Hilton HHonors - Hilton Los Angeles/Universal City

I need to stay in this general area for a few days in Feb and cannot locate any info on this hotel (or any other closeby HH properities). Does anyone have any info or suggestions?

MisterNice

I stayed there in Nov 2000 and it was a nice hotel, although the surrounding area outside the Universal Park area were a little run down. It is most assuredly a hotel where a car is required just to get anywhere. I ran over to Universal for a few hours after working ever day and had a great time. http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif

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Cheers Scott

Don't know if it is still there, but a few years ago there was a restaurant accross 101 from Universal studios called Machellis (I think). Great Italian restaurant and the waiters/waitresses sing. Encourange the patrons to join in. Was a lot of fun. Hope it is still there.

I live in the area and have business guests stay there all the time, I highly recommend the place. Attached to the hotel is Universal Studios (a real movie studio) and Universal Citywalks. The Citywalks is a huge mall type amusement center. A five minute cab ride puts you at Groman's Chinese Theatre. That area used to be run down but was revitalised recntly with the addition of the Kodak Theatre and shopping/dining complex. The next Acadamy Awards will be held there, marking a return to the original location in the early twenties. For a few days stay in LA, you won't be sorry. If you're looking for things to do respond back to the post and I'll make some recommendations. You may be able to get a room rate of $125 if you hurry.

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by Baze:
Don't know if it is still there, but a few years ago there was a restaurant accross 101 from Universal studios called Machellis (I think). Great Italian restaurant and the waiters/waitresses sing. Encourange the patrons to join in. Was a lot of fun. Hope it is still there.</font>

I was there in October and can confirm that Machellis is still there. It is apparently pretty popular as someone on the plane told us about it. However, it is a real, small local type resturaunt, not a touristy chain type place. Just perfect IMHO. It's on the back side, bottom of the hill.
The Hilton is in a great location for Universal Studios of course, but also easy access to Hollywood and Beverly hills.
I hate to admidt this, but my wife and I had a day to kill so we spent the day driving all over. We drove on Muholland Dr (sp?) across the entire mountain, up and down the Blvd, and through Beverly Hills etc. Yes, we even bought one of those star maps and hunted a few of them down. Don't laugh, it was actually very fun and a great scenic self tour. That map took us to places I would never have otherwise gone. Check out Speilburg's house (aka: the Fortress).

The proper restaurant spelling is "Miceli's".

Thanks guys, this place looking nicer and nicer. The Hilton CS reps sez the Towers lounge will be open for my stay Sun Feb 17 and they will have comp nibblies, comp booze etc and comp cont breakfast the next day for the Golds and Diamonds. Is the lounge really like this? I personally know the Woodland Hills exec lounge is really a great place, but it is now closed Fri, Sat and Sun eve according to a traveling friend. I booked it for Monday as I gotta go to Frys nearby to stock up on cheap computer parts etc.

Does one need advance reservations for Miceli's and if so how far in advance?

MisterNice

MisterNice,

Send me an email if you have a minute. My office is within walking distance of Fry's in Woodland Hills.

Craig

.............YGM

MisterNice

I am going with the family in March without a
car and I found the Burbank Hilton was the best for this senario. They offer free shuttle to BUR airport and the Studios and offer a $128 room with two free tickets to the park. The Universal Hilton offered no transportation to BUR and for $150 a night with no free tickets. Any thoughts or experiences here? Thanks

Never stayed at the BUR Hilton, but their "Daily Grill" restaurant is a unit of a first rate LA chain.

SanFF,

The Burbank Hilton is accross the street from the Burbank Airport. It is located in the midst of industrial buildings, the old Lockheed. There is nothing near by, within walking distance, literally nothing. It further is my experience that you need to tip the free shuttle people. I believe you you will save money by staying at this property. However, you will have a much better time at the Universal Hilton.

The Sheraton Universal City is rigght next door to the Hilton Universal city. The weekend rate is $129, maybe cheaper if you have some type of Starwood cert. Not sure about free shuttle.

[This message has been edited by MIKEM (edited 02-02-2002).]

Ok I stayed there and am a HH Diamond. Upgraded to the Towers w/o a problem to a very large room. The lounge is open 7 days/week evenings only. Mucho food with the Mex dishes loaded with onions. Some breaded deep fried mushrooms upped the oily calorie count. Fresh fruit and sammishes completed the food. Mixed drinks are weak and $6. Wine is $4. Two attendants and 8 customers. The Sheraton appeared a little run down and was the same price.

You get a cert for breakfast in the downstairs restaurant worth $6.95 on any menu item or the buffet......or for a standard continental breakfast of waiter-delivered juice, coffee, e-muffin, blueberry muffin and mixed fruit. No matter what you tell the waiter he brings this........"I know you did not want the "X" but I brought it for you any way". For a place constantly quoting "itsa been bad since 9/11" they could probably save some money by NOT having a grand piano breakfast pianist. Valet parking is a whopping $16 and 3 different guests were complaining about long distance charges to nearby locations. One is instructed to make all local calls by dialing 9-1-(AC)-number. Ouch!

MisterNice

Any opinions of this property? Is there a lounge - staff - location from LAX etc\

Thanks!

nice property (nicer than Beverly Hills)! - told them I was on my honeymoon and they upgraded us to a corner suite.....
drawback is that it is about a 40 minute drive to LAX.....

There is a lounge, although when I stayed there in November it was closed.

Any recent experience at this hotel?

Has anyone stayed here recently? There is very little on the search for this hotel. The website says it is recently renovated. Any info for anybody? Thanks!

Wow! It sounds great. It is so hard to tell what a property is like from the Hilton webpage. I appreciate your responses very much.

I remember they offer very nice buffet dinner over weekend. It has wonderful selections.

As an added bonus, the hotel also has a free charging station in the parking garage for electric vehicles. I rented one at Budget LAX last week, and recharged in the Hilton. It was a great experience. Took about 3 hours to recharge a 50% discharge, so had to plan ahead.

Note: LAX to Dntn LA, to driving around Burbank, to the Hilton took about 1/2 the EV-1's charge! Was worried about making it back to LAX; no worries after. Turns out I needn't have worried: The "downhill" run on 405 from the Valley to LAX turns out to recharge the car so well that by the time you're at Sunset Blvd, you've got the same amount of juice as at the Hilton! (IE: You use 60% of your energy getting "uphill" to the Hilton, and only 40% getting back "downhill" to LAX).

I can walk to this hotel from my house, so if you need additional information, let me know.

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by SST:
As an added bonus, the hotel also has a free charging station in the parking garage for electric vehicles. I rented one at Budget LAX last week, and recharged in the Hilton. It was a great experience.</font>How much did that rental run you?

It was about $54 for 24 hours of the EV1.

Stayed there last weekend. Got a big room on 16th floor and access to lounge without having to ask (I'm Diamond). The bar in the lounge is pay at all times. I was told this is due to California State law banning the giving away of alcohol. I'm not sure how true this is as the BA Longe at LAX had free booze.

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by Gaza:
Stayed there last weekend. Got a big room on 16th floor and access to lounge without having to ask (I'm Diamond). The bar in the lounge is pay at all times. I was told this is due to California State law banning the giving away of alcohol. I'm not sure how true this is as the BA Longe at LAX had free booze. </font>


This is BS. The lounge at the Hilton Woodland Hills 12 miles away has free booze in the lounge. At least they did 5 months ago when I was there.


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AA PLT, UA PremEx, HH Diamond, SPG Platinum

This is a bump!

I am looking for info on the Universal City Hilton or other HH properties good for a base for sightseeing in the LA area. I will be there end of June. As Diamond what upgrades are available. Thanks for all replies! http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif

Since I live in LA, I obviously haven't stayed at these properties, but I can concur that I really wouldn't want to stay at the Burbank Airport Hilton, as there really is nothing near there. I too live in this area and the Universal City Hilton is in a good location, right off the Hollywood Freeway (a rental car is a must in LA). You'd also be nearby NBC, should you want to go see the Tonight Show. And yes, Miceli's is still there!

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by Gaza:
The bar in the lounge is pay at all times. I was told this is due to California State law banning the giving away of alcohol.</font>

I'm sure the person telling this story was blond and used the word "dude" at the beginning and end of each sentence. The Newark, CA, Hilton has for the past several years given free beer and wine (two drinks) to all Executive Lounge customers. I was there two days ago.

The Universal Hilton is however, a great place to stay.

I just got off the phone making a GLON booking at the Universal City Hilton.
I was given a King Executive room.
Is an Executive room the same as a Tower room (as described on the website ?).
Since I am Gold, could I hope for an additional upgrade when checking in (or should I maybe even send a fax inquiring about the possibility of an upgrade ?).
I would also appreciate any info and tips for stuff to do (I'll be there 6 nights). CityWalk and Universal studios are already on my list.

Hollywood Walk of Fame (2 miles away)
Groman's Chinese Theatre (2 Miles away)
Rodeo Drive Shopping in Beverly Hills (7 mi)
Beverly Hills Hotel Polo Lounge for drinks (7 mi)
http://www.audiencesunlimited.com/default.htm
Disneyland (35 miles away)
Knott's Berry Farm (30 Miles)
Magic Mountain (18 Miles)

huegli, will you have a car? The Getty is a fantastic place to visit both for the architecture and the exhibitions. Here is a link: http://www.getty.edu/

You should make a reservation for parking if you have a car. You can do this online. The restaurant is lovely and if you eat in The Restaurant (as opposed to The Cafe) you should also make a reservation there, too (also doable online).


Edited to add: If you do have a car, one place that's always on my "tour" for out of town visitors is The Lake Shrine, almost at the end of Sunset Boulevard in Pacific Palisades. It's a beautiful, peaceful place and you don't have to be religious to visit it. One of the only places, if not THE only place, that has some of Mahatma Ghandi's ashes. The visitors I take here often request I take them back when they visit again. Here's the link: http://www.yogananda-srf.org/temples/lakeshrine/


[This message has been edited by Nanook (edited Jan 06, 2004).]

Huegli

I stayed there too. Nice room, also King Executive. It was a nice big corner room with a nice view. An OK Hotel, but we had to fight for our water bottles. I didn't have a parking reservation, so self-park was full. Valet was fine, however expensive.

I stayed there 3 nights last month. I had upgrade to exec level (22xx I think); lounge was 1 floor down. I think there are 3 exec floors, all req key access on elevator. Nice breakfast and evening stuff, more than just snacks. My room was nothing special, just another room on the highest floor. I had no problem finding space in self parking, but I don't know how full they were. I would not assume exec king is on one of the keyed levels, better ask. I also had hs internet acccess but I had to ask (I think is was here, or was it the following week, hum?). Enjoy your stay.

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Visit Shenandoah National Park and enjoy the Skyline Drive and the Blue Ridge Parkway (but don't plan to stay permanently).

I need a reservation to park in self parking? Also is there a charge for self parking or just for Valet? Lastly, is breakfast for Gold's in the restaurant or just sweet rolls in the lounge? Planning to stay there in April. Thanks!
JJ
Go Red Sox!

[This message has been edited by JudyJFLA (edited Jan 06, 2004).]

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by JudyJFLA:
I need a reservation to park in self parking? Also is there a charge for self parking or just for Valet? Lastly, is breakfast for Gold's in the restaurant or just sweet rolls in the lounge? Planning to stay there in April. Thanks!
JJ
Go Red Sox!

[This message has been edited by JudyJFLA (edited Jan 06, 2004).]</font>

I think I paid $14 per day at the self park a few months ago, definitely you pay. I'm not aware anyone gets breakfast for free in the restaruant, just the lounge. However, I did ask.

I have never gotten breakfast for free in the restaurant at this property, which I highly recommend.

While it is certainly not a complete breakfast, the offerings in the Executive Lounge were usually enough for me to not consider even asking about the option of having breakfast in the restaurant.

Somewhat esoteric, but if you enjoy good sacred choral music, St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church is about five minutes from Universal City.

http://www.seeing-stars.com/Churches/StCharles.shtml

I stayed there last year, and it was a nice property. They actually overbooked the first night and then put me up in the neighboring Sheraton.

If you don't mind walking (! in LA!), I'd walk down to the Metro station just down the hill (maybe 3-5 minutes) and then catch all the Hollywood attractions from there. Beats the hell out of finding parking in Hollywood or downtown. There are a bunch of sights on Hollywood Blvd. If you're feeling really adventurous, you can take the Red Line and then transfer to the Blue Line down to Long Beach and check out downtown and the Aquarium of the Pacific, all within walking distance of the downtown LBC station. And the fare is something like $1.25 on the entire system, which is a steal!

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by kaottic97:
I stayed there last year, and it was a nice property. They actually overbooked the first night and then put me up in the neighboring Sheraton.

If you don't mind walking (! in LA!), I'd walk down to the Metro station just down the hill (maybe 3-5 minutes) and then catch all the Hollywood attractions from there. Beats the hell out of finding parking in Hollywood or downtown. There are a bunch of sights on Hollywood Blvd. If you're feeling really adventurous, you can take the Red Line and then transfer to the Blue Line down to Long Beach and check out downtown and the Aquarium of the Pacific, all within walking distance of the downtown LBC station. And the fare is something like $1.25 on the entire system, which is a steal!</font>


Good suggestions here. If you do drive to the Walk of Fame, park behind the Kodak Theatre in the public lot. From Highland BLVD, just before you get to Hollywood BLVD, you turn right into the Rennisance Hotel (I think that's the name). The lot is on the left side of the hotel and is several stories underground. The cost is about $2 per hour.

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by Canarsie:
While it is certainly not a complete breakfast, the offerings in the Executive Lounge were usually enough for me to not consider even asking about the option of having breakfast in the restaurant.</font>

By this it sounds like the lounge is also open on weekends. Does anyone know for sure?

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by yyzflyer:
By this it sounds like the lounge is also open on weekends. Does anyone know for sure?</font>

I have always stayed at this hotel during the week but never on a Saturday or Sunday morning so, unfortunately, I do not know the answer for certain, yyzflyer.

Regardless, I would be interested to find out the answer to your question as well (if only to satisfy my own curiosity) from someone who has had recent first-hand experience at this property.

We are staying there for 5 days next week. How good is the hotel in terms of service, amenities (not an HHonors member), location, restaurants? Tripadvisor users seem to like it although some didn't. Is it quite busy during the march break time?

Thanks

The hotel is in an excellent location if you are going to Universal Studios. You just walk across the street to Universal (5-10 minute walk) and you can save parking fees. The hotel itself is a fairly modern high rise. Rooms are fine and there is a lounge that serves breakfast and snacks in the evening. Overall if you are going to Universal it is the best hotel around.

If you are staying five days I can not imagine you NOT having a car - you must have a car in LA! The parking fees will apply. Forget the lounge stuff since you are not an HH member.

That being said, this is a great hotel. I have stayed here a few times. But, I put all my out of town guests here - about 20 nights per year. Very nice upscale hotel located at Universal Studios. Also, there is Citywalks - an outside trendy mall like entertainment Mecca with many restaurants. You should eat at CW not the hotel. The hotel has a shuttle that runs every 15 minutes if you do not want to walk the 800 yards.

When the search comes back online you can read tons of stuff about this place. Most of us "in the know" pick the Universal Hilton over the Beverly Hilton.

I had a only one stay there, but thought it was a very nice hotel. Right next to Universal Studios and The City Walk, next to Universal Studios. Some shops and eateries there.

Staff was friendly and pleasant.

I was a lowly Blue at the time, but I was stunned to find a complimentary fruit and snack tray when I got into my room. I suspected they must have given me an upgrade to a status floor where members with status got in-roomcomplimentary fruit and snack trays.

It wasn't a Disability Access room, but I thought the bathroom was huge.

I'd go back in an instant.

Has anyone tried the Sunday Brunch at the Cafe Sierra restaurant? I was thinking of making a reservation there for Easter Sunday.

Is there a parking fee at the Hilton Universal? I am debating between this hotel and The Checkers for the 150,000 point award. We will have a car to go see Dr. Phil and Jay......

JudyJFLA

Is there a parking fee at the Hilton Universal? I am debating between this hotel and The Checkers for the 150,000 point award. We will have a car to go see Dr. Phil and Jay......

JudyJFLA

$11 for self park and $16 for valet - UH
$26 valet only - HC

I've stayed at both and think it's a tough choice between the two. The Checkers is a boutique hotel and the staff is great. The Universal has Citywalks and a good central location with easy on/off from the FWY. You can't go wrong with either choice.

Has anyone tried the Sunday Brunch at the Cafe Sierra restaurant? I was thinking of making a reservation there for Easter Sunday.

The weekend seafood buffet is awesome. I have not been to the Sunday brunch. But, I have been to many breakfast meals weekday. This is one of the best breakfast buffets - weekday - I have ever been to. Consistently good.

The weekend seafood buffet is awesome. I have not been to the Sunday brunch. But, I have been to many breakfast meals weekday. This is one of the best breakfast buffets - weekday - I have ever been to. Consistently good.

Thanks, MIKEM; I made reservations and will post a recap after Easter. Last year we went to the Sheraton Universal and the year before that the Beverly Garland, so we are making the rounds, as it were... :)

[edited to add]

OK, Easter Brunch was very, very good. It was crowded, but we still got very good service and the food was fresh and continuously updated. We were all impressed by the overall quality and quantity. The menu was a mix of traditional brunch items, mixed with Japanese (sushi) and Chinese (dim sum) and seafood.

First post! :)

I'll also be staying at the Universal for the next three weeks. Any ideas on what sorts of upgrades/amenities I can expect for Gold?

Thanks!

First post! :)

I'll also be staying at the Universal for the next three weeks. Any ideas on what sorts of upgrades/amenities I can expect for Gold?

Thanks!

Welcom to FT. The best attitude is to expect nothing in terms of upgrade. Try when you check in to get on the executive floor(s). You will get access to the lounge which I think is on floor 21. A room with a view of the Universal park is best - but, not that important.

Welcom to FT. The best attitude is to expect nothing in terms of upgrade. Try when you check in to get on the executive floor(s). You will get access to the lounge which I think is on floor 21. A room with a view of the Universal park is best - but, not that important.

Thanks for the info and welcome! :)

We'll see what happens when I check in today...

It's a comfortable, well-maintained property. Service is about normal for a hotel that attracts many theme park-tourists who don't normally stay in a full service hotel. Bar and restaurants in the hotel and in the nearby Universal complex are fine. Get a room with a view of Universal if you can -- it's quite good. Also, you WILL need a car.

Have fun!


How good is the hotel in terms of service, amenities (not an HHonors member), location, restaurants?

I stay here once or twice a month. Generally very good as people have stated and I reccomend it to people.

You should, however, be aware of a few things. The lounge frequently has a number of families with small children. Not a big deal, but be prepared. Check in seems to be a problem frequently. Come early - room(s) not ready, Come late - you may end up with a smoking room. In fact in my past five stays I have always encountered someone with a check in issue.

I have never had a problem irrespective of "status"

*sigh* I wouldn't have started a new thread if only I could've used the search feature to look for reviews. But since it's down...

Wondering if anyone can post their experience at the Hilton Universal City adjacent to Universal Studios Hollywood.

How's the condition of this property/rooms?
How's the hotel's dining establishments (was thinking about booking a Bounceback weekend but wondering if the "full breakfast" will be any good)?
Is it really within walking distance of Universal Studios?
If you were Gold VIP, how did they treat you? Upgrades?
Any other comments regarding this property?

TIA!

Although it was over 5 years ago - I had a great stay as a non-elite member. I was there for about 7 or 8 nights on business.

Universal is walkable. Very easy.

The hotel was clean, the staff friendly.

Choosing to make this my first post to the forum. The Hilton Universal Studios is a very nice property. I have stayed there four times in the last two years, the last time in Feb. The hotel is spotless. As a Diamond, I was upgraded to the Concierge floor with exec lounge access. The restaurants in the hotel are very good and they have a wonderful weekend buffet. You can walk to Universal Studios but, if the hill bothers you, the shuttle runs every fifteen minutes, or so.

Make your "bounce back" and enjoy.

Michael

Here is a recent thread

http://flyertalk.com/forum/showthread.php?t=409453

I am still recovering from Easter Brunch there yesterday... ^

yesireee, that weekend buffet is extremely good. Reservations are recommended.

^ Just got back from one night (April 30, 05) I am Gold.

Room on 18th floor with amazing view of the Hollywood Hills, beautiful.

Access to the club lounge on the 21st floor. I didn't ask for anything, they offered the upgrade. All staff were extrememly nice and helpful. A button fell off my shirt and I called for a sewing kit, which they brought to my room in 10 min.

Very clean hotel, and great Sunday brunch!

Very nice experience. I was up for an anniversary party so I didn't spend very much time in the hotel, but wish I would have. I would definitely recommend this location.

The morning did have lots of kids running around (parents are horrible these days!) but besides that, everything was great.

[QUOTE=dberry]Is it really within walking distance of Universal studios? /QUOTE]
No, it's four hundred feet away.

Nice staff, nice hotel.

HUGE buffet!

I am a frequent guest here. To add to others comments Citywalk is just at the top of the hill with plenty of resturants entertainment etc.

Spacious rooms. Average hotel gym.

They have buffets throughout the week at Cafe Sierra at the Universal City Hilton (as advertised in the Los Angeles Times which is what I am quoting below from).

Breakfast Buffet. Monday-Friday 6:30 AM-11 AM and Saturday/Sunday 6:30 AM-10 AM is $15.50/Adults, $8.50/Children -3 to 10 years old. Includes self parking.

Champagne Brunch on Saturday from 11 AM to 2:30 PM ($24.95/Adults, $10.95 Children -3 to 10 years old) and Sunday from 10 AM-2:30 PM ($34.95/Adults, $12.95 Children - 3 to 10 years old)

Seafood, Lobster and Prime Rib Buffet. Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 6 PM-10:30 PM. $38.95/Adults, $19.95 Children (3 to 10 years).

Does anyone know if you get into the Breakfast buffet before 10 AM on Saturday and Sunday if they allow you to stay into the Champagne brunch? That would quite a savings on Sunday morning getting in before 10 AM.

Is it really within walking distance of Universal studios?
No, it's four hundred feet away. :rolleyes: Um... Okay...

BTW, can anyone elaborate, is Citywalk at the top of the hill, so that means you have to walk up a hill to get there from the Hilton? Also, we'll be going to a concert at the Gibson Amphitheatre, is that on the far end of Citywalk? TIA.

dberry, at the point you are walking from (the Hilton) it isnt much of a hill really as you are almost at the top coming from the Hilton. It is fairly flat from the Hilton to the street and from there you have two choices, cross the street and walk up the fairly steep but short hill (guessing about 300 ft) or dont cross the street and take a stairway that leads to a crosswalk over the street and comes out at the top of the hill. I typically take the stairs as it is just one flight basically and I think it is easier than the stairs.

I like this hotel. I find the buffet good but way too busy for me, we typically eat at a restaurant at Citywalk.

I am not sure on your question about Gibson but would have to be in the back as I would have remembered it being in the front.

The whole walk by the way is more than 400 ft. but walkdable for sure.

I am debating whether to stay at this property of the Hilton at Burbank Airport. Does anyone know if the Hilton Universal offers transportation tpo/from Amtrak at Burbank Airport???

I am debating whether to stay at this property of the Hilton at Burbank Airport. Does anyone know if the Hilton Universal offers transportation tpo/from Amtrak at Burbank Airport???

I've stayed at both the Burbank and Universal Hiltons.

Burbank has a shuttle to the airport. It also has dropped people off on request near the Amtrak station.

The Universal one does not have one. However, you can call a cab or arrange for shuttle at your own expense.

Has anyone stayed here recently?
can anyone comment on the condition of the rooms and spaces?
Thank you.

Just got back from a 3 night stay over Memorial Day weekend at the Universal City Hilton. Booked a AAA rate ($138/night) on the Hilton website for a two bed N/S room for me and my 11 y.o. son. I am a lowly HH Silver, so I wasn't expecting any perks.

Parking: Self parking is $15/day with in/out privileges in their garage. Even though the hotel was busy we had no problems finding a parking spot.

Check-in: Quickly accomplished after our 5 hour drive down from Sacramento - much appreciated since it had been a long day. There is a separate line for HH members but no need for us to use it. I was requested to show my AAA card since we booked that affinity rate.

Room: Assigned a 12th floor room with a view of the main entrance of Universal Studios and Citywalk. A welcome basket containing assorted fresh fruit, a package of dried fruit, two packages of Oreo cookies, two Fiji bottled waters, and a tin of dark tiramisu chocolate was waiting. Nice surprise! Even better the next morning a second basket was dropped off. I'm pretty sure that was a mistake, but we weren't complaining!

A standard, very clean Hilton room. Marble bathroom with Crabtree soap, shampoo and mouthwash. Telephone next to toilet if you happen to need to place or receive a call. Shower water pressure was anemic but temperature was fine. Beds were very comfortable with 4 pillows on each full size bed and really nice bedding. A keyed safe, minibar, workdesk and a chair with ottoman rounded out the furnishings.

Food: We didn't eat at the Hilton but walked through their buffet a few times to/from the parking garage elevator. The food looked really good, wide selection of meats and seafood from what I could see. However on both Saturday and Sunday the lines to feed at the trough were kind of long. We chose to eat over at Citywalk instead. Which, as it turned out, was just as crowded.

Pool: :Outdoor pool, nothing special, plenty of towels and lounge chairs.

Staff: :Always quick to say hello, welcome you back to the property, how are things with your stay?, etc. The staff we interacted with seemed to like their jobs.

Location: This is the perfect property to stay at if you are visiting Universal Studios and/or Citywalk. As other posters have mentioned it is an easy walk over, or you can take the free tram from the front of the hotel. The hotel is close to the Hollywood Freeway (US-101). There is a metro stop at the bottom of the hill from the hotel in case you want to visit Hollywood or the Civic Center (i.e. Olvera Street) without driving.

I am to attend a conference at UCLA (Anderson School of Management).

As I (or rather my employer) is not prepared to pay $450+ for Beverly Hilton (2 miles away), the second closest Hilton property seems to be the Hilton at Universal 6,5 miles away(for $150/night).

Being from Europe I have some difficulties estimating tiem and costs between these two points. Will there be any heavy trafic in the morings? How much should I expect a cab ride to cost? Would you guys recommend me to rent a car instead? (if yes, how are the parking availabilities at this Hotel and at UCLA?)

The distance between UCLA and the Universal Hilton is a bit misleading. While it's a little less than 7 miles, there is really no direct way to get from Universal City (in the San Fernando Valley) to Westwood (in the LA Basin), as there is a small mountain range seperating the two. I've had to make the morning drive "over the hill" from nearby Studio City into Beverly Hills in the morning and it can take well over an hour on surface streets.

If you are set on Hilton, I wouls think the LAX Hilton would be a faster commute from LAX to Westwood (you would be near the 405 freeway and the morning drive isn't bad north of the 10 interchange); even the Downtown Checkers would be probably a better commute (as you would be travelling against the majority of rush hour traffic.

Here in LA, taxis are really, really expensive; I can see you paying at least $100 a day for cabs to/from Universal City to Westwood. I think you'll be better off renting a car.

Or just suck it up this time and <gasp> stay at a closer property that's <gasp> non-hilton.

If you like Starwood, there are several options in that area.

I would stay at the Hilton Universal City for the rate you got ^....Great location,older but a well maintain property. I would just rent a cheap rental car.......If you decide to get closer stay near LAX ,as the other person said......This might help if you stay near LAX...GOOD LUCK:) http://map.ais.ucla.edu/portal/site/UCLA

I would stay at the Hilton Universal City for the rate you got ^....Great location,older but a well maintain property. I would just rent a cheap rental car.......If you decide to get closer stay near LAX ,as the other person said......This might help if you stay near LAX...GOOD LUCK:) http://map.ais.ucla.edu/portal/site/UCLA http://rentalcarmomma.com/ ....This is the view from the 15th floor at the Hilton Universal City http://flickr.com/photo_zoom.gne?id=132076647&size=l .....I was on the 26th.

You could also stay at the Doubletree in Santa Monica. Don't know the rate, but the commute to UCLA would be easy even during rush hour. It's also close to (not on) the beach & restaurants/shops. Cheers.

As has been suggested, LAX is probably the best option if price is an issue and you wish to stay at a Hilton. The Doubletree Santa monica isn't that close and is probably a lot more expensive. Time wise, it depends what time you need to attend the conference. Without traffic, SM to UCLA is pretty quick, about 30 minutes. During rush hour, from SM to UCLA is probably about 1 hour and a half. LAX to UCLA is about an hour during rush hour. Side streets are also a decent option from LAX and you have a lot more choices of hotels. Universal to LAX is probably an hour and a half. I don't really know though. The 101 is packed in the morning, so the best option is probably side streets, which i'm guessing will be busy.

I'd go for the rental if you can find a really cheap rate ($30) or want to look around the city. Taxis are expensive. From LAX, a five mile ride is about $40. From your hotel to UCLA is probably about $30-$40 depending on distance. Parking at LAX hotels is about $10-$15 per day, SM and univeral probably a lot more. Parking at UCLA is $8. No real street parking options around Anderson.

Thanks a lot for all valuable comments. I had no idea about the fact that LAX would faster. Still I am amazed that a 10 mile distance can take about an hour in the morning. ( was counting on 10-15 minutes :D )

i have now made a reservation at hampton LAX (free parking & breakfast) for only $115 and found a decent rate for rental to drive to UCLA.

i guess I have to take the hours driving, but hey my budget allows me now to have a few wild nights i LA ;)