- Restaurants |
- Nightlife |
- Shopping |
- Movies |
- All
Sheraton Universal Hotel
Rating Details »
Category: Hotels
Neighborhood: Universal City333 Universal Hollywood Dr
Universal City, CA 91608
(818) 980-1212
Biggest Year End Sale Book by 11-10
Visit http://www.starwoodhot... to enjoy more vacation…
Announced 3 days agoMore »
- Price Range:
-
$$$
26 reviews for Sheraton Universal Hotel
3 Stars
They redeemed themselves this time.
Same format as last review....
Good:
- Good Customer Service (for the most part)
- Internet/Computers downstairs were all working
- Lock on bathroom door
- All elevators were working and not running too slow
- Housekeepers were very nice (as usual)
Bad:
- One of the elevators would make funny noises (the one that was being worked on last time)
- $6 for a small bottle of water in the room
- Shop closed in the morning during business hours
- Valet brought my car back w/ a scratch and showed me some wrinkled up paper saying that they marked it and it was like that before (how do i know u didn't scribble that now? if you're going to note existing damage to the car, review it w/ the owner...dummy)
- Second day, both of our keys were not working
- no access to the lounge area (on the 9th floor?) like last time. They tried to charge an additional amount to get it this time
- One of the new employees at the check-in counter was not as friendly as the others, but he seems new and fairly inexperienced still.
People thought this was:
- Useful (1)
- Funny (1)
- Cool (1)
2 Previous Reviews: Show all »
-
2/27/2009
2 1/2 Stars (Rounded Up....I take it back, rounded down! see last paragraph)
My girl has good… Read more »
Boy, Hilton looks a lot better on the outside. But let me tell you, the inside does not look aged at all. I stayed here for a week, and grew quite fond of the hotel.
1. the beds are extremely comfortable with alternative down and fluffy pillows.
2. the service was spectacular. Every time we needed something, we were always greeted with warmth.
3. The restaurant downstairs is delicious. Expensive, but great service, and they give you a free appetizer item with a redeemable card if you're a guest.
The shuttle was convenient. It takes you to City Walk next to Universal Studios. I went there for food most of the time, and it's not a far walk at all.
One thing you'll have to bring, is some warm clothe because it is FREEZING in that hotel. Even without the A/C on in the room.
Also, it's pricey, Hilton is cheaper. But Sheraton is quality stay. One thing I thought was strange was the latte price. I bought one in the morning and it was cheaper than when I bought it in the afternoon. The bartender told me the price changes because it was a different time in the day. Strange.
Oh, and don't buy the $5.50 bottle of water in the room in the picture. If you go to City Walk, the same water is $1.79 at Puccino's Pizza.
Overall, I'd give it 4.5 stars. Great stay if you're going to Universal Studios.
People thought this was:
- Useful (1)
- Funny (1)
- Cool (1)
Hey we musta gotten the newly renovated rooms because it was NICE!!! I had read the reviews beforehand and was a bit concerned, but it was really really nice!!
I didn't like the fact that the hotel was crawling with tourists -- but I mean what can you do when it's slap in the middle of Universal and in such a prime location?
Lobby was okay, small with a bar/restaurant. Nothing special at all. Rooms are equipped with flat screen TVs and lots of sitting space -- sofas and armchairs.
Bathroom has Bliss products -- smells very nice. My only complaint was that the water pressure wasn't so great and it was hard to get the water to the right temperature.
We asked for extra pillows and they brought them in pretty good time (yeah I like to time them) -- and if you ask them to put clean sheets on your bed, they oblige! Hey, when I'm in a hotel, I want fresh sheets EVERYDAY dammit!!!
All in all, it was pretty good.
3.5 stars!
People thought this was:
- Useful (15)
- Funny (10)
- Cool (11)
This is the nicest hotel I've ever stayed at, but keep in mind I'm used to the Motel 6.
A company I interviewed with put me up at the Sheraton Universal, so right away not paying will put you in a favorable mood. Excellent customer service at the lobby, even got called Mr. Lacy which made me feel kinda weird but cool at the same time. Better yet, the guy remembered who I was a couple hours later when I was wearing different clothes. Near the lobby is a bar that has really good chips made fresh from the nearby kitchen. They come free with your beer. I liked them so much they gave me extra to take back to my room. In the morning the bar becomes a Starbucks which is cool because the location is secluded from nearby Hollywood and Studio City.
Another plus was the gym on site. Small but large enough to not feel amateur. All the latest up to date equipment with video screens. The rooms are large and the beds are incredibly comfortable. There's also controllable heat/ac.
This is probably all standard for all biz travelers but I'm not in that world so it's a nice treat. You can check out Universal Studios Citywalk via the free shuttle. Only problem is many of the restaurants are open later than when the shuttles stop at 9pm. You'll have to walk back but it only takes 5 minutes.
In the end I didn't get the job, but I enjoyed my night at this hotel.
People thought this was:
- Useful (1)
- Cool (1)
*** had to dock a star b/c i was told in writing that the parking charges would be credited back to my account 24-48 hours and its been six days. RIDICULOUS.
1 star for the hotel but I'm throwing in an extra star because I was there for my brother's wedding and I had a GREAT time!
First, we reserved a block of rooms for the bridal party and provided our contact w/ an excel sheet listing our room preferences (i.e., I wanted a room w/ two queen beds). When I called in to reserve, all that they had left "on the block" was a single King. The rep I spoke w/ was really unpleasant and frustrated, even though they made the mistake! And they still wouldn't guarantee me two queen beds - I had to wait and see if anything was available upon arrival.
Second, right when we arrived we noticed the toilet was leaking before anyone used it! A repairman temporarily fixed it for the night and said he would return the next day to finish up BUT NEVER DID.
Third, bed bugs! BLAH.
Fourth, they charged $90 for parking for two nights instead of $36. I called to complain about the charge and they're supposedly on it. I haven't received the refund in my account yet.
I have to admit the hotel decor is pretty sweet and the view from Starlight floor (where the wedding reception was held) was gorgeous but I don't know if I'd ever stay there again.
This place is badly in need of a major make-over. They've done some cheap remodeling, but tre-building may not be a bad idea, as it's a great piece of real estate.
Also, never eat breakfast here. It's slow, expensive and horrible. Vivian's is a nearby alternative.
On the positive side, you earned your Starwood points
From the view point of a wedding vendor doing set-up at this place.
Friendly service, fabulous lobby!, they have nice pool area, the top floor ballroom is ridiculously DIVINE! It's kind of a bitch to set-up though since you have to ride an elevator to the 31st floor and go through narrow hallways but all in all the staff was very helpful.
People thought this was:
- Cool (1)
$200 a night for a 'Motel 6' experience. . Do they need to remodel? YES . Will they be remodeling anytime soon? NO. Why you ask? They are obviously over charging because of the location and close proximity to the theme park. They can continue to overcharge and deliver a sub-par experience for as long as they want. People ( like me) who fly in from out of town and do not want to drive around find the hotel situated on the theme park convienent. The cycle will continue.
I like the hotel. Reading the other reviews makes this place sound so bad, but I was treated so wonderfully. A few things:
1. Check-In service was great. Very well organized, and very friendly staff.
2. Room service was prompt and nice. The food was good too.
3. Security was excellent. Thing is, I lose stuff. Twice they helped me out. First, I lost my credit card on day one---somehow dropped it in the lobby. Lucky me, they picked it up. Then, just as I was leaving, I left my phone in the room. Again, they had it and gave it to me. Love their security.
4. My room was TINY and faced the highway. That is why I gave them three stars.
Not the greatest for the money, but my service was excellent. If I wanted to blow over a hundred a night, I would stay there again.
People thought this was:
- Useful (1)
- Funny (1)
- Cool (1)
Old hotel in need of remodeling. Room service could not deliver the exact orders. Automatically charge $18 parking per day when you say you have a car, even though you do not park in their garage. Room pictures on the web do not represent what they really are. I would definitely look for somewhere else to stay.
1 star for proximity/convenience to Citywalk
1 star for the stylish lobby and bar area
1 star for allowing dogs
1 star for the gym -- nice equipment and lots of yoga/pilates props
(-) our room had flying bugs in it when we checked in...gross...someone had left the sliding glass doors open or something they said
(-) they allow dogs, but have no grass...either that or their employees don't know the grounds...either way, huh??!
(-) if you stay near the pool, be prepared to hear kids screaming until 11pm
(-) most uncomforable bed/pillows I've ever slept in...seriously
I think, ever since the recent renovation, this place looks like a tacky tourist attraction. The headshots in the lobby are so cheesy! I think the Hilton next door is far classier.
People thought this was:
- Useful (1)
We stayed here for one night just to check out something different from our usual Starwood Hotel preferences like the W Hotel in LA or the Westin Bonaventure. WELL we weren't too happy with our choice.
We got here on a Wed night and it didn't look busy at all. We were there for only a night. We decided to get the "CLUB unit" (one unit stort of a suite). Normally we get upgraded if it's "available" because we're Starwood Preferred Gold members. Well, we didn't get an upgrade and the hotel workers that checked us in weren't that polite. Not only so, the "club" members were entitled some amenties like some robes, hors d'oeuvres, and continental breakfast. We never got our robes in our room. Our key wasn't magnetized for the club so by the time we realized it, we never made it to the hors d'oeuvres in the club room because it closed at 8pm. The next morning we did get our continental breakfast which included some bagels, toasts, muffins, cereal, milk, OJ, bananas, Odwalla drinks etc which was ok.
We complained about all this to Starwood and the hotel and we're waiting for a response. They're definitely doing some $30 million transformation so maybe customer service and the overall hotel will be better in the near future.
The rooms are about 325 square feet and it seemed ok.
In the mean time my husband and I will be staying away from this hotel until it gets better. Meanwhile we'll be sticking with the W Hotel for the customer service, room size and overall better experience everytime we're there.
People thought this was:
- Cool (1)
I loved staying at this hotel. It made my whole trip to Los Angeles comfortable and convenient. When I went up to LA, I decided to do the touristy stuff in Hollywood and then drove to Sheraton Universal, which was only about 10 minutes away. That night we took the shuttle from Sheraton Universal to City Walk, had a really nice dinner and then walked a short 5 minute walk back to the hotel-- it is that close to Universal Studios. I thought the lobby was very beautiful and had a very old Hollywood Glamour to it. They also have a nice pool and cool bonfire and tiki torches outside at night. Our room was one of the newly renovated "Lanai" rooms and it was really nice. We had a super comfortable bed with down pillows and comforter, plasma TV, and nice balcony. It was just such a cozy and nice room-- perfect after our long day.
Also, I usually hate hotel toiletries because I have very thick and wavy hair and the shampoo and conditioner usually just don't cut it. I LOVED their bathroom products! The scent was mandarin mint ,which smelled heavenly. The shampoo and conditioner worked great in my hair, conditioning it really well. (I also noticed that the products are a collection by Bliss so that may be why they were so good).
Finally, the main reason I liked this hotel was the service. I must say that the hotel staff was exceptional. Everyone, from the front desk person to our waiter at the restaurant, was super friendly, asked where we were from and went out of their way to make sure that we were taken care of and having a good time. They all went out of their way to help and for that I can't say enough. A great place to stay!
People thought this was:
- Cool (1)
Great hotel! I enjoyed staying at this Sheraton! They were remodeling and it was kind of noisy. Rooms were very clean and the starbux coffee supply in the room was a nice touch!
My bed was very comfy, it was hard to get up in the morning!! They have a free shuttle that runs every 15 minutes to take ppl to the shops and the rides close by!
People thought this was:
- Cool (1)
Undergoing a "makeover", this property was nicer than I expected. Was especially impressed by the bathroom. Immaculate and modern, it was a welcome feature.
Their lobby setup was the worst. With any line of two or more at the front desk, you were essentially blocking the main walkway. On the plus side, there are multiple self check-out kiosks available. None of which worked when I tried using at 11am.
Coolest features that I didn't try? Ordering room service via the television and RT (rooftop terrace). Maybe next year.
Disappointments? The HVAC was not cooperating. The room never got warm.
Surprises? Bliss bath products! Mandarin paired with mint body lotion worked for us. Movin' on up indeed.
People thought this was:
- Cool (1)
THE ELEVATORS SUCK!
So, I am up at Universal City for the 2008 MTV VMA's and MTV put me up at the Sheraton Universal Hotel located right next to Universal Studios and City Walk.
Overall, this place is OK! The rooms are very nice and clean! One big thing for me is that the air conditioner works and that is for sure is happening for me (I am a hot tempered person so need it to be really cold in the room)! The beds are VERY comfy and the bathroom is clean but the water pressure of the shower is at best as much as the water that flows out of your garden hose. Also, if you are curious about the "flush-ability" of the toilet, sad news- IT SUCKS! Takes like 5-8 flushed before anything goes down! (I know--T.M.I.! Sorry!)
Somethings that suck about this place, the elevators are SUPER slow! Feels like you are waiting forever!
Overall, I love the fact that the hotel is centrally located to lots of fun things but I feel that it's a bit pricey for the stay!
People thought this was:
- Useful (1)
- Funny (3)
- Cool (1)
Worse customer service ever!!!!! For the past few years I stay there for trade show, and would really rather not. You pay almost $300 to be treated like crap, don't ever ask to have them send up something unless you wanna wait 3 hours. The elevators take FOREVER. I know they put some money into the place to make it better, but if you put lipstick on a pig, it's still a pig. I hear the Hilton isn't much better.
People thought this was:
- Useful (1)
- Cool (1)
This is a decent hotel. Clean and respectable, but nothing special. The rate was $209 per night, which included no wireless internet in the rooms, no free breakfast, and parking was an extra $15 per day. My company was paying for it, but I wouldn't stay here on my own at that rate. It's definitely worth $125 per night that someone else mentioned as a special rate.
This Sheraton gets an extra star because when I checked in, and got to my room, it wasn't made up, and when I went back to the front desk, they upgraded me to the "club level". I've stayed in a lot of hotels where there was something wrong with my room when I got to it, but this was the first time ever that I was upgraded because of it. Usually, I'm treated like I did something wrong.
Also, as other people mentioned, it is a 5/10 minute walk to Universal Studios.
People thought this was:
- Cool (1)
I was going to give this place only 1 star but then remembered my stay at the Best Western Madera Valley Inn (see http://www.yelp.com/bi...). I figured that nothing can be as bad as that place, so I added a star.
I was here for a conference, so one good thing is that I didn't have to pay for it (well, at least once the state budget is passed, but that's another rant). I was registered for this conference too late for the group rate so I had to call to try to get that rate or a government rate. First problem: the hotel does not have a reservations department on site. When someone finally answered the phone at the hotel (it rang for at least a full minute each time I called), I was continuously transferred to the main Sheraton reservations unit. So no one could really help me. I finally got in touch with a sales person for groups and she passed me off to someone else who passed me off to someone else. The person was able to make me the reservation, but it took 2 days and numerous phone calls and emails to get my confirmation number.
I get to the hotel and was impressed with the look of it. Upon checking in, the staff was also very nice. However, I don't think they were very knowledgeable. I asked for a very quiet room and was given a room with TWO (not none, not one) connecting rooms. Needless to say, I was thankful I remembered my ear plugs to sleep. I was on a club floor so had access to the lounge with comp breakfast, hor devours, etc. Of course, I would not have known all of this unless I asked someone later after overhearing about it. It was never mentioned to me when I checked in.
After waiting about 10 minutes for an elevator (more on that later), I get to my room to discover that I had only 1 towel. I called down and they said that they would send a couple up (they never did). I then discovered that the TV wasn't working so I called. Again. That time someone did come up and fixed the bad connection. While I was waiting for towels, I figured I would go grab a quick dinner before trying to get some work done so I headed down to the restaurant. I was a little suspicious that I was the only one in the place, but I figured that in such a tourist trap people were probably eating in their chain restaurants with their cheesy souvenir glasses. Since I wasn't that hungry (and because my per diems aren't very substantial), I decided on just an appetizer and dessert. The server seemed nice enough when I ordered, but then he disappeared. For a long, long time. A runner brought my food to me, and I ate it, and I waited for my server to come back and take my plate and order for dessert. And I waited some more. Finally, after a good 20-30 minutes, I waved someone down. All in all, it took almost an hour and a half to have my appetizer and dessert. When I mentioned this to my server, was he sympathetic? Did he offer to comp my glass of wine? Nyyyyooooo. He was argumentative and defensive! Ugh!
Anyways, I got back to my room and still no towels. It was too late for the hot tub anyway.
The next morning, I realized that the lighting in the bathroom sucks (ladies, if you've ever tried putting on eye shadow and mascara without good light, you'll sympathize). The amenities that the hotel provides, however, are very good. There is mandarin-mint shampoo, conditioner, and lotion; mouthwash; a sewing kit; a "vanity" kit with cotton balls and Q-tips and a nail file; and the usual accoutrements.
When I got back from my conference, I was happy to see that my room had been made, and that I now had 6 towels. Why I needed 6 towels? Who knows.
I was finally able to get to the hot tub, which is always my litmus test of a good hotel. Well, this hot tub SUCKED ASS. I'm starting to think that hotels are afraid of lawsuits or something because most of the hot tubs that I've been in recently are actually luke-warm tubs. Now, a hot tub should be so hot that I have to ease into it. My face should be red. I should be sweaty. This was more like an OK bathtub. To make it worse, some asshole was smoking a cigar nearby (why would the hotel allow smoking near the pool area?) and ruined the experience. If all of that wasn't bad enough, there were a couple jesus freaks in the hot tub who couldn't stop talking about their experiences with god and in church. Of course that's no fault of the hotel, but it did contribute to ruining my hot tub experience.
So you're probably wondering about the elevators, huh. They took FOR-EV-ER. In all fairness to the hotel, they did have a sign posted that they were renovating and that the elevators would be slower than usual, it was literally 5-10 mins to get an elevator.
This all occurred the same time that the earthquake happened. After the earthquake, there was an announcement on the speakers on each floor. Of course, the floor that I was on had broken speakers so we didn't hear it.
Stay somewhere else.
People thought this was:
- Cool (1)
Stayed here over the weekend for my cousin's wedding. Staff was friendly and professional - with the exception of a bitchy bartender. Location is great - just stay away from the City Walk it's tasteless, touristy and tacky. Get in your car (hey it's LA) and explore. Self parking is $16 - a bargain compared to SF and NYC where parking starts at $40 a night. Rooms and public areas are in desperate need of complete makeovers. Missing drawer handles, cheap bath products (Come on now, Pantene and Jergins?!) 70's style carpet, slow elevators, dark cramped lobby. I got a Hotwire bargain at $125 a night Sheraton dot com internet rate was $209 a night! Do people really spend that much to stay at this place? They're fools.
People thought this was:
- Useful (1)
- Cool (1)
I had to take a shower using plastic cups and the sink at this hotel. The shower died on me the fourth day staying here. Yes I understand they are remodeling, but they could at least close off the rooms that don't have working facilities. That was the final straw for me since the TV wasn't functional because the circuits were broken and the heater just blew out cold air into the already chilly room. The stay was definitely not worth $200 a night and the only redeeming quality was the friendly service.
People thought this was:
- Cool (1)
The bf and I stayed here as part of our NYE vacation. The hotel was BEAUTIFUL! It had sort of an homage to the Good Ol Hollywood days. Everyone in the staff from the valet to the front desk clerk were cheerful and helpful. We were particularly relieved that they allowed us to check in almost 2 hrs early, since we were still recovering from our NYE adventure. The bedroom was spacious and classicly decorated and had a private balcony that looked out on the pool. The flatscreen TV had a swivel feature that made it convenient to watch from anywhere in the room. I do wish the room had had a refrigerator as we had orange juice we wanted to keep chilled. The bathroom was tiny but nice and the toiletries smelled delicious. The low-flow toilet was a bit disconcerting, but we didnt have any problems and thats all that matters. The ac was easy to use and kept our room comfortable. The shuttle that runs to and from Universal Studios and City Walk is a nice touch, although walking is almost faster and if you are planning on staying at City Walk for a movie or dinner its going to be your only option as the shuttle stops when Universal Studios closes around 6pm. We would definitely stay here again!
People thought this was:
- Cool (1)
Decent hotel from what I saw of it. I was only really there at night. I remember the ATM never working and if it was working, it never had any 20s so you had to withdraw large amounts of cash. The staff was friendly but the wait for a fridge for the room was ridiculous. The best part of it was the fact tha it's a short walk from Universal Studios. There isn't much else to do in the area, though. You'll need a car if you plan on going anywhere else or want to see the heart of LA.
People thought this was:
- Cool (1)
My wife and I stayed at this hotel for our honeymoon, and we loved the service, and the decor of this hotel. It really makes you feel like we were in old time hollywood with the look of it. The people who tell you were the attractions are were really informative, and helpful. Also the young lady that gave us directions the first day took the liberty to have champagne and strawberries delivered to our room. It was the details that make this stay very pleasant. The only hang up was the awful elevators, but still we will recommend this hotel to all of our family and friends.
My aunt's 25th wedding anniversary reception was held here at the Starlight room and it was gorgeous! The view from this floor was beautiful and the ceilings simulated an open sky w/ blinking stars. Very cool. Even better was the open bar that was held for the first hour. The only problem was that I forgot my ID in the car and the bartender wouldn't believe me when I said I was 25. He said he thought I was 17 and cut me off and it took a lot of persuading by relatives that I was of legal age to drink. The projector that was rented didn't work, but luckily the hotel had one that we could use to save the night. The buffet had an assortment of fish, chicken, risotto, veggies, tri tip, and lots of cute little desserts. The food was just ok. The dance floor was a decent size and the drunk Filipinos dancing on the floor were ample entertainment for the rest of the night. The rooms were really big and well decorated. The only beef I had was that they validated parking, but still made us pay $10 and they had 3 elevators, but not all were working.
People thought this was:
- Cool (1)
