StayAreasIs Universal City a good place to stay in Los Angeles?
Yes, if you're spending a day or two at Universal Studios Hollywood. The hotels sit right beside the park and CityWalk, and the Metro B Line reaches Hollywood in minutes and Downtown in about 25.
Stay here if
- Families visiting Universal Studios
- Film and theme park fans
- Anyone wanting Hollywood without the crowds
Look elsewhere if
- You want the beach
- You want a neighbourhood to explore on foot
- You're not planning to visit Universal
Stations and airports
25 min to Downtown LA. Universal City/Studio City station on the Metro B Line, with a free shuttle up the hill to the park and CityWalk.
- From Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)taxi or rideshare from LAX, longer at rush hour50 min
Hotels in Universal City
All Universal City hotels on Booking ↗Typical rates for a double outside peak events, not live prices. Updated Oct 2026 · How we rate areas · Booking through our links costs you nothing extra and may earn us a commission. Learn more
Staying in Universal City
Universal City is a good base if Universal Studios Hollywood is a big part of your trip. The hotels sit on the hill right beside the park and Universal CityWalk, and the Universal City/Studio City station on the Metro B Line is at the bottom of the hill, one stop from Hollywood and a straight run to Downtown.
The area is built around the park. CityWalk has restaurants, bars, shops and a cinema just outside the gates, and the hotels have pools and views over the valley. Beyond the hill, Ventura Boulevard in Studio City has a long strip of restaurants and cafés, and the Warner Bros. Studio Tour in Burbank is a short drive away.
The downside is that there's little else here. Once the park closes, CityWalk is the only place to go on foot, the streets around the hill are busy roads rather than neighbourhoods, and the beaches are a long drive away. Hotels can be pricey on busy park days and weekends.
What makes Universal City special is convenience. You can walk to the park gates early, go back to the pool when the kids are tired and still reach Hollywood in minutes on the Metro. For families and film fans planning a day or two at Universal, it's the easiest place to stay.
Universal City questions
Is Universal City a good area to stay in Los Angeles?
Yes, if you're spending a day or two at Universal Studios Hollywood. The hotels sit right beside the park and CityWalk, and the Metro B Line reaches Hollywood in minutes and Downtown in about 25. It suits families visiting Universal Studios, film and theme park fans and anyone wanting Hollywood without the crowds.
How much does a hotel in Universal City cost?
A typical double is around $180 a night at a budget hotel, $250 mid-range and $320 for luxury, outside peak events.
How do I get from Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) to Universal City?
About 50 minutes door to door: taxi or rideshare from LAX, longer at rush hour.