You’re standing on the edge of the pool deck at the Sheraton Universal Hotel, looking out over the San Fernando Valley. The sun is dipping behind the Hollywood Hills. To your left, the Hogwarts castle at Universal Studios Hollywood is glowing under spotlights. You’ve got a drink in your hand, and for a second, you feel like you've actually made it. This place has been called the "Hotel of the Stars" since it opened in 1969. It’s a bold claim. But honestly? It mostly lives up to the hype, though maybe not for the reasons you’d expect.
Most people booking a trip to Universal Studios Hollywood make a beeline for the Hilton next door or try to save a few bucks staying down in North Hollywood or over in Burbank. That's a mistake. The Sheraton Universal Hotel sits in this weird, perfect pocket of Los Angeles history where mid-century glamour meets modern convenience. It isn't just a place to crash after riding Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge; it’s a specific vibe that feels more "Old Hollywood" than almost anywhere else on the hill.
The Reality of the "Hotel of the Stars" Moniker
Let's get real for a second. When a hotel calls itself the "Hotel of the Stars," you expect to see A-listers lounging in the lobby. Back in the day, that actually happened. This was the spot for wrap parties and industry power lunches. Today, you’re more likely to see a family from Ohio in matching Jurassic Park t-shirts or a group of exhausted business travelers attending a tech conference. But the DNA hasn't changed. The hallways are lined with black-and-white photography of legendary actors, and there’s a sleekness to the lobby—thanks to a massive multi-million dollar renovation a few years back—that keeps it from feeling like a dusty relic.
The hotel is a 20-story tower. That matters. If you’re staying at the Sheraton Universal Hotel, the floor you’re on dictates your entire experience. Lower floors give you a view of the pool or the entrance, which is fine, but the higher you go, the more the city opens up. You want the Hollywood Hills view. At night, it’s a sea of flickering lights. It’s the kind of view that makes you realize why people move to LA and never leave, despite the traffic.
Location: The 10-Minute Walk You Need to Know About
The biggest selling point is proximity. You are literally right there. But here is what most people get wrong about the walk to Universal Studios Hollywood. The hotel provides a complimentary shuttle, and it’s great. It runs frequently. Use it. However, if you decide to walk, be prepared for the hill. It’s a steep climb toward the park entrance and CityWalk.
On the way back? It’s a breeze.
Walking back from CityWalk at 10:00 PM after a long day of standing in lines is actually quite peaceful. You bypass the chaos of the parking garages and the rideshare pick-up lines that look like a scene from a disaster movie. You just stroll down the hill, past the trees, and you’re back in the lobby in about eight to ten minutes. It’s a luxury that saves you at least forty-five minutes of logistical headaches.
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The Room Situation (And Why Size Matters)
Rooms here are... comfortable. That’s the best word for them. They aren't the massive suites you'll find at the Beverly Wilshire, but they aren't New York City closets either. The Sheraton Signature Sleep Experience beds are legit. They are famously soft. If you have back issues and need a firm mattress, you might actually find them a bit too plush, but for most people, it’s like sleeping on a marshmallow.
- Standard Rooms: Usually around 325-350 square feet.
- The Floor-to-Ceiling Windows: This is the game-changer. Most rooms have them.
- Bathroom Tech: Many rooms feature backlit mirrors and walk-in showers that actually have decent water pressure—a rarity in older CA buildings.
The noise levels are surprisingly low. You’d think being that close to a theme park and a major freeway (the 101 is just down the hill) would be a nightmare. It isn't. The soundproofing is solid. You might hear the occasional distant scream from someone on the Revenge of the Mummy ride if you’re outside on a balcony, but once the doors are shut, it’s silent.
The Pool and the Social Scene
The pool at the Sheraton Universal Hotel is a vibe. It’s not a "party pool" like you’d find at the Roosevelt in Hollywood where everyone is trying to be seen. It’s more relaxed. There are cabanas, a seasonal pool bar, and plenty of lounge chairs.
Here is a pro tip: The pool area gets the best sun in the early afternoon. By late afternoon, the tower itself starts to cast a shadow over parts of the deck. If you're looking to tan, get there by noon. If you’re looking to hide from the California sun, 3:30 PM is your sweet spot.
The Lobby Lounge is where the "business" of Hollywood still happens. You’ll often see people with iPads and scripts tucked under their arms grabbing a coffee or a cocktail. It’s a great spot for people-watching. The drinks are pricey—standard LA hotel prices, so expect $18-$22 for a cocktail—but they don't skimp on the pour.
Dining: Beyond the Hotel Walls
You have the California's Restaurant on-site. It’s good. The breakfast buffet is extensive. We’re talking made-to-order omelets, smoked salmon, pastries, the whole deal. It's expensive, though. If you haven't bundled breakfast into your room rate, you might feel a bit of sticker shock.
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Honestly? Most people head to Universal CityWalk for dinner. It’s right there. You have:
- Antojitos Cocina Mexicana: Great margaritas and live mariachi.
- VIVO Italian Kitchen: Surprisingly high-quality pasta for a theme park adjacent spot.
- The Toothsome Chocolate Emporium: Pure chaos, but kids love it.
But if you want to eat like a local, take a five-minute Uber down into Studio City. Hit up Ventura Boulevard. There’s a stretch of sushi spots (often called Sushi Row) that blow anything in the tourist zone out of the water. Asanebo is world-class if you want to spend money; Sugarfish is the reliable, high-quality standard.
Dealing with the Logistics (Parking and Fees)
Let's talk about the annoying stuff because no hotel is perfect. The parking at the Sheraton Universal Hotel is expensive. Valet is the primary option, and it adds a significant chunk to your daily bill. If you are renting a car just to get from the airport to the hotel and then spending your whole time at the park, don’t. Just Uber or Lyft from LAX or Burbank (BUR). Burbank is way closer, by the way. It’s about a 15-minute drive versus a 45-to-90-minute crawl from LAX.
There is also a destination fee. Most hotels in this area have them now. It usually covers things like internet, some food and beverage credits, and maybe a shuttle service. Just factor it into your budget so you aren't annoyed when you check out.
Is It Worth It for Families?
Yes. But with a caveat.
If you have three or four kids, the standard rooms will feel tight. Look into the executive suites. The hotel is very pet-friendly, too. You’ll see plenty of dogs in the lobby. There’s a specific grassy area for them, which is a nice touch for a high-rise hotel.
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For the theme park enthusiasts, the "Early Park Admission" (if you have the right tickets) combined with the Sheraton’s location is a power move. You can wake up at 7:00 AM, be at the gates by 7:45 AM, hit the big rides before the crowds arrive, and be back at the hotel pool by 11:30 AM when the heat starts to get brutal. Then, go back to the park in the evening when the sun goes down. That "mid-day break" is the difference between a fun vacation and a family meltdown.
The Nuance of Choice: Sheraton vs. Hilton
The Hilton Universal City is right next door. People always ask which is better. It’s a toss-up, honestly. The Hilton is slightly closer to the park entrance. The Sheraton feels a bit more "boutique" and modern in its interior design, even though it’s a large tower. The Sheraton’s pool area feels a bit more secluded and private. If you’re a Marriott Bonvoy loyalist, the choice is made for you. If you aren't, go with whichever one has the better rate for your dates. They are both top-tier options for this specific location.
Surprising Details You Might Miss
Check out the terrace. There are fire pits that they light up in the evening. It is the single best place to decompress. You’re high enough up that the air feels different—cooler, crisper.
Also, the fitness center is better than average. It’s not just a treadmill in a basement. It’s bright, has modern equipment (Pelotons are usually available), and actually makes you want to work out. Not that you’ll need it after walking 20,000 steps at Universal Studios, but it's there.
One thing to watch out for: The elevators can be slow during peak checkout times (around 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM). With 20 floors and a lot of families with strollers, it can take a minute. Build in an extra ten minutes if you’re on a tight schedule to catch a flight.
Actionable Steps for Your Stay
If you’re planning to book the Sheraton Universal Hotel, do these three things to make the most of it:
- Request a High Floor, North Facing: You want to see the park. Watching the lights of Hogwarts and the Studio Tour lot at night is half the fun. It makes the room feel twice as large.
- Skip the LAX Rental: Fly into Burbank Airport (BUR) if you can. It’s a straight shot down Vineland Ave. You’ll save hours of your life and avoid the parking fees if you just use rideshares.
- Use the "Back Entrance" to CityWalk: Ask the concierge about the most direct walking path. There’s a sidewalk that leads you straight toward the heart of the action, but it’s easy to miss if you just follow the car signs.
- Check the Event Calendar: This hotel hosts a lot of industry events. If there’s a big convention in town, the lobby will be packed. If you want quiet, check if your dates coincide with major holidays or local events.
Staying at the Sheraton Universal Hotel is about more than just a bed near a theme park. It’s about that specific Los Angeles feeling—the palm trees, the hills, the neon, and the history. It’s a solid, reliable, and occasionally glamorous base camp for a Hollywood adventure.