Sheraton Universal Hotel Review: Hollywood History Near Universal Studios

This Sheraton Universal Hotel review covers the rooms, location, family-friendly amenities, Universal Studios access, and the fascinating story of actor Telly Savalas, who made the hotel his longtime home.

Located at 333 Universal Hollywood Drive in Universal City, California, the hotel is especially helpful for families, couples, and movie fans who want to stay close to Universal Studios Hollywood while enjoying a little old-Hollywood nostalgia.

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As part of Disney’s #McFarlandUSAEvent, I received a complimentary stay at Sheraton Universal Hotel. All opinions and memories from my stay are my own. Hotel amenities, fees, policies, and services can change, so confirm current details directly with the property before booking.

Sheraton Universal Hotel Review

The Sheraton Universal Hotel sits beneath the Hollywood Hills, just down the hill from Universal Studios Hollywood and Universal CityWalk. Its location is the biggest practical reason to stay here, but the hotel’s connection to Hollywood history gives it a personality that many newer hotels cannot duplicate.

My room offered a comfortable place to recharge between events and sightseeing, while the lobby’s photographs and classic details made the hotel feel connected to the stars who once walked its halls. It is a useful choice for travelers who want convenient park access without giving up the feeling that they have arrived in Hollywood.

The property currently offers guest rooms and suites, an outdoor pool, a fitness center, on-site restaurants and lounges, complimentary Wi-Fi, and shuttle service to Universal Studios Hollywood. Because parking, pet fees, dining hours, and transportation services may change, check the hotel’s official page for the details that apply to your travel dates.

Why Stay at the Sheraton Universal Hotel?

• Convenient Universal Studios location: The hotel is positioned close to Universal Studios Hollywood and Universal CityWalk.
• Hollywood history: The property has welcomed generations of actors, entertainers, and travelers.
• Family-friendly amenities: Guests can enjoy an outdoor pool, on-site dining, Wi-Fi, and rooms suited to family vacations.
• Public transportation access: The nearby Metro station makes it easier to reach Hollywood attractions without driving everywhere.
• A memorable Telly Savalas connection: The “Kojak” star lived at the hotel for approximately 20 years.

Sheraton Universal Hotel Address and Location

Sheraton Universal Hotel address:
333 Universal Hollywood Drive
Universal City, CA 91608

The hotel is located in Universal City, immediately north of Hollywood. Its hillside setting places guests near Universal Studios Hollywood, Universal CityWalk, the Hollywood Hills, and the Metro B Line, formerly known as the Red Line.

Is the Sheraton Universal Hotel Close to Universal Studios?

Yes. The Sheraton Universal Hotel is located just down the hill from Universal Studios Hollywood. The hotel currently advertises shuttle transportation to the park, although schedules and availability should be confirmed before your visit.

Some guests may also choose to walk, but the route includes a hill. Families with small children, tired feet, strollers, or mobility concerns may find the shuttle more comfortable.

This location is one of the hotel’s greatest advantages. After a long day of rides, shows, snacks, and souvenir shopping, returning to a nearby room is far more appealing than sitting through another long Los Angeles drive.

Sheraton Universal Hotel and Telly Savalas

One of the most frequently searched questions about this hotel is its connection to Telly Savalas. The actor, best known for playing the lollipop-loving detective Theo Kojak, first checked into the Sheraton Universal in 1973 while “Kojak” was filming nearby at Universal Studios.

Long production days sometimes ran late into the night, making the hotel a convenient place to stay. What began as a practical arrangement gradually became something much more permanent. Savalas grew attached to the hotel and reportedly made it his home for approximately 20 years.

He became such a familiar presence that the hotel’s bar was eventually known as Telly’s. Savalas died in his suite at the Sheraton Universal on January 22, 1994.

Why Did Telly Savalas Live in a Hotel?

Telly Savalas initially stayed at the Sheraton Universal because “Kojak” filmed next door at Universal Studios and the demanding production schedule made the location convenient. Over time, he became comfortable there, formed relationships with the staff and other regulars, and turned the hotel into his long-term home.

His daughter Ariana later recalled that the family lived at the hotel for several years. It was not simply a room he visited between jobs. It became part residence, part gathering place, and part Hollywood home base.

Can You Stay in Telly Savalas’ Hotel Room?

Historical accounts associate Savalas with a third-floor suite, but the hotel does not currently advertise a bookable “Telly Savalas room” on its public reservation pages. Travelers interested in the hotel’s history should contact the property directly rather than assuming a particular room or suite can be requested.

Is Telly’s Bar Still at the Sheraton Universal?

The hotel bar was historically associated with Telly Savalas and became known as Telly’s. The Sheraton Universal’s current official dining information lists venues including In the Mix, California Kitchen + Cocktails, CKC Bar, and Universal Perk Coffee.

Names and concepts change over the years, but Savalas remains an unforgettable part of the hotel’s story.

Hollywood History and the “Hotel of the Stars”

The Sheraton Universal has long leaned into its nickname, the “Hotel of the Stars.” Its location beside Universal Studios made it a natural place for actors and other entertainment-industry professionals to stay while working nearby.

That history gives the hotel a little extra sparkle. You are not simply checking into a room near a theme park. You are stepping into a property where Hollywood stories unfolded in elevators, suites, lounges, and lobby corners.

Another bit of hotel lore involves actor Robin Lord Taylor. He reportedly learned that he had landed the role of Oswald Cobblepot, better known as the Penguin, in “Gotham” while staying at the Sheraton Universal.

Exploring Hollywood from the Hotel

The nearby Metro station provides another way to explore Los Angeles without relying entirely on a rental car. Travelers can use the rail system to reach Hollywood attractions such as the TCL Chinese Theatre and the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

For another peek at Hollywood star history, read about the day Paul Rudd received his star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

Sheraton Universal Hotel Lobby and Check-In

The lobby gave me a warm welcome, with friendly staff and decorative touches that reflected the hotel’s entertainment-industry past. Black-and-white photographs of silver-screen icons lined the walls, adding a sense of place that felt appropriate for a hotel so close to Universal Studios.

Coffee and Lobby Amenities

The lobby offers places to sit, gather, and regroup before the next adventure. The hotel’s current coffee venue, Universal Perk Coffee, proudly serves Starbucks beverages, making it convenient to pick up coffee before heading to the park or beginning a day of sightseeing.

Sheraton Universal Hotel Rooms

My traditional room was approximately 325 square feet and provided the basics I needed for a comfortable stay. The subdued beige, espresso, and blue color palette created a calm retreat after the brighter lights and busy schedule outside.

Room types, furnishings, views, and measurements can vary. Current room options include standard guest rooms and suites, with some rooms offering views of Universal Studios, the San Fernando Valley, or the Hollywood Hills.

What to Check Before Choosing a Room

• Whether the room faces Universal Studios, the Hollywood Hills, or the San Fernando Valley
• Whether you need one bed, two beds, a sofa bed, or a suite
• Maximum occupancy for your selected room type
• Availability of connecting or accessible rooms
• Whether breakfast or parking is included in your rate
• Noise preferences, especially during busy park weekends and special events

Pool, Fitness Center, and Hotel Amenities

The Sheraton Universal currently lists an outdoor pool and fitness center among its amenities. These are welcome additions for families who need a slower afternoon between park days or travelers who prefer to maintain their exercise routine.

The pool can be particularly appealing after spending hours walking through Universal Studios Hollywood. Amenities, operating hours, and seasonal availability can change, so verify the current schedule at check-in.

Dining at Sheraton Universal Hotel

The hotel’s current dining choices include California Kitchen + Cocktails, In the Mix, seasonal CKC Bar service, and Universal Perk Coffee.

Having food and coffee available at the hotel can make mornings easier, particularly when everyone is eager to reach the park. It also gives families an option for dinner or a quick bite without immediately getting back into the car.

Restaurant names, menus, prices, and opening hours can change. Review the current dining information before counting on a particular venue during your stay.

Is Sheraton Universal Hotel Family-Friendly?

Yes. The location, pool, room choices, Wi-Fi, on-site food, and access to Universal Studios make the Sheraton Universal a practical option for family travel.

Parents should still compare room occupancy, bedding configurations, parking costs, breakfast options, and transportation schedules before booking. The best hotel rate is not always the least expensive nightly price once parking, meals, and other fees are added.

Is Sheraton Universal Hotel Pet-Friendly?

Yes, the Sheraton Universal currently accepts pets under specific restrictions. Marriott presently lists a maximum of one pet per room, a 40-pound weight limit, and a nonrefundable fee.

This policy is different from the hotel’s older pet policy, so travelers should verify the current weight limit, cleaning fee, and length-of-stay charges directly with Marriott before arriving with a pet.

Transportation and Parking Tips

Guests should budget separately for hotel parking unless their reservation package specifically includes it. Parking rates can be significant in the Los Angeles area and may change without notice.

The hotel does not currently advertise an airport shuttle. Hollywood Burbank Airport is the closest major airport listed by the hotel, while Los Angeles International Airport is farther away and can involve a much longer drive depending on traffic.

For theme park transportation, confirm the current Universal Studios shuttle pickup location and schedule when you check in. Leaving extra time is wise during weekends, holidays, Halloween Horror Nights, and other high-attendance periods.

What I Loved About My Sheraton Universal Stay

What stayed with me most was the hotel’s sense of history. Many properties can offer a bed near an attraction, but fewer can tell stories about actors who made the lobby their meeting place or transformed a hotel suite into a longtime home.

I also appreciated being close to the places on our itinerary. Los Angeles traffic can turn a simple outing into a major undertaking, so a hotel that reduces driving time has real value.

The Sheraton Universal gave me a comfortable home base with enough Hollywood character to make the stay feel like part of the experience rather than merely somewhere to sleep.

What to Consider Before Booking

• Parking costs: Add the current daily parking charge to your total vacation budget.
• Hill and walking distance: The hotel is close to Universal Studios, but the terrain may not be comfortable for every traveler.
• Changing policies: Pet fees, shuttle schedules, restaurant hours, and other services may change.
• Busy travel dates: Rates and crowds may increase during summer, school breaks, major events, and Halloween Horror Nights.
• Room expectations: Review the exact room category, view, bed type, and occupancy before confirming the reservation.

Sheraton Universal Hotel FAQs

What is the Sheraton Universal Hotel address?

The Sheraton Universal Hotel is located at 333 Universal Hollywood Drive, Universal City, California 91608.

Is the Sheraton Universal Hotel within walking distance of Universal Studios?

The hotel is located just down the hill from Universal Studios Hollywood. Walking may be possible for some guests, but the hill, heat, strollers, and tired feet can make the hotel shuttle a more comfortable choice.

Does Sheraton Universal Hotel have a shuttle to Universal Studios?

The hotel currently advertises shuttle transportation to Universal Studios Hollywood. Confirm the latest schedule and pickup location directly with the hotel.

What are the Sheraton Universal Hotel check-in and checkout times?

The hotel currently lists check-in at 4 p.m. and checkout at 11 a.m. Early check-in and late checkout are subject to availability.

Did Telly Savalas live at the Sheraton Universal Hotel?

Yes. Telly Savalas first checked in while filming “Kojak” in 1973 and made the Sheraton Universal his longtime home for approximately 20 years.

Why did Telly Savalas live in a hotel?

He originally stayed there because “Kojak” filmed nearby and production days often ran late. He became attached to the hotel, its staff, and the convenience, and the temporary stay evolved into a long-term residence.

Did Telly Savalas die at the Sheraton Universal?

Yes. Telly Savalas died in his suite at the Sheraton Universal Hotel on January 22, 1994.

Is Telly’s Bar still open at the Sheraton Universal?

The hotel’s bar was historically known as Telly’s in honor of Telly Savalas. Current hotel dining information uses different venue names, including In the Mix and California Kitchen + Cocktails.

Does the Sheraton Universal have a pool?

Yes. The property currently lists an outdoor pool among its amenities. Check seasonal hours and availability before your stay.

Is the Sheraton Universal Hotel pet-friendly?

Yes, with restrictions and fees. The current policy lists one pet per room with a maximum weight of 40 pounds. Confirm all fees and requirements before booking.

Is the Sheraton Universal a good hotel for families?

It can be a convenient family option because of its proximity to Universal Studios, room choices, pool, restaurants, Wi-Fi, and park transportation.

Final Thoughts on Sheraton Universal Hotel

The Sheraton Universal Hotel is more than a convenient hotel near Universal Studios Hollywood. Its location makes family travel easier, while its stories connect guests to generations of Hollywood history.

For me, the charm came from imagining all the conversations, celebrations, auditions, and ordinary mornings that unfolded beneath the same roof. Telly Savalas may be the hotel’s most famous longtime resident, but every traveler adds another small story to the Hotel of the Stars.

Before reserving, compare the full cost of your room, parking, pet fees, meals, and transportation. Then confirm current amenities and policies directly through the official Sheraton Universal Hotel website.