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The rooms at the Hilton here are beautiful. We booked the King Alcove Suite. I'm not sure if it's because the bf and I got lucky, but we had an AMAZING view of Hollywood and City Walk. We could see the huge globe spinning from our room and the twinkly lights of Universal Studios/Hollywood.
The bathroom was a lot bigger than I had expected. There was even a little area in the bathroom just so I could put on my makeup (decked out with private mirror and chair). The king sized bed was like sleeping on a cloud. It was soft and luxurious without being too squishy. I need a bed like that at home! In the room we also had a couch, coffee table and 'executive' desk with computer chair, internet hook-up (for a fee) and several telephones and outlets. Basically...our room was amazing. It definitely deserves 5 stars.
Also, I wanted to review the bar at the Hilton. I don't know if it has a name? I think there's only one bar IN the Hilton. Anyways...
After a long night of being awesome at City Walk, the bf and I wanted to do something a little more low-key, so we headed back to the Hilton and ended up at the bar here. It's small, but I like that. Very intimate. The bartenders were ridiculously nice and struck up conversation. We tip well ;] haha. Also, if you sit at the bar, they give you complementary snacks and it isn't just your standard run of the bill peanuts or anything. They give you a trio of pistachios, a gourmet cracker mix thing (like chex-mix..minus the chex?) and green and black olives. So good. I would have probably stayed in the bar all night just to munch on the olives haha.
I prefer the bar that Hilton over several of the places at city walk, but that just might be because I'm more into the low-key, intimate, relaxed places rather than the LOUD MUSIC, HELLA PEOPLE RAH RAH RAH bars. It would be at the very least a nice place to close up the night, you know?
5 stars for the bar too.
Yay Hilton!
This is a "working" hotel -- I was there for my wife's reunion, but if possible, would not stay there again. The lobby was noisy, filled with unattended children; the hallways around the rooms were freezing; the elevators were often iffy; and the service was mediocre.
While our room was nice with a great view, it was a bit odd to find only one bar of soap in the bathroom. Room service was not especially reponsive taking nearly an hour to get a key to the minibar.
Having said that, the dinner buffet was spectacular.
I haven't stayed at this hotel, but I called several times to get info on their packages, amenities, etc...Everytime I called they were rude and gotten worse. I called the operator, front desk, concierge, and even Magda the housekeeping manager.
It was like I'm inconveniencing them when I called. They should be nicer as I could be staying at their hotel and keeping them employed in this economy.
For those debating on staying at this hotel, I would call first and see how the staff treats you...this way you'd get a taste on how they treat their guests...
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If you are planning on spending some time at Universal Studios and want to stay nearly-- this is the perfect place to stay! Conveniently located right across the way, this is just about as close as you can get to the park.
I recently stayed here for a weekend while we went to 2 nights of shows at the Gibson Amphitheater that is part of City Walk. the rate was very affordable for a weekend, and our room was very spacious and clean.
We even went and had the $19.99 breakfast buffet in the morning which is a great value for the money. I love breakfast and they had just about everything you can imagine from an omelet bar , crepes, fresh fruit, bacon, sausage, and even those little grilled tomatoes I love so much!
The pool, cabanas and whirlpool is nice too-- very relaxing and spacious for those looking for sun or to have a cocktail outside at their patios.
If we end up in the area again I would not hesitate to stay here.Parking is $17.00 for self park and $22 for valet-- just keep that in mind as an added expense to your room rate.
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BAD. Cruised down to the Hilton cause I found a cheap room on Hotwire and we had a hankering to sit by a pool in the city (they have a pool, its just ok...no pool bar service)
I stay in a lot of hotels and this was just bad. Here is why:
1. 10 minutes after we settled into our room, a maid barged in to make sure we had enough "Hilton" stationary. No knock, just a weird barge in while waving one piece of paper around like it contained the map to the Holy Grail's whereabouts. WEIRD.
2. Ordered room service. Garlic toast showed up burnt black as night. EW.
3. Opened a can of Pringles from the mini-bar. They were rancid and smelled like gasoline. Not sure how on earth this can be accomplished in a can of Pringles, but buyer beware.
4. 9AM the next morning, same housekeeper barges in (ok, maybe we should have put the chain lock on) and she looks annoyed that we were still in bed. She asked when we would be leaving so she could clean. I guess it is totally my bad that I would have the audacity to sleep in past 7AM on a weekend in a hotel. NO apology and she proceed to start yelling to her co-worker as soon as she was back in the hall. They weren't speaking English, but I think I understood what she was saying. Not nice.
5. 10AM, loud knock on door and some dude starts to enter (we now had the chain on). I told him I was getting dressed (standing dripping towel) because we wanted the hell out of the Easy Entry Hilton and instead of saying "OK" he said "But it will just take me a minute to check your mini bar". Needless to say, I was not happy and told him to shove off.
On top of the repeated intrusions, the hotel is just really really loud. Staff started yelling and banging around in the hallway early in the morning and they were going strong when we finally peeled out around 11AM.
I would not encourage a trip to this hotel.
The Hilton - Universal City is located within walking distance of Universal Studios. Certainly, this is one of Hilton's better maintained properties.
My room was clean. The bathroom was clean as well. However, the shower had black mold along the tile corners. Further, I did find the glass desk as a bit of a nuisance... as I couldn't use my optical mouse.
I found the staff to be professional.
Internet cost about $10 per day. Parking was about $17 per day. Had the hotel not charged for both Internet and parking, then this hotel would be worthy of four stars.
People thought this was:
This is a very nice property that is within walking distance of universal studios and the city walk. The surrounding grounds of the property are beautiful and its location on top of a hill is unbeatable. The view from our high floor room was magnificent.
The public areas are tastefully designed and clean.
Check-in was quick. The staff was friendly. My only gripe was being told to pay 8 bucks more for a buffet breakfast when as a hilton honors diamond member, it should be included for free as it is at other hilton sister properties. Also, the elevators were quit slow for a building that has 25 floors.
The reason I gave the property only 3 stars is due to the fee for internet access (I never understand why Hilton must gouge their customers to use the internet when sister properties hampton inn and garden inns manage to include it for free) which should be free for all diamond members. Also, the parking was quite expensive at 17.00 dollars a day. Again, this is something that should be comped for diamond members as it often is at other hilton properties.
Overall, this is a beautiful property with a good location to visit in LA area.
Make sure to get one of the corner rooms, I've noticed them to be bigger vs rooms on the side. Took advantage of the room service with its huge menu selection. Parking in the garage can be confusing so try to remember which floor you parked on. I didn't get to try myself but the weekend brunch buffet seemed to be a big hit with its long lines.
This was one of the best, most friendly hotels I've ever stayed at. Check in was a breeze since I'm a Hilton Honors member, no line, no waiting. The rooms were pretty good size and the best was super comf. The best part about the hotel, however, is the customer service. They went above and beyond in everything they did! And not just one person, every single employee we encountered! I work at a hotel and this place seriously had THE BEST customer service, I'm super impressed. From the courtesy shuttle, the complimentary food platter delivered to our room due to a guest mix up, the following up on the extra towels I ordered. five star!
A concrete jail that you pay to stay at.
I'm at a a conference here. If I had a family and was touring U studios might be different. But the wireless doesn't work is this room. The wired connection is ssssllllloooooowwwww. No good food here.
Happy to leave tomorrow.
Just your standard hotel, I guess. You can walk to Universal Studios / CityWalk from here. Other than that, the place was okay, kind of forgettable.
We have been to the Universal Hilton on many occasions for various weddings and other social functions. But this was our first stay in the hotel. This was our first over-night date night w/out the kids... Diana Krall at the Hollywood Bowl! I had selected this hotel b/c of its proximity to the Bowl. A Bowl shuttle stop is located about a mile walk from the hotel. It is perfect if one plans to enjoy a few drinks at the concert and wish to avoid the mad Bowl traffic after performances.
We arrived in the afternoon. The Hotel is older but in relative decent shape. The lobby is a long ways from the parking structure, so beware if you have lots of luggage. I am a Hilton member so upon arrival I waited in the Hilton Honor Member line. To my amazement, there were about 20+ people waiting to check in with only two persons working behind the counter. We waited 30 minutes just to check in. While they were friendly and tried to manage the situation as best as they could, I don't understand how a major hotel can tolerate such a long wait just for checking in.
The rooms were average. Our room was on the 2nd floor (below the lobby floor) and the view was 80% obstructed by a large tree. A small analog TV was found in the room.
The exercise room was small but well equipped and clean. Probably the highlight of the hotel.
We visited our friends (another couple) who decided to stay at the Sheraton down the street. It is much newer, cleaner, and modern than the Hilton. If coming back to this area, I would opt for the Sheraton next time.
Pretty standard for a full service hotel, it's right next to Universal Hollywood CityWalk. Parking is a garage underneath and at $17 a day, rather expensive. The room was well laid out with a large screen television, desk (with two power outlets) and large windows. My room faced southeast and I was pleased that the curtains blocked out the sunrise well.
Depending on which way your room faces and how high up in the tower you are, you might get a really good view of CityWalk and the Universal Studios area and as one of the tallest buildings in the area, the San Fernando valley.
The room is standard fare for a full service hotel. As a "Gold" Hilton elite, I was welcomed with a fruit and cheese basket which also contained three bottles of water. Coupons for a free continental breakfast (bagels, cereal, juice) and a free appetizer for being "Gold" too.
The Cafe Sierra does an amazing seafood buffet on Friday night (maybe also Saturday, I'm not sure) - well worth the $48 or so. Sushi, crab legs, oysters, carving stations for roast beef and only another 50 or 70 excellent items. And then the desserts. Don't eat anything else during the day to leave room!
The lobby coffee and gelato stand is okay, and the lobby bar has four or so beers on tap. One night, I had a club sandwich that was pretty good.
If you're in this part of Los Angeles, stay here!
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While I had a nice stay at the Universal City Hilton, they really didn't WOW me.
The interior was a bit dated, especially the lobby - I kept thinking to myself "so this is what Hollywood felt like in the 80s??"
I also experienced the smoking smell so many others have complained about. IMHO its totally unacceptable for a full service Hilton to fail to adequately clean these rooms... I understand that this particular property probably has lots of rockstars ignoring the non-smoking signs in their rooms... but just assess the $200 charge and get the room cleaned!!
Aside from the smell, the room was nice, 21st floor corner room with really nice views of universal studios, as well as a fresh fruit basket on the coffee table when I checked in.
The buffet that everyone raves about was good - but not as mind blowing as you're led to believe... I felt particularly let down by the pre-cut crab legs.
If Universal Studios is the attraction that is bringing you to the area - then you can't go wrong at this hotel... After trying the hotels buffet I had the rest of my client-free meals over at the universal city walk... just a quick walk from the back of the hotel.
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We were here for a conference so staying here was convenient albeit we had to walk through a long internal walkway either to a separate wing or an adjoining buidling. If you ever go to a conference and receive goodie bags, first thing you should do is to CHECK WHAT's in the bag. Silly us, lugged the heavy bag all the way back to our rooms (thinking that we are in the same building anyway)... only to find out that TIDE was the sponsor that year and there was a MEGA HUGE bottle of TIDE detergent stuffed in the backpack we were given. BUMMER! Lesson learnt...
In any case, the stay here was good. Only gripe is that it is pretty far from downtown. We later moved to a downtown hotel due to proximity to other offices we were planning to visit.
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I had a room with a panoramic window and the view was awesome! The rooms are very spacious and well appointed with a nice little desk center. The room felt like a suite but wasn't.
The bed was comfortable and huge! Loved spreading out. Didn't get to enjoy any room service so I can't review that but from what I saw out in the hallway the food looked good :)
Didn't have any complaints at this hotel. They seemed to have everything together. I'd definitely stay there again next time I'm in L.A. (which will be next weekend)
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The room was nice. We had a corner room that provided an excellent view of uh.... Universal Studios and the surrounding area, or whatever little else you could see beyond the park and the parking garage.
The concierge was nice, but didn't seem to pay too much attention to the details of the reservation. And after pre-paying for parking, our room key didn't work until the third time we used it in the garage.
The hotel as a whole is very aesthetically pleasing, and the room amenities were nice, but for some reason, I just wasn't really enthused about our stay. Maybe it was the fact that we could've spent our money better on a place to stay, because when it comes down to it, we were only really gonna sleep in the room. Or maybe it was all the snooty people that seemed like they were competing for some kind of prize where being called a snooty asshole is a compliment. I didn't know then, don't know now, and probably won't know exactly why I wasn't particularly happy with this place.
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Trying to get in and out of here while Universal Studios is doing their Halloween Horror Nights is a bit challenging. The traffic is an absolute nightmare. Still, the location is fantastic.
Watching all these people being bused in, I decided that if I ever want to go to Horror Night, it would probably be smart to just stay at the Hilton again. Yes, they charge $17 for parking. Yes, that is a ridiculous price to pay in addition to the cost of the room. Still, you're guaranteed a spot, and you could just walk across the road and smile at the hundreds of people crammed onto trams and buses because they had to park a mile away.
And the hotel itself is gorgeous. The grounds are are immaculate, and the hilltop location gives you a sense of seclusion and privacy.
The view from our 12th floor window was spectacular. Universal Studios was just to the left, Vivid Entertainment just to the right. With all that, who needs $10/day wi-fi?
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This place is amazing and the staff here is super nice and friendly!!!!
I must first say, that after finding out room, my friend and I got ready and celebrated his and mine 21st birthday bash by having a nice hotel party at the Universal Hilton. We entered the room and then soon found out, that with the 30 people that were coming to the party, this room would not be able to hold everyone here. The staff downstairs were able to get the adjoining room for us and we were able to party in style!!!
Also, thanks for having nice hot water in the hotel because if you didn't, I wouldn't have gotten the cake frostings out of my hair and other areas. but my friend didn't need the hot water, because she's got my tongue to clean her up!!!
Now, with all of these people, and an assload of drinks, how do you think we were able to keep them all cold?? Let's just say, we were located right across the hallway from an ice machine and many many trips to the ice machine and my suitcase, thanks for the BATHROOM TUB. My friends and I cleaned out the tub, and pour about 20 suitcases of ice into the bathtubs and followed, came all the drinks. The staff also brought up a little mini-fridge and placed it all. Other places that bring up a fridge, just place it in the room. this guy, came up, placed it in most useful place in the hotel room, and I gave him a nicey tip.
So with the party going, and the drink flowing, we were having a blast. So many amazing outlets places around the hotel room, so that we were able to plug in the sound system that we needed to keep the music banging!!!! Let's just say, this hotel is awesome because we never got ANY FRICKING noise complaints with how loud we were walking around or the rooms next to us.
Our view from the room was amazing!!! We had a view of the whole entire Universal Studios Theme Park and we were able to watch the Waterworld show from our room! Also from our room, we were able to see the Falcon Studios, so if anyone is interested in a gay porn studios, it is located over by the Hilton by Universal Studios.
Overall, this hotel is amazing and the parking structure is a nice place to hang out and talk for like hours and hours. and this hotel is SO BEAUTIFUL!
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I have to agree with the other reviews about this hotel..The staff is fantastic here. Very friendly and helpful. Rooms are gorgeous and I had a great view from the 16th floor. It was just a short walk to Universal Studios and the City Walk. Also access to the 101 was easy. The parking garage had plenty of spaces and weren't teeny tiny.
I am big room service whore and I was more than pleased with their selections; ranging from prime rib and pasta to chinese. I ordered their ahi tar tare for a late evening snack and had their japanese breakfast the following morning. The breakfast consisted of broiled salmon, eggs, steamed rice, miso soup, japanese pickles and green tea. It was delicious and a great way to start a day of driving home.
I am yet to be let down by any Hilton chain hotel!
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You're becoming a familiar friend, Hilton. I stayed once with you six years ago, so I remember you, sort of.
It's nice to have a hotel that you can walk to/from some of the places you're visiting. The rooms were fairly nice although the first one we ventured into smelled like smoke (minus 1 star). Bleah. Thankfully, we asked & got a cleaner room. Quiet rooms, fluffy beds, & nice & friendly staff.
We ended our road trip with a pretty yummy all you can eat breakfast buffet @ Cafe Sierra. With full bellies, we piled into the car & back to the Bay Area. Thanks for taking care of us.
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Yes, Jen your right!
A familiar friend you are! 2002, 2005, 2008, yes it seems like every three years we come here, and you never dissapoint us.
The service is never bad here, Great beds but One of the rooms did smell like cigar smoke which was a little strange but never happend before. Just this time. Im sure that won't happen again. Excellent view out of both rooms we got. Great breakfast our last day here especially the chef which was great! See you in 3 years Hilton!
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I should have stayed with my original plan to stay at the Sheraton next door to this hotel. It took 30 minutes for a bell staff to bring our luggages to our room. Ordering for room service was disappointing (imagine forgetting to give us the au jus for the steak!) Waiting for the elevator is useless might as well take the stairs! This was our first time to stay at this hotel. The HIlton Hotel at the LA airport was far much better - service, staff, elevators, whatever. It may be close to the UNiversal Studios but Sheraton was indeed much better when we stayed there. I shouldn't have cancelled Sheraton.Deciding stay here at this hotel was a nightmare!
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Pretty damn nice. I felt a little sad that I got to stay there while I was on business. I was seriously considering calling in sick to spend some time lounging around the hotel and spending some time at Universal Studios.
I ended up with a room on the 21st floor. Floors 20-22 are the Executive level or whatever. Rooms on those floors have access to a lounge that serves a complimentary breakfast from 6-10 am, and complimentary hors d'oeurves and non-alcoholic drinks from 5-7:30 pm.The lounge also has it's own concierge and a small business center.
My room was nice, very well furnished but a little awkward. The room overlooked the theme park which was pretty cool. My only complaints about the room are that the couch was in an odd position and made it almost impossible for someone to get out of bed on that side. Also, the carpet looked a little worn. I did not have any issues with the rooms smelling like cigarette smoke.
I have to agree with Michelle P., this was one hotel where room service was above average. The staff was extremely friendly and the food was pretty decent. Also, they had more healthy eating options than most places.
Like other reviewers, I also found the staff very friendly. It's nice when you've been on the road for several days to encounter hotel staff who seem genuinely happy.
Other details: parking is $17 a day if you self-park and you do get in and out privileges, they do sell tickets for the theme park at the hotel, and it's in walking distance of quite a few places.
I'll definitely be returning whether for business or for pleasure.
I attended a wedding here and really, everything was just beautiful. And this coming from a girlie who herself got married only a few months prior (I'm not saying I'm judgemental, but once you plan your own wedding... well, enough said).
Anyhow, the ceremony went off without a hitch, the outdoors cocktail hour was fabulous (bar service was above average, and the lounge seating really added a lot) and the food, which I think was done onsite, was quite tasty.
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A client of mine is within walking distance of the Hilton Universal City. This means I can fly into Burbank, catch a cab, get to my hotel, and walk to work. Walking .. in LA! And the subway is just at the bottom of the hill which means that tons of excellent food is only a stop or two away.
After years of working for clients in Orange County, this is quite a gift.
Rooms are comfortable. Staff is hyper courteous.
I will be coming here every other week. My colleague Corey is here every week.
We'll be dropping some money on them for sure.
I will note, a quick trip up to the Universal City CityWalk proved it was not for me. Do not go there to eat. You'll end up at Tony Roma's (see my review) and then have to say "I'm sorry" all night long.
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All you can eat! Drinks are always expensive. So stick with the soda. Food is decent. But can't forget the Haagen daz ice cream!
$50...
That's all you need to eat like there's no tomorrow..
Hmmm....Let me summarize what I had.
4 Lobster Tails
4 Bowls of Shark Fin Soup
2 King Crab Leg
6 Crab Siao May
4 Pork Siao May
10 Tiger Prawns
2 Slices of Prime Rib
2 Slices of Lamb
2 Lollipops of Lamb Rack
4 Legs of Peking Duck
2 Bowls of Chocolate Haagen Daaz Smothered with Oreo Crumbs
3 Cups of Hot Coffee
Overall, Great Dinner...but didnt feel good for the whole night.
Totally worthed it, but only for once in 10 years, I may say..
I had it coming..
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Around 7/2007
My boyfriend and I decided to take a local weekend vacation and booked the night at the Universal Hilton, walked around CityWalk, and enjoyed rides at Universal Studios. This room was beautiful. Everything felt new and classy. Room service was delicious and they even rolled in a table for us...kind of romantic. The next morning, before check-out, we got a call from someone saying that we have room service, but I said that I didn't order room service. The guy on the other end of the phone said that it was an amenity room service (I guess he meant complimentary). They sent us a basket of fruit, snacks, candy, and water. That really made a lasting impression on me and we're definitely going back there soon. Makes it all worth spending a ton of money to stay in-town, pay for parking, room service, and pay per view.
September 2007
My boyfriend and I bought passes to Universal Studios during our first stay and the amusement park was having the buy one day, get another day free deal. I wanted to use up the deal...and since I turned my guy into a hotel snob and he would have nothing less than a hilton, I decided to book a night at the Universal Hilton for his birthday. Again, we were very pleased. We did the same exact thing we did the first time...order room service, ordered pay per view, & relaxed.
Room service was really good. He loved his steak and I loved my Fettuccini. Our meal came with complimentary warm bread rolls. Yum...carbs (slurp). I love the small complimentary ketchup and mustard. My guy thinks I'm sort of clypto because I never use the condiments and save them to take home.
And just like the last time, they brought us a nice basket of fruits and treat the next morning.
This is the best Hilton I've ever stayed in.
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MASSIVE MONUMENTAL BRUNCH - ever since a coworker tipped me off that this was better or bigger than a Las Vegas buffet & I introduced my parents here, we've become regulars. It's great for groups, large parties, all ages, as there is something to please everyone. Great restaurant to bring out of town guests. Show off the abundance that L.A. has to offer.
This place is my parent's favorite. My dad likes the seafood (glimpse @ the pictures) extravaganza. My mom asks the sushi chef to prepare the sushi exactly how she likes it. We all enjoy the senior piano player, the player piano takes over for him during a break. The waiter/waitresses are very welcoming. Service with a smile. All you can eat in a comfortable, classy atmosphere.
There's a crepe station, carving station, select chinese, mexican, italian, all american food stations. Desserts tables are just about everywhere. Cakes, pies, soft serve frozen ice cream, chocolate fountains (2 in fact), where you can dip to your hearts content. Slices of apple, strawberries, marshmallows, bananas.
Beware of the photo rep that comes to your table, but in a nice way. He/she will offer to take your picture and ask if you want to purchase a few. She offered 1 8x10, with 2 5x7's for $30.00, not unreasonable. If you're unhappy with the lighting or something else, she will take another shot or two. It's a nice gift for others @ your table.
We seem to visit here maybe a little too often, as in Father's Day, my dad's bday, even earlier tonight, my mom left me a message, she now wants to come here for Thanksgiving. Gobble, gobble.
This is not a vegetarian's favorite, however I make the best of it since they have a wide assortment of waffles, breads, some veges, an ample fruit table with even vege pate.
Most of all I like the way the light streams in here on Sunday morning. It makes me happy, or perhaps it has to do with the warmth of my parents. Maybe a combination of light, music & my parents.
Make a reservation, come here early, it gets mega crowded as the morning progresses & then the food gets picked over, the chocolate fountain gets stickier, messier and then people get a little more irritable. Enjoy the bounty that L.A. has to offer.
Don't forget to get your parking validated - 3 hours free with a 15 min. grace period. After that, the charges begin.
There's a free shuttlebus that is right outside the hotel entrance. It whisks you away to Universal Citywalk, which has theaters & an extensive, entertaining SOCK store!
People thought this was:
The rooms reek of cigarettes. My family visited and asked for "non-smoking", had to complain lots to get a clean room.
The famous buffet some Yelpers like is pretty good, if you eat meat. Very little meat-free choices.
The big problem with this Hilton is that they advertise the buffet at $17, then switch the bill to $19.99. They know most tourists and conventioners are so anxious to get to Universal City that they won't notice. Nice scam. Their claims that they "just raised the prices and it's not reflected in the menu and their signs" only works for so many weeks. Tourists believe that line. I live here.
Tell them Jerry Brown the Attorney General calls that "bait and switch" and their fix your bill to the correct the price.
A lot of big cities cheat tourists and drunks.
If you are bringing your family on a vacation or planning a convention for work - go to another hotel. Hotels who cheat and lie about one thing will do it with something else on your bill hoping you are too busy or tired to catch them stealing from you.
Universal City is one of the few LA attractions accessible by public transport. Stay anywhere and visit Universal Studios and the City Walk by the Red Line train. 5 bucks for the all day train pass, you can make Hollywood and Highland your next stop. Parking there is much more trouble than just taking the subway.
The last time I was in Los Angeles I was 16 years old and my high school marching band was snowed OUT of Ohio, thus "stuck" (miraculously) in sunny California for an extra week. (No one seemed to care that we'd run out of clean underwear and money...)
So it's been a long time, but my weekend trip did not disappoint and one of the reasons was this Hilton at the foot of Universal Studios. I'm a sucker for the romanticized and glamorous L.A. that all non-Californians see in their daydreams, so it was easy for me to be caught up in the fun, central locale (and Oscar weekend excitement).
Great price (for the area and the quality); wonderful, fast, attentive service; free business services; and of course, those crazy soft, luxurious beds that can't seem to be copied by any other hotel...anywhere. Say what you want about Hilton's sliding reputation, but friends, their beds are in a class of their own.
I did not sample the infamous weekend buffet, but it sure smelled good and looked pretty. Maybe next time.
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Was back in LA again last weekend visiting friends in the Valley and decided to try out the Hilton as it was the best price I could find for a quality hotel in the area.
I can not say enough about their beds - simply fabulous - soft yet firm.
The hotel definitely caters to those visiting Universal Studios - if you want a nice hotel close to Universal then this is a great choice. It also appears to have a strong corporate event business.
I ordered room service and the chicken soup with a massive matzoh ball was wonderful - fresh, crunchy veggies, tasty broth, yummy matzoh ball and plenty of chicken.
They also appeared to have a huge Sunday brunch buffet. I did not partake but the copious amounts of food verged on gluttonous.
My stay was good not great. If I got another good Internet rate I would stay here again.
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Solid hotel right in the middle of everything in metro LA. Ventura Blvd. is just a block away. The Hollywood Bowl is two miles away. Universal Studios and CityWalk is right there. You're right where you need to be if you want to see the major attractions of LA.
The view from the rooms is nice since it overlooks the Valley and the east side of the Hollywood Hills. The rooms are quiet even though you're right next to the 101. The dinner buffet in the lobby looks amazing. Tons of sea food (the Asian tourists were all over it!), salads, sides of beef, drinks, etc. I think it was $38 plus tax and tip but it looks like it's worth it.
Parking isn't that far away. Their parking garage is below the hotel and fairly easy to get to from the hotel elevators.
I spent a few nights here in the fall of 2007 on business. This a luxury hotel and the room was really good: nice view, and most of the things in top shape. The buffet was amazing. A single incident ruined my stay though, and I will explain that in following.
When I was back home (in Bay Area), I realized that I had accidentally taken the security locker key with me and forgot my camera (new Ixus) in there. I called Hilton security the following day, and their reply was approximately as follows: I need to send the key to them immediately or otherwise they need to break into the locker and they will charge me for doing that.
So, I went on and sent the key to them (addressed to Hilton security). I included a letter with my phone number and a request to call me as they receive the key. They never called, so I called them. They claimed they do not know anything about any key. I called ten times, and they always somehow got rid of me with a promise to call back. They never did. I even went back to hotel to try to get my camera back. No success. I really tried until I got too tired of the incident... All the time I referred to the room number and the dates of my stay.
In short, I made a few mistakes, and they stole my camera. I liked the hotel in many other aspects, so it is really a shame...
I was here in 9/2007 and 9/2006 last year. It seemed better last year but maybe it was just me? My bf loves the shark fin soup and the lobster, but I'm more of the all you can eat ginger crab and dessert section. They have a chocolate fountain where you can dip your own fruits in... and its dark chocolate! They have two tables full of desserts, including my fav tiramisu. The last time I went, it wasn't as great tho... too liquidy for me.
They have a large variety of food and all are pretty good. Includes free drinks and the service is great. They have an old man playing the piano every time we visit and he is a great addition as well.
Is the price worth it? Not really. It's not somewhere we would go on a weekly bases but its a nice place to go to spoil ourselves here and there.
People thought this was:
This is a hotel with space and simple elegance.
On the night of the East West Players Visionary Awards, this place was brimming with elegance, hip music, beautiful faces, famous icons and lots of buzz. Although the hotel only hosted the event, the staff was friendly and accomodating. I'd go back.
(Universal) City upon a hill.
I've never stayed overnight in the hotel itself. I've just been in the ballroom. It was pretty standard, but that was back in the day for a high school homecoming dance, so I don't remember much. Plus, it was dark and I was busy getting my freak on with my hot date. But I do remember the hotel itself was impressive, sitting on the hill, with a view of Los Angeles. It felt very "LA."
Tips: This is a hotel, not a buffet. The restaurant is called Cafe Sierra: http://www.yelp.com/bi...
People thought this was:
This is one of the best hotels I've stayed in. The staff is friendly. The room was spacious and very clean. The bathroom was beautiful, huge and super clean. We had a great view also. I was trying to look for something negative about the hotel, but couldn't find anything. Oh, and the bed was so comfortable. Hilton is close to all the major L.A. attractions---Walk of fame, Rodeo Drive, Robertson Boulevard, Pink's hot dogs and only a few minutes walking distance from Universal Studios. They provide a shuttle to Universal Studios which runs every 15 minutes. This is probably the hotel I will stay at when I'm down in L.A.
People thought this was:
The buffet is only OK- actually, a little over rated and over priced IMO. But it's still good. I've been here a couple of times and find the shark fin soup kind of watered down?
I guess I would've given this place more stars had it not been for the price! But don't let this review deter you from going- give it a shot.
Complimentary Car or Shuttle
Los Angeles, CA
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Neighborhood: Silver Lake
Neighborhood: Universal City
Category: Restaurants
Neighborhood: West Los Angeles
Category: Hotels
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Neighborhood: Hollywood
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