universal Hotel are located just steps or a short shuttle ride from the park, making them ideal for early park entry, quick breaks during the day, and easy access to Universal CityWalk. These hotels are especially popular with families and first-time visitors who want to minimize travel time and focus on the theme park experience.
👉 Check current availability and prices here
How far is Universal Studios Hollywood from nearby places?
Los Angeles Downtown: ~10 miles
Hollywood Walk of Fame: ~4 miles
LAX Airport: ~17 miles (30–60 mins depending on traffic)
Getting to Universal Studios Hollywood from your hotel
🚶 Walk
Only possible from Universal City hotels
🚗 Uber / Taxi
5–10 minutes from Studio City
Cost varies by time
🚇 Metro
Red Line → Universal City Station
Free shuttle from station to park
Best time to book hotels near Universal Studios Hollywood
Book early if you’re visiting during:
- Spring Break (March–April)
- Summer (June–August)
- Halloween Horror Nights (Sept–Oct)
- Holidays (Nov–Dec)
Prices rise fast near the park.
Common mistakes visitors make (don’t do these)
❌ Staying far to “save money” → lose time + energy
❌ Ignoring parking costs
❌ Booking without checking distance
❌ Underestimating LA traffic
Truth:
A slightly higher hotel price near the park often saves money overall.
FAQ
FAQ 1
Question:
Can you visit Universal Studios Hollywood in an RV?
Answer:
Yes, you can visit Universal Studios Hollywood in an RV, but overnight parking or camping is not allowed inside the park. Most RV travelers stay at nearby RV parks and use rideshare or public transportation to reach the park.
FAQ 2
Where do RV travelers stay when visiting Universal Studios Hollywood?
Answer:
RV travelers usually stay at RV parks outside central Los Angeles, such as Hollywood RV Park or Walnut RV Park. These locations offer parking, hookups, and easy access to Universal Studios Hollywood.
FAQ 3
Is staying in a hotel better than using an RV for Universal Studios Hollywood?
Answer:
Yes, staying in a hotel near Universal Studios Hollywood is more convenient because many hotels offer walking access or shuttle service, saving time and avoiding traffic and parking challenges.
FAQ 4
What are the closest hotels to Universal Studios Hollywood?
Answer:
The closest hotels include Hilton Universal City, Sheraton Universal Hotel, and other Universal City properties offering walking distance or shuttle access.
RV travelers visiting Universal Studios Hollywood often rent an RV through RVshare and stay at RV parks outside central Los Angeles before using rideshare or public transportation to reach the park.
👉 Browse available RV rentals, prices, and availability here.
Final thoughts: where should YOU stay?
Staying in hotels near Universal Studios Hollywood also helps visitors avoid Los Angeles traffic during peak hours, making early park entry and late shows much easier to manage. If Universal Studios Hollywood is your main trip goal, stay:
- Universal City (closest)
- Studio City (best value)
If it’s part of a longer LA trip:
- Consider Studio City or Hollywood (with planning)
👉 View available hotels, prices, and seasonal deals near Universal Studios Hollywood here