The Garland

We had a very good stay at The Garland in North Hollywood. The room was spacious, comfortable, and clean, and the hotel’s modern look with its retro touches was appealing. The pool and other common areas were nice places to relax, and the location worked well for Universal Studios and other attractions. Staff were attentive and friendly from the start, and check-in was quick and easy. The restaurant was the one disappointing part. We waited for someone to call us over to a table, but nobody did. It felt awkward, and I got the impression it might have had something to do with how we were dressed. That left a bad taste, though I’d still consider staying at the hotel again.

The room’s balcony doors did a great job of keeping outside noise out. The hotel also has a distinctive 70s look, and the decor is lovely. But the bathroom issues drove my two-star rating. Its sliding door has a film-covered window, wouldn’t shut all the way, and the lock didn’t work. With two children, that matters, especially when they’re very young. Light came through the window at night and into the bedroom while the rest of us were trying to sleep. The toilet also clogged immediately from just toilet paper. We didn’t use the pool or join in any activities, so I can’t comment on those. I was disappointed that the Universal shuttle only ran every two hours from 12-5 p.m., right when families might want to take an afternoon break. Parking cost $50, which felt like too much given the large lot and the room charge. The elevator was old and slow, too.

The free tram to Universal Studios is a great perk, and the ride is only five minutes. We spent a few nights at The Garland over New Year 2025, and the hotel felt like something from a Christmas movie. It’s beautiful, clean, and family friendly. The staff were outstanding and so helpful. We arrived before the 3pm check-in time, but they looked after our cases so we could go explore. Check-in itself was really quick. The reception area is beautiful and always smelled amazing. Food and drinks were available, and the cocktails were very strong, haha. Our room was spacious and clean, the bed was super comfortable, and the shower had great pressure. The pool area stayed clean, and they showed movies there in the evenings, which was great for the kiddos. I can’t recommend this hotel enough and can’t wait to come back.

We were blown away by dinner at the restaurant. The flavors were beautifully balanced, and the quality was excellent. The staff had such an easy rapport with us that it felt like being among close friends. There’s also a self-service laundry near the pool, and the grounds are lovely for a walk. Around the pool, details like a bar that opens onto the water, showers, and nice WCs make the space feel special. The Garland is close to the highway, but we didn’t hear it. The beds were super comfortable, and the decor and fixtures felt higher quality than what you usually find in hotels. One small thing we loved was that the room door props open. There’s a shuttle to Universal Studios, too. I’d repeat our Universal Studios trip just to stay here again. Everything about our stay was above average and outstanding.