Review of the Sheraton Universal Hotel

In contrast to its Orlando counterpart, Universal Studios Hollywood lacks official on-site hotels. While numerous Hollywood accommodations are available, only a select few are within walking distance of Universal Studios or offer transportation to the park. Among these options, the Sheraton Universal Hotel stands out as one of the closest choices.

Related: Universal Studios’ first high-speed, outdoor coaster is set to debut in 2026

Not only is it conveniently located, but the AAA 4 Diamond hotel features a variety of dining establishments and a coffee shop—perfect for fueling up before a day at the parks or relaxing with a meal after a long day. Guests can enjoy a refreshing pool to escape the Southern California heat (or unwind in a hot tub during cooler nights) and comfortable rooms with expansive views, ensuring you’re recharged for another day of excitement at the parks.

This firsthand experience stems from my recent stay at the Sheraton Universal Hotel, which enhanced my visit to Universal Studios Hollywood. Here’s an overview of everything you should know before booking your stay.

Overview of Sheraton Universal Hotel

Established in 1969, the Sheraton Universal Hotel has undergone renovations while maintaining its classic Hollywood elegance, featuring a palm tree-lined entrance, crystal chandeliers, and marble accents in the lobby. The chic lounge welcomes guests to relax, and vintage photographs of Universal Studios adorn the public spaces and guest rooms, adding a nostalgic touch that I particularly enjoyed.

Although it’s conveniently located near Universal Studios Hollywood, I hesitate to classify it as a traditional theme park hotel. Aside from a concierge desk to assist with ticket sales and some playful decor (such as a Mario-themed “do not disturb” sign), there are few elements that overtly signal “theme park experience.”

Room Rates and Booking Information

Rooms at the Sheraton Universal Hotel generally start at approximately $200 per night, with most averaging between $250 and $300 per night. If you opt to book using Marriott Bonvoy points, expect to redeem between 39,000 and 76,000 points per night.

The hotel offers various room types, including standard rooms with one king-sized bed, two queens, or two doubles, as well as “family rooms” featuring a sofa bed and king bed. Club-level accommodations with lounge access, lanai rooms with direct pool access, and spacious suites are also available.

When booking a stay at the Sheraton Universal Hotel, consider using credit cards that maximize Marriott rewards and may offer automatic elite status for added benefits. These cards include:

• Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card: Earn 6 points per dollar on eligible Marriott purchases; automatic Platinum Elite status; 25 elite night credits per year.
• Marriott Bonvoy Bevy™ American Express® Card: 6 points per dollar on eligible purchases; automatic Gold Elite status; 15 elite night credits annually.
• Marriott Bonvoy Bountiful™ Card: 6 points per dollar; automatic Gold Elite status; 15 elite night credits a year.
• Marriott Bonvoy Business® American Express® Card: 6 points per dollar; automatic Gold Elite status; 15 elite night credits per year.
• Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card: 6 points per dollar; automatic Silver Elite status; 15 elite night credits annually.
• Marriott Bonvoy Bold® Credit Card: Earn 3 points per dollar; automatic Silver Elite status; 15 elite night credits yearly.

The information regarding the Marriott Bonvoy Bountiful card was collected independently by The Points Guy and hasn’t been reviewed by the issuer.

Room Features at the Sheraton Universal Hotel

I booked a standard room with a king bed, but I was pleasantly surprised to find I was upgraded to a “family room” that included a king bed and a sofa bed. Although just my husband and I were traveling, this upgrade provided more space and a comfortable sitting area besides the bed.

I appreciated the floor-to-ceiling windows offering stunning views of the Hollywood Hills, especially breathtaking at sunrise.

The bed and furnishings were comfortable, but some aspects of the room appeared slightly worn. The seating areas and furniture showed signs of aging, yet the room maintained a clean and welcoming atmosphere.

Upon entering, there was a closet equipped with a safe, an iron, and an ironing board. Nearby was a mini-fridge and a tea and coffee maker, along with complimentary water and glasses.

While there were storage cabinets and drawers available, families visiting with children might find the space insufficient.

The bathroom was bright and well-maintained, featuring refillable “Warm Oak” Gilchrist & Soames products in the shower, along with hand soap and lotion. The spacious countertop and ample shelving provided good storage, exceeding my expectations compared to the bedroom’s accommodations.

Dining Experience at the Sheraton Universal Hotel

Offering several dining options, we enjoyed multiple meals at the Sheraton Universal Hotel during our stay.

Before attending Halloween Horror Nights at Universal Studios Hollywood, we dined at In the Mix, located just off the lobby. The truffle fries ($10) were crispy and hot, while the chicken quesadilla ($17) was flavorful and accompanied by a smoky dipping sauce. Although I opted for my usual IPA, I saw the bartender make a Halloween-themed margarita garnished with red sugar and chili pepper “horns,” showcasing the hotel’s festive spirit.

The hotel’s coffee shop, Universal Perk, was invaluable for both my morning Starbucks fix and late-night cravings after returning from Halloween Horror Nights. With the event running late into the night, I was able to grab some cold water and snacks at the grab-and-go counter, which operates 24/7.

Additionally, I indulged in the breakfast buffet ($30 per person) at The California— the hotel’s primary dining establishment for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Although I didn’t capture a photo, the buffet offered staples such as bacon, eggs, sausages, oatmeal, pastries, and made-to-order omelets and waffles.

Hotel Amenities and Activities

While staying at the Sheraton Universal Hotel, your time will likely be spent enjoying Universal Studios or the various attractions in Universal City. Nevertheless, the hotel offers amenities like a pool and hot tub where you can relax and bask in the California sun during your downtime.

With ample seating around the pool and umbrellas for shade, the standard-sized hot tub can accommodate six to eight people. There’s also a poolside lounge serving beverages and light snacks, complete with fire pits and table games like foosball for gatherings with friends and family.

The hotel also features a gym that operates 24/7. Unlike typical hotel fitness centers, this one is spacious, equipped with plenty of cardio and strength training equipment, and large enough to accommodate mat workouts with free weights.

If you select a room with lounge access, the hotel hosts an executive club lounge offering complimentary continental breakfast each morning and hors d’oeuvres in the evening.

Tips for an Enhanced Stay at Sheraton Universal Hotel

Here are some insider tips to enhance your stay at the Sheraton Universal Hotel:

• Some rooms offer views of Universal Studios Hollywood; however, the hotel cannot guarantee these. I suggest requesting one when your reservation is made and confirming at the front desk upon arrival for the best chance.

• The hotel is conveniently located within walking distance from Universal Studios Hollywood, and they also offer a complimentary shuttle service to and from the park that departs every 15 minutes.

• You can reach Universal Studios in under 10 minutes on foot. Just follow the sidewalks from the hotel to Universal Hollywood Drive and follow the park walkway signs.
• The hotel is also a short walk from the Red Line metro, giving access to popular attractions such as the Hollywood Walk of Fame, TCL Chinese Theatre, and Hollywood Bowl.

Accessibility Features

The Sheraton Universal Hotel appears to provide a range of accessibility features. Select guest rooms are wheelchair accessible, and the hotel also includes hearing-accessible rooms.

Both the pool and hot tub feature wheelchair lifts, and all public areas are designed to be wheelchair accessible.

Final Thoughts

Ultimately, your time at Universal Hollywood will likely revolve around the parks, making the Sheraton Universal Hotel a practical value for its offerings. Its proximity to Universal Studios allows for easy walking access and convenient amenities like coffee and a pool.

That said, I’ve also experienced a stay at the nearby Hilton Los Angeles/Universal City, which I found preferable. It offered guaranteed theme park views, felt newer, and provided similar full-service amenities. While those perks come at a premium, if budget constraints are a key concern, I still recommend the Sheraton Universal Hotel for its prime location.

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