In all my Theme Park Tribune travels, no place creates as much uncertainty and anxiety for me when it comes to picking hotels as Los Angeles.
Certain chain hotels in nearly every city are usually safe bets (though you should always read reviews first no matter what). In LA, when you don’t want to stay right by LAX, chain hotels can be both unreliable and packed with significant parking fees and you’re sometimes to chance it on motel properties without any recognizable brand.
Now normally, I would never even try such a place. Yet for a trip to Universal Studios Hollywood in May 2025, having already tested both of the hotels on Universal property (the Sheraton and the Hilton), I wanted to test one motel that had excellent online reviews and was legitimately within walking distance to the theme park: the El Royale Hotel.
The El Royale may not inspire confidence if you’re passing by on Ventura Boulevard, but I found only minor gripes during my two-night stay here. In fact, I’d go as far as to say this is the best option you may find for a cheaper stay if you’re heading to Universal Hollywood during Halloween Horror Nights.
Check out more in our one-take hotel room tour and review: