BLVD Hotel and Studios Universal-Hollywood, an Ascend Collection Hotel

The hotel's most notable feature is its exceptional proximity to Universal Studios, making it an ideal choice for families, couples, and solo travelers seeking convenient access to the park. Many guests appreciate the short walk to the Universal shuttle, which simplifies daily excursions. While the hotel is undergoing renovations, leading to varied guest experiences regarding room condition and amenities, the staff generally receives praise for their friendliness and efforts to assist. However, a recurring concern among visitors is the presence of undisclosed additional fees, particularly for parking and a mandatory service charge, which can significantly impact the overall cost. To ensure a smoother stay, guests are advised to confirm the current renovation status of their assigned room and inquire about all potential charges upfront. Additionally, utilizing the readily available Universal shuttle is highly recommended for easy park access, avoiding the uphill walk.

Facilities & Amenities
Guest feedback on the hotel's facilities and amenities is quite mixed. The swimming pool is frequently mentioned, but often negatively, described as unheated, small, located inconveniently in the parking garage, and sometimes locked, making it uninviting for many. The fitness center is noted as outdated, small, and equipped with limited, sometimes non-functional, machines. While Wi-Fi is available, numerous guests report it as slow, unreliable, and requiring frequent re-login. The hotel features a bar or lounge area, which generally receives positive remarks for its atmosphere and the quality of service from the bartenders. A small market or shop in the lobby offers convenience for snacks and drinks, though many find the prices to be very high. Rooms typically include a mini-fridge and microwave, which are appreciated for convenience, but some guests have noted issues like rattling noises or cleanliness concerns with these appliances.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
The cleanliness and comfort of the rooms elicit highly varied responses from guests. Many reviews highlight significant issues, including strong, unpleasant odors in both hallways and rooms, often attributed to carpets or plumbing. Numerous complaints detail dirty conditions, such as stained furniture, peeling paint, dust, grime, and even reports of roaches, bugs, or mold in bathrooms. Conversely, some guests found their rooms to be clean and well-maintained. Room comfort is also inconsistent; while some found the beds comfortable, many others reported uncomfortable mattresses with visible springs or uneven surfaces, and lumpy pillows. Common in-room amenity problems include non-functional electrical outlets, broken or confusing shower controls with low water pressure, and issues with toilets (clogging, weak flush). Noise is a frequent concern, with thin walls allowing hallway noise, street noise from the freeway, and loud AC units to disturb sleep.

Dining & Food Quality
The hotel does not offer a complimentary breakfast, which many guests found inconvenient, especially when planning full days at nearby attractions. While there is no dedicated on-site restaurant for meals beyond the bar, guests frequently mention the convenience of various nearby dining options. Within a short walking distance, visitors can find a range of eateries, including pizza places, burger joints, sushi restaurants, and taco spots, providing diverse choices for lunch and dinner. The hotel's bar or lounge area is primarily for drinks and does not typically serve a full food menu. Some guests noted the presence of a small grab-and-go market in the lobby, offering limited snack and beverage selections, though these items are often considered overpriced. Overall, guests rely heavily on external options for their dining needs during their stay.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel's central location is consistently cited as its strongest asset, particularly for visitors heading to Universal Studios Hollywood. Guests appreciate being within a short walking distance to the Universal shuttle service, which provides convenient access to the park and CityWalk, bypassing the uphill walk. The proximity to a metro station also makes it easy for guests to explore other parts of the city, including downtown Los Angeles and the Hollywood area, without needing a car. For those driving, parking is available on-site, but it is a significant point of contention due to its high daily cost and the common use of tandem parking, which often requires leaving car keys with the front desk. While the immediate area around the hotel is described as busy with traffic, guest perceptions of its safety are mixed, with some noting the presence of homeless individuals, while others felt secure.

Staff & Service
Guest experiences with staff and service are notably varied, though many highlight positive interactions. The bar staff consistently receives high praise for their friendliness, attentiveness, and excellent customer service, often described as a highlight of the stay. However, feedback on the front desk and other services is more inconsistent. While some guests report quick check-in processes and helpful staff, others recount long waits, unhelpful or dismissive attitudes, and issues with room readiness upon arrival. Housekeeping is a frequent point of dissatisfaction; many guests report rooms not being cleaned, towels not being replenished, or requests for toiletries going unfulfilled, often due to a policy requiring guests to specifically request service daily. Despite these inconsistencies, several reviews commend individual staff members for their efforts to resolve issues and provide a welcoming atmosphere.

Additional Information
A significant and recurring theme in guest feedback revolves around undisclosed additional fees. Many visitors express frustration over a mandatory service fee or "resort fee" charged per night, which is not included in the initial booking price and is presented upon check-in. Similarly, the high daily parking fees are a common complaint, often surprising guests who were unaware of the cost until arrival. The hotel is reportedly undergoing renovations, which some guests believe explains the varied room conditions and amenities, though the progress and impact are inconsistent. Other miscellaneous issues include instances of no hot water in rooms, a lack of in-room safes, and challenges with laundry services. Some guests also noted that the hotel's "spa" designation is misleading, as there are no such facilities available.