Universal Hollywood Hotel and Crowd Suggestions?

[jenhelgren]

I looked for a Universal Hollywood thread but only saw FL theads so I hope this is the correct place to post. I am looking for a hotel to stay a few nights while visiting Universal Hollywood. This is our first trip to any Universal park so I have no idea what to expect. Will we need more than 1 full day for the park and will the Front of the Line pass be helpful the last week of October/first week of November time frame? I was reading some Trip Advisor posts about questionable surrounding to some of the hotels and this is only our 2nd trip to California so I would love some advice about where to stay/not to stay in the area. It looked to me like the Hilton was the only hotel in walking distance and we don't mind having a short drive but don't want to be gridlocked in traffic for an hour because we don't know what we are doing! lol
Thanks in advance or any and all advice-I am really am clueless planning this part of the trip!

 

[bcla]

The Sheraton Universal is nearly as close. I've only been there for a wedding reception, but it's in a great location overlooking the Hollywood Freeway.

 

[bcla]

I mentioned the Sheraton Universal. While it is pretty close, they also have a shuttle to the park and CityWalk.

http://www.sheratonuniversal.com/transportation

Google Maps gives a 7 minute walk time, but I don't think it's accurate. It might even be faster if taking a more direct route than their walking instructions. The route isn't that direct because the Hilton is in the way and I believe they have barriers set up to prevent people from cutting through their property.

https://www.google.com/maps/dir/She...7799c9a71!2m2!1d-118.3533783!2d34.1381168!3e2

 

[StageTek]

Last week of October the daytime hours are short because of the Halloween event and
first week of November has short hours (typically 10 to 6) because it is off peak. Low
crowds usually means you can see everything in one day.

Both Sheraton and Hilton are on the Universal property and both are withing walking
distance - both have shuttle service, too. The El Royale Hotel is a short, no traffic drive
and really nice. Same with the BLVD Hotel - it's a bit of a walk to the bottom of the Universal
hill where the shuttle picks up or a short drive. Very nice place. The Colony Inn North Hollywood
is a short, no traffic drive and located in the Arts District. A nice neighborhood with plenty
of restaurants.

 

[Pixie_Dust]

Thanks for this msg thread. I could only find a section for FL as well. Thanks to the person who listed hotel choices. If we chose one that "is a short drive," what is parking like/how much do they charge? Crowdwise, is it crazy to go in July?

 

[RJstanis]

Thanks for this msg thread. I could only find a section for FL as well. Thanks to the person who listed hotel choices. If we chose one that "is a short drive," what is parking like/how much do they charge? Crowdwise, is it crazy to go in July?

Im going tomorrow, so I'll let you know our experience! We are a family of four with a DS6 and DS3.5. We have been yearly Disneyworld'ers so this will be new for us.

 

[RJstanis]

Here's our experience

http://www.disboards.com/threads/universal-july-peak-time-trip-report-and-tips.3525801/