Anyone know about Universal area in Hollywood?

[Barb D]

Beacuse the Military has a deal for us to get 2 days admission for $36 we decided to go there on out end of the month trip. (By the way Active military gets in free, we are retired/100% Diabled military)

I am trying to decipher hotels in that area. I found some relativly inexpensive onces but I was wondering about the area. Is anyone here form Hollywood area or know a little about that area? One of the htels was right behind Manns Chinese theater. I know nothing abuout the area except that its a famous place but the rate almost sounds too good to be true so I was wondering about it. The internet quoted $89 for a king size bed and a kitchenette.

Barb

[ddoll]

Hi Barb,

We went to Anaheim and Hollywood in early summer of 2001.

I distinctly remember inquiring about a hotel right by Grauman's Chinese theater for the same reasons you mentioned. I was told that the area there may be historically famous, but it isn't very desirable now.

We opted to stay near Disneyland instead and make the hour drive to Universal/ Hollywood from there. The hotel options are much wider there.

Unfortunately, the first place we stayed in was directly across the street from DL but location was ALL it had going for it. We moved the next day into the Portofino Inn & Suites. http://www.portofinoinnanaheim.com/ It was very nice, had a great price, and had kids suites, too.

[CelebrationMom]

Hi Barb,

ddoll is right...the surrounding area is a bit "gritty." You'll probably be happier in a property that shares a border with Universal and caters to theme park visitors. Universal is kind of on the outskirts of town, not right next to anything else.

Lodging in the general Hollywood area caters to a wider variety of guests. If you are looking at a place with kitchenettes ask them if they have weekly or monthly rates. If they do, then there will be a certain percentace of long-term guests who might be rebuilding their car engines in the parking lot and staging scenes from Pulp Fiction in the middle of the night. (my personal experience...). Even if you do find a place that is clean and comfortable you might not want to walk much in the neighborhood at night and you'll be a bit of a drive from Universal. You might prefer to stay right at Universal so that you can enjoy CityWalk in the evenings and still be close to "home."

Or, if you're going to add a DL day I agree with ddoll that it might be more affordable to choose a place close to Disney and commute to Universal. There are bus services you can take from every DL-area hotel if you don't want to drive. And there are indeed great rates available in the Anaheim area in many nice family-oriented hotels.

As I read once: "just my opinion, your mileage may vary." :D

:minnie:
CelebrationMom

[LisaG]

Barb, I have to agree with everyone else. The area right outside Universal is a little seedy looking to me. And Grauman's Chinese Theater has "colorful characters" during the day so not sure I would want to be there at night.

The drive from DL hotel's is not bad. And priceline gets great rates for 3 star hotels like Marriot and Hilton (I've gotten $50 and $79 for these locations) That being said there is always the unpredictable CA freeway traffic to contend with. But like Celebration Mom said they have shuttle services.