Hilton Los Angeles/Universal City {US-CA}
Dec 16, 2012, 7:10 am
#196
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: ORD
Programs: UA Gold, AA MM/Gold, Hilton Gold, Sheraton Gold
Posts: 369
Yes, in June this year. Hosted my wife's best friend and her husband from China. (They wanted Los Angeles, not Chicago…go figure!) I used points for our room and covered their room with a CC, each room getting a one level upgrade. The rooms and views were fine, continental bfast acceptable if a little bit "programmed" on the form fitting plate and service good. We also got coupons for drinks and apps in the lounge each day. Valet parking was efficient. Very convenient for tourist activities to Universal, Hollywood and freeway access to other points. We didn't use a lot of the facilities, too busy doing the tourist thing. I would recommend it and look forward to staying there again.
Feb 4, 2013, 10:58 am
#197
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: PHX
Posts: 4,787
Just finished a stay here. It was fine. No real upgrade to speak of as a Diamond. From the emergency exit map, it looks like the 8 corner rooms on each floor would be larger, but we just got a standard room on a high floor. Nice view of the 101 and the hills beyond. (And the Vivid porno studios, but I didn't bring binoculars.) Breakfast was great -- the poster above is funny about the juice. They definitely don't offer it, you have to ask. Diamonds/Golds get a preplated continental breakfast. $9 more to upgrade to the full buffet, which is very good. $24 to $35 gets you upgraded to champagne brunch on Saturday and Sunday respectively. Not sure what the regular price is, but the brunch gives you king crab, caviar, some other goodies.
Beds were comfortable. Internet was fast. Parking was expensive -- self park and valet were, I think, roughly the same price ($22 or so a night, I think), so we just used valet. It was fast. The location is pretty good, once you learn the back way down the Universal City hill. Before you get your bearings, finding the hotel is complicated, because the entrance is right at the entrance of the theme park. That, plus the complicated on and off ramps for the 101 makes it a bit hard to find. But for a Burbank/Studio City/Universal/Sherman Oaks stay it's convenient. We had some hot water pressure issues -- a bit of surge in the pipes, but it was ok. Bathrooms were standard and not really luxurious. Rooms were medium sized. We could not hear our neighbors. Upper floors sporadically required a key in the elevator, which can be a bit of a pain in the neck. Very friendly hotel front desk.
We also left a laptop in the room. Loss prevention was great in getting it quickly and arranging to get it back to us. Very high marks.
No lounge -- you get coupons for a free appetizer and non-alcoholic drink in the lobby bar. We didn't end up using them, but actually the appetizers to which you are entitled look pretty good.
The hotel seemed full of people visiting universal studios who were parts of the same groups from other countries. So, they tended to move in packs a bit -- when they showed up for the breakfast, it got a bit crowded (never a problem getting a table or coffee, but it did put some strain on the buffet that they did an admirable job keeping up with). When it's time for the shuttle buses that go to the studios, the front desk and lobby get a bit jammed, but even during this time, valet was fast.
All in all, a good stay at a good rate (about $140 MVP) at a decent hotel. If you're not going to Universal Studios, there are minor issues with being in a theme park hotel, but it was worth it to us to get a good rate at a full service hotel in this part of town -- there aren't too many in the Burbank Airport to Studio City/Sherman Oaks corridor.
Beds were comfortable. Internet was fast. Parking was expensive -- self park and valet were, I think, roughly the same price ($22 or so a night, I think), so we just used valet. It was fast. The location is pretty good, once you learn the back way down the Universal City hill. Before you get your bearings, finding the hotel is complicated, because the entrance is right at the entrance of the theme park. That, plus the complicated on and off ramps for the 101 makes it a bit hard to find. But for a Burbank/Studio City/Universal/Sherman Oaks stay it's convenient. We had some hot water pressure issues -- a bit of surge in the pipes, but it was ok. Bathrooms were standard and not really luxurious. Rooms were medium sized. We could not hear our neighbors. Upper floors sporadically required a key in the elevator, which can be a bit of a pain in the neck. Very friendly hotel front desk.
We also left a laptop in the room. Loss prevention was great in getting it quickly and arranging to get it back to us. Very high marks.
No lounge -- you get coupons for a free appetizer and non-alcoholic drink in the lobby bar. We didn't end up using them, but actually the appetizers to which you are entitled look pretty good.
The hotel seemed full of people visiting universal studios who were parts of the same groups from other countries. So, they tended to move in packs a bit -- when they showed up for the breakfast, it got a bit crowded (never a problem getting a table or coffee, but it did put some strain on the buffet that they did an admirable job keeping up with). When it's time for the shuttle buses that go to the studios, the front desk and lobby get a bit jammed, but even during this time, valet was fast.
All in all, a good stay at a good rate (about $140 MVP) at a decent hotel. If you're not going to Universal Studios, there are minor issues with being in a theme park hotel, but it was worth it to us to get a good rate at a full service hotel in this part of town -- there aren't too many in the Burbank Airport to Studio City/Sherman Oaks corridor.
Last edited by lkar; Feb 4, 2013 at 8:02 pm
Feb 4, 2013, 11:10 am
#198
Join Date: Sep 2011
Location: SFO/SMF
Programs: Holder of six "persona non-grata" awards
Posts: 1,914
Just finished a stay here. It was fine. No real upgrade to speak of as a Diamond. From the emergency exit map, it looks like the 8 corner rooms on each floor would be larger, but we just got a standard room on a high floor. Nice view of the 101 and the hills beyond. (And the Vivid porno studios, but I didn't bring binoculars.) Breakfast was great -- the poster above is funny about the juice. They definitely don't offer it, you have to ask. Diamonds/Golds get a preplated continental breakfast. $9 more to upgrade to the full buffet, which is very good. $24 to $35 gets you upgraded to champagne brunch on Saturday and Sunday respectively. Not sure what the regular price is, but the brunch gives you king crab, caviar, some other goodies.
Beds were comfortable. Internet was fast. Parking was expensive -- self park and valet were, I think, roughly the same price ($22 or so a night, I think), so we just used valet. It was fast. The location is pretty good, once you learn the back way down the Universal City hill. Before you get your bearings, finding the hotel is complicated, because the entrance is right at the entrance of the theme park. That, plus the complicated on and off ramps for the 101 makes it a bit hard to find. But for a Burbank/Studio City/Universal/Sherman Oaks stay it's convenient. We had some hot water pressure issues -- a bit of surge in the pipes, but it was ok. Bathrooms were standard and not really luxurious. Rooms were medium sized. We could not hear our neighbors. Upper floors sporadically required a key in the elevator, which can be a bit of a pain in the neck. Very friendly hotel front desk.
We also left a laptop in the room. Loss prevention was great in getting it quickly and arranging to get it back to us. Very high marks.
No lounge -- you get coupons for a free appetizer and non-alcoholic drink in the lobby bar. We didn't end up using them, but actually the appetizers to which you are entitled look pretty good.
The hotel seemed full of people visiting universal studios who were parts of the same groups from other countries. So, they tended to move in packs a bit -- when the showed up for the breakfast, it got a bit crowded (never a problem getting a table or coffee, but it did put some strain on the buffet that they did an admirable job keeping up with). When it's time for the shuttle buses that go to the studios, the front desk and lobby get a bit jammed, but even during this time, valet was fast.
All in all, a good stay at a good rate (about $140 MVP) at a decent hotel. If you're not going to Universal Studios, there are minor issues with being in a theme park hotel, but it was worth it to us to get a good rate at a full service hotel in this part of town -- there aren't too many in the Burbank Airport to Studio City/Sherman Oaks corridor.
Beds were comfortable. Internet was fast. Parking was expensive -- self park and valet were, I think, roughly the same price ($22 or so a night, I think), so we just used valet. It was fast. The location is pretty good, once you learn the back way down the Universal City hill. Before you get your bearings, finding the hotel is complicated, because the entrance is right at the entrance of the theme park. That, plus the complicated on and off ramps for the 101 makes it a bit hard to find. But for a Burbank/Studio City/Universal/Sherman Oaks stay it's convenient. We had some hot water pressure issues -- a bit of surge in the pipes, but it was ok. Bathrooms were standard and not really luxurious. Rooms were medium sized. We could not hear our neighbors. Upper floors sporadically required a key in the elevator, which can be a bit of a pain in the neck. Very friendly hotel front desk.
We also left a laptop in the room. Loss prevention was great in getting it quickly and arranging to get it back to us. Very high marks.
No lounge -- you get coupons for a free appetizer and non-alcoholic drink in the lobby bar. We didn't end up using them, but actually the appetizers to which you are entitled look pretty good.
The hotel seemed full of people visiting universal studios who were parts of the same groups from other countries. So, they tended to move in packs a bit -- when the showed up for the breakfast, it got a bit crowded (never a problem getting a table or coffee, but it did put some strain on the buffet that they did an admirable job keeping up with). When it's time for the shuttle buses that go to the studios, the front desk and lobby get a bit jammed, but even during this time, valet was fast.
All in all, a good stay at a good rate (about $140 MVP) at a decent hotel. If you're not going to Universal Studios, there are minor issues with being in a theme park hotel, but it was worth it to us to get a good rate at a full service hotel in this part of town -- there aren't too many in the Burbank Airport to Studio City/Sherman Oaks corridor.
http://hiltongardeninn3.hilton.com/e...OGI/index.html
It's kind of tucked away into the hill-side and very near to Hollywood Blvd., Kodak Theater, etc. Valet is very pricey at $30.
Feb 4, 2013, 6:31 pm
#199
Join Date: Nov 2004
Location: Nashville
Programs: DL DM 3 MM AA PLAT HH Lifetime Diamond Marriott Plat AMB lifetime titanium Hertz PC
Posts: 6,187
Overall I like this hotel, it is a good deal for the price. LA can be pricey and this is a decent location. You just have to deal with all the people visiting universal.
Feb 25, 2013, 12:54 pm
#200
Join Date: Aug 2011
Location: Chicago
Posts: 231
We stayed here for 3 nights in Jan/2013. The hotel was pretty nice, though the furnitures and the building are a little dated. However, you can't beat this location if you are going to Universal City. It literally is 2 minute walk to the entrance of Universal City. Parking is $20 on weekdays and $24 on weekend. Continental breakfast is very nice. Out of the three nights we spent there, we were offered juice with the continental breakfast 2 out of 3 times. Out of the two times we were offered the juice, only 1 time we were told it was complimentary (We have gold status).
Feb 25, 2013, 12:55 pm
#201
Join Date: Aug 2011
Location: Chicago
Posts: 231
Any street parking would be down the hill and aways from this property. You could find out if the Universal Studios lot/structure across the street allows overnight parking and what its rates are. However, convience and access wise, parking below this property is strongly recommended.
David
p.s. Also, if you don't need a car for all of the days, the property's web page shows a car rental desk (not sure which company). You might be able to release the car for a few days and then get it again when you need to leave.
David
p.s. Also, if you don't need a car for all of the days, the property's web page shows a car rental desk (not sure which company). You might be able to release the car for a few days and then get it again when you need to leave.
Oct 23, 2013, 12:50 am
#202
Join Date: Jun 2006
Programs: Hyatt Diamond, Hilton Gold,IHG Plat Amb, CC Gold, Kimpton IC, United, AA, BA, Amtrak G.R.
Posts: 446
Had a business stay here recently- had 3 rooms for about 10 nights total.
Main issues I am having are post checkout. Points did not post right to my HH account. But biggest problem has been the massive holds on my two credit cards I used. After a full week since checkout, the holds have still not dropped.
Have alerted the hotel more than once and it still has not been fixed!
As for the stay, rooms were nice enough. Breakfast buffet is nice but overall the food quality for other meals and room service is lacking. Just not very good overall for the high prices charged.
Main issues I am having are post checkout. Points did not post right to my HH account. But biggest problem has been the massive holds on my two credit cards I used. After a full week since checkout, the holds have still not dropped.
Have alerted the hotel more than once and it still has not been fixed!
As for the stay, rooms were nice enough. Breakfast buffet is nice but overall the food quality for other meals and room service is lacking. Just not very good overall for the high prices charged.
Jul 6, 2014, 9:24 am
#203
Join Date: May 2011
Location: Northern Ireland / Surrey
Programs: BA GGL/GFL, Accor Platinum, HHonors Diamond, IHG Platinum Ambassador
Posts: 188
I'm staying here soon with my wife and 2 kids and have been offered several standby upgrades, one of which is a Patio Guestroom. I can't seem to find any info about such a room. Does anyone have any experience/advice?
Jul 6, 2014, 3:09 pm
#204
Join Date: May 2012
Location: AMS
Programs: BA KL LH Hilton Marriott
Posts: 1,233
Stayed 2 days at this location last week on points.
As a diamond, also got the continental breakfast vouchers.
It was strange, it came with:
pre-made plate of items
Juice
cereal or oatmeal.
But EACH time, we had to ASK for the items.
waiter - hello. would you like coffee?
me - none for me, but the wife will.
me - we have these vouchers
waiter - sure.
waiter - here is your coffee, and your plate of stuff.
me - doesn't it come with juice also?
waiter - yes, what kind?
me - what kind do you have?
waiter - orange, cranberry, apple
me - OJ.
waiter - here is your juice, how is everything?
me - good. don't we get oatmeal also?
waiter - yes, do you want it?
This happened both days with 2 different waiters.
Shouldn't they have asked us:
It comes with juice, what kind do you want?
It also comes with either cereal or oatmeal, which would you like?
Both times, we had to ask for those items.
hmmmm now that I think about it, I did not get a diamond arrival gift either.
As a diamond, also got the continental breakfast vouchers.
It was strange, it came with:
pre-made plate of items
Juice
cereal or oatmeal.
But EACH time, we had to ASK for the items.
waiter - hello. would you like coffee?
me - none for me, but the wife will.
me - we have these vouchers
waiter - sure.
waiter - here is your coffee, and your plate of stuff.
me - doesn't it come with juice also?
waiter - yes, what kind?
me - what kind do you have?
waiter - orange, cranberry, apple
me - OJ.
waiter - here is your juice, how is everything?
me - good. don't we get oatmeal also?
waiter - yes, do you want it?
This happened both days with 2 different waiters.
Shouldn't they have asked us:
It comes with juice, what kind do you want?
It also comes with either cereal or oatmeal, which would you like?
Both times, we had to ask for those items.
hmmmm now that I think about it, I did not get a diamond arrival gift either.
In fact they have changed the setup several times since I first stayed here. A long time ago they even had a (very packed) Exec Lounge. People had to stand and eat, or find a space on the sills, PC desk or agents desk. Good that they got rid of it. After that they provided full breakfast, and then they changed to the new set up with the vouchers and the description above.
Sep 7, 2014, 1:38 am
#205
Join Date: Apr 2007
Programs: QF, VA, AC, Hyatt, Marriott
Posts: 3,783
I had a perfectly pleasant stay here last month. I arrived about three hours early and no room was available which was perfectly fine, the agent tapping away to no avail. Although there is a complimentary shuttle every 15 minutes or so it's only a five minute walk to Universal Walk where there's many shops and eateries.
I received a room on a high floor, a couple of bottles of water and a nut mix. Only continental breakfast was complimentary with an $8 upcharge to the full breakfast. Both of my mornings it was very busy. Each time I went to get something - scrambled eggs, granola, fruit - it was gone but when it was there it was quite nice.
The pool area is nice with a small bar and a Jacuzzi. The gym is small. I walked to Ventura Boulevard in about 15 minutes and from there you can just walk to the boulevard past a variety of shops. I took a taxi to Hollywood Boulevard and that was about $12.
I received a room on a high floor, a couple of bottles of water and a nut mix. Only continental breakfast was complimentary with an $8 upcharge to the full breakfast. Both of my mornings it was very busy. Each time I went to get something - scrambled eggs, granola, fruit - it was gone but when it was there it was quite nice.
The pool area is nice with a small bar and a Jacuzzi. The gym is small. I walked to Ventura Boulevard in about 15 minutes and from there you can just walk to the boulevard past a variety of shops. I took a taxi to Hollywood Boulevard and that was about $12.
Sep 12, 2014, 3:43 pm
#206
Join Date: May 2011
Location: Northern Ireland / Surrey
Programs: BA GGL/GFL, Accor Platinum, HHonors Diamond, IHG Platinum Ambassador
Posts: 188
The breakfast is odd- I'm a Diamond member so got vouchers for my wife and me for a specific breakfast. I paid about $12 each for my kids to have a buffet breakfast. In the main, I would recommend largely for its proximity to Universal and the fact that it runs a shuttle bus.
Nov 17, 2016, 4:38 pm
#207
Join Date: Aug 2015
Location: GSO
Programs: AAdvantage Platinum, Hilton Diamond, Marriott Gold, National Car Rental Exec. Elite
Posts: 134
Since I had two recent one-night stays here, and there haven't been any recent posts, I thought I'd add some updates.
The main lobby and floor are undergoing extensive renovations that are supposed to be finished December 2016. The registration desk has been moved to what is clearly a temporary area (at what I think used to be the rear entrance to the hotel). There is also ongoing elevator replacement work which means that between two to four of the five elevators are out of commission at any one time. The non-enclosed business center is just around the corner from the registration desk; I suspect, based on its really small size, that it might be in a temporary location, too. I did OLCI after I saw I was upgraded, and my upgrades didn't show in the app until about 1pm local time. They're supposed to getting Digital Key as part of the renovations.
As a Gold, I was upgraded from a standard King to a Corner King for both of my stays. Corner room is quite large although showing some signs of aging for some of the fixtures. I don't think rooms are part of the current renovation. A/C worked pretty well and didn't try to play games with me.
I got continental breakfast in the restaurant, Cafe Sierra...no paper voucher, just gave my room number. There is a $10 upcharge to full buffet (same as upcharge price on menu) OR $18 credit towards anything on the menu. Solid continental breakfast selection (cold cuts, fresh-cut fruit, what I would expect from a Hilton). The full buffet includes a few Asian/Chinese/Cantonese items like har gow (small shrimp dumplings).
Overall, I enjoyed both of my stays, and I think it'll be nicer after the renovations are completed.
The main lobby and floor are undergoing extensive renovations that are supposed to be finished December 2016. The registration desk has been moved to what is clearly a temporary area (at what I think used to be the rear entrance to the hotel). There is also ongoing elevator replacement work which means that between two to four of the five elevators are out of commission at any one time. The non-enclosed business center is just around the corner from the registration desk; I suspect, based on its really small size, that it might be in a temporary location, too. I did OLCI after I saw I was upgraded, and my upgrades didn't show in the app until about 1pm local time. They're supposed to getting Digital Key as part of the renovations.
As a Gold, I was upgraded from a standard King to a Corner King for both of my stays. Corner room is quite large although showing some signs of aging for some of the fixtures. I don't think rooms are part of the current renovation. A/C worked pretty well and didn't try to play games with me.
I got continental breakfast in the restaurant, Cafe Sierra...no paper voucher, just gave my room number. There is a $10 upcharge to full buffet (same as upcharge price on menu) OR $18 credit towards anything on the menu. Solid continental breakfast selection (cold cuts, fresh-cut fruit, what I would expect from a Hilton). The full buffet includes a few Asian/Chinese/Cantonese items like har gow (small shrimp dumplings).
Overall, I enjoyed both of my stays, and I think it'll be nicer after the renovations are completed.
Jan 9, 2018, 2:14 pm
#209
Join Date: Aug 2015
Location: GSO
Programs: AAdvantage Platinum, Hilton Diamond, Marriott Gold, National Car Rental Exec. Elite
Posts: 134
@Evo40
Hello. Is it more better here than the Sheraton?
Hello. Is it more better here than the Sheraton?
Of all of the full-service Hiltons that I have stayed at, I'd rank it in the top 30%.
If you're willing/able to splurge on weekend dinner, they have an excellent seafood/prime rib buffet at Cafe Sierra (reservations recommended). Buffet Menu
Jan 9, 2018, 2:41 pm
#210
Join Date: Nov 2008
Posts: 643
I have not stayed at the nearby Sheraton, but I found the Hilton LA/Universal City to be comfortable. Location-wise, it is right across the street from Universal Studios. Pre-renovation, some of the building is showing its age; I have not been since post-renovation, and I do not know how extensive the renovations for the rooms were...the online photos look like they might have replaced the carpeting in the rooms.
Of all of the full-service Hiltons that I have stayed at, I'd rank it in the top 30%.
If you're willing/able to splurge on weekend dinner, they have an excellent seafood/prime rib buffet at Cafe Sierra (reservations recommended). Buffet Menu
Of all of the full-service Hiltons that I have stayed at, I'd rank it in the top 30%.
If you're willing/able to splurge on weekend dinner, they have an excellent seafood/prime rib buffet at Cafe Sierra (reservations recommended). Buffet Menu